Object of the Day: An Antique Chinoiserie Inlaid Table

In England, during the early parts of Victoria’s reign, furniture designers looked toward other cultures for inspiration. One area of fascination was the work of Asian craftsmen. English artists tried to incorporate Asian designs into quintessentially English furnishings.


This heavy wooden table reflects those influences. Four hand-carved legs scroll into delicate volutes which support hand-turned spindles upon which four inverted, scrolled brackets rest. This cage-like design surrounds a massive hand-lathed pedestal. Surrounded by a delicate ogee, the table top has been meticulously inlaid with a Chinese-inspired pattern of Mother-of-Pearl. The luminescent pearl takes the form of dragons amidst glowing clouds and is surrounded by a geometric pattern.

The French referred to this emulation of Chinese style as “Chinoiserie.” Popular in France during the late Eighteenth Century, the Chinoiserie style was later embraced by English designers. This table dates to the early 1820’s. With its rich ebony color and shimmering Mother-of-Pearl, this table makes a dramatic statement. Displayed on a round Persian rug, I’ve made this table the centerpiece of my entryway. It’s also, as you can see, Bertie’s central station. Perfect to nap under, this table also serves as a resting place for his toys which he likes to stuff into the spindles. I can’t speak for why Bertie is so fond of this piece of furniture, but for me, I’m in love with its magnificent craftsmanship and historical significance.

Decorating Tip: Up-lighting

If you’ve got a dark corner in a room, or wish to draw attention to a particular object, one solution is up-lighting. A canister light placed on the floor behind a piece of furniture or a pedestal will cast a pleasing glow on the wall and serve to spotlight the details of the objects around and above it.

Up-lighting can be used to dramatic effect. Whether you’re highlighting a work of art of even a potted plant, an up-light is a subtle way to draw attention to a particular area. We should consider using more indirect lighting in rooms. Often, it’s a cost-efficient way to give warmth and interest to a space without the glare of bright lightbulbs.

Sunday Viewing: Romeo and Juliet, 1968

We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet. In fact, that’s usually our introduction to the work of William Shakespeare. Since the Sixteenth Century, many, many versions of this tale of star-crossed lovers have been produced. Some were brilliant. Others, not so much. Among the most brilliant is Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film starring Olivia Hussey as Juliet and Leonard Whiting as Romeo.

The best word for this film is “lush.” Director Zeffirelli breathes new life into the characters and sets them in a rich world of symbolic color and amazing scenery. With a prologue spoken by Sir Laurence Olivier (who is said to have dubbed the lines of Lord Montague as well), the cast features a young Michael York as Tybalt, John McEnry as Mercutio, Pat Heywood as the Nurse, and Milo O’Shea as Friar Laurence.

While the film does take some liberties with Shakespeare’s original text, the screenplay does justice to the story and holds true to the language in which it was written. Nino Rota’s famous soundtrack for the film became a popular and beloved favorite of the late 1960’s, particularly the ballad, “What is a Youth” with lyrics written by Eugene Walter who was inspired the Shakespeare’s sonnets.

It’s a gorgeous film—grand and sweeping—with scintillating performances. I think it’s one of Zeffirelli’s finest works. With an epic score, moving performances and unparalleled direction, Romeo and Juliet will whisk you away.

This clip featuring the song, “What is a Youth” is just a glimpse into the majesty of this important picture.

Reminder: Punch's Cousin Will Return on Monday

Monday, August 30, will see the debut of Punch’s Cousin, Chapter 31 as Robert and Punch (who’s masquerading as Lord Julian) confront Nanny Rittenhouse. Will Punch get his wish and throw her in the sea? Perhaps he has other plans. There is, after all, a paper knife tucked into Julian’s coat. Robert’s motives will become clearer as the two men finally reach New Orleans. Who is Arthur colluding with? Will this mysterious “Professor” be able to take control of Julian? We’ll get some more details about the reports of the death of Sir Collin Molliner, and we’ll have our first glimpse at the legendary “Elegant Ogress.”


I’d like to extend my gratitude to all of you who are reading Punch’s Cousin. I’m so pleased to be sharing this story with you. Those of you who have read, The Garnet Red, can already see some of the connections between the two stories. So, I hope you’re enjoying it. Many thanks, and here’s looking forward to a great week!

Goal for the Day: Let it Go

Do you have people in your life who just seem to know how to push all your buttons? There’s always someone who seems to have the ability to just send us into a bad mood. Some people seem to feed on the discomfort of others. Well, let them starve!


You are in control of how you feel and how you react. Sure, it’s easy to become frustrated. But, we have the ability to not get tangled up into someone else’s web of misery. Let it go! Realize that their chaos isn’t yours and accept that worrying about the jumble of someone else’s dysfunction is going to help you at all. You set your own course. Your journey will be a lot easier if you discard all of the junk that other people throw at us. Sail lightly and you’ll reach your goals a lot faster.

Object of the Day: “Fair Rosamond” by J. Lewis Marks, 1820

One day, in a small antique store of no great substance, I stumbled upon a rack labeled “Framed Old Prints.” This particular item caught my eye. I could tell that the engraving had been hand-colored after the printing process and was pleased to make out the artist’s name, barely hidden by the frame. “London, by J.L. Marks, 91 Long Lane Smithfield.” I recognized that as being J. Lewis Marks, the famed print publisher of the early Nineteenth Century. I quickly made the purchase.

The colors are remarkably bright and there’s little foxing on this beautiful engraving which still sports its original, beveled, ebonized frame. The subject is the “Fair Rosamond.” Rosamond Clifford (1150-1176)—famed for her beauty—was the mistress of England’s King Henry II. She was known as “Rose of the World.” So many legends and tales surround the beautiful Rosamond, that it’s difficult to separate the fact from the fiction. Some believe that she bore Henry II two sons. Other say she did not. What we do know for a fact is that her adulterous relationship with the King ended badly. Their affair ended in 1174 when the public became aware of it. Henry’s wife, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, had a lot to do with making sure Rosamond was removed from Henry’s life. The young woman was sent to a nunnery where she died two years later. Her remains were initially buried in Convent Church of Godstow in a tomb paid for by Henry himself. Her tomb became a popular shrine. However, in 1191 (two years after Henry’s death), her remains were moved to a field near the church to show young women that adultery was wrong.

The legend of Fair Rosamond lived on, however. It became a popular theme in Elizabethan culture and continued to be a part of English lore well into the late Victorian period. Many paintings, poems, books and songs were inspired by the tragic beauty of Rosamond Clifford. This water-colored engraving is one of them. In her cobalt blue and violet gown, she looks to the left, eternally entreating those around her to admire her regal beauty.

Coming this Week at Stalking the Belle Époque

I’ve got another interesting week planned for us at Stalking the Belle Epoque. As we continue with our mission to find the beauty around us, I’ll be spotlighting some more unusual items including a rare English table, an extraordinary Rococo chair, an exotic artifact, and some other unique furniture pieces. We’ll also take a look at the autographs of classic film stars. You’ll join me on a brief tour of the Louvre, and we’ll also explore the origins of some exciting gems and jewelry. Not to sound like an infomercial, but “there’s all that and more.”


Of course, Punch’s Cousin will continue with six new chapters. Now that Julian is aware that he has another personality, which one of them will take control? For you further entertainment, we’ll take a look at some classic films, music hall favorites, traditional songs and scrumptious foods. There’s a lot coming!

As always, I’m very grateful to all of you who are stalking the Belle Époque with me. Thank you for your kind comments and emails. It’s your participation that let’s me know that in our own small way, we’re making a difference in the world. We’re focusing on the beauty in life, and, each day, we’re all growing stronger. Keep spreading the word and come back next week for, what I think will be a lot of fun.