English
Bellows, 19th century
Painted and varnished wood with leather and brass, 45.4 x 14.2 x 4 cm (17 7/8 x 5 9/16 x 1 9/16 in.)
These painted and varnished wood bellows, used to provide a gust of air for a fire, are constructed of two flat pieces of wood that are held together with a wide piece of leather and brass studs. The bellows are painted red and decorated with floral motifs on the handle and various figures on the body. They have a high-gloss, lacquered appearance. Brass studs adorn the sides of the bellows from the handle to the end. The narrowed and pointed end, where the air comes out, is made of brass. A thin leather strap is attached to one of the handles.
Veronese Room
Commentary
This fireplace bellows is distinguished by its japanning, a European technique to mimic Asian lacquer by layering ground, varnish, and pigments, and then polishing them to achieve a translucent, high-gloss appearance. Japanned surfaces like this one were often decorated with painted and gilt chinoiserie designs, floral motifs, figures, and birds.