A George II Spanish Brocatello and White Marble Chimneypiece.

A rare George II chimneypiece of tiered pagoda form, carved in Spanish Brocatello and Statuary white marble, c.1750. The scalloped edges frame a Chinoiserie vignette depicting a Chinese tea ceremony which embodies harmony, respect, and mindfulness. This scene is surrounded by floral sprays, birds, and monkeys climbing in the boughs of trees. The inclusion of monkeys may suggest the piece was produced in that year or might allude to bringing wealth and prosperity to the owners. Or perhaps this was playful decoration for the English market. Chinoiserie was a fashionable expression of exoticism in mid-18th century England, blending fantasy with decorative elegance as knowledge became more widespread of further reaching parts of the world. The chimneypiece is framed by C and S-scrolls, and the inground panels are pleasingly adorned with a diamond pattern Brocatello on Statuary.

Provenance includes the collection of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu at Cavendish Square, and Sir Edward and Lady Robinson at Upper Phillimore Gardens. It was also owned by T. Crowther & Sons, Fullham, and in 1990 bought from James Hepworth by Ann and Gordon Getty for the Getty Collection. These notable owners underscore the pieces cultural and historical significance. Comparable examples exist at Claydon House and St Michael's Mount, as seen below.