Chimney Glass

See Mirror.

China Cabinet

Owing to the impetus given to the collection of Oriental china towards the end of the seventeenth century by the example of Queen Mary, cabinets for its display were imported in the first instance from Holland, but speedily began to be made in England.

Chinese Foot

A bracket foot, usually with a reverse cyma curve on its face.

Chinese Taste Or Period

The admiration for Chinese work arose in England soon after the Restoration, when considerable quantities of furniture, lacquer-ware, wallpapers and porcelain were imported. The interest in this work increased, and in the mahogany period furniture in this style was made in England. Its popularity in the middle of the eighteenth century was shown by the publication of books of design, for example: "A New Book of Chinese Designs," by Edwards and Darly, in 1754; also designs in Chippendale's " Director" of the same date. On the return of Sir William Chambers from his travels in the East in 1757, his wide influence as an architect and the publication of his "Designs of Chinese Buildings, Furniture, Dresses, Machines and Utensils," brought the love of Chinese work in this country to a climax.

Chinoiserie

The generic name for printed, inlaid, or applied ornaments in the Chinese manner.

Chip-Carving

A descriptive term for the simple carving often used by savage people. In this country it was extensively used in the first half of the seventeenth century.

Giovanni Battista Cipriani (1727-1785)

An Italian artist and decorator of considerable ability who came to London in 1755. His chief work in England was the decoration of ceiling and wall panels ; he also painted medallions on the furniture designed by Robert Adam and others, and designed much graceful work in arabesque.

Ciseleur (Fr.)

A chaser or engraver in metals. The word most commonly signifies the maker, or, more properly, the finisher, of the beautiful mounts in bronze of French furniture of the eighteenth century.

Cistern

In the second half of the eighteenth century a cistern, wine cooler, sarcophagus or cellaret usually stood beneath the sideboard. It was commonly used for keeping bottles of wine in ice, but appears sometimes to have been used for washing-up purposes. These wine coolers varied from the simplest to the most ornate forms. They were lined with zinc or other metal, and as a rule bound in brass.

Clap Table

The name given in the early eighteenth century to the pier or console table standing underneath a pier looking-glass.

Clavicembalo

See Pianoforte.

Clavecin

See Pianoforte.

Clavichord

See Pianoforte.

Claw And Ball-Foot

Of Oriental, and probably Chinese origin, it is believed to represent the threeclawed foot of the dragon, holding the sacred jewel or pearl. It was introduced into England by the Dutch late in the seventeenth century, and was a popular feature especially between 1730 and 1740.

Clothes-Press

A chest of drawers with a cupboard over them containing shelves to hold clothes. When flanked by hanging cupboards it is a wardrobe.