Vintage Imperial Furniture Grand Rapids Chinoiserie Bar Cart | C. 1940s | Black Lacquer, Raised Gold Chinoiserie, Drop Leaf

Details

Description

A showstopping piece from one of America’s most celebrated furniture makers. This rolling bar cart by Imperial Furniture Company of … Read more A showstopping piece from one of America’s most celebrated furniture makers. This rolling bar cart by Imperial Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan — stamped and authenticated — is executed in glossy black lacquer with hand-painted and raised chinoiserie scenes covering every surface: pagodas, cranes, willow trees, and mountain landscapes rendered in gold on a jet black ground.

What separates this from the average chinoiserie piece is the relief. The decoration is not flat or printed — it is built up from the surface in the traditional raised enamel technique, giving the scenes a sculptural, lacquerware quality that catches light differently from every angle. This is the detail that stops people in a room.

The form is equally considered. Two drop leaves open the top to a generous oval with a scalloped, gold-trimmed edge. Large decorative spoke wheels with gold accent detailing anchor the piece visually and roll smoothly on working casters. A lower display shelf provides a second tier for glassware, bottles, or decorative objects.

Structurally sound throughout. No chips, no losses to the lacquer or decoration. Everything functions perfectly.

Works beautifully as a bar cart, tea trolley, drinks station, or statement accent piece. At home in a grandmillennial, maximalist, Hollywood Regency, or traditional interior — and striking enough to anchor a room on its own.

Maker: Imperial Furniture Company, Grand Rapids, MI (stamped)
Circa: 1940s
Style: Hollywood Regency / Chinoiserie
Materials: Black lacquer, raised gold chinoiserie decoration
Condition: Excellent vintage — no chips or losses
Open: 43”W × 37”D × 29”H
Closed: 18.5”W × 37”D × 29”H See less