Skip to main content

Anglo-Japanese "Smallhythe" Folding Table

1872
Edward William Godwin

Edward William Godwin (1833–1886) played a key role in Japonism during the 1860s, above all through Liberty and Co., one of London’s fashionable department stores at the time. The designer of wallpaper, printed textiles, ceramics and furniture, he worked on major commissions from members of the royal family (Princess Louise in Kensington Palace) and the cultured elite (the Chelsea house and studio of his friend Whistler). While tailoring his designs to the expectations of his clientele, Godwin also succeeded here and there in achieving a simplification of line and colour largely based on his intimate understanding of Asian models. This folding table is European and highly functional in its underlying principle but wholly Japanese in its asymmetry.

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi/ Photo: APF

Artist: Edward William Godwin
Title: Anglo-Japanese "Smallhythe" Folding Table
Geography: London, United Kingdom
Date: 1872
Medium: stained wood, brass
Classification: furniture
Dimensions: 74.7 x 80.9 x 40.7 cm
Inventory number: LAD 2011.010
Contact for images: [email protected]
Permalink: https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en/Explore/online-collection/anglo-japanese-smallhythe-folding-table
Mobile View None For an optimal experience please
rotate your device to portrait mode