Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Chippendale?

\Chip"pen*dale\, a. Designating furniture designed, or like that designed, by Thomas Chippendale, an English cabinetmaker of the 18th century. Chippendale furniture was generally of simple but graceful outline with delicately carved rococo ornamentation, sculptured either in the solid wood or, in the cheaper specimens, separately and glued on. In the more elaborate pieces three types are recognized: {French Chippendale}, having much detail, like Louis Quatorze and Louis Quinze; {Chinese Chippendale}, marked by latticework and pagodalike pediments; and {Gothic Chippendale}, attempting to adapt medieval details. The forms, as of the cabriole and chairbacks, often resemble Queen Anne. In chairs, the seat is widened at the front, and the back toward the top widened and bent backward, except in Chinese Chippendale, in which the backs are usually rectangular. -- {Chip"pen*dal*ism}, n. It must be clearly and unmistakably understood, then, that, whenever painted (that is to say, decorated with painted enrichment) or inlaid furniture is described as Chippendale, no matter where or by whom, it is a million chances to one that the description is incorrect. --R. D. Benn.