This presentation design for a pier-glass by John Linnell is contemporary with the fashion for chinoiserie which was often incorporated into furniture design during the 18^th century. Chinoiserie was the style inspired by the art and design of China, Japan and other Asian countries. The curved, naturalistic details that Linnell has used to form the frame display the rococo style which was also popular during this period. The rococo became popular around 1730 and was characterized by asymmetry and flamboyant, curved ornamentation. The two styles were frequently combined to create fanciful visual effects.

The use of steps and a bridge-like structure within this design as well as the natural decoration and the Chinese figure, creates the vision of a Chinese-inspired garden. Chinoiserie figures feature frequently within Linnell’s designs for pier-glasses. Carvers such as Thomas Johnson were producing designs for girandoles with similar stylistic features.

Pier-glasses were mirrors placed on a wall in between two windows within an interior. Extremely elaborate pier-glasses such as this one were often used to emphasize the grandeur of a wealthy household. They were also important sources of light within an 18^th century interior as they could reflect the light of nearby candles. Mirror glass was extremely expensive during the 18^th century and while it became increasingly available towards the end of the century, even the wealthiest clients often recycled existing mirror-glass. The inscription ‘Breakfast Room’ on this design demonstrates that this design may have been created with a specific interior in mind.