This design for a pier-glass demonstrates Linnell’s combination of chinoiserie-inspired imagery with rococo forms. The rococo was a style which became popular during the first half of the 18^th century, characterised by asymmetrical detail and curved decorative forms. Often, designers such as Linnell would combine chinoiserie motifs with the freedom of rococo detail to create fantastical imagery such as in this design. Chinoiserie (the style inspired by art and design from China, Japan and other Asian countries) was extremely popular throughout the 18^th century and the social elite frequently adorned their homes with Chinoiserie-inspired objects and Asian imports.

The squawking bird which is perched at the top of the pier-glass is a motif which features regularly within Linnell’s pier-glass designs. Other designers and carvers such as Thomas Johnson also used figures and animals within their designs. Such forms were often inspired by the ornamental engravings by French designers such as Bernard Toro, Jean Berain and the illustrations of Aesop’s Fables by Francis Barlow.

Pier-glasses were usually placed on the wall in between two windows. While they served as an effective lighting device (where they would reflect the light from nearby candles), they were also used as important decorative features. This design is delicately presented and may have been intended for a client, however Linnell has not incorporated any colour into this design suggesting that the emphasis here is upon form.