This design for a chimney piece appeared as plate number 179 in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director. The plate was engraved by Matthias Darly (b.ca.1720 –d.1781) who engraved many of Chippendale’s designs for the Director. The design demonstrates the elaborate rococo style which became popular during the first half of the 18^th century. Like the decorative details within this design, the rococo was characterised by curved asymmetric ornamentation and natural motifs. The presence of curved candle holders demonstrates the use of mirror glass as an important lighting device during the 18^th century where the reflection of the candle light would have been extremely beneficial.

Thomas Chippendale was a fashionable designer and cabinet-maker in the eighteenth-century, providing furniture to such famous contemporary figures as David Garrick. His company produced high-quality furniture, including some key masterpieces, but Chippendale's outstanding skill was in design. His pattern-book The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director went through three editions in the 1750s and 60s and inspired trade catalogues and pattern-books from fellow designers. Usually produced by architects, a large, elegant pattern-book was an ambitious project for a craftsman at this time. The Director showed the full range of furniture available in the eighteenth century, and the range of styles that were fashionable. Chippendale created a trademark fusion of rococo style with Chinese and gothic elements, which was the basis of 'English' rococo. His style influenced furniture design in contemporary Europe and colonial America, and had a marked Victorian revival in England. The Director designs were the main source for Chippendale's high reputation until his furniture was first identified in 1906.