An important pair of carved and gilded wood girandole mirrors of asymmetrical form with rocaille and floral decoration, with candle arms and surmounted by spread winged Ho Ho birds

This pair of early George III girandoles are an exceptional example. They are designed in the French 'pittoresque' fashion that was popularised in three editions of Thomas Chippendale's The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, 1754-62.  At this time Thomas Johnson, carver and gilder of Queen St, Seven Dials, also published Twelve Gerandoles, 1755, representing some of the earliest designs for girandoles in the Rococo style.

The superb quality, and perfect understanding of proportion and balance imply an almost certain attribution to Chippendale or Johnson.

One should also note the fluidity and realism with which the Ho-Ho birds are depicted. Sculptural in form this would have required an immense amount of skill and vision to execute.

The design also suggests that this pair were made soon after their first publications were completed. They are based on some of their earliest and most influential sketches and these design interpretations like this pair of girandoles, had a significant impact on design throughout the 18^th century.