The Jacobean Period covers almost a century (1603–1690). In its earlier stages, therefore, it is still Elizabethan in spirit, and in its old age it is largely influenced by the taste of the dominant French court. During the reign of James I., the styles of furniture and interior decoration are still strongly Tudor in character, but the intimate connection with the Low Countries, and the friction with Spain and her Western possessions have their effect in making the wealthy classes of England thoroughly acquainted with the best products of Spanish, Dutch, and Flemish workmanship. The Tudor mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles was gradually modified under the influence of Inigo Jones, “the English Palladio.” The political ties between England and the Low Countries, based on mutual interests of a mercantile and religious nature, were still further strengthened by dynastic alliances. In Norfolk and Suffolk, the population was largely composed of natives or descendants of natives of the Low Countries. Flemish and Dutch art and manufactures, therefore, were extremely influential in forming what is known as the Jacobean style.
This period covers, of course, a portion of the reigns of Louis XIII. and Louis XIV.; and much of the furniture fashionable in France at this period was imported into England; but with the exception of the wealthiest homes sumptuous articles are not common. There is, indeed, a massive set of superbly carved silver furniture at Knole, Sevenoaks, Kent, but such luxury is rare.
Oak and walnut are the woods chiefly used at this period, but we also find lime, cherry, and cypress (the latter especially for chests). Sometimes, as even happened in Tudor days, the carving was gilded, and, in many instances, we find the wood painted. Pear-wood stained black to imitate ebony is also popular. Mahogany is almost unknown in these days; but exotic woods are used in the construction of cabinets. Towards the end of the Seventeenth Century a great deal of ebony was imported, and even carved ebony furniture from India and Ceylon found its way into many rich English homes. Shakespeare gives us a hint of the generous use of rich articles from various parts of the world, showing what a cosmopolitan atmosphere a Tudor home presented:
Gremio says:
“My house within the city
Is richly furnished with plate and gold;
Basins, and ewers, to lave her dainty hands;
My hangings all of Tyrian tapestry:
In ivory coffers I have stuff’d my crowns;