Armfield's early influences were the work of the Symbolists, Japanese prints, and tempera painting, as executed by Joseph Southall. All 3 can be seen to have a bearing on the design and execution of the present work. Symmetrical composition, dextrous pattern-making and technical expertise have been honed to display a delicate strength.... The samovar, or russian tea-urn, along with the delicate gilt-edged porcelain, recalls the privileged interiors of new Upper East Side wealth. It would seem entirely possible that the setting could be New York's famous Russian Tea Rooms, formerly on West 57th Street and luxuriously upholstered in red and gold, further 'studded' with samovars, were it not for the fact that Warner Le Roy did not open their restaurant until 1926. Miss Lemont's undressed hair nonetheless suggests a modern breeze blowing through the parlours of Edith Wharton or Henry James. (http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/f-maxwell-ashby-armfield,-r.w.s.-1882-1972-53-c-rj3xw85yim)