Links: Home > Furniture Click Here to Trade Links Powered by Link Foundry Rug Zone: Shaggy, Wool, traditional rugs Rugs for all around the home, choose from handmade rugs, wool rugs, shaggy rugs, rugs large and small. Furniture Fast Facts, Last Updated:09/09/2010 The role of the interior decorator evolved in the 18th century from the Parisian marchand-mercier and the upholder in London. In Paris, the gild system that had evolved since the late Middle Ages prohibited a craftsman from working with a material with which they had not undergone a formal apprenticeship. Only a marchand-mercier (a "merchant of goods") could fit Chinese porcelains with gilt-bronze handles and mounts, combine Japanese lacquer or Sevres porcelain plaques with marquetry and gilt-bronze mounts on furniture. An early marchand-mercier Gersaint, had his shop-sign painted by Watteau. The Rococo interior was taken out of the hands of the architect and the painter and put in charge of the marchand-mercier. Reciprocal Link Exchange by Link Foundry.