Relevant categories: Tables,Bookcases,Cabinets and Chests
Chinoiserie refers to a form of decorative art used in the West but which borrowed heavily from Chinese techniques and motifs. The style was popular in the 17th as well as the 18th century when it featured in European architecture, art, and furniture. The height of the Chinoiserie style lasted between 1750 and 1765 when it existed together with the Rococo and Baroque decorative styles. The main elements of the Chinoiserie style include blue-and-white motifs common in Chinese porcelain, asymmetrical forms, and Chinese figures and patterns, extravagant scenery, and extensive gilding.
Chinoiserie Characteristics and Motifs
(Above photo - Pair Chinese Chippendale console tables with Chinoiserie )
To reiterate, Chinoiserie is a combination of different trends and designs. It is because of its inclusion of different characteristics and motifs that this style has gained the interest of designers across the centuries. From its beginning in the 17th century, the style has featured different elements of style each passing century. At times it would be garden buildings, a collection of prints or furniture made using the Chinoiserie style. The following are the general characteristics of the Chinoiserie style.
1. Chinese Figures
(Above photo - Chinese Chippendale Drinks Cabinet Red Lacquer Chinoiserie )
In the early centuries of the Chinoiserie style, Europeans rarely traveled to Asia. That was owing to the rarity or non-existence of intercontinental travel. Thus, people in Europe found Chinese figures very mysterious and exotic. Artisans found these figures mystic and were so fascinated with them that they included them in several designs. Artisans would copy these figures directly from objects from China to use their imagination about what Eastern cultures would be to create them.
2. Natural Landscapes
Many Chinoiserie incorporated natural landscapes in vivid, whimsical representations. In the background were fanciful pavilions interspersed with floral motifs, lush green vignettes, nature, as well as birds. Landscapes are common in paintings, textiles, wallpaper, and other décor based on Chinoiserie.
3. Phoenixes and Dragons
Chinese décor is full of mythical figures in the form of phoenixes and dragons. It is not surprising why they were used in a lot of Chinoiserie designs. Occupying a central part in Chinese mythology, dragons symbolized luck and strength. They are used on clothing and interior décor throughout ancient China. Today, they can be seen in paintings, silkscreens, ceramics, and décor. Also common are the foo dogs. Foo dogs are known as Shi, the Chinese word for “lion”. They are believed to be a form of guardian lions appearing outside temples and palaces to get rid of negative energy.
4. Pagodas
You cannot fully describe Eastern cultures without talking about pagodas. They are the characteristically multi-tiered structures usually used as religious temples. Pagodas originated in India but were exported to china as Buddhism spread throughout the region. They had sweeping lines on their roofs. These lines were common in most of the regional designs and styles of China.
(Above photo - Red Lacquer Chest Drawers- Chinese Commode Antique Chinoiserie )
The influence of Chinoiserie on the arts cannot be gainsaid. It features in design & décor, porcelain, paintings, architecture & gardens, furniture, and so on. The good thing is that you can still find antique items with Chinoiserie designs. If you are a collector, this is a good place to start.
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