Chinoiserie: style at a glance

Chinese wallpaperwas initially brought

to Europe by the East India Company and was incredibly expensive. Some of

the panels were made from silk,

another from paper and hand painted. Later on Europeans

learned how to produce its cheaper

imitations.

Chinese Porcelain

replaced golden and silver

dishware on the tables: now it is considered the

indicator wealth and prosperity.

Red, Black & Golden Lacquer was traditional

finish for Chinese furniture. Later

French manufacturers

brothers Marten introduced lacquers of

different colours as well.

Screens were used to

visually divide the space. In the XVII century private

rooms and boudoirs were very

popular and screens played an important role for creating chamber

and cozy ambience.

Bamboowas one of the most

popular materials for furniture

production in China. With emergence of

Chinoiserie it appeared also in

Europe.

Pagodas were built in the

gardens and their miniature copies were

used as decorative objects. The shape of pagoda roof was used

as a decorative element for making furniture

and home accessories such as mirrors,

lanterns and wall lights.

Fantastic landscape

sIn the XVII century information about

China was very limited: it appeared to be a very remote

and mysterious land. It was idealized by

European artists who pictured it like a

paradise land with lush vegetation,

colorful birds and serene landscapes.

Pastoral plotswere very

frequently used in Rococo. With the

growing popularity of Chinoiserie

European personages such

as aristocrats, shepherds and shepherdesses

were replaced with Chinese emperors

and their court.

Beautiful birds

and colourful flowers were the most

frequently used ornaments in

Chinoiserie. Pictured on the wallpapers landscapes often reminded of Eden

Garden: this is how Europeans imagined

China.

Chinese figures

were often pictured on the furniture, china and decorative

objects. Especially popular were

Chinese shepherdess and Chinese Idol (a

figure of elderly Chinese man

nodding his head).

Dragon has a symbolic

meaning in Chinese mythology and

signifies power and strength. Symbolism plays an important

role in Chinese decorative arts: thus, a peach tree means a

wish for longevity, bats – happiness, and peonies – splendor.

Featured Products & Photo credits• Slide 1 – Ralph & Lauren wallpaper• Slide 2 – De Gournay wallpaper• Slide 10 - chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com• The rest - http://www.1stdibs.com

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