What is Chinoiserie?

 What is Chinoiserie?

Originating in the 17th century, Chinoiserie is a western European style of art and design influenced by the artistic traditions of pre-industrial China and East Asia. Its most common application can be seen in the decorative arts, in which it shares many elements with French rococo style such as abundant ornamentation or decoration, highly stylized nature, expansive color palette, and an extravagant aesthetic. The signature quality of much Chinoiserie furniture and decor is the use of fantasized imagery derived from European interpretations of life, art, and culture in China.

   

The style became more popular in the 18th century largely as a result of a rapidly expanding trade market between Europe, China, and India. These improved trade relations allowed westerners to become much more exposed to the art and culture of the eastern world, which from a western perspective was viewed as exotic and unexplored creative ground.

How to Pronounce Chinoiserie?

People who are unfamiliar with the term are often curious about the correct pronunciation. Originating from the French word “Chinois”, which translates literally to “from China”, phonetically it sounds like “shin-wahz-ree”. For English speakers, there is a tendency to see the word “noise” (like a loud or unpleasant sound) in the spelling of Chinoiserie when it is read. This is likely what leads to its most common mispronunciation.

Interior Design Trends

In terms of interior design fashion within the United States, Chinoiserie has long been trendy among the elite and experienced its peak from the 19th century to the later 1920s. It saw a resurgence in the 80s and 90s, and today is in favor again. Regardless of time period, it is a style that has always been favored for its uniquely ornate and exotic aesthetic.

Chinoiserie design motifs can be seen in everything from wallpaper, upholstery, fine china, ceramics, and even furniture. Imagery like idyllic rural Chinese landscapes, pagodas, traditional courtyards, and dragons are commonly featured. For more examples of Chinoiserie furniture, Chinoiserie porcelain, and other asian home decor, browse our featured sections below.

  

  

Figurines and statues of foo dogs have long been a classic (and subtle) way to invite an east Asian element into a space. They can be purchased in several styles, poses, materials, and colors to fit your needs. They also carry with them symbolic appeal, regarded as guardians that prevent harmful things from happening to the family. See more from our selection of Foo Dog decor.

For a bolder approach, Chinoiserie wallpaper can create a rich color palette and chic environment. There is no end to the wide variety of designs and different types of imagery available so the only boundary is your individual creativity.