What is Chinoiserie? Explore Its Definition and Style

Chinoiserie is characterized by ornate patterns, high-quality materials, and a focus on stylized nature and subject. This non-traditional art style often features bold colors. Blue and white Chinoiserie, as well as red and green chinoiserie are quite common. Moreover, the patterns often incorporate Chinese-style motifs such as Fu dogs, pagodas, and landscapes. Chinoiserie designs are generally eye-catching. Although it fell out of favor in the late of 19th century, it has recently become popular again as part of an Instagram-friendly "grand-millennial" lifestyle aesthetic. Against this backdrop, this post will introduce you to what Chinoiserie is, its style, common examples of chinoiserie, helping you better understand chinoiserie for application in interior design or decoration.

What is Chinoiserie Definition and History

Chinoiserie (pronounced shen-ˈwäz-rē) is a term that comes from the French word "chinois," meaning "Chinese". Chinoiserie definition is not a true Chinese art style, but rather a European interpretation of Chinese and other East Asian art traditions. Its design and ideas originated in the Baroque art period and had an influence on decorative arts, garden design, architecture, literature, theater, and music. Since then, a wide variety of objects have been created with Chinese-style patterns.

In the 18th century, chinoiserie further developed due to the increase in trade between Europe and China and other East Asian regions. Its patterns also gradually began to use dragons, exotic birds, and Chinese people, and more. Particularly, around 1750-1770, during the Rococo period of the Louis XV court, Chinoiserie art reached its peak. But because many designers and craftsmen had never actually been to China, they were unable to distinguish between the artistic styles of various East Asian countries. Therefore, what they created relied on imagination to reinterpret patterns from porcelain, silk, and lacquerware into items imbued with exoticism.

Due to this reimagining, chinoiserie received criticism from many critics who considered it as whimsical and a play on true Chinese art. Although chinoiserie is not popular and only mostly appeared in noble castles, it did continue until the 19th century before gradually declining. By the end of the 19th century, as relations between England and China stabilized, interest in the chinoiserie was rekindled. With the influences of globalization in the millennium era, more and more people began to inject chinoiserie decor ideas into interior design.

What is Chinoiserie Style

The defining characteristics of chinoiserie style are primarily focused on color and motifs. It typically features rich colors and strong contrasting hues, along with curved lines and asymmetrical arrangements to create a sense of vibrancy and whimsy. Chinoiserie patterns are often replicated from Chinese goods or imagined by designers, idealized and romanticized in a European manner. They will evoke an exotic feeling, inspiring people's yearning for China and the East. These patterns include at least the following ten types:

• Men and women dressed in traditional Chinese attire;
• Dragons of various colors and sizes;
• A pair of Fu dogs, one male and one female;
• Multi-story pagodas of different shapes and sizes;
• Chinese gardens with weeping willows and arched bridges;
• Chinese landscapes created with mountains, trees, and mist;
• Chinese plants such as lotus flowers and bamboo;
• Chinese lacquerware furniture and decorations;
• Blue and white porcelain vases, cups, trays, etc.;
• Chinese calligraphy and characters.

Discover Common Chinoiserie Decors

Chinoiserie, broadly speaking, is an art that influences various literary and artistic fields. But personally, chinoiserie is an interior design style. A basic grasp of common chinoiserie ornaments can help create better Chinoiserie decor ideas. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect.

Chinoiserie Wallpaper

Chinoiserie wallpapers resemble murals more than anything else. They captivate the eye with their bold colors, drawing you into a delicate and exotic scene through chinoiserie patterns like trees, flowers, birds, butterflies, and architecture. These artworks are both vintage and modern, making them suitable for various room settings.

Chinoiserie Furniture

Chinoiserie furniture like chair and desk, similarly bold in color, make the whole piece look bright and vibrant. Depending on the source of inspiration, such as foo dogs, dragons, flowers, etc., they are often decorated with complex carvings on the wood and painted with lacquer to enhance the color. Moreover, some more expensive Chinoiserie furniture pieces are adorned with a thin layer of gold leaf to showcase luxury and refinement.

Chinoiserie Ceramics

Ceramics are the most commonly introduced elements in chinoiserie decor ideas. They feature complex and diverse colors. Traditional blue and white chinoiserie porcelain and polychrome porcelain are now very common. However, unlike typical European ceramics, chinoiserie versions will be more varied and asymmetrical in shape.

Chinoiserie Textiles

Lotus, peony, phoenix, dragon, and others are commonly seen in textiles such as chinoiserie sheets and tablecloths. These will look more vintage. For those seeking a more modern touch in Chinoiserie quilts, blankets, and pillows, opt for patterns resembling blue and white porcelain.

FAQs About Chinoiserie Meaning and Style

Is chinoiserie out of style?

Chinoiserie is not out of style. On the contrary, it has re-entered the lives of the public in recent years. Chinoiserie has been around for centuries. It is not only an art form, but also a witness to the exchange of global cultures. Its elegance, intricacy, and eye-catching design make it a timeless choice for those who appreciate the vintage aesthetic. Furthermore, Chinoiserie has now adapted to modern design trends, which is destined to go further.

How do you identify chinoiserie?

There are some key features to look for when identifying chinoiserie:

• Fanciful Motifs: Dragons, pagodas, blossoms, bamboos, and other Chinese-style motifs are often used in chinoiserie design;
• Nature Scenes: Chinoiserie frequently incorporates elements from nature, such as flowers, birds, trees, and landscapes, often stylized or exaggerated;
• Asymmetrical Designs: Chinoiserie tends to favor asymmetrical arrangements for a sense of movement and dynamism;
• Bold Colors: Chinoiserie often features vibrant colors and strong contrasts, along with gold for an opulent feel;
• Materials and Techniques: Chinoiserie can appear on furniture, wallpaper, textiles, and other ornaments. It often showcases intricate details through decorative carving, hand-painting, and inlay techniques.

Where to see 18th century chinoiserie?

Since the introduction of Chinoiserie design into the Palace of Versailles, this fashion spread to other European countries. Now, you can still see 18th-century Chinoiserie in many places, such as:

• Badminton House, Gloucestershire
• Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire
• Claydon House, Buckinghamshire
• Felbrigg, Norfolk
• Marble Hill. London
• Royal Pavilion, Brighton