Chinoiserie Style: Making Chinese Motifs American

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019

Try looking through the hottest home magazines today and you are bound to see some chinoiserie elements. You are likely to see foo dogs and the brightest lacquer finishes. Chinoiserie is no longer just limited to the blue and white porcelain designs anymore.

 

Fascinating History

 

Chinoiserie is a term which was derived from the French word chinois which literally translates to Chinese. Although this is indicative of Asian roots, this style was not actually from that continent but from Europe. The Europeans interpreted Asian culture as well as their decorative arts and – voila – Chinoiserie was born.

 

Chinoiserie came into existence in the 17^th century. This was because of Europe’s trading relationships with China and other East Asian countries. Who wouldn’t love Asian culture, anyway? It’s exotically beautiful.

 

The European’s interpretations weren’t always correct, though, since they didn’t know a lot about the region. Very few of them have actually traveled to Asia. Though this is the case, Europeans revered Asian art and culture.

 

Pretty soon, Europeans were crafting East Asian-looking artifacts. These pieces paired beautifully with the ornate rococo designs which were quite stylish during that century. The royals and nobles loved the pieces as is evidenced by the pieces in Louis XV’s and King George IV’s palaces.

 

Tea also became popular when the Asians exported it to Europe. The very culture of drinking tea in Europe also has Asian roots. This tea-drinking tradition then paved the way for tea sets, tea chests, tea tables, and other such pieces.

 

The Motifs

 

The foo dog may be named as such but it is actually a lion. This dates back all the way to Imperial China where lions guarded the gates of temples and palaces. The foo dogs usually come in pairs (a male and a female). These two represent yin and yang.

 

Another motif is the pagoda. While this is most often associated with East Asian architecture, the pagoda actually comes from India. Buddhism brought the pagodas to China where they were eventually assimilated into the region’s architecture.

 

Scenes from nature are also popular Chinoiserie motifs. These were often printed on wallpapers and became quite popular in upper class homes in Europe. These were handmade so they were costly. The most requested designs were lush gardens and florals.

 

Of course, what’s an Asian motif without the dragon? This mythical creature symbolizes good luck and strength so it holds a prominent level in Chinese folklore and mythology. Many historical emperors loved the dragon as a motif so they used it in their interior design and clothing.

 

Today, these famous Chinoiserie designs are seen on silk screens, ceramics, and even the most lavish works of art.

 

Chinoiserie Furnishings

 

Faux bamboo and lacquered wood are two of the most used materials for chinoiserie furniture. Asian lacquer traditional pieces are considered as works of art. These require the best artisan skills and techniques that were honed throughout the thousands of years that they were practiced.

 

Achieving the lacquer shine requires artisans to coat furniture with many layers of tree sap. As the glossy finish becomes evident, they are further embellished with inlaid details, hand-painted nature scenes, and ornate carvings.

 

Thomas Chippendale propagated the style where the Chinese Chippendale became a desired furnishing.

 

Ceramics and porcelain are best known because they are the most wanted chinoiserie art. European designers mimicked the Ming blue and white jar and vase patterns. They even made tea sets specifically designed to look Asian.

 

These days, Chinoiserie pieces have maintained their appeal because they are used in many traditional interiors. Top designers have used them to adorn the loveliest homes – theirs and their clients’.

Tags: Chinoiserie, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
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