If you love interior decor and design, I am sure you have encountered
the term chinoiserie.
In case you have not; first of all the word Chinoi is French for Chinese. It is a European exotic embellishing art inspired by Chinese or East Asian cultures.
This art surfaced and hypnotized everyone with its beauty in the 17th century. As more people traveled far out into other cultures such as East Asia, they brought back the art with them to show others the beauty by adorning their homes with Chinoiserie ornaments and items with these intricate designs.
Chinese Porcelain Trade in the Rest of The World
The demand was already spreading in other parts of the world. There is evidence of chinese porcelain trade as far as:
Eastern Africa
Middle East
The Arab world was awed by Chinese porcelain. During trade as they imported Chinese ceramics the exported glass, spices and minerals. Their own porcelain was highly influenced by Chinese ceramic art.
People’s enchantment with Chinoiserie transformed it and became all the vogue swooping the whole of Europe. Clearly with the high demand its value was so high and could only be witnessed among the well heeled. The blue and white patterns had very high status among the elite around the world.
Some Chinoiserie items that were popular as part of the interior decor were:
Folding screens:
Ornate with exquisite art.
The screens were used to create a private areas to discretely change ones robes and God knows what else. You tell me. 😀
Ornate Cabinets:
To keep even more valuable collections from far away lands
Chinoiserie china:
Used for afternoon teas which was very popular with the ladies
Chinoiserie Vases
Picture credit Chairish
Just for decorative purposes and and also arrange flowers or store items.
Chinoiserie Tapestries
Chinoiserie Wall Paper
To decorate their walls.
As this was the era of Rococco style to, Many aristocrats mixed and matched their Chinoiserie with Roccoco interiors as seen below.
In this present time, Chinoiserie going through a major come back through inspired interior decor. The Chinese antique market has seen a return and rise of valuable Chinoiserie antique vases and art collection.
If you enjoyed this little historical insight on the beautiful world of Chinoiserie, then you will love these Chinoiserie inspired interior decor .
CLICK: STUNNING CHINOISERIE INTERIOR DECOR
Extend this Chinoiserie experience by watching the video below on my channel. Let me know what you think commenting below or on my channel. It will really help my channel and blog if you could like and subscribe to both. Share with family and friends.