Chinoiserie

Chinoiserie (French for “Chinese-esque”) describes a style that imitated Chinese and East Asian artistic motifs and styles. It first appeared in the 17th century, with the rise of trade from the East, and came to influence the decorative arts, architecture, and garden design amongst other things.

It peaked in the middle of the 18th century and is associated with the Rococo style and with work by Francois Bucher, Thomas Chippendale and Jean-Baptist Pillement. It was particularly popular at the court of Louis XV. Both styles are characterised by asymmetry and exuberant decoration. Subject matter includes the fanciful and idyllic imagery of a mythical China replete with dragons and images of pleasure and leisure in an attempt to imitate Chinese porcelain.

Its popularity declined towards the end of the 18th century when neoclassicism took over and a further decline in interest occured when trade with China was disrupted during the First Opium War of 1839-1842. However, towards the end of the 19th century there was a revival and Prince Albert moved many of the chinoiserie works from George IV’s Royal Pavilion in Brighton to Buckingham Palace.