Chinoiserie refers to an artistic style that reflects Chinese influence. With its elaborate decoration, intricate patterns and fanciful décor, Chinoiserie’s popularity peaked in the mid-18th century.
Since the Middle Ages, world travelers returned from the Orient with captivating examples of fine Eastern art. Between the Renaissance and the 18th century, Western designers tried to imitate the technical sophistication and exotic patterns of Chinese ceramics.
The first examples of Chinoiserie appeared in the early to mid-17th century in countries with active East India Companies, such as Holland, England, and Portugal. The East India Company’s extensive trade provided for exquisite examples of imported Chinese lacquers and porcelains. Building on their thriving pottery industry, the Dutch quickly reflected the influence of Chinese blue-and-white porcelains in their ceramics. Tin-glazed Delft pottery, as well as works from other Dutch towns, adapted Chinese shapes for dishes, vases, tea wares and the traditional blue and white decorative motifs. As technology advanced, manufacturers added more color to their palette. The true Chinoiserie décor fairyland depicted Mandarins carrying flower parasols, living in fanciful mountain landscapes with cobweb bridges and bamboo pavilions haunted by dragons and phoenixes. On the borders, monkeys swung with playful abandon.
