Out Of My Element: Chinoiserie

When I started researching on Rococo architecture, I came across a different style named Chinoiserie, sounds like a Chinese word but the interesting part is, it is derived from french word chinois meaning 'chinese', interesting right!!

It's a decorative style first appeared in 17th century and this trend popularized in 18th century due to the rise in trade with China and East Asia.
I find it feminine, whimsical, light and it is similar to Rococo style.
Chinese motifs are used in this style.

We can find it in the form of decorative arts, interior, architecture, fashion, etc.

Sir William Chamber's pagoda at Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, London

Medici porcelain bottle

I came to know that in beginning Chinoiserie faced a lot of criticism because of its feminine characteristic and the society find it very unprofessional. They claimed it is without any rules or order, even a child can do that. Really!!!
But later on Europeans had fascination with exotic east due to little access to other cultures.
Chinoiserie created a juxtaposition between some new and exotic for Europeans and by this Chinoiserie got popularized.
You'll find patterns of chinoiserie wallpapers imilar to pagodas, floral designs. The patterns of wallpaper were expected to complement the decorative objects and furniture of the room, kinda creating a complementary backdrop.