The Style of Chinoiserie

A Queen Anne Red Lacquered Chinoiserie Mirrored Cabinet on Chest circa 1710. Offered  By;
www.hydeparkantiques.com

The interior and furniture style known as “Chinoiserie” (French for “In the Chinese taste”) has always fascinated me, the delicate hand painted work involved in producing each piece of furniture was and is a sign of the craftsmanship around both then and today.

An English Chinoiserie Painted Chest circa 1900's. Offered By;
www.harborviewantiques.com

An Early George III Oak Lacquered Chest on Chest in the style of Thomas Chippendale. Offered By;
www.letrianonantiques.com

A Little History

The fine art of Chinoiserie dates to around the early 1700's when throughout Europe there was a huge interest in all things Asian & Oriental. The wealthier of European artists travelled to the Orient to paint watercolours and record the colours they'd seen. These were in turn brought back to Europe and allowed people to see the unknown scenes and structures along with a wide range of colours. It didn't take the Oriental people very long to realise there was money to be made in Europe and by around the 1730's finely hand painted wallpaper was being exported from China.

English "Chinoiserie" Lacquered & Parcel Gilt  Tall Case Clock. Offered  By;
www.goredean.com

Very quickly Chinese interiors became vogue and most important residences in Europe had them in at least one room to display the treasures they had gathered from decadent trips to the Far East.

Soon furniture was being finely decorated throughout Europe and some of the most prestigious furniture makers such as Thomas Chippendale were producing “Chinoiserie” style furniture for clients. Surprisingly the vast majority of Chinoiserie decoration was applied within Europe rather than in the Far East.

(Above & Below)  A Very Fine English Red Papier Mache Tray on Stand  circa 1840. Offered  By;
http://www.philipcolleck.com/

Today

After being slightly out of fashion for a few years at last Chinoiserie seems to be making some what of a comeback, and its great to see. It is also fantastic to see new styles of an old classic being tastefully designed .... 

A Pair of Red Tea Tin Lamps c1890. Offered By;
www.tomhayestobywestltd.1stdibs.com

Winged Chinoiserie Wallpaper, Available from;
www.anthropologie.com