Interior Design Corner: Chinoiserie in a Flash

Chinoiserie  (say “Sheen-wa-sir-ee”)

What is it?

Thomas Chippendale Design Plate

A decorative style that is inspired by the traditional motifs of Chinese design .  (Chinois (say Sheen-wa) = Chinese in French) It first began in the early to mid 17^th century in Europe as a way to embrace and display the “worldliness” of the person possessing it.   In Holland, The Dutch East India Company had a lively trade with the East and imported millions of pieces of Chinese porcelain in the early 17th century.  The Chinese workmanship and attention to detail impressed many of the local producers of ceramics in both Holland and London.  Only the richest could afford the early imports, and this in turn inspired the local porcelain manufacturers to produce works with the Chinese style and motifs.  From there, the European markets were smitten with all things “Eastern”.  In the later 17^th century, the furniture makers and architects got into the game. 



Thomas Chippendale Pagoda Bed





 The most recognizable Chinoiserie-based style in American furniture is called Chippendale, named after the London craftsman, Thomas Chippendale.  After working as a journeyman cabinet maker in London, in 1754, he became the first cabinet-maker to publish a book of his designs, titled The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director.  Chippendale's Director was used by many other cabinet makers; consequently recognizably "Chippendale" furniture was produced in Dublin, Philadelphia, Lisbon, Copenhagen and Hamburg.  Catherine the Great and Louis XVI both possessed copies of the Director in its French edition, which further validified its widespread acceptance with the aristocracy and those who wished to display these emblems of wealth and good taste.  The Director shows four main styles, one of which being the “Chinese” style with latticework and lacquer. 

 

 

Barclay Butera Design.

Cut to modern times, there has been a resurgence of popularity in the last decade for these styles, which are oftentimes intricate and ornate.  Chinoiserie is used as a visually powerful element in the latest resurgence of the “Hollywood Regency” style of interior decoration (originally created in the 1930’s for the homes of Hollywood’s glamorous screen legends).  Many top designers today use elements of Chinoiserie juxtaposed with the clean lines of pieces from the “Mid-Century Modern” style for an eclectic mix that makes both styles look fresh….it is the intricate and exotic Chinoiserie mixed with the pared-down simplicity of the Mid-Century that makes both styles “pop”.

 

Here are some examples of pieces that are of the “Chinoiserie” style:

Blanc de Chine (or Blanc de Blanc):  A type of porcelain that often uses Asian motifs or pierced latticework.  Always fired in white bisque porcelain with a shiny clear glaze.  Often used for lamps.



Blanc de Chine Figurine Lamps

Blanc de Chine Pierced Lattice Ginger Jar Lamps

Pagoda Anything:  Mirrors, shapes of furniture, carved sculptures...



Mary McDonald Design.  Notice the Pagoda sculpture and the blue and white porcelain.



 

Chippendale (Actual or Inspired) Mirrors and China Cabinets

Chippendale China Cabinet

Blue and White Porcelain:  Temple Urns, Ginger Jars, pots of all sizes.



Reproduction Chinese Temple Jars



Delftware Urn

Foo Dogs:  Which are actually Chinese guardian lions, known as Shishi or "Imperial Guardian Lions", and often called "Foo Dogs" in the West. The lions are always created in pairs, with the male resting his paw upon the world and the female restraining a playful cub that is on its back. They have traditionally stood in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government offices, temples, and the homes of government officials and the wealthy, from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), and were believed to have powerful mythic protective benefits. They occur in many types of Chinese pottery and in Western imitations.

Modern Interpretation of Chinese "Foo" Dogs or Imperial Lions

 

Faux Bamboo (usually executed in carved/turned wood or metal which are then painted, lacquered or gilded) used for furniture, picture frames, mirror frames.

Faux Bamboo Mirror with Pagoda Shape in Red Lacquer

 

Black Lacquer with inlays (most especially Coromandel screens like the one used in Chanel’s personal apartment in Paris) or gold painting.  Tables, Screens, Boxes, Trunks.

 

Coco Chanel's Paris Apartment with her famous Coromandel Screens

 

Chest with Gold Decorative painting of Chinese Scenery

 

Hand Painted Wall Papers:  Produced by companies such as De Gournay, Zoffany, Gracie and Griffin & Wong ...these are often used in the formal rooms or in master bedrooms as a feature wall.  These can be on silk or paper, and often use birds and branches.

Wallpaper by De Gournay

 

Colors that are often most prominent:  White Porcelain, Black Lacquer, Red Lacquer, Gold landscape painting on a black background, All Yellow Gold, White and Royal Blue in Porcelain, Celadon Green.

Modern lamp with several Chinoiserie elements.

So hopefully this has been helpful for you the next time someone throws the word "Chinoiserie" your way....or the next time you are wanting to add an exotic touch to your home!

P.S.  I LOVE hearing about your makeup up questions...be checking back in the next week or so for my detailed answers!   Keep 'em coming!