An Artist’s Perspective …………

I find it interesting and amazing how a form of decoration and art can withstand an immense test of time and be as prevalent today as it was centuries ago. This could be said of few decorative styles. Classicism, of course, first comes to mind. But that is a much broader and generalized style, viewed through many different forms of decoration.

Chinoiserie, a French term meaning “Chinese-esque”, on the other hand has always been its own decorative style incomparable to any other.

Chinoiserie was seen through European eyes as early as the 17^th century, appearing in various shapes and forms, through ceramics, silks and painted canvases, adoring French chateaus and English estates and later in Italy. 

It is unique in the way that it is a generally European style inspired by the exotic artful imageries of ancient China. From hand-painted long legged birds and fiery dragons to crooked trees with large luminous flowers and pointed mountains overlooking beautiful stylized waterways all delicately, but strikingly painted, carved, molded in pottery or embroidered on silk, providing rich decorative fantasies still very much appreciated today.

It is an unmistakable style that emotes beauty, art, color and incredible craftsmanship that lends a sense of history beyond comparison.

Chinoiserie has even survived the return to Classicism in the latter part of the 18^th century and is still being painstakingly replicated and copied by the modern day artist. We will be seeing the beautiful Chinoiserie style for many years to come.