Chinoiserie | Bridging Cultures in Decor

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During the 17th and 18th centuries, to placate the appetite for the far-flung corners of the globe, a deep and hungry fascination developed for a diverse range of exotic art, works of art and artefacts that were imported through newly established trade routes. China was no exception to the Western fascination. As although trade between the two countries had increased over the 17th and 18th centuries, access to China was still limited and there were few first-hand experiences of the country. The preconceived mystery and allure of China borne an immense demand for East Asian goods, particularly that of the decorative arts.

^{A George II scarlet and gilt-japanned longcase clock (£1,000-2,000)}

Chinoiserie, can be defined as the style of decoration that resulted from the combination of Western tastes and Chinese design. Objects featured fantastical landscapes with beautiful pavilions, pagodas, mythical beasts, fanciful birds, and figures in Chinese clothes.

^{An export reverse glass picture (£300-500)}

The awareness of Chinoiserie furniture during this period was exemplified by various publications such as Thomas Chippendale’s The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director (1754). A subscription pattern book that that contained 161 engravings of a wide range of domestic furniture in the ‘Gothic, Chinese and Modern Taste’ (rococo) as well as plainer, more practical pieces. The true prominence of chinoiserie design became apparent when King Louis XIV of France built the Trianon de Porcelaine for his mistress Madame de Montespan, on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles in 1671, where blue and white faience tiles with a Chinoiserie pattern were used to adorn the exterior.

^{A red-lacquered low table (£200-300)}

However, by the 19^th century, the interest in Chinoiserie decreased significantly due to the First Opium War of 1839-42 between Britain and China. As a result of the war, China soon closed its doors to trade.

^{An export reverse glass painting (£300-500)}

Our next Fine Interiors sale features many items of this category and will be available to view in our Stansted saleroom from the 1^st September.

Tuesday 5 & Wednesday 6 September

fineinteriors@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

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