Chinoiserie (pronounced [ʃinwazʁi], derived from the French word Chinois, meaning “Chinese”) is the European interpretation and imitation of Chinese and East Asian artistic traditions, especially in the decorative arts, garden design, architecture, literature, theater, and musical performances.^[1] First appearing in the 17th century, this trend was popularized in the 18th century due to the rise in trade with China and East Asia.^[2] As a style, chinoiserie is related to the Rococo style. Both styles are characterized by exuberant decoration, asymmetry, a focus on materials, and stylized nature and subject matter that focuses on leisure and pleasure, while chinoiserie focuses on subjects that were thought to be “Chinese.”

Chinoiserie (pronounced [ʃinwazʁi], derived from the French word Chinois, meaning “Chinese”) is the European interpretation and imitation of Chinese and East Asian artistic traditions, especially in the decorative arts, garden design, architecture, literature, theater, and musical performances.^[1] First appearing in the 17th century, this trend was popularized in the 18th century due to the rise in trade with China and East Asia.^[2] As a style, chinoiserie is related to the Rococo style. Both styles are characterized by exuberant decoration, asymmetry, a focus on materials, and stylized nature and subject matter that focuses on leisure and pleasure, while chinoiserie focuses on subjects that were thought to be “Chinese.”

Chinoiserie (pronounced [ʃinwazʁi], derived from the French word Chinois, meaning “Chinese”) is the European interpretation and imitation of Chinese and East Asian artistic traditions, especially in the decorative arts, garden design, architecture, literature, theater, and musical performances.^[1] First appearing in the 17th century, this trend was popularized in the 18th century due to the rise in trade with China and East Asia.^[2] As a style, chinoiserie is related to the Rococo style. Both styles are characterized by exuberant decoration, asymmetry, a focus on materials, and stylized nature and subject matter that focuses on leisure and pleasure, while chinoiserie focuses on subjects that were thought to be “Chinese.”