English antiques are often a melting pot of various styles, from opulent designs fit for kings to the traditional working-class pieces of everyday life. However, one term you might come across when searching for antique English furniture is ‘chinoiserie’.
Chinoiserie was once a popular style amongst Europe’s wealthy, and many of its finest creations remain with us today as stunning antiques, some of which you’ll find here on my website! First, though, here’s an explainer on these unique creations.
What is Chinoiserie?
Chinoiserie – pronounced ‘sheen-wa-ser-e’ – was a style of art and design that became popular in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. While the word is inspired by the French for ‘from China’ (chinois), the style is much broader than simply being a French interpretation of Chinese styles.
Chinoiserie encompasses a whole spectrum of goods made in Europe but directly inspired by items and designs from various places in Asia, including Japan and Korea. Nowadays, the term is mainly associated with Asian patterns and drawings seen on traditional European furniture, such as vases, cupboards, beds and wallpapers.
A Brief History of Chinoiserie
Throughout history, distant cultures have constantly mingled through art and design. In fact, Asian influence had reached European shores long before Chinoiserie became a popular style.
17th-century Europe was a time of extravagant design known largely as the baroque, which was used by religious institutions and rulers to inspire a sense of awe and power. This evolved into what’s known as Rococo design, popularised by Louis XV, which celebrated increasingly decadent designs that evoked an almost fantastical world.
As European aristocracy started to enjoy indulgent, otherworldly designs, creators turned towards Asian influences. Growing adoration in Europe towards the mystique of Asian arts, crafts and philosophy created a market for rich people who wished to have their homes filled with goods that evoked the region. Thus, chinoiserie was born.
Chinoiserie started in France before sweeping across Europe, where it found particular popularity in 18th-century Britain. The largest example of this is the Great Pagoda in London’s Kew Gardens, the first pagoda ever built in Europe and, at 50 metres tall, one of the world’s leading symbols of the chinoiserie craze.
How to Identify Chinoiserie Antiques
Nowadays, it’s quite common to see Asian-inspired items being made across the world, including in the United States. However, authentic vintage and antique chinoiserie isn’t just about where it was made but the style it invokes.
Chinoiserie from around the 18th century is often a melting pot of various styles from the time, including baroque and Rococo, combined with Asian symbols and motifs. Authentic chinoiserie was also almost exclusively enjoyed by the aristocracy, so they’re usually impeccably crafted with fine materials that nowadays create a wonderful patina.
Credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
When looking for antique chinoiserie, look out for extremely decadent designs with extravagant details and curves. Look for signs of ageing as well as beautiful craftsmanship and stunning materials to get a true taste of this style.
Here at The Parson’s Nose, I’ve sourced a collection of stunning chinoiserie antiques from across England, including pieces from the 18th century when chinoiserie was at its height. I’m always finding new, unique pieces, so browse my site to discover some of the latest treasures.