Chinoiserie - History

History

Further information: Orientalism in early modern France

Chinoiserie entered the European repertory in the mid-to-late 17th century; the work of Athanasius Kircher had a lot of influence on the study of orientalism. The popularity of chinoiserie peaked around the middle of the 18th century, when it was easily assimilated into rococo by the works of François Boucher. It declined when it seemed to European eyes the very antithesis of neoclassicism.

Chinoiserie is often expressed in the decorative arts of Europe, and its expression in architecture was entirely in the field of whimsical follies. By contrast, the serious transformations that Chinese models effected in the eighteenth century, on the plain style of Early Georgian English furniture, notable in the cabriole leg, or on the "naturalistic" style of English landscape gardening, to take two clear examples, are not considered instances of "Chinoiserie".

Chinoiserie has made a comeback since the late 20th century. Modern interpretations of Chinoiserie incorporate modern design elements, and techniques. Chinoiserie can be seen as in influence in many housewares throughout Europe and North America.