chinoiserie
[sheen-wah-zuh-ree, -wah-zuh-ree; French shee-nwazuh-ree]
- a style of ornamentation current chiefly in the 18th century in Europe, characterized by intricate patterns and an extensive use of motifs identified as Chinese.
- an object decorated in this style or an example of this style: The clock was an interesting chinoiserie.
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Origin of chinoiserie
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for chinoiserie
Contemporary Examples
The Duchess looked elegant in a pale grey coat over a hand-painted silk floral “chinoiserie” dress by Jenny Packham.
Historical Examples
Recently I planned a small boudoir in a country house that depended on a gay Chinoiserie paper for its charm.
The House in Good TasteElsie de Wolfe
Mrs. Frederick Havemeyer has a similar bed covered with a Chinoiserie chintz.
The House in Good TasteElsie de Wolfe
Garner shows a Lambeth mug embodying this style of decoration combined with a suggestion of Chinoiserie around the waist.
The Cultural History of Marlborough, VirginiaC. Malcolm Watkins
chinoiserie
- a style of decorative or fine art based on imitations of Chinese motifs
- an object or objects in this style
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Word Origin
French, from chinois Chinese; see -ery
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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