chinoiserie

American  

[sheen-wah-zuh-ree, -wah-zuh-ree, shee-nwaz^uh-ree] / ʃinˌwɑ zəˈri, -ˈwɑ zə ri, ʃi nwazəˈri /

noun

(sometimes initial capital letter)

chinoiseries plural

1. 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.

2. an object decorated in this style or an example of this style.

   The clock was an interesting chinoiserie.

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chinoiserie British  

/ -ˈwɑːzərɪ, ʃiːnˌwɑːzəˈriː /

noun

1. a style of decorative or fine art based on imitations of Chinese motifs

2. an object or objects in this style

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Etymology

Origin of chinoiserie

1880–85; < French, equivalent to chinois Chinese + -erie -ery

Example Sentences

While it doesn’t necessarily resemble traditional chinoiserie, the versatility of this trend allows it to seamlessly adapt to various design styles.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 4, 2023

Duncan also likes to use Brunschwig & Fils’s Xian chinoiserie as an accent pattern on window shades or an armchair, and she suggests pairing it with a geometric design.

From Washington Post • Jan. 11, 2021

Inside, it was decorated in decadent chinoiserie, with a thirty-foot glass chandelier clutched in the claws of a silvered dragon suspended above the dining table.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 10, 2020

Naturally, it was none other than Benjamin Franklin, the chief disciple of Confucius and chinoiserie among the Founding Fathers of the United States.

From Salon • Feb. 6, 2019

Versed in the weird grivoiserie Affected by Verlaine, And charmed by the chinoiserie Of Marinetti's strain, In all its multiplicity He worshipped eccentricity, And found his chief felicity In aping the insane.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 150, June 7, 1916 by Seaman, Owen, Sir