chinoiserie
Americannoun
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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.
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an object decorated in this style or an example of this style.
The clock was an interesting chinoiserie.
noun
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a style of decorative or fine art based on imitations of Chinese motifs
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an object or objects in this style
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of chinoiserie
1880–85; < French, equivalent to chinois Chinese + -erie -ery
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Chinoiserie, Persian gardens, Mughal painting motifs and art from Japan’s Edo period all make an appearance in Liberty of London’s Botanical Atlas collection.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 19, 2024
Chinoiserie also works for wallpaper in a small bathroom.
From Washington Post • Jan. 11, 2021
In a living room shrouded in afternoon sun, they are having trouble slipping into a narrow silky Chinoiserie tube dress, which has a stubborn side zipper.
From The Guardian • Jun. 12, 2020
But with its pagoda style roofline and ball finials, Prevue Pet’s Royalty birdcage, $399, adds a dash of Chinoiserie style for your feathered friends.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2015
The hangings are of an alluring Chinoiserie chintz, and there are several Chinese color prints framed and hanging in the narrow panels between the front windows.
From The House in Good Taste by Wolfe, Elsie de
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
