This study investigates Chinoiserie, a European decorative style from the 17th to 19th centuries that incorporated Chinese artistic influences, motifs, and themes. Characterized by its fusion of exotic stereotypes and authentic cultural elements, Chinoiserie was manifested in various media, including lacquerware, porcelain, silk, furniture, architecture, and garden design. By examining the cross-cultural artistic exchanges between China and Europe, this research highlights the enduring influence of Chinoiserie in European material culture and its connection to contemporary diplomatic endeavors.

The methodology examines Chinoiserie’s evolution through archival research and visual analysis, tracing vectors of transmission including Jesuit publications and extensive merchant imports that nourished creative adaptations. While stylistically interpreted, Chinoiserie’s persistent global impact warrants reevaluation as a cosmopolitan, avant-garde facet of early modern material culture.

The findings reveal Chinoiserie's significance as a cultural bridge, historically linking China and Europe through artistic collaboration and mutual appreciation. Furthermore, the study contextualizes Chinoiserie within the framework of China's Belt and Road Initiative, illustrating how these historical art forms underpin modern trade and cultural diplomacy. This analysis underscores the initiative's role in fostering a renewed engagement with Chinoiserie aesthetics, promoting a global appreciation of its historical and contemporary relevance.

Authors:
Sarah Omran, Fujian University of Technology, China
Bashar Dayoub, Fujian University of Technology, China

About the Presenter(s)
Mr SARAH OMRAN is a School Teacher/Instructor at Fujian University of technology in China

See this presentation on the full schedule – On Demand Schedule

Bookmark