Chinoiserie: Asia in Europe 1620–1840

Editorial

Somewhere in the 17th century, Europe and its artists became fascinated with Oriental and Asian art and design and developed a style that has become known Chinoiserie. An exhibition of works, Chinoiserie: Asia in Europe 1620-1840, reflecting this style is on at the National Gallery of Victoria.

It's a strange style; while it's inspired by Asian art and uses materials like porcelain, silk and lacquer, it is very much a reflection of what Europeans thought Asia, China, Japan and India specifically, was like. And given a lack of accurate information and experience, these ideas are exotic, romanticised and westernised versions of Asian design. Nevertheless, it did produce some beautiful works of art, combined rather incongruously with the Rococo style of the time.

With over 180 works from the Gallery's own collection and some significant pieces on loan from other galleries, the exhibition includes ceramics, furniture, glass, textiles, paintings, prints and drawings from both Asia and Europe, and charts the style's development during the seventeenth and eighteenth century in Europe.

It's a step back into a more innocent, whimsical, and ornate time, and as a free exhibition, is certainly one not to miss.

For more information, visit NGV.

Tim Hunter, Citysearch