Treasure: Blue and White Chinoiserie Stands Test of Time

The appeal of Chinoiserie has withstood the test of time

In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Western art, furniture, and architecture began to incorporate the craftsmanship of Chinese motifs and techniques. The word Chinoiserie, from the French word “chinois,” meaning “after the Chinese taste,” was favored by artisans around the world when mimicking the Chinese style and beauty. Chinese porcelain was particularly popular, and it has maintained that popularity throughout the centuries.

Here, we highlight a variety of porcelain pieces of art, some vintage, a couple possibly antique, and others contemporary. Any type of Chinoiserie pieces, whether in blue and white, vibrant colors, or darker tones, will add a touch of history to your decor. My maternal grandmother was a fan of Chinoiserie, and I am lucky to have inherited several of her pieces.

Want to learn more about the history of Chinoiserie? Look for the book Dragons and Pagodas by Aldous Bertram, an artist, illustrator, muralist, and interior designer who resides in Charleston, South Carolina.

Porcelain items:

Vase with favored Chinese flowers on a carved wooden stand
Blue and white planter with matching stand
Blue and white cups with floral and dragon motifs
Colorful female and male salt and pepper shakers on a handled platform
Chinese vase with two female figures converted into a lamp and secured on a wooden base
Two blue and white plates and a rectangular lidded box with Chinese city motifs
Rooftop tile warrior guardian riding a hog secured on a wooden base