Singerie – the monkey motif
The word singerie (san-jah-ree) is a French word which means monkey trick. The monkey motif genre originated in the 18th century in France during the Rococo period. The style depicts monkeys attired in clothing mimicking humans in their activities. Often they are dressed in Chinese Mandarin clothing which is a reflection of the Chinoiserie style of the Rococo period. The singerie motif was popular with French artists of the 1700s who painted villa walls, furniture and canvas with this motif. This style has evolved over the centuries to encompass textiles designs, wallpapers, furnishings, lighting, and ceramics.
See what you think about all this monkey business in the following examples of singerie.
By: Charisse Marie Colbert, CMC Design Studio
Another great place to find great monkey decor are the middle east. Persian influences seem to play a dominant role in the related designs. Also, china town sometimes have amazing monkey pieces, especially during new years at the year of the “monkye.”
Nicolette
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