What do you know about Rococo?
The style of Rococo emerged in 18th century in France. The word is a combination of the French rocacille referring to curved and natural forms of ornamentation similar to the shapes of rocks and shells and the Italian word barocco or Baroque style. This style came after the Baroque period during the reign of Louis XV and was at its peak in history in the 1730s. At the time it was a new style which had not been seen before and like anything new the critics of the period considered it a frivolous style of decoration.
While the classical style of ornamental followed the architectural orders, Rococo was free and without restrictions. The style was characterized by acanthus leaves, asymmetry, C and S scrolls, and naturalistic motifs all evoking an extravagant form of decoration. The style was particularly embraced by artists and craftsmen in their ornamentation of luxury goods, pottery, grand furnishings and silver.
Chinoiserie, from the French word chinois meaning Chinese-esque emerged during the period of Rococo and became a very popular motif which still is prevalent in design today in porcelain pottery, textiles and wallpaper. The Chinoiserie style features Asian landscapes, pagodas and pavilions, elaborate birds, dragons, and Chinese figures.
Acanthus Leaf Ornamentation on Bombe Chest
Asymmetry in Porcelain
C and S Scroll in Ornamentation
Chinoiserie Mirror
Chinoiserie Painting by French Artist Boucher
Dragon Motif for Porcelain
Chinoiserie Landscape Design on Bombe Chest
Rococo Interior by John Linnell circa 1755
Rococo Louis XV Chair
Pagoda Style Window Treatment
Pagoda Cresting and Fretwork on Chair
Chinoiserie Bedroom by William and John Linnell circa 1754
Schumacher Fabric
Thibaut Tea House Wallpaper
By: Charisse Marie Colbert, CMC Design Studio
References: Victoria and Albert Guide to Period Rooms and Period Rooms in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
