In these times when the civilizations of East and West are blending together, phrases such as "Western cultural encroachment" are often used to describe the current Chinese admiration for everything Western. Oddly enough, two or three centuries ago things were the other way round. Oriental influence reigned supreme throughout Europe, where the aristocracy took a pride in their familiarity with exotic imports. Wherever this Eastern cultural encroachment was felt, the bourgeoisie bought Chinese porcelain, tea and silks for their homes as evidence of their fashionable taste. Meanwhile royalty and the nobility built Chinese style pavilions and buildings at enormous expense to display Chinese furniture and show off their cosmopolitan flair.
Nevertheless, due to the influence of the Baroque and Rococo art popular in Europe, these examples of architectural "chinoiserie" ended up bearing very little resemblance to traditional Chinese architecture.
Viewed from another angle, architectural "chinoiserie" illustrates the unexpected results produced by cross-cultural influence.
To explore further this particular vogue in European architecture, Sinorama will be running a series of articles in forthcoming issues on unusual Chinese-style architecture in Europe. It should certainly be something to look forward to!
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Germany.Berlin
Leewarder.Holland
Vienna.Austria
Sicily.Italy