Some Examples of Interior Chinese-style Decorations in Czechia

OLIVOVÁ, Lucie. Some Examples of Interior Chinese-style Decorations in Czechia. In 2nd EAAA (Asian Art and Archeology) Conference, University of Zürich. 2017.

Basic information

• Original name: Some Examples of Interior Chinese-style Decorations in Czechia
• Name in Czech: Několik příkladů nástěnné výzdoby v čínském stylu v ČR
• Name (in English): Some Examples of Interior Chinese-style Decorations in Czechia
• Authors: OLIVOVÁ, Lucie.
• Edition: 2nd EAAA (Asian Art and Archeology) Conference, University of Zürich, 2017.

Other information

• Type of outcome: Presentations at conferences
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• Keywords (in Czech): české umění; 18. století; chinoiseries; nástěnné malby
• Keywords in English: Czech art; the 18th century; chinoiseries; wall paintings
• Tags: International impact

Abstract

This paper explores the Chinese style decorations, wall-paintings and wall-papers in particular, preserved in the palaces and mansions in Czechia. There is much to be offered, however, the current research about chinoiseries still fails of reaching this region. Since there was no direct access to trade with China, the fashion spread from Western Europe belayed by several decades. Nowadays, some twenty chambers with authentic wall decorations are known, for the most part dating from the eighteenth century. They fall into three groups, first, authentic Chinese wall papers and lacquer panels, which had been imported to Europe; second, wall paintings by local artists, who depicted Chinese objects and themes, retaining the customary mode of painting; and third, paintings by local artists who created their own versions of Chinese designs, in imitation of the alien mode. I shall introduce a couple of examples from each group, and explain the peculiarities behind the chosen way of rendering. The qualities of the extant Chinese wall-papers and of the local art in Chinese guise will be commented on, and finally, the degree of cross-cultural understanding will be discussed.

Abstract (in English)

This paper explores the Chinese style decorations, wall-paintings and wall-papers in particular, preserved in the palaces and mansions in Czechia. There is much to be offered, however, the current research about chinoiseries still fails of reaching this region. Since there was no direct access to trade with China, the fashion spread from Western Europe belayed by several decades. Nowadays, some twenty chambers with authentic wall decorations are known, for the most part dating from the eighteenth century. They fall into three groups, first, authentic Chinese wall papers and lacquer panels, which had been imported to Europe; second, wall paintings by local artists, who depicted Chinese objects and themes, retaining the customary mode of painting; and third, paintings by local artists who created their own versions of Chinese designs, in imitation of the alien mode. I shall introduce a couple of examples from each group, and explain the peculiarities behind the chosen way of rendering. The qualities of the extant Chinese wall-papers and of the local art in Chinese guise will be commented on, and finally, the degree of cross-cultural understanding will be discussed.