Orientalist collection
Orientalism, romantic and imbued with a dreamlike elsewhere, corresponds to a Western vision of an exotic, mysterious and luxurious world.
Abundant blooms, nomadic, odes to the Far East through Japonisme and Chinoiserie, the Orientalist collection offers us the opportunity to revisit a theme dear to the Decorative Arts.
From the 16th century onwards, we find evidence of Chinese wallpapers, intended to decorate folding screens and other screens, or to be assembled and fixed to the wall. These early wallpapers arrived transported by ships of the East India Companies and brought a fresh, exotic touch.
Influenced by gifts from the Siamese embassy to King Louis XIV, fabrics produced in particular by Lyonnais from the 17th century onwards featured a sophisticated blend of exotic flowers, fantastical birds, and geometric patterns, but were primarily used for clothing. They reinforced the taste for exoticism.
It was in the 18th century that Oriental-inspired motifs flourished on walls, most often in the form of panoramic landscapes. A veritable ornamental repertoire developed, notably fueled by the designs of Jean Pillement from Lyon and François Boucher. Engraved and disseminated, these designs, in the form of printed sheets, served as inspiration for all trades: wallpaper, textiles, furniture, porcelain, and more
Orientalism reached its full potential in the 19th century through painting, music, literature, photography and, of course, the decorative arts.
Today, we invite you to share our vision of this imaginary world, according to our inspirations and interpretations: Japanese blossoms, coquettish chinoiserie, learned swirls and stylized motifs.
