Chinoiserie

This month I was re-introduced to a lovely design known as Chinoiserie. A classic decorative style that was first popular in the 18th century.

 I picked out a fabulous wallcovering at the F.Schumacher showroom in International Market Square. The Chiang Mai Dragon comes in a variety of options, all rich in color and detail. Here are two colorways I love…

F. Schumacher, CHIANG MAI DRAGON, Color – ALABASTER

This color is Alabaster and is the original color scheme for the 1930’s Chiang Mai Dragon print.

F. Schumacher, CHIANG MAI DRAGON in Aquamarine.

A couple things make this particular wallcovering special, unique and a high-price item. Here are reasons (beside appearance) I appreciate Chiang Mai Dragon pattern:

• Originally done by hand with wooden blocks.

• The dragon done by the 1930’s American movement have a mix of a 4 and 5 claw legs. Traditionally 5 claw dragons were reserved only for the Imperial families, thus this error shows that this is an American pattern.

• Each roll is a unique work of art, all hand screened done by an individual inker and all inkers at the F. Schumacher mill working on this pattern have a Masters in Fine Arts!

Other items I saw while shopping in IMS that caught my eye in my Chinoiserie craze….

F. Schumacher, CHINOIS, Color – Peony

Such whimsy and what a beautiful color!

Reverse on the style with a periwinkle background color.

And I saw this fantastic piece in Kravet, found behind their front desk, what a statement piece.

Check back in a couple weeks for my June Color of the Month!