Dragons and PagodasĀ is a gorgeously illustrated survey of chinoiserie from the 18th century to today.Ā ChinoiserieĀ is a term for Western art and design inspired by a largely invented vision of China. Marco Poloās sensational account of his visit to the exotic East in the 13th century sparked a fascination with China that reached a fever pitch in the 18th century and continues to this day.
Art historian and artist Aldous Bertram has long been captivated by chinoiserie.Ā Dragons & PagodasĀ is organized by theme, including porcelain, color and pattern, flora, fauna, and architecture. Each chapter is bursting with images ranging from grand European summer palaces and whimsical pagoda follies to charming details of screens, porcelain figurines, and ornate plasterwork.
Complete with Bertramās own chinoiserie-inspired watercolors and collages,Ā Dragons & PagodasĀ is an irresistible confection and an example of chinoiserie in its own right.
