You’ve seen it all over Instagram and Pinterest. Blue and white patterns are hot. Ironically, this “trendy” style is anything but.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Europeans embraced Asian culture. At that time, drinking tea was the ultimate social function. (And here we are, with our wine and reality shows.) The combination of these two factors gave way to a surge in chinoiserie and it was coveted throughout European social circles. Especially the hand-painted tea service items; they were a hot commodity and a symbol of wealth.
How did the blue and white patterns become so hot? The tale goes like this: two very influential and aristocratic women had a very public feud over a Japanese blue and white chinoiserie plate. After that, the style caught on quickly. It stayed strong, becoming a classic pattern cherished through the years. It is vibrantly en vogue once again. I love to see the fresh spin people take on this pattern.
Chinoiserie
