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Chinoiserie is a decorative style in which Chinese motifs,
authentic or dreamed up by Westerners, are applied to furniture,
wallpaper, porcelain, and other decorative accessories.
The style was especially popular in the 18th century.
Some antique chinoiserie was actually made in China (often
with designs tailored specifically to the Western market), but
much of it was produced in the West.
For example, renowned English furniture maker Thomas
Chippendale (1718-79) designed many pieces in what he called
the “Chinese style.” These included chairs and bookcases with
elaborate fretwork, beds shaped like pagodas, and mirrors in the
form of Chinese lanterns.
Chinoiserie is still popular today, often as part of the eclectic
English country house style.