Which Rococo ornament/motif depicts East Asian-inspired designs?

• A. Chinoiserie
• B. Rocaille
• C. Foliage
• D. Grotesque

Answer: (A)

Chinoiserie is the Rococo ornament that depicts East Asian-inspired designs. It came from a European fascination with Chinese and other East Asian motifs, translating pagodas, landscapes, willowy figures, bamboo, and lacquered surfaces into playful, decorative forms that fit the light, ornate Rococo style. You’ll see these motifs in furniture finishes, wallpaper, porcelain shapes, and painted scenes, all adopting an idealized, romantic view of East Asia.

Rocaille refers to the shell-and-rock scrollwork that defines much of Rococo ornament, foliage covers natural plant motifs, and grotesque denotes fantastical monsters or hybrid figures. None of these specifically signal East Asian influence, which is why Chinoiserie is the correct descriptor for this question.