As a black immigrant, I cannot speak to whether Chinoiserie is offensive to the Asian community, but I can speak to cultural appropriation as it relates to being black. It is offensive when something that is inherently "black" is adopted by another culture and then disrespected by changing its name or turning it into a trend. This makes it feel as if our culture is disposable and cast aside for the next new thing. To determine if Chinoiserie is cultural appropriation, we need the opinion of someone Asian or Chinese. I have the utmost respect for Chinoiserie and want to ensure that I am not disrespecting any objects that may have religious or spiritual significance. As a designer who recreates Chinoiserie prints, I hold the art form in the highest esteem and would love to hear the opinions of those who are Asian.
The debate over whether Chinoiserie is cultural appropriation or appreciation is a complex one. It is important for us to educate ourselves about the history and significance of these beautiful pieces, and to listen to the perspectives of those who own and cherish them.
To avoid causing offense, we should familiarize ourselves with terminology such as Rose Medallion and Rose Mandarin, which refer to different patterns in Chinese porcelain. Additionally, we should learn about Blanc De Chine, a type of white porcelain made in Dehua, China. By respecting the cultural origins and significance of these art forms, we can appreciate their beauty without appropriating them.
