Chinoiserie (from French chinoiserie — "Chinese-esque") is an artistic movement that became widespread in European decorative and applied arts of the 18th century. Inspired by the art of China and other countries of East Asia, it was a fantasy interpretation of Eastern motifs, often far from their authentic models. Chinoiserie was especially popular during the Rococo era, when images of exotic landscapes, whimsical architecture and figures in Eastern costumes decorated porcelain, furniture and jewelry. This snuffbox reflects the fascination of European masters with Eastern aesthetics, characteristic of the mid-18th century.

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