The Chinese House is a garden pavilion in Sanssouci Park in Potsdam.
Trying to give culture to Potsdam, Frederick the Great built the pavilion along with other chinoserie and rococo structures in the 18thc as an adornment to his flower gardens.
An exuberant example of chinoiserie, this pavilion was built in the height of the chinoiserie movement and featured an abundance of gilded figures and ornamentation.
This was also the time following the excavation of Pompeii and a love of ornamentation was all the rage.
The interior features all elements chinoiserie-exotic birds, ornamental parasols, palm trees and swags of fabric to tie it all together.
The gilded figures are in various positions drinking tea .
If chinoiserie is a love of yours, this is perhaps the best example in existence!
Here is a video of the exterior-
8 comments:
You do get around! What a great building. I can't remember ever seeing figures arranged around columns in natural tableaux like that ...
Absolutely stunning Theresa! The detail is simply exquisite!
The gilding is over the top gorgeous...
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
You always surprise me with new places, new images, new treasures.
Wow...amazing!
Beautiful. Potsdam is on my list. The Chinese House is a must. Did you get to Schloss Charlottenhof too?
I modelled one of the rooms in my home after seeing one of theirs in a book called Living Museums.
No Helen, I have not been to Schoss Charlottenhof. Sigh....one day! Have your ever blogged on the inspired room in your house?(hint, hint)
I'm not sure Theresa, I'll look in the archives. The room featured in my Stencilled Home book but no longer exists I'll look in the archives and dig out the photos.
Don't you wish people would build things like this now!
Kathi
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