Derived from the French word for Chinese, the term chinoiserie (pronounced ‘sheen-wah-zuh-ree’) refers to the western European interpretation of traditional Chinese motifs and techniques. Popularized in the 17th century, the style encompasses furniture, wallcoverings, fabrics, and pottery. Porcelain and ceramic designs often feature intricate blue-and-white patterns depicting natural elements, pagodas, and scenes of leisure. Now, the classic Chinese-inspired style has made its way into pumpkin decorating, too. Faux pumpkins decorated in chinoiserie designs are now widely available on sites like Etsy, or you can create your own using paint or decoupaged fabric. For both methods, it’s best to start with a white base to reflect the traditional colors of chinoiserie pottery. You can use real pumpkins from your local pumpkin patch or choose faux ones for a fall decoration you can use for years to come.
How to Paint a Chinoiserie Pumpkin
If you’re feeling creative and want to hop on the DIY train, follow these steps to create a custom design.
How to Decoupage a Chinoiserie Pumpkin
Patterned fabric offers a shortcut to creating beautiful chinoiserie pumpkins. This simple pumpkin decorating idea reimagines classic designs in a fresh way. Fall decor has never looked so sophisticated!
