Reading Comprehension 5

[1]

Interior Design Since 1900 . Anne Massey . page 29 . Image 21

The Eastlake inspired desk above represents revolution in design by incorporating the simple straight lines found in Japanese furniture. Louis Comfort Tiffany designed his New York flat to include naturalistic forms in his wall treatments and accessories, as well as the furniture he chose for the space. In 1883 it was important for people to show worldliness and a connection to the East through the treasures showcased in their homes. Having a large artifact such as this desk with beautifully hand carved details spoke the same language that William Morris was trying to express with his designs. Arts and Crafts designers felt strongly that simple hand crafted furniture would be the revolution that everyone needed. We needed to reconnect with ourselves and the earth and not be so dependent on machines to mass produce everything. Going back to simplicity and nature represents Asian influence in Western design.

[2]

Artifact
Sevres Porcelain Factory - Sevres, France - 1862-76
Tea service with bamboo design

The intricate designs on the porcelain tea set below shows the influence of handcrafted artifacts being reintroduced into the western world. The handle and carved details resemble Asian furniture and are exotic yet simple.

http://sccp.main.jp/modules/tinyd2/rewrite/tc_9.html

Space

Morning Room - Louis Tiffany - Hartford, CT - 1881

Color is the most important part of this space that connects the design to Asia, the Middle East, and India. Vibrant reds and greens as well as gold are used in the East a lot. The Oriental or Persian carpets included in this room are one of the most important things in homes to show wealth. They are hand woven and extremely expensive.

http://www.oldhouseonline.com/aesthetic-movement-lighting/

Building
The Guimet Museum of Asian Art - Paris, France - 1885

The front of this building looks very similar to Chinese architecture. Compare the Museum in Paris to the building below in China. The bottom is solid and simple while the middle and top have more elaborate and repeating details. Both buildings have the point at the top to help bring the viewers attention all the way up the building.

http://img.metblogs.com/paris/files/2008/07/dscn5546.JPG

http://www.solomon.cps.k12.il.us/images/hall.jpg

Place
Japanese Garden, Park Clingendael - The Hague, Netherlands -1910

In the late 19th century Bonsai Trees were included in various international exhibitions and people started to incorporate Japanese trees and plants into their landscape designs. The small building in the garden resembles a traditional Japanese home and the red bridges connected a popular Japanese color to this place.

http://iguide.travel/photos/The_Hague-5.jpg