Prepared by Ar.

Jasline Reyes
ORIENTAL INTERIORS
 “ORIENTAL”

"Oriental" means generally "eastern".

It is a traditional designation (especially when
capitalized) for anything belonging to the Orient or
"East" (for Asia), and especially of its Eastern culture.

Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oriental
 POP QUESTION

HOW MANY ASIAN COUNTRIES

ARE THERE?
THERE ARE 48 COUNTRIES IN ASIA
TODAY, ACCORDING TO THE UNITED
NATIONS.
Source: https://www.worldometers.info/geography/how-many-countries-in-asia/
GE NGA, SAMPLE.
 COUNTRIES IN ASIA
1. China 17. Uzbekistan 33. Kyrgyzstan
2. India 18. Malaysia 34. Turkmenistan
3. Indonesia 19. Yemen 35. Singapore
4. Pakistan 20. Nepal 36. Oman
5. Bangladesh 21. North Korea 37. State of Palestine
6. Japan 22. Sri Lanka 38. Kuwait
7. Philippines 23. Kazakhstan 39. Georgia
8. Vietnam 24. Syria 40. Mongolia
9. Turkey 25. Cambodia 41. Armenia
10. Iran 26. Jordan 42. Qatar
11. Thailand 27. Azerbaijan 43. Bahrain
12. Myanmar 28. United Arab Emirates 44. Timor-Leste
13. South Korea 29. Tajikistan 45. Cyprus
14. Iraq 30. Israel 46. Bhutan
15. Afghanistan 31. Laos 47. Maldives
16. Saudi Arabia 32. Lebanon 48. Brunei

Source: https://www.worldometers.info/geography/how-many-countries-in-asia/
 DEPENDENCIES OR OTHER TERRITORIES

1. Taiwan
2. Hong Kong
3. Macao

Dependency of The Republic of China

https://www.worldometers.info/geography/how-many-countries-in-asia/
BUTTTTTTT
PEROOOOOO
 IN OTHER TERMS…

In British English, the term Oriental is sometimes still used

to refer to people from East and Southeast Asia (such as
those from China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand,Vietnam, Cambodia,
Mongolia and Laos).

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orient
ORIENTAL VS ASIAN VS EASTERN:
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Source: https://djaunter.com/oriental-vs-asian-vs-eastern/
 ASIAN

• Asian means a person, place, or thing which comes from, or is associated with,
the Asian continent and region.
• Asian is the standard, accepted term these days, while some of its synonyms
(other names to call Asians) have become archaic and/or offensive, but we’ll go
into detail on these in just a bit.

Source: https://djaunter.com/oriental-vs-asian-vs-eastern/
 ORIENTAL

What Does Oriental Mean?

• Oriental is an older term that has been used to describe people, places, and things from Asia.
• Oriental comes from the Latin word oriens meaning “east, literally “rising,” coming from the
sun rising in the east and setting in the west. The opposite word would be Occident, which
comes from the Latin word occidens, meaning “west,” literally “setting.”
• The use of Oriental in English, as well as in many other languages, is discouraged as it is
considered to be offensive.
Why is the term Oriental offensive?
• Oriental is offensive mainly because it has a Eurocentric origin – Asians are east of European
countries. In the past, the Orient was Asia, for the most part. Some people still accept more
the term Oriental for Asian things, but it’s probably better to skip it altogether – Asian is better
and it’s even a syllable shorter!
• Frank Wu, a law professor at Howard University, told the NY Times, “The word ‘Oriental’ is
not inherently negative. It’s associated with a time period when Asians had a subordinate status.
‘Oriental’ is like the word ‘negro.’ It conjures up an era. For many Asian Americans, it’s not just
this term; it’s about much more. It’s about your legitimacy to be here.”
• Don’t use Oriental to refer to Asians!
Source: https://djaunter.com/oriental-vs-asian-vs-eastern/
 EASTERN

Eastern is another term used to refer to people of Asian origin, similar

to Oriental. And just like with Oriental, it can be taken offensively for its
Eurocentric roots – Asia is only east in relation to Europe. While it is not as bad
as Oriental, choose Asian instead.

Source: https://djaunter.com/oriental-vs-asian-vs-eastern/
SO, WHAT IS ORIENTAL DESIGN
TALAGA???
 THE MEANING OF ORIENTAL DESIGN

Historically, oriental design referred to both artistic and functional

features of items from the nations of East Asia. This catchment
usually referred to products from China, Japan and other
surrounding countries such as Vietnam or Thailand.
Over time, as the influence of Asian culture has become more noticeable
in Western design, the term has been given a larger catchment. In the
modern world, oriental design is commonly used to refer to
products whose artistry or function is inspired by the cultures
of Asia as a whole, regardless of where they were
created. Nowadays, oriental design refers to common design
characteristics seen in a massive variety of countries, from China to
India and beyond.

Source: (2020).What is Oriental Design? https://www.cotswoldgrey.com/blogs/news/what-oriental-design

 HISTORY

Tracing the impact and popularity of oriental design involves tracing the
influence of Asian culture itself. When looking at East Asia, the majority of
this can be located throughout the history of China, the region’s oldest and
most significant civilisation. Throughout the early history of many other cultures
in East Asia, including Japan and Korea, Chinese influence can be seen.
On the other side of Asia, many cultures can be traced back to India,
particularly the proliferation of the Sanskrit language. This cultural development
helped to promote ‘Indian’ styles and cultures across many other culturally-
significant nations, such as Sri Lanka and Thailand. In locations such as Nepal,
the blend between Chinese and Indian influence can be seen acutely.

Source: (2020).What is Oriental Design? https://www.cotswoldgrey.com/blogs/news/what-oriental-design

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF
ORIENTAL DESIGN
The environmental differences between Europe and Asia have made a
substantial impact on differences in design. This contrast is most visible in
the materials used but can also be seen in the entire construction of
houses. Meanwhile, beliefs based on religion but also how one should
conduct themselves throughout their life also drew Asian design down a
path with distinct differences to the West.
 WOOD AND PORCELAIN SILK

Historic Asian design often relied heavily on these two Silk is another material that was first developed in
materials. Wood is a common feature of much antique China before slowly moving West, through India, before
furniture from around the world, but Asian examples reaching Europe. Both India and China are the biggest
were famed for their intricate detailing. producers of silk in the world, where it was and still is
Moreover, lacquer, used to give a more robust and regarded as a luxury material.
shinier finish to wooden products, originated in Asia,
with roots in both India and China.
Porcelain is perhaps Asian culture’s biggest influence in
the world of design, having been a secret of the
Chinese civilisation for hundreds of years before
reaching Europe.

Source: Source: (2020). What is Oriental Design? https://www.cotswoldgrey.com/blogs/news/what-oriental-design

 C ALLIGRAPHY
Calligraphy, the art of writing, has been a part of
many cultures across the world. However, in East Asia
particularly, it is much more appreciated as an art form
in itself.
In China, Korea, Japan and many more East Asian
nations, calligraphy plays a large role in the modern art
scene. These works are commonly done on paper with
black ink, with multiple smaller factors giving each piece
a sense of individuality.
Like culture itself, in many cases, Asian calligraphy can
be traced back to Ancient Chinese writings
which initially took the form of carvings on hard
surfaces.
Source: Source: (2020). What is Oriental Design? https://www.cotswoldgrey.com/blogs/news/what-oriental-design
FLOWERS
Throughout the history of many civilisations, flowers are
used as a powerful method of symbolism. The English Rose
or Scottish Thistle are two examples from closer to home.
Again, influenced by the environment, the flowers used in
oriental design are different and, as such, produce different
aesthetics.
Some prominent examples in Asian culture are the lotus
flower, which has many Buddhist connotations, and plum
and cherry blossoms, which are prominent in the arts of
China and Japan. In many cases, these flowers are used to
represent the beauty and shortness of human life.
 ANIMALS

Again, almost every culture across the world has

certain animals to which it connects. However, some
are more common in oriental design.The Chinese
dragon is perhaps the most common example,
although this image has been promoted by the West as
much as by the East.
More subtle examples of animals in Asian culture can be
seen in oriental design. In Indian culture,
the elephant plays a significant role, both religiously
and as a general symbol of strength. In East Asia,
the crane is a more delicate animal, often used to
represent harmony and longevity.

Source: Source: (2020). What is Oriental Design? https://www.cotswoldgrey.com/blogs/news/what-oriental-design

THE ORIENTAL STYLE ITSELF IS DIVIDED
INTO:

•ARAB
•ASIAN
 EXAMPLES
Source: https://www.hackrea.com/stories/oriental-interior-style-design-and-decoration-features/
 ARAB

• High Arches
• Good Space Lighting
• Rich natural colors
• Openwork sculpture and abundance of ornaments
• Arches
• Colorful textiles and decor

Source: https://www.hackrea.com/stories/oriental-interior-style-design-and-decoration-features/
 JAPANESE ASCETICISM
• The Japanese-style interior is extremely minimalist:
• Surfaces are not decorated with anything or minimal decor is used.
• The bedrooms are separated by thin partitions.
• There is almost no furniture, for example: it is not common to use
chairs, the tables do not exceed 30 cm above the ground; the beds are
low, people sleep without pillows, cushions or special supports for the
head and neck; instead of a bath, we use a barrel-like font.
• The floors are covered with carpets – smooth carpets made of
natural fibers.
• Cabinets and dressers are not used, and items are stored in special
chests or containers with comfortable seats.
• The range of colors is mainly neutral and natural: light shades of wood,
sand, black and white, natural green.
• All objects and surfaces are made of natural materials: wood, bamboo,
rattan, rice paper and light natural fabrics.
• You should not be surprised, because a real Japanese, like every
member of his family, needs the most necessary things and he does
more than compensate for the richness of his soul by the scarcity of
his accommodation.

Source: https://www.hackrea.com/stories/oriental-interior-style-design-and-decoration-features/
 CHINESE
• Bamboo is the hallmark of any Chinese interior
• The decor of the Chinese-style room is completed by
paintings – panels using the technique of applying
fragments of wood, straw or mosaics. A vase or set of
Chinese porcelain or its imitation, covered with a white
and blue pattern with moths, birds, dragons, bamboo
groves, will become a dignified and incredibly
characteristic decoration of the room.
• Colour. Red is considered to be loved by its people. It is a
symbol of power and life. Often it is combined with black.
• Walls. They can be painted or plastered. Sometimes they
use paper wallpapers (which is preferable, since they were
invented in China). Often, the walls are decorated with
spectacular paintings - it can be mountains, trees, birds,
flowers, sakura. Each such figure in the representation of
the Chinese has a certain symbolic meaning. When
choosing wallpaper for the room, you should ask what the
selected picture means.

Source: https://www.hackrea.com/stories/oriental-interior-style-design-and-decoration-features/
https://nz.dikidaycare.com/3899-oriental-style-in-the-interior-of-an-apartment
 MOORISH
It has the characteristic features of design, due to which it is difficult to
confuse it with another stylistic direction. It is distinguished by:
• Splendor, luxury, plenty of details.
• A large number of interesting patterns, intricate ornaments, mosaics.
• Dim, warm lighting.
• The abundance of textile elements, which are used to create fabrics
such as velvet, satin, organza, silk, brocade.You can make textile
accessories with your own hands or to order.
• The smoothness of the lines is traced, as well as the complete absence
of a clear geometry. For zoning premises use arched vaults.
• A special kind of room gives the furniture, which can be represented
by low sofas with an abundance of soft pillows, beds with a luxurious
canopy, screens, ottomans, chests. The furniture is heavy, carved with
semi-precious stones.
• The color range of oriental interiors is represented by natural muted
shades: terracotta, ocher, beige, sky blue, lilac, raspberry, orange, rich
green, turquoise, sand. Golden shade is a must in the interior, made in
oriental style. It is presented in abundance in the decoration of textile
elements.

Source: https://www.hackrea.com/stories/oriental-interior-style-design-and-decoration-features/
https://nz.dikidaycare.com/3899-oriental-style-in-the-interior-of-an-apartment
END