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Far Eastern Exoticism

Be it Chinese porcelain, lacquerware, silk and paper wall coverings or even entire buildings, the enthusiasm for Chinese objects swept all-over Europe during the baroque era.
When the “Drachenhaus“ (dragon house) was built, 16 Far Eastern gilded repoussé dragons were brought to the royal vineyard in Sanssouci. King Frederick had adapted the decorative motif of the dragon from the large pagoda in Kew Gardens; the shape of the Drachenhaus itself followed the design of the Ta Ho pagoda in Guangzhou.
Unlike his European relative, the mythical Chinese creature with its body covered in fish scales, tiger-like paws, eagle claws, deer antlers, whiskers and a lion’s mane is usually of peaceful disposition – as long as it is treated properly. The Chinese mythical beast can bring rain and create springs; when it is pictured with five claws it is the symbol of the Chinese emperor.