Chinoiserie was a European playful (not mocking) imitation or parody of Chinese decoration with figures, pagodas, exotic birds and much else. In furniture terms painted furniture, inspired by Oriental lacquer were referred to as ‘japanned’. The quality varied from the professionally made to amateur pieces. Chinoiserie also featured in carving, in needlework, in porcelain and all the decorative arts, and was often exotic and frivolous.