Assignment Five

 

Is Rococo Design Valued in New Zealand?

Rococo is an 18^th century style of design that originated in France. Rococo design is very prominent in France and Germany but quite rare in New Zealand, so is rococo design valued in New Zealand? Despite rococo design being very common in other places of the world, it must be thoroughly searched for in New Zealand, especially amongst its architecture.
The lack of rococo furniture and other objects found in everyday New Zealand homes or on New Zealand auction sites such as Trade me suggests that rococo design is not valued in New Zealand. When scouring through Trade me for rococo designed objects, only few found really resemble rococo design and none are originals. This shows that there is not much rococo in New Zealand or at least there is no demand for it.
With the exception of the occasional candlestick there is no real rococo found in the common New Zealand home. Although these candlesticks are quite treasured and usually used on special occasions, there is no real evidence supporting that it is the rococo design that is valued, not just the shiny silverware.
Rococo Design is not very prominent in New Zealand, like it is in other countries such as France and Germany; it is because of this that rococo design is not valued in New Zealand.

Assignment Four

This is an Antique Rococo Style Gilt Metal Wall Mirror for sale on Trade Me. I am not sure of its age but it is in very good condition. I do not believe it to be an original 18th century rococo piece due to the price of $245; it is more likely a replica or a recently built originally designed piece based on rococo methodology. The seller has not listed many details about this mirror except it is rococo styled. I agree with the seller and also believe it is rococo because of its asymmetry and organic curves; because parts of its design cover the mirror it is illogical and more about décor rather than functionality. Although this is not an original I feel it still brings value to the owner as an original is very hard to come by and is very pricy, but this is a good substitute as it still provides the owner with the aesthetic appearance that an original would, just without the authenticity. I believe that rococo design still has a place in society as it is a historic form of European design that will always have enthusiasts. Throughout history many styles have been revived and rococo could easily be revived in today’s society or a style could be derived from rococo as most modern designs are about straight lines and functionality, curves could be brought back through rococo design.

Assignment Three