Japonaiserie (Victorian Culture)

Illustration with very visible Japonaiserie aspects

I recently came across a question about using Japanese items in a Victorian setting. I recalled a movement, which I detailed below, called Japonaiserie, which briefly explains how Japanese influences impacted Victorian Culture...

After opening of trade between Japan and the West, artists begin buying Japanese art, usually prints rather than original works. The resulting movement, Japonaiserie, becomes an influence on modern art. Degas, Manet, and Monet, among the impressionists, all collect Japanese prints; somewhat later, so does Van Gogh. Japanese furniture influences French interior design as well. Japonaiserie has some influence on the general public, who may not appreciate all the aesthetic nuances, but find Japan quaint, exotic, or charming.

Stoddard, W.H. (2000) - Gurps Steampunk, pg. 119, SJG:Austin
[edited for removal of game specific content]



The original "Ohashi bridge in the rain", by U. Hiroshige (top), and Van Gogh's "Bridge in the Rain" (bottom)

So, in response to the inquiry, I would say it would be perfectly fine, as long as you make an attempt to ensure it fits the goals of the movment. If one wishes to research this topic further, please consider the following linkages:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japonism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukiyo-e
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/jpon/hd_jpon.htm
http://lotusgreenfotos.blogspot.com/
http://www.victorianweb.org/art/design/simmons10.html
http://www.answers.com/topic/japonaiserie?cat=entertainment
http://www.artelino.com/articles/van_gogh_japonisme.asp