Editing Rococo (section)

==Characteristics==
Rococo features exuberant decoration, with an abundance of curves, counter-curves, undulations and elements modeled on nature. The exteriors of Rococo buildings are often simple, while the interiors are entirely dominated by their ornament. The style was highly theatrical, designed to impress and awe at first sight. Floor plans of churches were often complex, featuring interlocking ovals; In palaces, grand stairways became centrepieces, and offered different points of view of the decoration.{{Sfn|Hopkins|2014|page=92}} The main ornaments of Rococo are: asymmetrical shells, [[Acanthus (ornament)|acanthus]] and other leaves, birds, bouquets of flowers, fruit, musical instruments, angels and [[Chinoiserie]] ([[pagoda]]s, dragons, monkeys, bizarre flowers and Chinese people).{{sfn|Graur|1970|pp=193–194}}

The style often integrated painting, moulded stucco, and wood carving, and ''[[quadratura]]'', or illusionist ceiling paintings, which were designed to give the impression that those entering the room were looking up at the sky, where cherubs and other figures were gazing down at them. Materials used included stucco, either painted or left white; combinations of different coloured woods (usually oak, beech or walnut); lacquered wood in the Japanese style, ornament of gilded bronze, and marble tops of commodes or tables.{{sfn|Graur|1970|p=194}} The intent was to create an impression of surprise, awe and wonder on first view.{{Sfn|Ducher|1988|page=144}}