Post #651996 by Grand Kahu on Thu, Sep 13, 2012 10:15 PM

Right -- and the Romans did the same -- as did Europe in the Renaissance when it became a mish-mosh of Greco-Roman-Egypto design known simply as "the antique" regardless of authenticity or the origin of motifs. I do think the Japonesque craze of the late 19th century seems a strong candidate as poly-pop-predecessor, given the motifs and approach were not too far off. However, I think the craze for Japanese design ("authentic" or not) was probably even more widespread and rabid. After all, it went far beyond bar and restaurant designs, backyard luaus and the like to permeate household furnishings, a wide range of fashion, fine art (e.g. Impressionism), etc. I do wonder...was there a fashion for sake and the cuisine? Aside from the novelty of chopsticks and the much-later introduction of Japanese cuisine to Western restaurants, it would be interesting to see if there were many parties in the Japanese taste which actually involved some Western twists on Japanese drink and food.

Bamboo mugs and sake cocktails in the 1880s? Hmm...

GK