Definition

orientalising

verb
  1. to make something Oriental in character, style, or appearance; to adopt or imitate Oriental features or aesthetics
  2. Usage: British spelling variant of 'orientalizing'; often used in art history and cultural criticism
  3. to represent or portray something in a way that reflects Western stereotypes or romanticized views of the Orient
  4. Usage: often used critically in postcolonial studies; associated with Edward Said's concept of Orientalism
adjective
  1. characterized by or involving the process of making something Oriental in style or adopting Oriental characteristics
  2. Usage: used as a present participle adjective

Examples

  • The designer was orientalising the collection by incorporating silk patterns and traditional motifs.
  • Victorian artists were often criticised for orientalising Eastern cultures in their paintings.
  • The orientalising aesthetic of the interior design drew inspiration from Persian and Indian art.
  • Scholars debate whether the museum's orientalising approach perpetuates outdated stereotypes.
  • The architect's orientalising style blended Western modernism with Eastern decorative elements.
  • Critics argue that orientalising non-Western cultures can reinforce colonial power dynamics.

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