News
The Cultural Interpretation of Chinoiserie as a Symbolic Form—A Cross-Cultural Analysis Based on Cassirer’s Theory of Symbolic Forms
Ernst Cassirer (July 28, 1874 – April 13, 1945) was a German philosopher renowned for his theory of symbolic forms and his philosophy of culture. His thought is deeply rooted in the Neo-Kantian tradition and has had a significant impact on 20th-century philosophy, cultural studies, and aesthetics. In his famous work, The Philosophy of Symbolic Forms (published in three volumes from 1923 to 1929), he argued that humans do not confront reality directly but rather construct and understand reality through symbolic forms.
Chinoiserie as a Symbolic Form
Analyzed through Cassirer’s theory, Chinoiserie is an 18th-century European reimagining and recreation of Chinese and East Asian culture, essentially functioning as a symbolic form. By selectively adopting and translating Chinese cultural elements such as architecture, decoration, porcelain, clothing, and garden design, European artists and designers created a symbolic system imbued with Eastern allure. Although inspired by Chinese culture, this system actually constructed an “Oriental” symbolic world as perceived by Europeans.
In Chinoiserie, the symbolic form is manifested through the representation and reorganization of Chinese cultural symbols. This symbolic form does not faithfully reproduce Chinese culture but rather redefines these symbols through a European cultural lens, aligning them with the aesthetic and cultural expectations of European society at that time.
The Cultural Mediating Role of Symbolic Forms
According to Cassirer’s theory, symbolic forms serve as intermediaries through which humans understand and interpret the world. Chinoiserie, as a symbolic form, plays a mediating role in cross-cultural exchange. European artists and audiences did not directly engage with authentic Chinese culture but rather understood and imagined the “Orient” through the symbolic system of Chinoiserie.
In symbolic forms, Chinoiserie constructs an idealized and exotic “Other,” a representation that helps Europeans define and understand their own cultural identity through contrast. Therefore, Chinoiserie is not merely an expression of Chinese culture but also a reflection of European culture itself.
The Chinoiserie armchair designed by John Linnell and made by William Linnell, housed in the V&A Museum in the UK.
In the V&A Museum in the UK, there is a Chinoiserie armchair designed by John Linnell and made by William Linnell in 1754. Linnell drew inspiration from Chinese gardens and architecture, abstracting elements such as Chinese lattice windows and eaves as symbolic motifs and integrating them into the framework of a Western armchair. Additionally, it is evident that the designer partially referenced and replicated Chinese characters as decorative elements, painting them on the black lacquered surface. This surface, as a symbolic form, is not merely a reflection of reality but a recreation of it.
The Chinese elements in Chinoiserie have been reinterpreted by Europeans, becoming a new and imaginative symbolic form. This symbolic form is not confined to authentic Chinese elements but mixes fantasy, exaggeration, and idealization to create an aesthetic style that is both strange and familiar.
Creativity in Symbolic Forms
Cassirer believed that symbolic forms are not merely tools for expressing and communicating experiences but are also ways through which humans create and reshape the world. Through the use and development of symbols, humans continually generate new meanings and worldviews. Chinoiserie is not just a superficial imitation of China in form; it also carries deeper symbolic significance. It symbolizes the European curiosity about foreign cultures, the pursuit of a luxurious lifestyle, and the desire for an idealized world.
ChuCui Palace Crane Dancing in Clouds Brooch
As a pioneer of Chinoiserie-style jewelry, ChuCui Palace‘s brooch Crane Dancing in Clouds exemplifies the ability to recreate and reshape symbolic forms. The brooch takes the traditional Chinese totem of the “crane” as its theme and uses deconstructed cloud patterns to express a deeper level of Eastern spirituality, one that transcends the material world and pursues harmony and beauty.
The depiction of the cloud pattern is vivid yet retains its ethereal charm. By reinterpreting traditional cloud motifs, the design achieves a complex yet fluid aesthetic that resonates with both traditional and modern contexts, creating a visually rhythmic effect. The recreation of the cloud pattern involves a complex order of dots and lines, adorned with gemstones of varying sizes, and seeks to balance elegance and asymmetry in the composition, evoking a sense of Chinese romanticism where stars intertwine and clouds curl.
The brooch’s design is clearly inspired by traditional Chinese culture—drawing from elements of classical Chinese art, including both meticulous gongbi painting and expressive xieyi painting. Using diamonds and gold as the “brush,” the design outlines and depicts the pure colors of ink and wash, with the meticulousness of gongbi as its foundation and Western inlay techniques as its method. Through a modern design approach, the piece retains the cultural significance of traditional symbols while adapting them to contemporary aesthetics, conveying an idealized vision of Eastern beauty and spiritual aspiration.
Symbolic Forms and Cultural Symbols
In Chinoiserie, the “Orient” is repeatedly presented and reconstructed as a symbol. This symbol not only caters to Europe’s aesthetic interest in Chinese culture but also embodies Europe’s fantasies and projections onto foreign cultures. In this process, the symbolic forms of Chinoiserie become cultural symbols, reflecting the complex attitudes of European society towards globalization, trade, and cross-cultural interaction at the time.
The luxurious Chinoiserie lacquer cabinet made in England between 1690-1700, housed in the V&A Museum.
After 1660, cabinets with stands were considered highly prestigious furniture pieces. These cabinets were lavishly decorated and featured numerous drawers for storing valuable and rare items, while also serving as objects of display themselves. This particular cabinet has undergone a ‘japanning’ process, a decorative technique that imitates East Asian lacquerware. Japanning was carried out by skilled craftsmen and also became a popular pastime among affluent women.
The V&A Museum houses a luxurious Chinoiserie lacquer cabinet made in England between 1690-1700. The piece is a fusion of Baroque and Chinoiserie styles, featuring gold and silver lacquerwork, with the base coated in a finish that imitates tortoiseshell. The cabinet’s base and decorative top sections are carved and silvered. The cabinet has two doors adorned with gilt brass corner mounts, pierced hinges, and a lock plate. The front and sides are painted with Chinoiserie landscapes and exotic plants, set against a background that mimics the texture of tortoiseshell.
The combination of Baroque opulence with the delicate precision of Chinese classical style creates a perfect harmony. Europeans clearly showed a deep fascination with this intricate and luxurious exotic aesthetic. The Orient, as an “Other,” was juxtaposed with European luxury, serving as a projection of identity and embodying Europe’s wondrous fantasies of foreign cultures.
Through Cassirer’s theory of symbolic forms, we can more comprehensively examine the complexity and multilayered nature of Chinoiserie as a cultural phenomenon. It is not merely an aesthetic representation of Eastern culture, but also a process of self-positioning and identity formation for Europe when confronting foreign cultures. The symbolic forms embodied in Chinoiserie, through the selective absorption and recreation of Chinese cultural elements, have shaped an idealized and exotic “Other” image. This image not only fulfilled European society’s desire for luxury, mystery, and exoticism but also reflected Europe’s cultural attitudes and psychological states in the process of globalization. By analyzing Chinoiserie, we not only observe the evolution of an aesthetic style but also recognize the profound impact of symbolic forms in cross-cultural exchange.
London, United Kingdom – July 9, 2025 – Taiwan has taken a bold step in driving regional wellness innovation with the launch of the ‘2025 Go Healthy with Taiwan’ campaign in the United Kingdom. Spearheaded by the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and executed by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), this campaign encourages UK-based public institutions, enterprises, and SMEs to propose pioneering ways to apply Taiwan’s health-focused technologies to local community needs.
The campaign is structured as an open call for proposals across three strategic sectors: Fitness & Sports Technology, Cycling, and Smart Healthcare. Participants will vie for three US$30,000 cash prizes, awarded to the most impactful and innovative proposals. In addition, the top six teams will be invited to Taiwan for an exclusive “Go Healthy Tour”, – a curated, immersive experience offering direct access to Taiwan’s dynamic health technology ecosystem. This tour will feature hands-on demonstrations, site visits, and networking opportunities with leading Taiwanese companies, enabling participants to explore collaboration, product integration, and market expansion opportunities firsthand.
The response in the UK has been extraordinary,” said Mr. Ares Chen (Chen Chien Ming), Director of TAITRA London. “Through this campaign, we are fostering deep, cross-border collaboration that empowers British communities with Taiwan’s most innovative wellness solutions, setting a new benchmark for healthier societies in Asia.”
Sectoral Focus Areas:
Fitness & Sports Technology: From AI-enabled training systems to connected workout equipment, Taiwan’s smart fitness innovations are designed to boost personal and population-wide wellness outcomes.
Cycling: As a global manufacturing hub for high-performance bicycles and a leader in urban cycling infrastructure, Taiwan champions cycling as a sustainable, health-positive mode of transport.
Smart Healthcare: Taiwan’s Medtech sector offers advanced diagnostic platforms, telemedicine capabilities, and wearable technologies that are reshaping healthcare delivery and preventive care models.
Participation is made simple through the SurveyCake platform, which is designed for ease of submission. Detailed guidelines and case examples, such as Acer’s wearable health monitors already adopted by leading hospitals worldwide, are available on the official campaign website to support proposal development.
Proposal Deadline: August 14, 2025
Campaign Website: https://gohealthy.taiwanexcellence.org/
Join Taiwan in creating a healthier, more resilient future through innovation, collaboration, and shared purpose.
About Organisers
The International Trade Administration (TITA), established by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, is tasked with developing trade policies, engaging in international cooperation, and promoting economic agreements. Responsibilities include removing trade barriers, conducting data analysis, administering import-export operations, and resolving trade disputes. The Administration’s comprehensive role spans trade promotion, MICE industry development, and managing commodity classification. It conducts investigations on import relief and anti-dumping cases, addressing diverse facets of international trade, making it a pivotal entity in Taiwan’s global economic engagement. https://www.trade.gov.tw/English/
Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is the leading non-profit, semi-governmental trade promotion organisation in Taiwan. It was founded in 1970 to promote foreign trade, and is jointly sponsored by the government, industry associations, and several commercial organisations. The organisation has a well-coordinated trade promotion and information network, which consists of over 1,200 trained specialists stationed throughout its Taipei headquarters and 60 branches worldwide. In conjunction with its sister organisations, the Taiwan Trade Centre (TTC) and Taipei World Trade Centre (TWTC), TAITRA has created a wealth of trade opportunities through effective promotion strategies. Please visit: www.taitra.org.tw
News
The U.S. Election Heats Up: How Will Global Asset Trends Change with Market Pricing for a Trump Victory?
Since October, Trump has surged in the polls, leading to a rapid shift in global market sentiment. Trading strategies are gradually switching to bets on the election outcome. As the U.S. election enters its final showdown phase, the market seems to be picking up increasingly clear signals, with “smart money” significantly pricing in a tilt towards Trump.
The market is placing real bets on a Trump victory.
On Tuesday, shares of the well-known “Trump-related stock,” Trump Media Group, surged another 8.76% following a 21.59% increase on Monday, bringing the total rise since October to 220.54%. Additionally, the KBW Regional Banking Index has risen by 10% over the past month, significantly outpacing the broader market, reflecting the market’s strong confidence in Trump-related assets.
The U.S. dollar and Treasury yields are also showing signs of the “Trump trade.” Currently, the dollar index has surged to the 104-105 range, rising for the fourth consecutive week, putting pressure on non-U.S. currencies. The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury has rebounded from previous lows to 4.24%, an increase of 48 basis points since the end of September.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin has become one of the core assets of the “Trump trade” due to Trump’s support for cryptocurrencies. On October 30, Bitcoin broke through the $73,000 mark for the first time in seven months, just 0.2% away from its all-time high. Data shows that since October, U.S. Bitcoin spot ETFs have attracted over $3 billion in net inflows, indicating strong institutional buying.
Total Net Inflows for Bitcoin Spot ETFs
In recent weeks, the strengthening dollar, rising Treasury yields, and the strong performance of the banking and cryptocurrency sectors—these direct “Trump-related stocks”—have shown robust gains. The market is betting real money on the expectation that Trump will win.
Impact of Trump’s Election on Major Asset Prices
As the U.S. election intensifies, expectations for Trump’s victory are growing, prompting the market to bet on the potential impacts of his policies on different asset classes. The economic effects of Trump’s policies could lead to stark differentiation among major assets, altering the global economic landscape.
- Strengthening Dollar
Trump’s policy proposals include raising tariffs and cutting taxes, which are expected to increase inflation expectations. This could make the Federal Reserve more cautious about lowering interest rates, thereby supporting a stronger dollar. Currently, the U.S. economic fundamentals are robust, particularly with high employment rates and moderate inflation, providing strong support for the dollar. It is anticipated that the dollar will continue to strengthen in the global foreign exchange market. - Cyclical and Technology Sectors Likely to Dominate U.S. Stocks
The market is generally optimistic about Trump’s potential boost to U.S. stocks. With a relatively strong U.S. economy, Trump’s emphasis on tax cuts and deregulation is expected to enhance corporate profits and consumer spending. The cyclical and technology sectors are likely to be key focuses for investors. Supported by macro factors such as fiscal expansion, strong demand in the AI sector, and global capital reallocation, the medium to long-term outlook for U.S. stocks appears more attractive.
Historically, U.S. stocks tend to rise in election years. For example, after Trump’s victory in the 2016 election, expansionary policies led to a rapid rebound in the S&P 500, providing a historical reference for this year’s U.S. stock trends.
- Commodity Demand May Face Adjustments
Compared to the Democrats, the Republican energy policy tends to support traditional energy industries. Trump’s election could lead to a relaxation of restrictions on fossil fuels, promoting the expansion of the oil and gas industry, which might suppress oil prices in the medium to long-term. The likelihood of escalating tensions in the Middle East has diminished, and expectations of declining oil demand due to a slowing global economy could lead to short-term fluctuations and weakness in oil prices.
Meanwhile, the gold market has continued to strengthen at high levels, having already incorporated significant safe-haven and anti-inflation demand within the framework of Trump’s policies. This has somewhat diverged from the fundamental support levels based on the dollar and real interest rates. If uncertainty decreases after the election, gold prices may face downward pressure.
- Bitcoin Set for a New Bull Run
The cycle of this year’s U.S. election closely aligns with the cycle of Bitcoin. Trump’s favorable stance toward the crypto market, along with his deep involvement in various crypto activities and related products, has generated excitement, especially his declaration to “make Bitcoin a strategic reserve for the U.S.” A Trump victory would be highly beneficial for the crypto space, leading to a new bull run for Bitcoin, and the influence of crypto assets in the global market is expected to reach new heights.
Conclusion
The current “Trump trade” is profoundly affecting global asset pricing. Regardless of the final outcome of the election, the global market will face an unprecedented opportunity for asset revaluation.
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A New Milestone for UQPAY
UQPAY is proud to announce its recent approval as a Principal Member of Mastercard for acquiring business, marking a significant milestone in our journey to enhance digital payment solutions globally. This prestigious status not only underscores UQPAY’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service and security in the financial industry, but also positions us at the forefront of payment innovations.
As a Principal Member of Mastercard, UQPAY will now be able to directly acquire merchants and provide them with access to Mastercard’s global payment network. This direct relationship enhances our ability to offer tailored, flexible payment solutions that cater to the diverse needs of businesses in Singapore. Merchants partnering with UQPAY can look forward to a range of benefits that will transform their transaction capabilities and open new opportunities for growth.
Benefits for Merchants
- Enhanced Payment Security: Leveraging Mastercard’s cutting-edge security technologies, UQPAY will offer merchants robust protection against fraud and payment disruptions, ensuring that every transaction is secure.
- Global Reach, Local Service: Through Mastercard’s international network, merchants can effortlessly reach overseas customers while enjoying localized support from UQPAY. This dual advantage is crucial for businesses aiming to grow without borders.
- Customized Payment Solutions: UQPAY’s newfound status as a Principal Member allows for more flexible and innovative payment solutions, tailored to meet the specific needs of our merchants. Whether it’s simplifying mobile payments or integrating multi-currency transactions, UQPAY is equipped to handle it all.
- Streamlined Operations: Merchants will benefit from streamlined operations and reduced processing times, making it easier than ever to manage their finances and improve cash flow.
- Expert Insights and Support: UQPAY’s dedicated team of payment experts is committed to supporting merchants in navigating the complexities of global commerce. Our team will provide insights, advice, and continuous support tailored to help businesses thrive.
A Future of Possibilities
This collaboration between UQPAY and Mastercard represents more than just a business advancement. It signifies a leap towards the future of commerce, where efficiency, security, and customer satisfaction are paramount. We are excited to embark on this journey, enhancing the payment experiences of our merchants and their customers around the globe.
For current and prospective merchants, this development means access to a world-class payment infrastructure backed by the trust and reliability of Mastercard. We invite businesses of all sizes to join us in reaping the benefits of this new era of payment solutions.
Stay connected with UQPAY as we continue to innovate and lead in the delivery of premier digital payment solutions. Together, we are setting new standards in the world of transactions, paving the way for a seamless, secure, and prosperous future for all our partners.
ABOUT UQPAY:
Grow Your Business Borderlessly
UQPAY is a one-stop global digital payment solution provider headquartered in Singapore, with branches in multiple locations worldwide. Since 2017, UQPAY has been delivering seamlessly integrated, one-stop solutions designed for global application, adhering to the highest industry standards for security. UQPAY holds several financial licenses, including the Major Payment Institution (MPI) License issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Money Services Business (MSB) license in the United States. Additionally, UQPAY is a member of the Singapore FinTech Association and has been recognized as one of Singapore’s Top 500 Most Successful SMEs.
Contact UQPAY
UQPAY Website: https://uqpay.com/
UQPAY Twitter: https://x.com/UQPAYSG
UQPAY PTE. LTD.
9 North Buona Vista Drive, #02-01, Metropolis Tower 1, Singapore 138588
Phone: +65 8328 0868
Email: bd@uqpay.com
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