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What is Rococo?

By , About.com Guide

Definition: Rococo is a style of French design and decor that originated in the mid-18th century. Rococo was the last part of the French Baroque style and is characterized by rich decoration and a variety of motifs, incuding deep swirls, scrolls, scalloped shells and foliage. In exterior design, rococo-style balconies are made of detailed ironwork, such as interlacing scrolls supported on ornate brackets. These were a change from classical stone balustraded balconies.
Pronunciation: Roe-coe-coe
Also Known As: Baroque
Common Misspellings: Roccoco, rococoa, rococho
Examples:
The white, wrought-iron patio furniture at the White House is considered to be designed in the rococo style.

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