A design style that emerged in the early decades of the eighteenth century in France, influencing painting, sculpture, architecture and the decorative arts in Europe and later North America. The style was likely developed by French craftspeople and its use was initially limited to furniture, silver and ceramics. Within architecture, interior design and decorative arts, it was characterised by asymmetrical design, the use of stylised and curving ornamental patterns, and motifs derived from nature, such as shells and leaves. In painting and sculpture, it was marked by an emphasis on naturalism, rich colours and a light treatment of themes.