A decorative design or ornamentation consisting of shell or shell-like patterns, often used in architecture and applied arts.
From French 'coquillage,' meaning 'shells' or 'shellwork,' derived from 'coquille' (shell). The term became prominent in European design language, especially during the Rococo period when shell motifs dominated aesthetic sensibilities.
Rococo design was basically the 'shell emoji' of the 18th century—everything had to be decorated with shell patterns called coquillage. Aristocrats were so obsessed with this look that entire rooms got covered in swirling, organic shell-inspired plasterwork, making their palaces look like edible frosting.
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