Koristelisuus

Koristelisuus is a Finnish term that translates to "ornateness" or "decorativeness" in English. It refers to the quality of being excessively or elaborately adorned, often with the implication that the decoration might be gratuitous or detract from the essential function or beauty of an object or artwork.

The concept of koristelisuus is frequently discussed in the context of art, architecture, and design. In architecture, for example, a building might be described as having too much koristelisuus if its facade is covered in intricate carvings and embellishments that are seen as overwhelming or unnecessary. Similarly, in visual arts, a painting or sculpture could be deemed overly ornate if its decorative elements are so prominent that they obscure the subject matter or the artist's primary message.

The perception of what constitutes excessive koristelisuus can be subjective and often depends on cultural context and historical period. What one era or culture considers a beautiful and appropriate level of decoration, another might view as gaudy or distracting. The term can carry a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of restraint or an overemphasis on superficial appearance rather than substance. However, it can also be used more neutrally to simply describe a style characterized by rich and abundant ornamentation.