Chinoiserie Statues
Emerging in the 17th century, chinoiserie appropriated the aesthetics and imagery of popular East Asian design for European-made versions. Reflecting the exoticization of China, Japan and other countries in this era, the word directly translates from French to “Chinese-esque,” which reveals its shortcomings as a style of furniture and decor that often stereotypically and reductively mimics Asian culture rather than showcasing and paying tribute to its artistic traditions.
The enthusiastically decorative chinoiserie style was propelled by influential tastemakers including French King Louis XIV, whose Trianon de Porcelaine in 1670 was inspired by Chinese architecture. Expanded trade between the East and West led to a demand for porcelain, lacquer objects, silk and other goods, which further informed the fanciful furniture being crafted in Europe.
Artisans working in the chinoiserie style used materials and elements like pagoda shapes, bamboo, lacquer surfaces, bird and flower motifs and other interpretations of Asian design on pieces that were frequently set against vibrant wallcoverings. This whimsical approach yielded chinoiserie furniture that boasted dramatic flourishes drawing on the natural world and reflected the dominance of Rococo during the 18th century.
As chinoiserie was shaped by approximations of Asian design by European creators, it had regional variations, such as Chinese Chippendale in England where cabinets, chairs and tea tables had wooden fretwork designs and “japanned” surfaces intended to resemble lacquer work that was created in East Asia. In North America, furniture makers in Boston and New York integrated chinoiserie-painted scenes into Queen Anne furniture.
Antique chinoiserie furniture has continued to be fashionable, from its popularity with decorators of the Hollywood Regency era — James Mont, Tommi Parzinger, William Haines and Samuel Marx favored the style — to contemporary interior designers, although it brings with it a complex history.
Find a collection of chinoiserie bedroom furniture, cabinets, decorative objects and more on 1stDibs.
20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie Statues
Ceramic, Paint
20th Century Southeast Asian Chinoiserie Statues
Ceramic, Paint
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Statues
Ceramic, Paint
20th Century Southeast Asian Chinoiserie Statues
Ceramic, Paint
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Statues
Ceramic, Paint
20th Century Southeast Asian Chinoiserie Statues
Ceramic, Paint
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Statues
Resin
1980s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Statues
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Statues
Bronze
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Statues
Porcelain
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Statues
Terracotta
1940s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Statues
Terracotta
1970s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Statues
Terracotta
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Statues
Cement
19th Century Italian Antique Chinoiserie Statues
Pewter
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Statues
Ceramic
1960s German Vintage Chinoiserie Statues
Ceramic
Early 1900s Antique Chinoiserie Statues
Terracotta
Early 20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Statues
Concrete
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Statues
Terracotta
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Statues
Ceramic
20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie Statues
Ceramic, Paint
Early 20th Century Southeast Asian Chinoiserie Statues
Ceramic, Paint
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Statues
Resin
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Statues
Ceramic
Late 20th Century Thai Chinoiserie Statues
Terracotta
1970s Unknown Vintage Chinoiserie Statues
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Statues
Terracotta
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Statues
Iron