Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
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.
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Wood
20th Century Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Iron
1940s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Metal
20th Century Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Wood
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Giltwood, Mirror
Early 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Metallic Thread
19th Century Antique Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Giltwood
Early 20th Century American Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mahogany, Giltwood
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Giltwood
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Wood
2010s English Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Antique Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Giltwood
20th Century American Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Brass
20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Bronze
Late 19th Century American Antique Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Metal
1770s English Antique Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Burl, Giltwood, Walnut
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Bamboo
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Mahogany
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Wood
1940s Vintage Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mahogany
Late 20th Century East Asian Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Wood, Paint
1950s French Vintage Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Brass, Bronze, Iron
1870s French Antique Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Gold Leaf
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Wood, Paint
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Metal
1940s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Gesso, Wood
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Brass
1980s North American Vintage Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Metal
1950s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Wood