Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
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.
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Bronze
1960s Hong Kong Vintage Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Brass
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Brass
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Leather, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary American Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Wood
Early 19th Century Antique Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Brass
Early 1800s European Antique Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Pine
Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Brass
1960s Finnish Vintage Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Pine
Early 20th Century Indian Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Iron
1960s Czech Vintage Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Ash
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Brass
19th Century Antique Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Brass, Iron
Early 20th Century European Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Paint, Canvas, Wood
1850s Swedish Antique Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Steel
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Wood, Paint
20th Century European Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Wood
1840s Antique Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Wood, Lacquer
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Wicker
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Teak
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Wood, Elm
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Wood
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Wood
Early 20th Century English Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Metal
Late 19th Century Korean Antique Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Brass
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Trunks and Luggage
Iron