Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
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 European Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Iron
1990s Philippine Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo, Wood, Leather
Late 19th Century Antique Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Iron
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Bamboo
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
1980s American Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Jade, Gold
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
1980s Portuguese Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Porcelain
Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Canvas, Silk, Wood, Giltwood
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
2010s Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Rattan
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Metal, Brass
1940s American Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Silver Leaf
Mid-20th Century French Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Wool, Velvet, Cotton, Down
1970s Asian Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary German Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary German Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Silk
20th Century Indonesian Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Mahogany
20th Century American Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Cotton, Linen
21st Century and Contemporary Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Velvet
20th Century American Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
19th Century Antique Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Tin
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
Early 1900s British Antique Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Paint
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Bronze
1960s Japanese Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Paper
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Rattan, Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Wool, Cotton, Foam
21st Century and Contemporary British Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Linen
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood, Paint
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Wool, Cotton, Foam
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Marble
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Metal
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Metal, Gold Leaf
1890s French Antique Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Maple, Pine
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood, Lacquer
Late 20th Century French Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Paper
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Mahogany, Lacquer
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Mahogany
1940s American Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
1950s American Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
20th Century Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
2010s British Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Silk, Velvet
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Ebony
1920s Vintage Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Pine
2010s British Chinoiserie More Furniture and Collectibles
Silk, Velvet