Chinoiserie Furniture
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-18th Century Dutch Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Earthenware, Delft, Faience
Early 20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Furniture
Glass, Wood
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Furniture
Rosewood
1960s Japanese Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Furniture
Ceramic
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass, Sheet Metal, Enamel
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
Mid-18th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Silver
17th Century Dutch Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Pewter
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Chinoiserie Furniture
Paint
1860s English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Paper
1980s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Belgian Black Marble
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass, Enamel
1960s European Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
2010s American Chinoiserie Furniture
Paper
1960s Cambodian Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Bamboo, Rattan
1990s Philippine Chinoiserie Furniture
Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo, Wood, Leather
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Furniture
Paint
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Wool, Cotton
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Pearlware
1980s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Burl, Cane, Wood
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Wool, Cotton
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Furniture
Bronze
2010s American Chinoiserie Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century North American Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
19th Century British Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
Late 18th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Earthenware
2010s Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Ceramic
Early 19th Century British Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Ironstone
19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Ironstone
2010s Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Swiss Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal, Brass, Steel
Late 19th Century Asian Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood, Paint
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Ironstone
2010s Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Ceramic
2010s Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Ceramic
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Beech
1980s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood, Paint
2010s Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Ceramic
Early 1900s French Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Faux Bamboo, Mirror, Wood
Early 1900s French Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Faux Bamboo, Mirror, Wood
Early 1900s French Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Faux Bamboo, Wood, Mirror
1970s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary British Chinoiserie Furniture
Paper
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal, Brass
Chinoiserie furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
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