Large Red Jappaned Bureau Cabinet
Located in Dubai, AE
Fine Queen Anne style red Japanned Chinoiserie secretary cabinet. The triple domed top with eight urn finials over two doors, opening interior adorned with hand-painted landscape and...
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Venetian Pink Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Cabinet
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Italian Venetian Pink Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Cabinet. It is beautifully hand painted with yellow inside and pink outside.
Wood
$29,805 / item
Black Doge Secretary with Chinoiserie Cabinet
By Porte Italia
Located in Milan, IT
The Doge wood secretary is custom-made and decorated by hand in Venetian style by skillful artisans. Equipped with doors and drawers, it can be entirely personalized according to the...
Wood
English Chinoiserie Georgian Style Japanned Scarlet Vermillion Cabinet Secretary
Located in New York, NY
Vintage bureau cabinet secretary in the English chinoiserie style with elements of Queen Anne and George I design, japanned finish in red vermillion/scarlet with hand-painted and gil...
Wood
Fine Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A black lacquer chinoiserie secretary in two parts. The upper cabinet with two doors that open to reveal 2 shelves, 4 pigeon holes flanked by small drawer with butterfly form hardware.
Wood
Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Two Piece
Located in Bradenton, FL
Spanish Chinoiserie Secretary Desk, two parts. Desk features a lower chest with four storage drawers (two small drawers over two larger drawers), pull down door for writing in mid-se...
Wood
George II-Style Chinoiserie Secretary / Collector's Cabinet by Antonio's SF
By Antonio's
Located in Dallas, TX
a George II-style black lacquer secretary / desk with Collector's Cabinet above, gilt Chinoiserie decoration overall, some raised, cabinet above fitted out with display shelves for C...
Wood
1940's, Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A petite, two part, hand-painted, lacquered, fully finished, drop front Chinoiserie bureau secrétaire from Spain. The interior of the two-door top is wallpapered in faux bamboo fretw...
Wood, Lacquer
Venetian Style Chinoiserie Decorated Parcel Gilt Secretary
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic 20th century Italian lacquered secretary bookcase decorated in the Venetian taste with dramatic Chinoiserie motifs.
Brass
Vintage Georgian Style Red & Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Located in Pasadena, CA
This bright secretary was hand painted and produced by Trouvailles Inc in the 1960s. It features a flip top desk and ample storage. Suitable for many interiors.
Wood
19th Century Chinoiserie Secretary (Secretaire Abbatant)
Located in New Orleans, LA
This striking black lacquered Chinoiserie secretaire abbatant (fall front secretary) is beautifully adorned in golden raised Chinese scenes with flora and fauna. The 19th century pi...
Fruitwood, Lacquer
19th Century English George III Style Chinoiserie Lacquered Secretary
Located in Essex, MA
George III-Style Red-Lacquered Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase 19th century, the upper case with a broken-arch pediment over a pair of arched doors, the base with a slant lid opening ...
Oak, Lacquer
Mid-Century Italian Venetian Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a beautiful piece. This is a lovely mid-century Italian chinoiserie secretary desk. The coral and gilt interior makes such a vibrant statement. Each panel of the serpentine f...
Poplar
Georgian Style Red & Gold Chinoiserie Decorated Burton-Ching Secretary Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Georgian Style Red & Gold Chinoiserie Decorated Burton-Ching Secretary Desk.
Wood
Chippendale Hand Painted Green Chinoiserie Secretary With an Antiqued Finish
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your space with this exquisite hand-painted Chinoiserie secretary desk. This unique piece features a striking green antiqued finish with intricate...
Wood
Baker Furniture Red Lacquered Chinoiserie Secretary From Their McMillen Collecti
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in North Canton, OH
Extraordinary Piece and arguably one of the most sought after Chinoiserie pieces that Baker crafted. Instantly recognizable. Stunning in person. Acquired from the original owner. The...
Lacquer
Red Queen Anne Style Burton-Ching Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Red Queen Anne Style Burton-Ching Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase.
Wood, Lacquer
George II Style Black & Gold Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
George II Style Black & Gold Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase.
Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer
Queen Anne Style Burton-Ching Black Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Queen Anne Style Burton-Ching Black Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase
Wood, Lacquer
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Secretary Desk by Maddox, Asian Motif, 1970s
By Edward Wormley, James Mont
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This incomparable slant-front chinoiserie black lacquer secretary desk depicts a serene, traditional Asian motif from head to toe. The gold and greens appear as mystical and radiant...
Brass
$29,805 / item
Parma Blue Doge Secretary with Gold Chinoiserie Dresser
By Porte Italia
Located in Milan, IT
The Parma Blue Doge secretary showcases exquisite chinoiserie artistry with delicate golden figures and serene landscapes.
Wood
Fine Red Chinoiserie Gold Leaf Italian-Made Rococo Venetian Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This fine red Chinoiserie gold leaf Italian-made Rococo Venetian secretary desk is an extraordinary piece that blends European craftsmanship with exotic Chinoiserie decoration, creat...
Walnut
Mid-Century Italian Venetian Coral Gilt Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a beautiful piece! This is a mid-century hand painted Italian secretary desk with elaborate hand painted chinoiserie scenes. The bombe front features three paper lined drawer...
Glass, Wood, Poplar
Parma Blue Doge Secretary with Gold Chinoiserie Dresser
By Porte Italia
Located in Milan, IT
The Parma Blue Doge secretary showcases exquisite chinoiserie artistry with delicate golden figures and serene landscapes.
Wood
English 19th Century Black and Gold Secretary Bookcase with Chinoiserie Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English black lacquer secretary bookcase from the 19th century, with glass doors, drop-front desk and gold Chinoiserie décor.
Glass, Wood
Queen Anne Walnut Secretary with Chinoiserie Decorated Interior
By Jonathan Charles
Located in Westwood, NJ
The secretary with chinoiserie decorated Interior exemplifies the refined balance of elegance and utility that defined early 18th-century English furniture.
Wood
Fine 19th Century English Chinoiserie and Red Lacquered Slant Front Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine and elaborated 19th century Chinoiserie red lacquered slant front secretary. Hand painted and raised decoration. The interior with pigeon holes and drawers and a writing ...
Wood
Queen Anne Style Walnut Secretary Bookcase – Chinoiserie & Mirror Doors
By Jonathan Charles
Located in Westwood, NJ
Queen Anne Style Secretary – with chinoiserie and mirror doors exemplifies the refined balance of elegance and utility that defined early 18th-century English furniture.
Wood, Mirror
Pair of Louis XVI Style Dutch Chinoiserie Secretary and High Chest
Located in Greven, DE
Pair of chinoiserie furniture - secretary and chiffonier The Netherlands Satinwood and others, lacquered panels around 1890 Dimensions: H x W x D: 130 x 63 x 39 cm Description: Ve...
Satinwood
18th C Style George I Red Chinoiserie Decorated Secretary Desk by Burton-Ching
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
18th C Style George I Red Chinoiserie Decorated Secretary Desk by Burton-Ching.
Wood
A fine late 18th c to early 19th c William and Mary black Chinoiserie secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine late 18th century William and Mary black lacquered secretary. Fine Chinoiserie hand decorated scenes. Fine quality . Excellent condition
Wood
Georgian Style Slant Front Secretary Cabinet in Lacquered Wood, UK
Located in Queens, NY
English Georgian style (19th century) red lacquered Chinoiserie decorated slant front secretary cabinet.
Wood
English Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20th century hand-painted lady's desk, purchased from a prominent antique dealer in Los Angeles, Paul Ferrante in the late 1950s. The piece has been in my family since.
Queen Anne Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Lawrenceburg, TN
Red and gold hand-painted chinoiserie lacquered secretary/bookcase with a fitted interior for office usage, drop down desktop, two upper doors and three lower drawers for ample stora...
English Style Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite red chinoiserie piece was made in Italy circa 1920s. It is two-pieces. A bureau of three drawers sits below the drop front writing surface, revealing nine small draw...
Unavailable
H 36.62 in W 35.44 in D 22.05 in
Louis XV style lady’s secretary with red and gold chinoiserie decoration
Located in Wien, AT
Louis XV style, France, end of the 19th century. Various hardwoods and softwoods, veneered, primed in red, decorated in lacquer technique in the form of landscape scenes on the rever...
Wood
19th c. Red Chinoiserie Secretary Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
an English secretary desk with Chinoiserie decoration, a cabinet with glass doors / small bookcase occupies the top , the single large false drawer pulls out and the hinged front fal...
Brass
Sold
H 66 in W 39.5 in D 24 in
Early Georgian Style Chinoiserie Cabinet / Secretary Desk W/ Carved Pagoda Base
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an early 20th century Georgian style chinoiserie secretary cabinet on a heavily carved shell and pagoda form base.
Brass
Silver Leaf Chinoiserie Cabinet/Secretary
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chinoiserie painted cabinet with drop desk. Vanilla white with silver leaf panels, the interior is painted green. Two separate stacked pieces. Great decorator look.
18th Century English Chinoiserie Lacquered Secretary Cabinet
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand 18th century English lacquered secretary cabinet made in the George III style and decorated in the chinoiserie taste.
Brass
19th Century English Chinoiserie Decorated Yellow Secretary Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
Very fine English secretary cabinet with hand painted Chinoiserie design.
Wood
English Georgian Chinoiserie-Decorated Secretary Desk / Cabinet
Located in Tarry Town, NY
English Georgian-style black / gilt secretary desk / cabinet painted in traditional gold Chinoiserie decorations of nature, bridges, pagodas, florals, people with intricate patterns.
Gold, Brass
Sold
H 92.5 in W 40 in D 21.25 in
Georgian Style, Chinoiserie, Beige Secretary Desk, Bureau Cabinet, Japanned
Located in Stamford, CT
Japanned, Georgian Style Chinoiserie, Beige Secretary Desk, Bureau Cabinet This is a highly decorative and stylish Japanned beige or tan painted bureau bookcase decorated overall wi...
Wood
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Secretary From Jasper Cabinet Co
By Jasper Furniture Company
Located in North Canton, OH
Beautiful piece. Pristine original condition. Very rare leather writing surface inset. Artist hand-painted scenes from the orient. Condition Disclosure: Please understand nearly ...
Lacquer
Georgian Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Montreal, QC
An 18th century English Chinoiserie Bureau Bookcase, profusely lacquered with exotic birds in a flowering landscape, pavilions and “oriental” figures on a black ground. The upper sec...
Oak, Pine
French Lacquered Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Locust Valley, NY
French lacquered chinoiserie secretary with bronze mountings.
Lacquer
Sold
H 82 in W 90 in D 29.5 in
Union National Lacquered Chinoiserie Breakfront China Display Secretary Cabinet
By Union National
Located in Dayton, OH
Includes a central butlers secretary drawer with tooled leather top, pigeon holes and drawers.
Glass, Hardwood, Lacquer, Paint
Sold
H 88 in W 42 in D 20 in
Midcentury French Style Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk / Cabinet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a midcentury French style hand painted chinoiserie secretary with a unique bombe form base and glass top. It works so well for both display and functional desk. It is unmarke...
Leather, Glass, Lacquer
Sold
H 86 in W 48 in D 21 in
Emerald Green Lacquer Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk China Cabinet
Located in West Hartford, CT
Magnificent emerald green lacquer Chinoiserie secretary two part desk features a pagoda top and hand painted gold figural scenes on an Asian landscape. Top section has two doors that...
Leather, Wood, Paint
19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
Fantastic 19th century English black lacquered chinoiserie five-drawer secretary. Having wonderful oriental scenes with figures and fauna, original beveled mirrored glass in doors, a...
Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Breakfront Sideboard China Cabinet Secretary
By Union National
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elegant and sought after two piece chinoiserie black lacquered breakfront by Union National, NY circa 1950's. Come with top and bottom and is electrified. Features handpainted red in...
Glass, Wood, Lacquer
Red chinoiserie secretary
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
George II style red chinoiserie decorated secretary, made in Italy, mid 20th century.
Brass
1970s Vintage Karges Chinoiserie Secretary
By Karges Furniture
Located in North Canton, OH
Spectacular hand painted Karges Chinoiserie Secretary finished in the most sophisticated salmon wash with gold embellished raised scenes from the Orient.
Wood, Paint
Jasper Midcentury Chinoiserie Hand Painted Secretary Desk Display Cabinet
Located in West Hartford, CT
Iconic Jasper Furniture signed two-piece secretary cabinet which becomes multi-purpose piece when desk pulls down.
Glass, Wood, Mahogany
Black Lacquered Italian Chinoiserie Petite Secretary
By Baker Furniture Company, Fornasetti
Located in Houston, TX
A beautiful black lacquered Italian chinoiserie secretary. Intricately painted detail of Chinese landscape. The top and bottom separates. There are drawers throughout and bottom open...
Painted Chinoiserie Style Secretary
Located in Stamford, CT
A very chic, blue and white hand painted secretary cabinet, in the Chinoiserie style. Fine custom quality interior.
Wood
French Hand-Painted Secretary Desk, 20th Century Chinoiserie Cabinet
Located in West Hartford, CT
20th century hand-painted lighter green with golds, blue and white floral accents painted on front, sides and legs. Not an antique, looks to be later 20th century.
Wood
19th Century English Chinoiserie Decorated Yellow Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
Exqusite 19th century English Chinoiserie decorated yellow secretary. Beautiful handpainted Asian images, pretty carvings and numerous places for storage. An exceptional piece!!
Wood
19th Century Petite English Red Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorative 19th century petite red Chinoiserie secretary from England. Very nice hand painted Asian images and nice storage inside the desk. A great accent piece for a narrow space. ...
Wood
Pair of Chinoiserie Style Ebonized Secretary Bookcases
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of charming ebonized bookcases in the Chinoiserie taste, circa 1950s, each ebonized and parcel-gilt with beautiful Oriental scenes, the molded top over a conforming cabinet fitt...
Wood
Your antique, new or vintage secretary desk has become the (chic) saving grace of the "new normal" at home.
Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments — pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers — are revealed.
Traditionally, a secretary is composed of two parts — a chest of drawers on the bottom and a cabinet with shelves on the top. Taking its name from the French word for the piece, secrétaire, the secretary desk dates back to the 18th century, when Paris-based cabinetmaker Jean-François Oeben, known for his exquisite marquetry and clever mechanical desks, is thought to have invented the secrétaire à abbattant, or drop-leaf desk.
While the defining drop-down feature of the secretary desk has remained constant, the materials used, as well as its configuration, size and style have evolved over time.
At first, secretaries were typically made from exotic woods, like rosewood, tulipwood and kingwood; later, hardwoods like cherry, maple, oak and mahogany were more common. The desks also became lighter, with space carved out of the lower half for the writer’s feet or with drawers replaced by legs — making them more table-like.
When open, the secretary is a dynamic, versatile Wunderkammer. When closed, it’s a sophisticated, space-saving piece of furniture.
“A fine secretary with a good provenance adds stature and credence to its owner — it is a cornerstone piece,” says antiques dealer Stanley Weiss, who specializes in 18th- and 19th-century English and American furniture. “In this disposable world, fine furniture is always passed on and speaks to who its owner is.”
No matter what style or period you choose, and no matter how you decide to use it, the timeless, flexible secretary desk is bound to become an indispensable part of your daily routine.
Browse a range of antique and vintage secretary desks on 1stDibs, including mid-century modern secretaires, Georgian secretaires and others.
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