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Chinoiserie Secretary

Italian Venetian Pink Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Cabinet
Italian Venetian Pink Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Cabinet

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.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Two Piece
Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Two Piece

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Fine Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary
Fine Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary

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.

Category

20th Century Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Queen Anne Style Burton-Ching Black Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase
Queen Anne Style Burton-Ching Black Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase

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

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Mid-Century Italian Venetian Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Mid-Century Italian Venetian Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Mid-Century Italian Venetian Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a lovely mid-century Italian chinoiserie secretary desk. The coral and gilt interior makes such a vibrant statement.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Poplar

Mid-Century Georgian Style Red & Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Mid-Century Georgian Style Red & Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Mid-Century Georgian Style Red & Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a Chinese red Georgian style chinoiserie secretary. It is a mid-century find that is heavily painted with pastoral scenes and go,t accents.

Category

Mid-20th Century American George III Secretaires

Materials

Wood

1940's, Chinoiserie Secretary
1940's, Chinoiserie Secretary

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...

Category

Vintage 1940s Spanish Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

19th Century Chinoiserie Secretary (Secretaire Abbatant)
19th Century Chinoiserie Secretary (Secretaire Abbatant)

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.

Category

Antique 19th Century Secretaires

Materials

Fruitwood, Lacquer

George II-Style Chinoiserie Secretary / Collector's Cabinet by Antonio's SF
George II-Style Chinoiserie Secretary / Collector's Cabinet by Antonio's SF

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...

Category

20th Century American George II Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Pair of Louis XVI Style Dutch Chinoiserie Secretary and High Chest
Pair of Louis XVI Style Dutch Chinoiserie Secretary and High Chest

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...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Secretaires

Materials

Satinwood

A fine late 18th c to early 19th c William and Mary black Chinoiserie secretary
A fine late 18th c to early 19th c William and Mary black Chinoiserie secretary

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.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English William and Mary Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Large Red Jappaned Bureau Cabinet
Large Red Jappaned Bureau Cabinet

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...

Category

Antique 18th Century European Queen Anne Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

Venetian Style Chinoiserie Decorated Parcel Gilt Secretary
Venetian Style Chinoiserie Decorated Parcel Gilt Secretary

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.

Category

20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Black Painted Chinoiserie Drop Front Secretary Writing Desk
Black Painted Chinoiserie Drop Front Secretary Writing Desk

Black Painted Chinoiserie Drop Front Secretary Writing Desk

Located in Dallas, TX

Antique chinoiserie painted writing desk with red interior. early-19th century

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinoiserie Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Secretary Desk by Maddox, Asian Motif, 1970s
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Secretary Desk by Maddox, Asian Motif, 1970s

Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Secretary Desk by Maddox, Asian Motif, 1970s

By James Mont, Edward Wormley

Located in Chattanooga, TN

This incomparable slant-front chinoiserie black lacquer secretary desk depicts a serene, traditional Asian motif from head to toe.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Fine Red Chinoiserie Gold Leaf Italian-Made Rococo Venetian Secretary Desk
Fine Red Chinoiserie Gold Leaf Italian-Made Rococo Venetian Secretary Desk

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...

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Parma Blue Doge Secretary with Gold Chinoiserie Dresser
Parma Blue Doge Secretary with Gold Chinoiserie Dresser

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.

Category

2010s Italian Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Queen Anne Walnut Secretary with Chinoiserie Decorated Interior
Queen Anne Walnut Secretary with Chinoiserie Decorated Interior

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.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Queen Anne Desks

Materials

Wood

Fine 19th Century English Chinoiserie and Red Lacquered Slant Front Secretary
Fine 19th Century English Chinoiserie and Red Lacquered Slant Front Secretary

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.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood

English 19th Century Black and Gold Secretary Bookcase with Chinoiserie Décor
English 19th Century Black and Gold Secretary Bookcase with Chinoiserie Décor

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.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Glass, Wood

Queen Anne Style Walnut Secretary Bookcase – Chinoiserie & Mirror Doors
Queen Anne Style Walnut Secretary Bookcase – Chinoiserie & Mirror Doors

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.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Queen Anne Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Mirror

English Chinoiserie Georgian Style Japanned Scarlet Vermillion Cabinet Secretary
English Chinoiserie Georgian Style Japanned Scarlet Vermillion Cabinet Secretary

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Queen Anne Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Antique English Victorian Bamboo Chinoiserie Compact Fall Front Secretary Desk
Antique English Victorian Bamboo Chinoiserie Compact Fall Front Secretary Desk

Antique English Victorian Bamboo Chinoiserie Compact Fall Front Secretary Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique English Victorian Bamboo Chinoiserie Compact Fall Front Narrow Secretary Writing Desk with Hand Painted Lacquered Door with Birds and Flowers.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bamboo

Louis XV style lady’s secretary with red and gold chinoiserie decoration
Louis XV style lady’s secretary with red and gold chinoiserie decoration

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...

Category

Antique 1870s French Louis XV Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Tabletop Secretary
Tabletop Secretary

Tabletop Secretary

Located in Charlottesville, VA

A tabletop secretary decorated in chinoiserie with a slant front that opens to a fitted interior.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Paint

Continental Dutch Satinwood Secretary
Continental Dutch Satinwood Secretary

Continental Dutch Satinwood Secretary

Located in Queens, NY

Continental Dutch-style (18/19th Century) satinwood and inlaid trimmed drop front desk with chinoiserie decorated lacquered panels and brass gallery

Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture McMillen Collection Venetian Bureau With Secretary Desk
Baker Furniture McMillen Collection Venetian Bureau With Secretary Desk

Baker Furniture McMillen Collection Venetian Bureau With Secretary Desk

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

An extremely rare and outstanding Venetian Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk and hutch top From the exclusive "McMillen Collection" by Baker Furniture USA, Ci...

Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Georgian Style Slant Front Secretary Cabinet in Lacquered Wood, UK
Georgian Style Slant Front Secretary Cabinet in Lacquered Wood, UK

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.

Category

Antique 19th Century British Georgian Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Recent Sales

English Chinoiserie Secretary
English Chinoiserie Secretary

English Chinoiserie Secretary

Unavailable

H 65 in W 20 in D 12.5 in

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.

Category

Early 20th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires

Queen Anne Chinoiserie Secretary
Queen Anne Chinoiserie Secretary

Queen Anne Chinoiserie Secretary

Unavailable

H 98 in W 42 in D 21 in

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...

Category

Antique 1860s English Secretaires

English Style Chinoiserie Secretary
English Style Chinoiserie Secretary

English Style Chinoiserie Secretary

Unavailable

H 87.5 in W 41 in D 33.5 in

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Secretaires

A George I style lacquered Bureau Bookcase
A George I style lacquered Bureau Bookcase

A George I style lacquered Bureau Bookcase

Unavailable

H 73 in W 40.5 in D 23 in

A George I style lacquered Bureau Bookcase

Located in San Francisco, CA

A George I style parcel gilt scarlet lacquered secretary bookcase; overall Chinoiserie decorated w/figures in exotic gardens

Category

20th Century Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Country English Sheraton Style Chair, Eisenhour
Country English Sheraton Style Chair, Eisenhour

Country English Sheraton Style Chair, Eisenhour

Unavailable

H 36 in W 26 in D 30 in

Country English Sheraton Style Chair, Eisenhour

By Isenhour Furniture

Located in Milton, DE

I have used this chair at a secretary(chinoiserie). I have used this chair when I wanted the chairs around a table to look collected and all the chairs were different.

Category

Early 2000s Italian Sheraton Chairs

Materials

Wood, Bog Wood

French Lacquered Chinoiserie Secretary
French Lacquered Chinoiserie Secretary

French Lacquered Chinoiserie Secretary

Sold

H 53 in W 31 in D 14.25 in

French Lacquered Chinoiserie Secretary

Located in Locust Valley, NY

French lacquered chinoiserie secretary with bronze mountings.

Category

20th Century Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Lacquer

19th c., English, Chinoiserie Secretary
19th c., English, Chinoiserie Secretary

19th c., English, Chinoiserie Secretary

Sold

H 89.5 in W 40 in D 20 in

19th c., English, Chinoiserie Secretary

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hand-carved and embellished, English, Chinoiserie secretary with mirrored doors.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Burton-Ching Georgian Black & Gold Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Burton-Ching Georgian Black & Gold Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Burton-Ching Georgian Black & Gold Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

Burton-Ching Georgian Black & Gold Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Category

2010s American Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Rose Tarlow Queen Anne Chinoiserie Secretary
Rose Tarlow Queen Anne Chinoiserie Secretary

Rose Tarlow Queen Anne Chinoiserie Secretary

By Rose Tarlow

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rose Tarlow Melrose House Queen Anne Chinoiserie Secretary. A stunning, hand made, hand painted secretary.

Category

20th Century Queen Anne Secretaires

Materials

Lacquer

19th Century Petite English Red Chinoiserie Secretary
19th Century Petite English Red Chinoiserie Secretary

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.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Early 19th century Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
Early 19th century Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase

Early 19th century Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase

Sold

H 79.75 in W 36.75 in D 18.75 in

Early 19th century Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase

Located in Charlottesville, VA

English red lacquer and gilt-decorated Chinoiserie secretary bookcase. The upper cabinet features arched mirrored doors opening to shelved storage, over a slant-front desk fitted wit...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English George III Secretaires

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Lacquer

Burton-Ching 18th C Style Georgian Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase Desk
Burton-Ching 18th C Style Georgian Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase Desk

Burton-Ching 18th C Style Georgian Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase Desk

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

Burton-Ching 18th C Style Georgian Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase Desk.

Category

2010s American Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Giltwood, Lacquer

Rose Tarlow Queen Anne Style Chinoiserie Secretary
Rose Tarlow Queen Anne Style Chinoiserie Secretary

Rose Tarlow Queen Anne Style Chinoiserie Secretary

By Rose Tarlow

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rose Tarlow Melrose House Queen Style Anne chinoiserie secretary. A stunning, handmade, hand painted secretary.

Category

20th Century American Queen Anne Secretaires

Materials

Lacquer

1970s Vintage Karges Chinoiserie Secretary
1970s Vintage Karges Chinoiserie Secretary

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.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Paint

1930s Georgian Style Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk with Bookcase
1930s Georgian Style Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk with Bookcase

1930s Georgian Style Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk with Bookcase

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a 1930s Georgian style painted chinoiserie secretary desk with open bookcase top. It is predomently gold and red.

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Georgian Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Paint

18th Century English Green Chinoiserie Secretary with Red Interior
18th Century English Green Chinoiserie Secretary with Red Interior

18th Century English Green Chinoiserie Secretary with Red Interior

Located in Richmond, VA

Very impressive 18th century English chinoiserie secretary with red interior on ogee bracket feet.

Category

Antique 18th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Lacquer

Midcentury French Style Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk / Cabinet
Midcentury French Style Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk / Cabinet

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.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Leather, Glass, Lacquer

Mid-Century Georgian Style Red & Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Mid-Century Georgian Style Red & Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Mid-Century Georgian Style Red & Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a Chinese red Georgian style chinoiserie secretary. It is a mid-century find that is heavily painted with pastoral scenes and go,t accents.

Category

Mid-20th Century American George III Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Emerald Green Lacquer Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk China Cabinet
Emerald Green Lacquer Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk China Cabinet

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.

Category

Vintage 1940s Chinese Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Leather, Wood, Paint

Georgian Chinoiserie Secretary
Georgian Chinoiserie Secretary

Georgian Chinoiserie Secretary

Sold

H 85 in W 36 in D 25 in

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...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Oak, Pine

Red chinoiserie secretary
Red chinoiserie secretary

Red chinoiserie secretary

Sold

H 90 in W 41 in D 19.5 in

Red chinoiserie secretary

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

George II style red chinoiserie decorated secretary, made in Italy, mid 20th century.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian George II Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Rose Tarlow Melrose House Queen Anne Black & Red Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Rose Tarlow Melrose House Queen Anne Black & Red Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Rose Tarlow Melrose House Queen Anne Black & Red Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

By Rose Tarlow

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

Rose Tarlow Melrose House Queen Anne Black & Red Chinoiserie Secretary Desk. It features the most wonderful hand painted, black and gold chinoiserie painted exterior with an equally ...

Category

1990s American Queen Anne Secretaires

Materials

Giltwood, Lacquer

19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretary
19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretary

19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretary

Sold

H 81.5 in W 42 in L 81.5 in

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...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires

20th Century Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
20th Century Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase

20th Century Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase

Sold

H 78.35 in W 37.41 in D 18.51 in

20th Century Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

For sale is a good quality chinoiserie 20th century secretery bookcase with pediment top and detailed chinoiserie work to the top and base section front and sides. When the doors are...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century George III Chinoiserie Secretary
18th Century George III Chinoiserie Secretary

18th Century George III Chinoiserie Secretary

Sold

H 83 in W 38.75 in D 23 in

18th Century George III Chinoiserie Secretary

Located in Charlottesville, VA

A beautiful secretary decorated in the chinoiserie style. Lots of storage.

Category

Antique 18th Century British Desks

Materials

Wood, Paint

English Chinoiserie Secretary with Mirrored Doors
English Chinoiserie Secretary with Mirrored Doors

English Chinoiserie Secretary with Mirrored Doors

Located in Dallas, TX

This early 20th century five-drawer secretary is made of wood stained in a deep black color with chinoiserie.

Category

Early 20th Century English Queen Anne Secretaires

Materials

Mirror, Wood

19th c. Red Chinoiserie Secretary Cabinet
19th c. Red Chinoiserie Secretary Cabinet

19th c. Red Chinoiserie Secretary Cabinet

Sold

H 60.5 in W 37 in D 18.5 in

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...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Secretaires

Materials

Brass

John Widdicomb Signed Red Chinoiserie Secretary Secretaire Desk
John Widdicomb Signed Red Chinoiserie Secretary Secretaire Desk

John Widdicomb Signed Red Chinoiserie Secretary Secretaire Desk

By John Widdicomb

Located in West Hartford, CT

Rare signed John Widdicomb red chinoiserie midcentury secretary desk that comes in two pieces, a top and a bottom.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood

John Widdicomb Signed Red Chinoiserie Secretary Secretaire Desk
John Widdicomb Signed Red Chinoiserie Secretary Secretaire Desk

John Widdicomb Signed Red Chinoiserie Secretary Secretaire Desk

By John Widdicomb

Located in West Hartford, CT

Rare signed John Widdicomb red chinoiserie midcentury secretary desk that comes in two pieces, a top and a bottom.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood

1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Secretary From Jasper Cabinet Co
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Secretary From Jasper Cabinet Co

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 ...

Category

Vintage 1970s North American Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Lacquer

Black Laquered Asian Chinoiserie Secretary Secretaire Desk and Chair
Black Laquered Asian Chinoiserie Secretary Secretaire Desk and Chair

Black Laquered Asian Chinoiserie Secretary Secretaire Desk and Chair

Located in West Hartford, CT

Black and gold chinoiserie vintage Asian secretary desk that comes with matching chair.

Category

Vintage 1970s Chinese Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Fine English Canary Yellow Chinoiserie Secretary Desk, circa 1930
Fine English Canary Yellow Chinoiserie Secretary Desk, circa 1930

Fine English Canary Yellow Chinoiserie Secretary Desk, circa 1930

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This is a handmade secretary desk that is one of the most beautiful we have ever had, in terms of color, and in terms of the fantastic design of the case. The desk features figures a...

Category

Vintage 1930s English Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Maitland Smith Black Lacquer & Hermes Orange Interior Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Maitland Smith Black Lacquer & Hermes Orange Interior Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

Maitland Smith Black Lacquer & Hermes Orange Interior Chinoiserie Secretary Desk

By Maitland Smith

Located in West Hartford, CT

Maitland Smith 20th Century black lacquer two-piece secretary with coveted Hermes orange interior. This magnificent piece is a work of art. The lower cabinet features plenty of stora...

Category

Vintage 1980s Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Fine and Rare 18th C  Georgian Black Lacquered and Chinoiserie Secretary
Fine and Rare 18th C  Georgian Black Lacquered and Chinoiserie Secretary

Fine and Rare 18th C Georgian Black Lacquered and Chinoiserie Secretary

Located in Dallas, TX

A fine and rare 18th century Georgian black lacquered and Chinoiserie decorated elaborate secretary.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Very Fine George 11 Style 19th C Grand Tortoise and Chinoiserie Secretary
Very Fine George 11 Style 19th C Grand Tortoise and Chinoiserie Secretary

Very Fine George 11 Style 19th C Grand Tortoise and Chinoiserie Secretary

Located in Dallas, TX

A magnificent 19th century large George11 faux tortoise and Chinoiserie decorated secretary. Hand painted and lacquered and decorated with Chinoiserie scenes.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English George II Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century One Of A KInd Chinoiserie Secretary with Heavy Bronze Mounts
Early 19th Century One Of A KInd Chinoiserie Secretary with Heavy Bronze Mounts

Early 19th Century One Of A KInd Chinoiserie Secretary with Heavy Bronze Mounts

Located in Stamford, CT

A spectacular one of a kind Continental walnut secretary bookcase in the chinoiserie taste, late 18th or early 19th century, the molded and domed cornice decorated by a bronze patera...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires

Black Lacquered Italian Chinoiserie Petite Secretary
Black Lacquered Italian Chinoiserie Petite Secretary

Black Lacquered Italian Chinoiserie Petite Secretary

By Fornasetti, Baker Furniture Company

Located in Houston, TX

A beautiful black lacquered Italian chinoiserie secretary. Intricately painted detail of Chinese landscape.

Category

20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Secretaires

Early Georgian Style Chinoiserie Cabinet / Secretary Desk W/ Carved Pagoda Base
Early Georgian Style Chinoiserie Cabinet / Secretary Desk W/ Carved Pagoda Base

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.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Georgian Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Ornate Carved Elm Wood and Brass Inlay Chinoiserie Drop Front Secretary Desk
Ornate Carved Elm Wood and Brass Inlay Chinoiserie Drop Front Secretary Desk

Ornate Carved Elm Wood and Brass Inlay Chinoiserie Drop Front Secretary Desk

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous ornate carved elm wood Chinoiserie secretary desk. The desk features beautiful carved wood and inlaid brass details.

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Queen Anne-Style Chinese Red Chinoiserie Desk and Bookcase
Queen Anne-Style Chinese Red Chinoiserie Desk and Bookcase

Queen Anne-Style Chinese Red Chinoiserie Desk and Bookcase

Located in Dallas, TX

a Queen Anne-style Chinese red (vermillion) chinoiserie secretary / desk and bookcase with all over gilt decoration, a drop-front desk / writing surface, a scroll bonnet top / pedime...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Queen Anne Bookcases

Materials

Wood

George I Style, Chinoiserie, Green-Japanned Desk, Bookcase, Parcel-Gilt, 1920s
George I Style, Chinoiserie, Green-Japanned Desk, Bookcase, Parcel-Gilt, 1920s

George I Style, Chinoiserie, Green-Japanned Desk, Bookcase, Parcel-Gilt, 1920s

Located in Stamford, CT

Chinoiserie, Secretary Desk with Bookcase in the George I Style, Green Lacquer, Giltwood, China, 1920s This Two Piece Chinoiserie carved parcel gold and green lacquer secretary desk...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese George I Secretaires

Materials

Giltwood, Lacquer

Italian Venetian Chinoiserie and Creme Paint Decorated Secretary Desk
Italian Venetian Chinoiserie and Creme Paint Decorated Secretary Desk

Italian Venetian Chinoiserie and Creme Paint Decorated Secretary Desk

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This Italian Venetian secretary desk is a striking example of decorative artistry, blending chinoiserie motifs with crème paint decoration to create a piece both functional and highl...

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Louis XV Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Chinoiserie Motif Hand Painted Drexel Black Lacquer Console Table with Drawer
Chinoiserie Motif Hand Painted Drexel Black Lacquer Console Table with Drawer

Chinoiserie Motif Hand Painted Drexel Black Lacquer Console Table with Drawer

By James Mont, Henredon, Drexel

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Consider pairing this piece with our Maddox black lacquer Chinoiserie secretary desk (sold separately). Drexel logo is present inside the drawer. 56” Long x 15” Deep x 27.75” High ...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Console Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Lacquer, Paint

Painted Chinoiserie Style Secretary
Painted Chinoiserie Style Secretary

Painted Chinoiserie Style Secretary

Sold

H 100 in W 45 in D 27 in

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.

Category

20th Century Secretaires

Materials

Wood

19th Century English Chinoiserie Decorated Yellow Secretary
19th Century English Chinoiserie Decorated Yellow Secretary

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.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Italian Handpainted Secretary / Desk in Chinoiserie Design
Italian Handpainted Secretary / Desk in Chinoiserie Design

Italian Handpainted Secretary / Desk in Chinoiserie Design

Located in Dallas, TX

Italian handpainted secretary / desk in chinoiserie design, top features molded shape cornice with two doors revealing three shelves and two small drawers, in the lower part is a bea...

Category

20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wool

Pair of Chinoiserie Style Ebonized Secretary Bookcases
Pair of Chinoiserie Style Ebonized Secretary Bookcases

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...

Category

Vintage 1950s English Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wood

18th Century English Chinoiserie Lacquered Secretary Cabinet
18th Century English Chinoiserie Lacquered Secretary Cabinet

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.

Category

Antique 18th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Brass

Asian Chinese Chinoiserie Carved Writing Desk Secretary
Asian Chinese Chinoiserie Carved Writing Desk Secretary

Asian Chinese Chinoiserie Carved Writing Desk Secretary

Located in West Hartford, CT

Unusual dark Chinese secretary desk, circa early 20th century, features intricately carved detail of birds and flowers with a gold finish. Carved figural birds top all four legs. Top...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Chinese Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Silver Leaf Chinoiserie Cabinet/Secretary
Silver Leaf Chinoiserie Cabinet/Secretary

Silver Leaf Chinoiserie Cabinet/Secretary

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H 74.5 in W 31 in D 16.5 in

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.

Category

20th Century Cabinets

Vintage English Red and Black Chinoiserie Decorated Secretary
Vintage English Red and Black Chinoiserie Decorated Secretary

Vintage English Red and Black Chinoiserie Decorated Secretary

Located in Dallas, TX

Very fine vintage English red and black Chinoiserie decorated secretary. Beautiful hand painted designs inside and out.

Category

20th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood

19th Century English Chinoiserie Decorated Yellow Secretary Cabinet
19th Century English Chinoiserie Decorated Yellow Secretary Cabinet

19th Century English Chinoiserie Decorated Yellow Secretary Cabinet

Located in Dallas, TX

Very fine English secretary cabinet with hand painted Chinoiserie design.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Chinoiserie Decorated Chippendale Style Ebonized Drop Front Secretary
Chinoiserie Decorated Chippendale Style Ebonized Drop Front Secretary

Chinoiserie Decorated Chippendale Style Ebonized Drop Front Secretary

Located in Big Flats, NY

A vintage Chippendale style secretary offers chinoiserie decorated ebonized finish with landscape and garden scenes having pagodas and birds including herons, slant front drops down ...

Category

20th Century European Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Metal

Georgian Style, Chinoiserie, Beige Secretary Desk, Bureau Cabinet, Japanned
Georgian Style, Chinoiserie, Beige Secretary Desk, Bureau Cabinet, Japanned

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...

Category

1990s Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Wood

18th Century Chinoiserie Italian Two-Piece Secretary Desk Bookcase
18th Century Chinoiserie Italian Two-Piece Secretary Desk Bookcase

18th Century Chinoiserie Italian Two-Piece Secretary Desk Bookcase

Located in Stamford, CT

18th century chinoiserie Italian two piece secretary desk / bookcase.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood

18th Century English Secretary Bookcase with Later Chinoiserie Decoration
18th Century English Secretary Bookcase with Later Chinoiserie Decoration

18th Century English Secretary Bookcase with Later Chinoiserie Decoration

Located in Charlottesville, VA

An 18th century English secretary bookcase with later Chinoiserie decoration in gilt and polychrome on a black lacquered ground.

Category

Antique 18th Century British Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Wood, Paint

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Extremely Rare Victorian Chandelier of Exceptional Quality and Size by F&C Osler
Extremely Rare Victorian Chandelier of Exceptional Quality and Size by F&C Osler

Extremely Rare Victorian Chandelier of Exceptional Quality and Size by F&C Osler

By F. & C. Osler

Located in Steyning, West sussex

An extremely rare early Victorian 20-light cut-glass silvered mounted chandelier of exceptional quality the baluster thumb and radial cut shaft with lower shaft canopy and draping pa...

Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Silver Plate

Large Bamboo Pair of Table Lamps with Brass Bases
Large Bamboo Pair of Table Lamps with Brass Bases

Large Bamboo Pair of Table Lamps with Brass Bases

Located in New York, NY

large bamboo pair of table lamps with brass bases. Beautiful and chic table lamps. Lovely brass bases and bamboo tops held by brass top.

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Great 18 Palmette Shallow Flush Ceiling Mount, Murano
Great 18 Palmette Shallow Flush Ceiling Mount, Murano

Great 18 Palmette Shallow Flush Ceiling Mount, Murano

By Barovier&Toso

Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence

Here the larger version of the successful 12 leaves compact palmette ceiling fixture. This group of shallow ceiling mount Murano chandelier was first designed for a luxury yacht low...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Carved Giltwood Chippendale Chinoiserie Mirror
Carved Giltwood Chippendale Chinoiserie Mirror

Carved Giltwood Chippendale Chinoiserie Mirror

By Thomas Chippendale

Located in Norwood, NJ

Fine quality gilt and carved wood Chinese Chippendale beveled mirror. Chinoiserie style giltwood frame with central Ho Ho bird at top.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Louis XVI Style Sofa
Louis XVI Style Sofa

Louis XVI Style Sofa

$10,030

H 40 in W 45 in D 25 in

Louis XVI Style Sofa

By La Maison London

Located in London, Park Royal

Louis XVI style canape made by La Maison London. Hand carved in solid wood, painted in an ecru white with gold highlights. Upholstered in a fabric of your choice Please note: 11m of...

Category

2010s British Louis XVI Sofas

Materials

Giltwood

Geometric Mid Century Open Bookcase
Geometric Mid Century Open Bookcase

Geometric Mid Century Open Bookcase

$7,485 / item

H 87 in W 59 in D 18 in

Geometric Mid Century Open Bookcase

Located in Westwood, NJ

Finished in Batavia Black with a Sandbar finish interior, this bookcase showcases rhythmic, crescent-shaped oval cut-outs that form an architectural silhouette—an homage to the sculp...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Custom Made to Order Belgian Linen Slip Cover Club Chair with Down Cushion
Custom Made to Order Belgian Linen Slip Cover Club Chair with Down Cushion

Custom Made to Order Belgian Linen Slip Cover Club Chair with Down Cushion

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

This White Linen Slip-Covered Lounge Chair fits as the perfect accent to any room. It's the perfect chair to have adjacent to a sofa, and can make every pillow look delightful in the...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Club Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Linen, Wood, Down

Capiz Shell Table Lamp, Model Cornelia
Capiz Shell Table Lamp, Model Cornelia

Capiz Shell Table Lamp, Model Cornelia

$690 / item

H 19 in W 17 in D 17 in

Capiz Shell Table Lamp, Model Cornelia

By Dusty Deco

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Cornelia Table Lamp is a lamp that is made from capiz shells which gives the material an irregular structure. This makes each lamp unique, something that adds to its character and pe...

Category

2010s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN CIRCA 1880 CHINESE CHINOISERIE LACQUERED SiDE END LAMP TABLE
ANTIQUE VICTORIAN CIRCA 1880 CHINESE CHINOISERIE LACQUERED SiDE END LAMP TABLE

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN CIRCA 1880 CHINESE CHINOISERIE LACQUERED SiDE END LAMP TABLE

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely circa 1880-1900 hand made Chinese Chinoiserie side end lamp table single drawer Please note th...

Category

Antique 1880s Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture

Materials

Wood

1950s Swedish Drinks Cabinet in the Style of Eugen Höglund
1950s Swedish Drinks Cabinet in the Style of Eugen Höglund

1950s Swedish Drinks Cabinet in the Style of Eugen Höglund

$2,599Sale Price|25% Off

H 52.76 in W 42.52 in D 15.75 in

1950s Swedish Drinks Cabinet in the Style of Eugen Höglund

By Eugen Höglund

Located in Silvolde, Gelderland

This elegant Swedish drinks cabinet dates from the 1950s and is crafted in a refined combination of beech and maple wood. The cabinet stands on slender, slightly tapered legs and fea...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

Materials

Beech, Maple

Four Louis XV Style Gilt-Wood Chinoiserie Bergères, Jansen Attr., 1890
Four Louis XV Style Gilt-Wood Chinoiserie Bergères, Jansen Attr., 1890

Four Louis XV Style Gilt-Wood Chinoiserie Bergères, Jansen Attr., 1890

By Maison Jansen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A Fine and Rare Assembled Set of Four French Louis XV Style Gilt-Wood Carved and Japanned-Chinoiserie Lacquer Decorated Bergers Armchairs, attributed to Maison Jansen (House of Janse...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Chinoiserie Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Giltwood, Lacquer

Painted Venetian Florentine Style Credenza
Painted Venetian Florentine Style Credenza

Painted Venetian Florentine Style Credenza

$1,450

H 32 in W 42 in D 12 in

Painted Venetian Florentine Style Credenza

Located in New York, NY

Florentine Style Credenza, with Painted, Gold Gilt and Crackle Finish. One drawer and one door with original key. Some wear to finish from age and use. Good overall condition.

Category

20th Century Credenzas

Materials

Gold Leaf

Vintage Omani Scrolled Wrought Iron Teak Saddle Seat Lounge Armchair
Vintage Omani Scrolled Wrought Iron Teak Saddle Seat Lounge Armchair

Vintage Omani Scrolled Wrought Iron Teak Saddle Seat Lounge Armchair

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage Middle Eastern saddle seat lounge chair. Made of scrolled wrought iron featuring a teak chain link style sling seat, acanthus carved arms, and Fleur de lis accents. Made an...

Category

20th Century Omani Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

French Art Deco Carved Walnut Chaise
French Art Deco Carved Walnut Chaise

French Art Deco Carved Walnut Chaise

$4,200

H 30.5 in W 70 in D 31 in

French Art Deco Carved Walnut Chaise

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

Fans of the pioneering furniture designer Emile-Jacque Ruhlmann will delight in this glamorous French Art Deco period chaise with a swooping crest of a seat back that rises from the ...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Chaise Longues

Materials

Textile, Walnut

Maitland Smith Japanese Meiji Style Red Lacquered Bamboo Motif Coffee Table 48"
Maitland Smith Japanese Meiji Style Red Lacquered Bamboo Motif Coffee Table 48"

Maitland Smith Japanese Meiji Style Red Lacquered Bamboo Motif Coffee Table 48"

By Maitland Smith

Located in Dayton, OH

An exquisite Japanese Meiji inspired Cocktail Table or Storage Chest by Maitland Smith, circa 1980s. Features a red-orange lacquered case designed with a golden painted bamboo shoot...

Category

Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood, Lacquer, Paint

Bespoke Handmade Belgian Linen Sofa
Bespoke Handmade Belgian Linen Sofa

Bespoke Handmade Belgian Linen Sofa

$9,855 / item

H 31.5 in W 106.3 in D 39.38 in

Bespoke Handmade Belgian Linen Sofa

Located in Jesteburg, DE

Introducing the home collection.  An iconic, unobtrusive design. A small selection of timeless Flemish designs made by hand for us in a small third generation workshop in Belgium....

Category

2010s Belgian Modern Sofas

Materials

Linen

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Chinoiserie Secretary For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal chinoiserie secretary for your home. A chinoiserie secretary — often made from wood, lacquer and metal — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the chinoiserie secretary you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Each chinoiserie secretary bearing Georgian, Rococo or Mid-Century Modern hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made chinoiserie secretary over the years, but those crafted by Baker Furniture Company, John Widdicomb and Karges Furniture are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Chinoiserie Secretary?

Prices for a chinoiserie secretary start at $1,080 and top out at $50,000 with the average selling for $8,500.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items. 

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior. 

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time. 

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room. 

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.

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