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.
Antique Chinese Carved Rosewood Dining Chairs With Mother of Pearl Inlay, 1890s
By George Zee
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding set of four antique Chinese dining chairs China, Circa 1890s Gorgeous carved rosewood, with exquisite Mother-of-Pearl inlay, and removable upholstered seat cushions....
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Burnt Bamboo Pagoda Dining Chairs set of 4
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Rare set of 4 vintage burnt bamboo dining chairs. Pagoda design, beautifully rich in color, cane seats. Good vintage condition with ...
Bamboo
Set of 4 Faux Bamboo Chinoiserie Hollywood Regency Style Dining -All Armchairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This set of 4 Faux Bamboo Chinoiserie Hollywood Regency Style Dining Armchairs embodies timeless elegance and sophisticated design. Crafted with a black lacquered faux bamboo frame, ...
Walnut
Chin Hua Set of 8 Dining Chairs 4 Side & 2 Arm by Raymond K. Sobota for Century
By Century Furniture, Raymond K. Sobota
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage set of eight Chin Hua dining chairs 6 side and 2 armchairs by Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture. Comprised of ebonized deep brown ash wood frames and upholste...
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
$3,300 / set
Set of 6 Regency style Chinoiserie Dining Chairs
Located in Pomona, CA
A very attractive set of 6 Chinoiserie Dining Chairs in the Regency Style. Two Captains chairs and 4 side chairs. An ebonized finish with Chinese and floral scene decorations. Armch...
Wood
Antique Chinoiserie Ebonized Rosewood High Relief Ball & Claw Scholars Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Chinoiserie side dining, scholars, or vanity chair. Made of ebonized Rosewood featuring highly ornate gothic inspired carvings with dragons, bats, squirrels, flowers, nuts, b...
Rosewood
English Chinoiserie Chairs, Ex-Garvan Collection Yale University, circa 1835
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An exceptional and important set of four circa 1835 English William IV, or early Victorian period, side or breakfast chairs of Regency parcel-klismos form having black Japanned frames with allover gilt relief...
Cane, Softwood, Paint
Set of Ten 1970s Chinese Chippendale Dining Chairs, Black Wood
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of ten black painted wood Chinese Chippendale dining chairs. Good quality, fine condition. Two armchairs: 25 wide, 21.5 deep, 37 high, ...
Wood
Chin Hua Dining Chairs 4 Side & 2 Armchairs by Raymond K. Sobota
By Raymond K. Sobota, Century Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous set of six Chin Hua dining chairs 4 side and 2 armchairs by Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture. Comprised of ebonized deep brown a...
Wood, Burl
Vintage Ej Victor Faux Bamboo Dining Chairs, Chinoiserie, Set of 8
By McGuire
Located in Lutz, FL
A great set of chairs to stand out and highlight your dining room. Extremely well made with ornate detailing and timeless faux bamboo design. Solid and substantial in a black with gr...
Fabric, Wood
1960s Noble Homes Chinoiserie Dining Chairs From Baker Furniture - Set of 6
Located in North Canton, OH
Set of six Baker Furniture Noble Homes collection (precursor to the Stately Homes collection) gilt black Chinoiserie dining chairs in the Queen Anne taste, each having a serpentine crest rail with paddle...
Lacquer
$3,495 / set
Henredon Ming Asian Dining Chairs 1950s
By Henredon
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Mahogany
Vintage Coastal Chinese Chippendale Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add timeless coastal charm to your dining space with this set of six vintage Chinese Chippendale dining chairs. Featuring a beautifully intricate bamboo and rattan frame with an icon...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
$1,125Sale Price / item|25% Off
Chinese Paint Decorated Brighton Pavilion Arm Chairs, 6 Available
Located in Sheffield, MA
A true collector's item, a rare collection of early 20th Century 'Brighton Pavilion' Bamboo Chinoiserie armchairs displaying long flat arms in a horseshoe shape back, supported by ge...
Bamboo
Vintage Coastal Chinese Chippendale Rattan Dining Chairs - Set of 8
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Enhance your dining space with this stunning set of eight vintage coastal Chinese Chippendale rattan dining chairs. Crafted with intri...
Upholstery, Rattan
Vintage Arched Back Rattan Dining Chairs in Manuel Canovas - Set of 4
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional set of four vintage arched-back rattan dining chairs is a masterclass in Hollywood Regency elegance and coastal sophistication. Featuring a striking architectural si...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Gold Painted Metal Chairs Rolling Style Phyllis Morris
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning vintage Chinoiserie or Hollywood Regency faux bamboo gold painted metal rolling chairs on black casters with burgundy seats in the style o...
Metal
Set of Six Rose Tarlow Melrose House Puccini Dining Chairs
By Rose Tarlow
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic bespoke set of six dining chairs designed by Rose Tarlow Melrose House Los Angeles, California. The Puccini dining chairs feature a hand-carved birch frame with an exaggerat...
Gold Leaf
Vintage Chinoiserie Thai Oriental Carved Teak Wood Dining Side Chairs - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Chinoiserie Thai Oriental Carved Teak Wood Dining Side Chairs - a Pair. Item ...
Teak
Michael Taylor for Baker, Far East Collection Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in North Canton, OH
Just arrived back from the Upholstery Masters and wrapped in a spectacular and decidedly decadent velvet from Brunschwig et Fils. The fabric is exqu...
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Chinese Carved Rosewood Dining Chairs With Mother of Pearl Inlay, 1890s
By George Zee
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding set of six antique Chinese dining chairs China, Circa 1890s Gorgeous carved rosewood, with exquisite Mother-of-Pearl inlay, and removable upholstered seat cushions. ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Rosewood Henredon Style Asian Chinoiserie Solid Dining Accent Desk Armchair
By Henredon
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Rosewood
Union National Chinoiserie English Regency Black Painted Dining Chair - Set of 6
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Union National Chinoiserie English Regency Style Black Painted Dining Chairs ...
Wood, Paint
Vintage Regency Cast Aluminum Banana Leaf Dining Chairs -Set of 5
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your dining or patio space with this exceptional set of five vintage Hollywood Regency dining chairs, crafted from durable cast aluminum. Each chair boasts an intricately det...
Aluminum
$3,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
Six Far East Dining Chairs with Natural Wood Base by Michael Taylor for Baker
By Baker Far East Collection, Michael Taylor
Located in Pasadena, TX
A set of six dining chairs designed by Michael Taylor for Baker. Wood bases with original red upholstery. See matching dining table by Michael Taylor in last photo.
Wood
$1,500 / set
Henredon Scene 3 Lacquer Dining Chairs Set of 8
By Henredon
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Henredon dining chairs, comprising a pair of arm chairs and six side chairs, each black lacquer form terminating in brass end caps, bearing Henredon labels. Arm 44 1/2"H. 22"W. 17 1/...
Brass
Henredon Chinoiserie Queen Anne Hand Painted Oak and Burl Wood Dining Chairs
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie style dining chairs in Queen Anne form By Henredon USA, Circa 1980s Carved oak and burl wood frames, with hand-painted Chinese...
Upholstery, Oak, Burl, Paint
Set of Eight Midcentury Asian Modern Upholstered Chinoiserie Dining Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sophisticated and substantial set of eight dining chairs. They feature an Asian Modern design concept with high backs. Completed with dark espresso stained wood and fully upholster...
Fabric, Wood
Painted and Lacquered Chinoiserie Dining Chairs a Lovely Looking Set of Four
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Painted and Lacquered Chinoiserie Dining Chairs A lovely looking set of Four The chairs are a classic design they have a solid Back Splat, they are lacquered in the Japanese styl...
Lacquer
Antique Chinoiserie Queen Anne Hand Painted Floral Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique Chinoiserie Queen Anne Hand Painted Floral Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 4. Set...
Cane, Wood
Vintage Chinoiserie Asian Ming Style Solid Wood Carved Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinoiserie Asian Ming Style Solid Wood Dining Chairs with Carved Backsplats and Red Seats - Set of 6. Listing includes (2) Armchairs and (4) Side chairs. Circa Late 20th Cen...
Wood
Solid Wood Ming Chinoiserie Dining Chairs, Set of 8
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Cotton, Wood
Vintage Chinese Oriental Ming Style Mahogany Pagoda Dining Chairs - Set of 6
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Oriental Ming Style Mahogany Pagoda Dining Chairs - Set of 6. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: (2) Armchairs: 43.5" H x 20" W x 26" D x 17" Seat height. (4) Sid...
Mahogany
Henredon Chinoiserie Queen Anne Hand Painted Oak Side Chairs or Dining Chairs
By Henredon
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie style side chairs or dining chairs in Queen Anne form By Henredon USA, Circa 1980s Carved oak and burl wood frames, with hand-pain...
Upholstery, Oak, Burl, Paint
Vintage BERNHARDT Chinoiserie Ming Dining Chairs Set of 8
By Bernhardt
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on "Read More" or "View More Details" below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing is from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you, and give us your zip code, we can usually ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Set of 8 Vintage 1970s BERNHARDT Chinoiserie...
Cotton, Wood, Lacquer
$1,920Sale Price / set|61% Off
Set of Six Queen Anne Style Chinoiserie Dining Chairs
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Very Palm Beach! A great set of Queen Anne style dining chairs with painted Chinoiserie decoration. Beautiful carved cabriole legs and curved stretchers. Priced as a set of six, with...
Wood
Rosewood Dining Chairs 1960s Asian Ming Chinoiserie
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Satin, Rosewood, Cotton
$1,472Sale Price / set|39% Off
Set of Four Mid Century Charcoal Gray Leather Chinoisserie Dining Chairs
Located in Lomita, CA
This is a set of vintage dining chairs from the 1940s, re-imagined in charcoal gray leather seats and re-painted in their original black lacquer color with gold character preserved on the chair back. The chairs feature design details like small carved Chinese symbols near the bottom of the legs. These chairs have a lovely, market-tempting appeal even though they are from mid century. The set of four Chinese-style black lacquer and gilt dining chairs includes one armchair and three side chairs, all with black lacquer frames embellished with a stylized gilt medallion in the crests, squared backs, inset upholstered seats, all raised on square legs joined by carved double box stretchers. Armchair 39 1/2 inches tall, 20 inches wide, 18 1/2 inches deep Side chair 3 1/2 inches tall, 18 1/2 inches wide, 17 5/8 inches deep Condition: one side chair...
Leather
Mid-Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Natural Large Bamboo Asian Dining Chairs 4
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Mid to Late 20th Century Chinoiserie natural large diameter bamboo Asian dining chairs, a set of 4. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that they are vintage and not new so...
Bamboo
Vintage Drexel Heritage Oriental Ming Treasures Mahogany Dining Chair - Set of 4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Drexel Heritage Oriental Chinese Style Carved Solid Mahogany Dining Side Chai...
Mahogany
Asian Influenced 12 Dining Chairs Michael Taylor Baker Refinished Reupholstered
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Twelve Elegant Dining Chairs with Subtle Asian Influence, designed by Michael Taylor for Baker, American, circa 1960s. These chairs are currently being refinished and reuphols...
Upholstery, Wood
Set of 6 Chin Hua Mahogany Dining Chairs w/ Cane Backs
Located in Pasadena, TX
These are Chin Hua style dining chairs. This set of 6 chairs was made circa 1970. They're made of mahogany and have cane backs Original seat upholstery. Side chairs: 20" W x 18" ...
Wood
1950s Walnut Dining Chairs by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture - Set of 10
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in North Canton, OH
Arguably one of the finest examples in existence boasting the original finish and spectacular upholstered seat pads over cane seats. These are Rare and extraordinary in their presenc...
Cane, Walnut
$2,250 / set
Vintage Regency Pagoda Arm Chairs - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This sophisticated vintage armchair offers a bold interpretation of classic Georgian or Chippendale forms, infused with the dramatic flair of Hollywood Regency design. The frame feat...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
$6,500 / set
Chinese Red Lacquer Lattice Dining Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Red Lacquer Lattice Dining Chairs, Italian, circa 1960s. They retain their original Chinese Red color lacquer finish and caned seats. We ...
Wood
Set of 6 19th Century Queen Anne Chinoiserie Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
The product is a set of 6 19th century Queen Anne chinoiserie dining chairs. These chairs are a lovely set, perfect for adding a touch of elegance and vintage charm to any dining spa...
Upholstery, Wood