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 Chinoiserie Jacobean Green Lacquered Hand Painted Bookcase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Chinoiserie Jacobean style bookcase, dining cabinet, or bar cabinet In the manner of Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Green lacquered carved walnut, with hand ...
Brass
Georgian Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Hand-Painted Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk and lighted bookcase hutch top In the manner of Baker Furniture By Jasper Cabinet ...
Brass
19th Century English Black and Gold Chinoiserie Bookcase with Glass Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English black and gold bookcase from the 19th century with Chinoiserie décor and glass doors. This exquisite English black and gold bookcase from the ...
Glass, Wood
The Chinoiserie Pagoda Open Bookcase
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A fine paint and gilt decorated pagoda cabinet on stand. Can be painted to the clients specified colour. Please note we are currently working to a 30-36 week lead time and that thi...
Mahogany
Chinoiserie Japanned English Pagoda Bamboo Standing Corner Shelf or Etagere
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An antique English 3 tier corner etagere of burnt bamboo and black Japanned panels. Each shelf is fan-shaped and Japanned In black, with a red chinoiserie design of birds and flowers...
Metal
Red Japanned Bureau Bookcase
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a highly decorative and stylish Chinese red painted bureau bookcase decorated overall with gilt chinoiseries. The top section contains a broken arched pediment over two confo...
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. Created in England during the 19th century, this secr...
Glass, Wood
The Chinoiserie Pagoda Waterfall Bookcase
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A fine paint and gilt decorated two tier pagoda topped waterfall bookcase with cupboard base. Can be painted to the clients specified colour. Please note we are currently working to...
Marble
Antique Golden Tortoise Bamboo and Woven Wicker Etagere Bookshelf
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique tortoise bamboo and Woven Wicker Etagere bookshelf. Bamboo rods and woven wicker shelves make this etagere shelving unique. This Boho c...
Bamboo, Wicker, Plywood
$800Sale Price|20% Off
Davis Cabinet Co Teakwood Chinoiserie Library Bookcase Cabinet Shelf Commode
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Davis Cabinet Company bookcase commode. Made of teakwood featuring Asian styling with upper book shelves and lower cabinet. Circa late 20th century, Nashville Tennessee. #151...
Teak
Pair Baker Far East Collection Michael Taylor Natural Elmwood Colonnade Cabinets
By Michael Taylor, Baker Far East Collection, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Asian Style chinoiserie Baker Furniture Far East Collection by Michael Taylor pair of cabinets. Comprised of natural ...
Brass
Pair of Vintage English Chinoiserie Gold and Black Painted Small Bookcases
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Vintage English Chinoiserie-style black bookcases with two shelves each over a solid cabinet base painted with gold pastoral scenes of figures fishing next to a lake. (PRICED...
Wood
1970's Bohemian Bamboo and Rattan Bookcase
Located in Alhambra, CA
Vintage 1970's oblong ribbed rattan etagere shelving unit. Unique "rib-like" side structure and 4 extra wide shelves. Lightweight and easy to move. Holes have been discreetly drilled...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
Chinoiserie Bookcase or Etagere
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinoiserie Bookcase or Etagere, probably American, circa 1950s. It is a versatile size and can be used as a bookcase, etagere, or display case. The collection of Japanese bronzes se...
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Mahogany Book Trough
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Presenting a fabulous and rare early 20th century American Nouveau book/ magazine trough/ console. Made of mahogany with a lacquer finish.. It is based upon the earlier concept of a ...
Wood
$3,596Sale Price / set|20% Off
1970s Bernhardt Chinoiserie 3-Piece Modular Bookcase Wall Unit
By Bernhardt
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Extraordinary 3-piece Chinoiserie wall-unit by Bernhardt. This captivating Asian inspired system is comprised of three individual cabinets. The cabinets are stand alone and can be us...
Brass
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Bookcase Etagere Vitrine circa 1950s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Bookcase, probably Chinese, circa 1950s. Sculptural lattice shelves offer lots of display space. It is a versatile size and can be used as a bookcase, etage...
Wood
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Black Lacquer Bookcase Display Cabinet
Located in North York, ON
This stunning piece is expertly crafted and made in the USA, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. Drawing inspiration from iconic Chinoiserie style, this bookcase ex...
Metal
Lacquered Breakfront Bookcase Chinoiserie
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Eye cathching lacquered breakfront bookcase Features a plethora of hand painted Chinoiserie on all surfaces Designs include pagodas, rustic Chinese ...
Glass
English 1870s Chinoiserie Waterfall Bookcase with Soft Yellow Painted Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English painted Chinoiserie waterfall bookcase from the late 19th century. Attracting our eyes with its soft yellow painted color adorne...
Wood
Vintage Wrought Iron Pagoda Etagere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage wrought iron pagoda étagère is a whimsical yet sophisticated celebration of Chinoiserie and Hollywood Regency design. The piece features a dramatic architectural pagoda-...
Wrought Iron
Wonderful Gold Gilt Bamboo Chinoiserie Pagoda Glass Shelf Palm Beach Etagere
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Tall Gold Gilt Faux Bamboo Chinoiserie Pagoda Glass Shelf Palm Beach Etagere
Metal
Italian Painted and Giltwood Chinoiserie Cabinet
By Ico Parisi, Guglielmo Ulrich, Vittorio Dassi, Paolo Buffa, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Houston, TX
Italian painted and giltwood chinoiserie cabinet. Stunning versatile Italian painted and gilt wood chinoiserie 2-door cabinet, bookcase, bar or cu...
Wood
Wonderful Pair Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Arch Shape Glass Etagere Bookshelf
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Arch Shape With Glass Insert Etagere / Bookshelf's Painted White
Metal
Pair Antique English Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Book-Cases with Desks, Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique English "Chinoiserie" black lacquer book-cases with desks, circa 1890-1900.
Wood, Lacquer
Small Asian Etagere With Lower Cabinet in Fresh White Lacquer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful small etagere with two door lower cabinets. Freshly lacquered in white.
Wood
$3,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Unusual Baker Chinoiserie Modular Chest Bookcase Shelf Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Unusual Baker Chinoiserie style 2-piece modular bookcase chest. The top shelving unit sits on top of a Tansu-style 4 drawer chest. We love the blackened iron hardware along with th...
Iron
Pair Regency Open Bookcases in Walnut Open Front Bookcase
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous pair of Regency Sheraton style open front bookcase in burl walnut Tall and thin so elegant design to this piece We can also split the pair up if you are looking for a single...
Walnut
$2,350
H 73.75 in W 48.75 in D 20.25 in
19th Century Blue Painted Pine Bookcase Cabinet with Glass Doors
Located in Round Top, TX
Blue painted pine bookcase with two glass panel doors flanked by turned columns over single lower drawer. Restored and ready for use. Later painted in a matte blue finish and lightl...
Wood, Paint
George III Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Located in Westwood, NJ
Elegant Georgian style cabinet with classical pediment, geometric glazing bars over the twin doors with three adjustable shelves within, the lower section with a fall front, fully li...
Mahogany
English Painted Bookcase
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Late 19th century English painted pine bookcase with adjustable shelves. 1890. Internal upper shelf depth: 10-inches Internal reference: H Code: 9030 Dimensions: W: 53.5" (135...
Pine
19th Century Large Swedish Bookcase Cabinet with Glass Doors
Located in Round Top, TX
19th-century large Swedish pine bookcase cabinet featuring classic architectural detailing. The crown is finished with carved dentil molding and applied decorative medallions. The up...
Glass, Pine, Paint
$3,475
H 37.75 in W 40.5 in D 20 in
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
$2,971
H 44.69 in W 30.71 in D 18.12 in
Antique Corner Cabinet, English, Wall Cupboard, Floor Standing, Georgian, c 1780
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique corner cabinet. An English, mahogany and fruitwood wall cupboard, dating to the Georgian period, circa 1780. Appealing Georgian corner cupboard with fine figuri...
Wood, Fruitwood
$1,995
H 39.25 in W 24 in D 17.5 in
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Secretary Desk by Maddox, Asian Motif, 1970s
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
Chinoiserie Bookcase or Etagere
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinoiserie Bookcase or Etagere, probably American, circa 1950s. It is a versatile size and can be used as a bookcase, etagere, or display case. The collection of Japanese bronzes se...
Brass
Small 18th Century Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase
Located in Lymington, GB
A rare, diminutive, late-18th century secretaire bookcase / cabinet. George III-period, circa 1790. Mahogany of very good rich color and well patinated. Inlaid and crossbanded throu...
Mahogany
19th Century English Painted Open Bookcase
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
19th century English painted open bookcase with adjustable shelves and two doors below. 1890. Shelf depth: 9.5-inches (24cm) Internal Reference: H Code: 8761 Dimensions: W: 53" ...
Pine
19th Century English Bamboo Bookcase
Located in Nashville, TN
An antique English bookcase fashioned of bamboo, vibrantly colored. The wooden back and rattan top are beautiful together and in good condition. This piece is very stable and sturdy ...
Faux Bamboo
Sold
H 83.5 in W 72 in D 17 in
Century Furniture Co Chin Hua Burl Wood Chinese Display China Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Century Furniture Co Chin Hua Burl Wood Chinese Display China Cabinet Bookcase. Item features a solid wood construction, beautiful wood grain, 2 part construction, 4 glass sw...
Glass, Wood
Sold
H 83 in W 26.5 in D 18.5 in
Verdigris Woven Iron Pagoda Form Etagere Wall Rack Shelf Plant Stand Vintage 83"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century pagoda form etagere. Made from Verdigris iron with a scrolled pagoda form top over woven shelves, and a base with brack feet. A charming addition to any space. D...
Iron
Rose Tarlow Melrose House Black & Gold Chinoiserie Etagere
By Rose Tarlow
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Rose Tarlow Melrose House Black & Gold Chinoiserie Etagere
Wood
Sold
H 84 in W 49.63 in D 23 in
John Widdicomb Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Red Lacquered Armoire or Cabinet
By John Widdicomb, Mario Buatta
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie armoire, linen press, media cabinet, or bar cabinet By Mario Buatta for John Widdicomb USA, Late 20th Century Red lacquered cherry woo...
Brass
Sold
H 81 in W 72 in D 18 in
Karges Furniture Style Chinoiserie Silver Gilt Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian Chinoiserie style breakfront bookcase or dining cabinet with hand-painted Chinoiserie scenes In the manner of Karges Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Silver gilt mah...
Brass
Antique Scorched Bamboo Library Bookshelf Bookcase Etagere Shelf 52"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique foldable knockdown library bookcase / etagere stand. Made of bamboo featuring a scorched / tortoise shell finish with four shelves, columns, and slatted design Dimensions: 2...
Bamboo
Chinoiserie Style Faux Bamboo Gilt Iron Bookshelf Étagère
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Elaborate faux bamboo gilt iron fretwork étagère having heavy gold finish, glamorous chinoiserie style and super heavy .5" thick glass shelves. Wonderful deep detail in bamoo design....
Iron
Hand painted Faux Bamboo Breakfront Bookcase
Located in Norwalk, CT
A lovely cabinet with hand painted decoration in gold over a very dark green, detailed with faux bamboo trimming. The upper section behind mullioned glass doors has glass shelves and...
Wood
1970s Chinoiserie Drexel Black and Brass Bookshelves – a Pair
By Drexel
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a set of Drexel bookcases from their ET-cetera collection, circa the 1970s. These exquisite Asian inspired bookshelves exude timeless elegance with thei...
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Mahogany Book Rack
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Presenting a fabulous and rare early 20th century American Nouveau book/ magazine trough/ console. Made of mahogany with a lacquer finish.. It is based upon the earlier concept of a ‘Canterbury’ from the English Regency Era...
Wood
Sold
H 78 in W 57.5 in D 16 in
English 1880s Black and Gold Breakfront Two Part Bookcase with Chinoiserie Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English two part black and gold breakfront bookcase from the late 19th century with Chinoiserie décor, gilded Greek Key and floral décor, chicken wire doors, drawers and additional wooden doors. Created in England during the last quarter of the 19th century, this tall bookcase attracts immediately our attention with its tall proportions and stunning black and gold colors. Made of two parts, this breakfront bookcase is adorned with a molded cornice with carved dentil molding and a gilded Greek Key frieze, sitting above four doors presenting chicken wire. These doors open to a light painted interior with convenient shelves. The lower section, decorated with an exquisite Chinoiserie décor, is made of three drawers followed by four doors with red lacquered interior. Peaceful and traditional scenes present Chinese figures in landscapes and architectures, engaged in their daily occupations: crossing a narrow bridge, horse riding, net fishing, one can imagine the serenity of such a life. The sides are also adorned with lovely foliage and the back is plain. With its breakfront lines and skillfully executed décor, this English Chinoiserie bookcase...
Wire
Sold
H 35 in W 35 in D 17.5 in
L & JG Stickley Chinoiserie Etagere Bookcase Console Having Brass Gallery
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc., Stickley Brothers
Located in Southampton, NJ
A beautiful multifunctional J & G Stickley Etagere, Bookcase or Console Table having carved Chinoiserie details throughout with brass gallery. Feature...
Brass