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Chinoiserie Bookcases

CHINOISERIE STYLE

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.

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Style: Chinoiserie
Antique Chinoiserie Jacobean Green Lacquered Hand Painted Bookcase
Antique Chinoiserie Jacobean Green Lacquered Hand Painted Bookcase

Antique Chinoiserie Jacobean Green Lacquered Hand Painted Bookcase

By Berkey & Gay Furniture

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 ...

Category

1920s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Brass

The Chinoiserie Pagoda Open Bookcase
The Chinoiserie Pagoda Open Bookcase

The Chinoiserie Pagoda Open Bookcase

By Jonathan Sainsbury

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Chinoiserie Japanned English Pagoda Bamboo Standing Corner Shelf or Etagere
Chinoiserie Japanned English Pagoda Bamboo Standing Corner Shelf or Etagere

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...

Category

20th Century Southeast Asian Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Red Japanned Bureau Bookcase
Red Japanned Bureau Bookcase

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...

Category

20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Bookcases

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. Created in England during the 19th century, this secr...

Category

19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Wood

The Chinoiserie Pagoda Waterfall Bookcase
The Chinoiserie Pagoda Waterfall Bookcase

The Chinoiserie Pagoda Waterfall Bookcase

By Jonathan Sainsbury

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Marble

Pair of Vintage English Chinoiserie Gold and Black Painted Small Bookcases
Pair of Vintage English Chinoiserie Gold and Black Painted Small Bookcases

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...

Category

20th Century British Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wood

1970's Bohemian Bamboo and Rattan Bookcase
1970's Bohemian Bamboo and Rattan Bookcase

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan, Wood

Chinoiserie Bookcase or Etagere
Chinoiserie Bookcase or Etagere

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...

Category

1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Mahogany Book Trough
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Mahogany Book Trough

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 ...

Category

1910s Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wood

1970s Bernhardt Chinoiserie 3-Piece Modular Bookcase Wall Unit
1970s Bernhardt Chinoiserie 3-Piece Modular Bookcase Wall Unit

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...

Category

1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Bookcase Etagere Vitrine circa 1950s
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Bookcase Etagere Vitrine circa 1950s

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...

Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Black Lacquer Bookcase Display Cabinet
Black Lacquer Bookcase Display Cabinet

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...

Category

2010s American Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Lacquered Breakfront Bookcase Chinoiserie
Lacquered Breakfront Bookcase Chinoiserie

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 ...

Category

1980s Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Glass

Vintage Wrought Iron Pagoda Etagere
Vintage Wrought Iron Pagoda Etagere

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-...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wrought Iron

Small Asian Etagere With Lower Cabinet in Fresh White Lacquer
Small Asian Etagere With Lower Cabinet in Fresh White 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.

Category

1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Unusual Baker Chinoiserie Modular Chest Bookcase Shelf Mid-Century Modern
Unusual Baker Chinoiserie Modular Chest Bookcase Shelf Mid-Century Modern

Unusual Baker Chinoiserie Modular Chest Bookcase Shelf Mid-Century Modern

By Baker Furniture Company

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...

Category

1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Iron

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Pair Regency Open Bookcases in Walnut Open Front Bookcase
Pair Regency Open Bookcases in Walnut Open Front Bookcase

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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...

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1980s Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

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19th Century Blue Painted Pine Bookcase Cabinet with Glass Doors
19th Century Blue Painted Pine Bookcase Cabinet with Glass Doors

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...

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George III Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
George III Mahogany Secretary Bookcase

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$17,682 / item

H 88.5 in W 40.75 in D 22 in

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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...

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21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chinoiserie Bookcases

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English Painted Bookcase
English Painted Bookcase

English Painted Bookcase

$3,700

H 83 in W 53.5 in D 19 in

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...

Category

19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Pine

19th Century Large Swedish Bookcase Cabinet with Glass Doors
19th Century Large Swedish Bookcase Cabinet with Glass Doors

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...

Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

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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 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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Poplar

Antique Corner Cabinet, English, Wall Cupboard, Floor Standing, Georgian, c 1780
Antique Corner Cabinet, English, Wall Cupboard, Floor Standing, Georgian, c 1780

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...

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Late 18th Century British Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Fruitwood

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. The gold and greens appear as mystical and radiant...

Category

1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Chinoiserie Bookcase or Etagere
Chinoiserie Bookcase or Etagere

Chinoiserie Bookcase or Etagere

$2,450

H 59.75 in W 40 in D 14 in

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...

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1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Small 18th Century Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase
Small 18th Century Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase

Small 18th Century Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase

$7,986

H 76.5 in W 29 in D 16.5 in

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...

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18th Century Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century English Painted Open Bookcase
19th Century English Painted Open Bookcase

19th Century English Painted Open Bookcase

$3,394

H 87 in W 53 in D 19 in

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" ...

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19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Pine

19th Century English Bamboo Bookcase
19th Century English Bamboo Bookcase

19th Century English Bamboo Bookcase

$2,875

H 34.5 in W 35 in D 14 in

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 ...

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Mid-19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Previously Available Items
Century Furniture Co Chin Hua Burl Wood Chinese Display China Cabinet Bookcase
Century Furniture Co Chin Hua Burl Wood Chinese Display China Cabinet Bookcase

Century Furniture Co Chin Hua Burl Wood Chinese Display China Cabinet Bookcase

By Century Furniture

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Wood

Verdigris Woven Iron Pagoda Form Etagere Wall Rack Shelf Plant Stand Vintage 83"
Verdigris Woven Iron Pagoda Form Etagere Wall Rack Shelf Plant Stand Vintage 83"

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...

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Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Iron

John Widdicomb Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Red Lacquered Armoire or Cabinet
John Widdicomb Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Red Lacquered Armoire or Cabinet

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...

Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Karges Furniture Style Chinoiserie Silver Gilt Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet
Karges Furniture Style Chinoiserie Silver Gilt Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet

Karges Furniture Style Chinoiserie Silver Gilt Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet

By Karges Furniture

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...

Category

1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Antique Scorched Bamboo Library Bookshelf Bookcase Etagere Shelf 52"
Antique Scorched Bamboo Library Bookshelf Bookcase Etagere Shelf 52"

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...

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Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Bamboo

Chinoiserie Style Faux Bamboo Gilt Iron Bookshelf Étagère
Chinoiserie Style Faux Bamboo Gilt Iron Bookshelf Étagère

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....

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1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

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Iron

Hand painted Faux Bamboo Breakfront Bookcase
Hand painted Faux Bamboo Breakfront Bookcase

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...

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Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wood

1970s Chinoiserie Drexel Black and Brass Bookshelves – a Pair
1970s Chinoiserie Drexel Black and Brass Bookshelves – a Pair

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...

Category

1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Mahogany Book Rack
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Mahogany Book Rack

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...

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1910s Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wood

English 1880s Black and Gold Breakfront Two Part Bookcase with Chinoiserie Décor
English 1880s Black and Gold Breakfront Two Part Bookcase with Chinoiserie Décor

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...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wire

Chinoiserie bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinoiserie bookcases for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage bookcases created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinoiserie bookcases made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original bookcases, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Baker Far East Collection, Century Furniture, and Davis Cabinet Company. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for bookcases differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $900 and tops out at $16,500 while the average work can sell for $4,600.