Chinese Chippendale Antiquities

CHINESE CHIPPENDALE STYLE

Like chinoiserie, which had emerged in Europe in the 17th century, antique Chinese Chippendale furniture was an appropriation of Asian design that often distilled it to stereotypes.

Thomas Chippendale published The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director in 1754, and the widespread popularity of the book of furniture designs influenced a new style of furniture named for the English cabinetmaker. Artisans in England, the United States and Europe adapted the work illustrated in its pages. The publication of the pattern book included designs reflecting “Gothic, Chinese and Modern Taste,” with illustrations of “Chinese” chairs and cabinets featuring elaborate hand-carved latticework.

Pagoda-shaped flourishes and wood painted in the “japanned” finish that mimicked lacquer were common on these pieces, as were fretwork patterns on chair backs. The back of a chair is the easiest way to distinguish between Gothic, Rococo and Chinese Chippendale chairs, all of which typically feature broad seats and luxurious upholstery. Chippendale’s designs for “Chinese” chairs tend to favor more clean lines and less ornamentation than the other styles, with cutouts in the rails and the fretwork on the back evoking a European ideal of East Asian design.

Dark woods such as walnut and solid mahogany were commonly used, as were bamboo turnings. Cabinets for imported Chinese ceramics frequently were adorned with glazing bars, while small tea tables were detailed with angular fretwork. The style remained popular through the 18th century and into the decades that followed, even inspiring an entire room at Buckingham Palace.

Find antique Chinese Chippendale dining room chairs, side tables, case pieces and other furniture and decor on 1stDibs.

Style: Chinese Chippendale

Pair of Asian Hand Carved Wooden Lanterns

Located in Redding, CT

Pair of Asian Hand Carved Wooden Lanterns. Nice decorative pair in a rich cinnabar color. This pair is not identical but very similar. Heavily carved gilt wood with amazing detail. H...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Antiquities

Materials

Glass, Wood

Pair of Asian Hand Carved Wooden Lanterns

$1,165 Sale Price / item

35% Off

Early 20th Century Chinese Wooden Rice Measure with Copper Fittings

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Early 20th Century Chinese Wooden Rice Measure with Copper Fittings – Collectible with Rich Patina Description: This authentic Chinese rice measure, crafted in wood with copper and blackened metal fittings, dates from the early 20th century and was traditionally used for measuring and transporting rice. Featuring hand-assembled wooden planks joined with metal corner reinforcements, this piece displays a rich brown patina that testifies to its age and use. A functional tool of rural Chinese life, it now stands as a beautiful decorative object or collector's piece, ideal for adding authentic character and cultural depth to an interior. Key features include: Traditional Chinese Craftsmanship: Constructed with fine wooden planks, joined and stabilized with blackened metal brackets and copper fittings, this measure showcases practical design rooted in vernacular tradition. Warm Natural Patina: The deep brown wood tones and aged copper highlights reveal a beautiful oxidation and surface wear, offering an aesthetic of timeworn authenticity. Early 20th Century Origin: Made in China in the early 1900s, this piece reflects a period when such tools were essential daily implements—now repurposed as vintage decor. Versatile Decorative Use: Perfect as a sculptural centerpiece, storage box, or planter base, it adds texture and history to both rustic and modern interiors. Collector’s Appeal: A sought-after item for collectors of antique Asian objects, particularly those interested in domestic cultural heritage pieces. Solid & Sculptural Form: With its boxy shape and visible joinery, the piece feels both grounded and graphic, bringing architectural strength to its setting. This Chinese rice measure is more than a historic vessel—it’s a symbol of cultural heritage, honest craftsmanship, and functional beauty, ready to enrich contemporary spaces with vintage soul. Keywords: antique Chinese rice measure, early 20th-century wooden vessel, vintage Asian storage box...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Antiquities

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century Chinese Wooden Rice Measure with Copper Fittings

$407

Rare 19th Century Oriental Brass and Marble Exotic Candle holders

Located in Mombuey, Zamora

Spectacular, rare antique candlesticks to decorate your exotic summer table These are two bronze candle holders or similar. They are two Asian figures, one female and the other male ...

Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Chinese Chippendale Antiquities

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

H 23 in W 82.5 in D 1.5 in

Early 20th Century Silver Engraved Chinese Comb on Stand

Located in Jimbaran, Bali

An early 20th century Chinese silver comb with engravings, mounted on a stand. Dimensions; Height with stand 21cm / Height 10cm x Width 23cm D 0.04cm.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Antiquities

Materials

Silver

Early 20th Century Silver Engraved Chinese Comb on Stand

$596 Sale Price

20% Off

H 3.94 in W 9.06 in D 0.02 in

19th Century Chinese Ginger Jars

Located in Esbeek, NL

Beautiful set of Chinese ginger jars 18th century or earlier.

Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Antiquities

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Chinese Ginger Jars

$6,991 / set

H 18.51 in W 10.24 in D 10.24 in

Early 20th Century Chinese Faux Ivory Carved Earthquake Detector, Seismograph

Located in Pomona, CA

Chinese seismograph was invented by Zhang Heng in about Eastern Han Dynasty. According to the history, The seismograph has eight directions, which are east, south, west, north, south...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Antiquities

Materials

Bone

Early 20th Century Chinese Faux Ivory Carved Earthquake Detector, Seismograph

$5,137 Sale Price

$520 Sale Price

20% Off

H 8.47 in W 9.3 in D 9.22 in

Archaic Jade Pendant, China, Early 20th Century

Located in Roma, IT

This amazing Archaic Jade pendant, was realized in China in the early 20th century. In very good condition, except for signs of aging. Provenance: I...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Antiquities

Materials

Jade

Archaic Jade Pendant, China, Early 20th Century

$920

H 4.26 in W 3.39 in D 0.2 in

Previously Available Items

Large 19th C. Qing period Chinese Woven Bamboo & Cane Lidded Basket

Located in Las Vegas, NV

19th century Qing period Chinese storage basket intricately hand woven with bamboo and cane. Iron hinges and pull. Measures 20" X 20" X 16" tall . Warm aged patina. Wonderful condition.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Antiquities

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Large 19th C. Qing period Chinese Woven Bamboo & Cane Lidded Basket

H 16 in W 20 in D 20 in

Large Carved Wooden Buddha

Located in Brussels, BE

Large carved wooden Buddha.

Category

Mid-19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Chippendale Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Large Carved Wooden Buddha

H 50.01 in W 11.82 in D 21.26 in

Chinese Chippendale antiquities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Chippendale antiquities for sale on 1stDibs. 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.