Chinese Chippendale Lacquer
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.
1780s Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Lacquer
Kingwood, Lacquer
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Lacquer
Lacquer
Early 20th Century Burmese Chinese Chippendale Lacquer
Bamboo, Lacquer
20th Century Chinese Chippendale Lacquer
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century Burmese Chinese Chippendale Lacquer
Bamboo, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Lacquer
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Lacquer
Lacquer
Late 19th Century Burmese Antique Chinese Chippendale Lacquer
Wood, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Lacquer
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Lacquer
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Lacquer
Wood
Early 20th Century Japanese Chinese Chippendale Lacquer
Rattan, Lacquer
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Lacquer
Naugahyde, Faux Bamboo, Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Lacquer
Rosewood