Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
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.
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Stone, Jade
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Hardwood
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Ceramic
1940s Tibetan Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Bronze
1950s Japanese Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Metal
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Marble
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Wood
Early 2000s American Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Resin, Sheepskin
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Hardwood
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Porcelain
19th Century Irish Antique Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Metal
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Jade
Early 20th Century African Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Ebony
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Stone, Jade
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Lapis Lazuli
Mid-20th Century South Asian Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Teak, Paint
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Terracotta
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Stone, Jade
Mid-20th Century Thai Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Glass, Wood, Paint
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Other
Mid-20th Century Burmese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Wood
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Composition, Metal
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Enamel, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Resin