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
Bronze
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Enamel
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Teak
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Wood, Teak
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Lacquer
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Wood, Giltwood
20th Century Thai Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Metal, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Limestone
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Wood
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Giltwood
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Metal
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Lacquer
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Soapstone
20th Century Tibetan Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Softwood
20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Thai Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Glass, Wood, Paint
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Brass
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Bronze
Late 19th Century Tibetan Antique Chinoiserie Sculptures and Carvings
Wood