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.
Vintage Chinese Papier-Mache Blue and White Basket with Lid
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese papier-mache vessel painted white with a blue and white floral band around the center and top, wrapped in wicker rattan weave, resting o...
Wicker, Lacquer
Vintage Oval Woven Rattan Basket with Lid and Geometric Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese vintage unusual oval-shaped rattan basket from the mid-20th century, with lid and geometric motifs. Crafted in China during the midcentury period, this woven rattan basket...
Rattan
1970s Vintage Chinese Wicker Chicken Basket with Lid, Bamboo & Rattan
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Chinese Wicker Chicken Basket with Lid, Circa 1970s Vintage Chinese wicker chicken basket, circa 1970s, handwoven in bamboo reed, rattan, and wicker with carved wood details. The pi...
Rattan
Vintage Chinese Wicker Hen Basket with Lid, Rattan and Bamboo, 1970s
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Vintage Chinese wicker hen basket with lid, circa 1970s, handwoven in natural rattan, wicker, and bamboo reed with carved and painted wood details. The piece features a rounded lidde...
Rattan
Vintage Chinese Wicker Hen Basket with Lid, Handwoven Rattan, 1970s
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Vintage Chinese wicker hen basket with lid, circa 1970s, handwoven in natural rattan, wicker, and bamboo reed with carved and painted wood details. The piece features a rounded baske...
Rattan
Vintage Chinese Wicker Hen Basket with Lid, Handwoven Rattan, 1970s
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Vintage Chinese wicker hen basket with lid, circa 1970s, handwoven in natural rattan, wicker, and bamboo reed with carved and painted wood details. The piece features a rounded baske...
Rattan
Italian 1950s Wicker and Bamboo Basket with Lid
By Tito Agnoli, Bonacina
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1950s Wicker and Bamboo Basket with Lid.
Bamboo, Wicker
German Vintage Easter Candy Box Bunny Figure Papier Mâché
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Vintage Easter bunny candy box. Easter bunny figure made of papier mâché from the 50th covered with fabric in cream color. Hand painted and decora...
Paper
Vintage Boho Woven Rattan Lidded Basket
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Enhance your home with the natural beauty of this Vintage Boho Woven Rattan Lidded Basket. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this baske...
Rattan
Vintage Hand-Woven Lidded Basket with Handle
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Hand-Woven Lidded Basket with Handle 12 h with handle, 6 h basket x 13 diameter 16.5 w x 10 d x 18 h Original preowned vintage condition Refer to images provided
Rattan
$900
H 21.5 in W 16.5 in D 15 in
Chinese Two-Tiered Bamboo and Rattan Lidded Food Basket with Large Handle
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty two tiered bamboo and rattan lidded food basket with large handle. Step into the rich heritage of Chinese craftsmanship with this late Qing Dynasty two-ti...
Bamboo, Rattan
Circa 1850 Chinese Export Papier Mache Footed Tray
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1850 Chinese export papier mache footed tray. Exquisitely hand painted & gilded. Minor rubbing & darkening commensurate with age, material & use. 11 3/8" dia., 1.75" h. We are...
Paint, Paper
Vintage Square Dark Brown Rattan Basket with Removable Lid and Patterns
Located in Yonkers, NY
This vintage square basket is finely handwoven from dark brown rattan, combining sturdy craftsmanship with an understated, organic texture. The design features a removable lid and ti...
Rattan
Teakwood Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
Let’s call it what it is: a quiet flirtation with Chippendale style, recast in teak and sharpened for a more modern eye. This rectangular tray doesn’t shout its references—it edits ...
Teak
Antique Chinese Porcelain Plant Bowl with Stand
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Antique Chinese craquellure porcelain large and heavy impressive plant bowl on matching lacquer wood stand.
Porcelain
Decoupage Scallop Waste Can with Asian Motif
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful Waste or Trash can. The scallop top metal can is covered by decoupage of an asian motif in gold or cream on a black field. A compliment to any room, from the bedroom, bat...
Metal