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.
Asian Geisha Girl Scene Mother of Pearl Inlaid Black Lacquer Jewelry Box
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
Here is a fine quality heavy black lacquer jewelry box with a wonderful line carved mother of pearl inlay geisha girl scene on the top and flower and diamond repeat patterns around t...
Wood
$177Sale Price|20% Off
Old Chinese Jewelry Box Jewelry Box Jade Brass
Located in Poperinge, BE
Old Chinese wooden jewelry box with brass fittings and a jade plaque centrally placed on the lid, inside a pink/fuchsia lining with gold floral decoration, second half of the 20th ce...
Jade, Brass
Antique French Gilt Brass Cloisonne Chinoiserie Champleve Jewelry Box Casket
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique 19th century French Chinoiserie gilt brass, Cloisonné and Champlevé jewelry box, with a rock crystal top, circa 1880. This exquisite box with a thick chamfered hinged...
Rock Crystal, Enamel, Brass
Antique English Mother of Pearl Inlaid Table Cabinet Jewelry Box with Lap Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Japanese Mother of Pearl inlaid jewelry box w lap desk This item includes restricted materials and can not be sold outside of the contiguous United States. Additional i...
Mother-of-Pearl
Antique Chinese Champlevé Enamel Scarab Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
Finely detailed champlevé scarab shape box with gilt wash interior. Traces of antique mirror on inner top. Rich colors of blue, turquoise purple finely enameled all around box.
Bronze
$9,300
Enamel Lidded Casket
Located in New York, NY
Unusual and Ornate Gilt Bronze Champlevé Enamel Lidded Casket. Chinoiserie Champlevé enamel casket of rectangular form, styled with bamboo trim. Date: Late 19th century Origin: Fren...
Bronze
Papier Mâché Massive Size Fine Quality 19th Century Sewing Box or Jewelry Box
Located in Westport, CT
Papier mâché circa 1870 English inlaid lacquered sewing box/jewelry box, with many Velvet and mother-of-pearl compartments, hidden area in center. Hand-carved mother-of-pearl, inlaid...
Gold Leaf
Japanese laquered Papier Mâché Circular Cups Hand-Painted, circa 1910 Set of 3
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is a beautiful papier mâché, circular lacquered St of Cups, which we attribute to being made in Japan during the early 20th century, circa 1910. This is a very decorativeset ...
Paper
18th Century Japanned Chinoiserie Dome-Topped Box, Circa 1715-1725
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Early 18th century George I Japanned Chinoiserie dome-topped box, Circa 1715-1725. England or France. A rare survivor from the first quarter of the ...
Cherry
Japanese Porcelain Vintage Trinket Lidded Boxes Set of Three
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Japanese porcelain vintage trinket boxes with lid, set of 3. Vintage Asian porcelain Japanese trinket boxes with Geishas figures wearing traditional kimonos. Japanese porcelain decorative box, each box with a different design, perfect for storing small items or use them as decorative boxes on a table or shelf. Asian Trinket Box...
Porcelain
$204Sale Price|20% Off
Black Lacquered Chinese Jewelry Box Soapstone Brass Chinoiserie
Located in Poperinge, BE
Vintage Chinese jewelry box, chinoiserie jewelry box, made of black lacquered wood, brass details and soapstone image in relief of flower...
Soapstone, Brass
Chinese Lacquer Hand-Painted Toiletry Box with Mirror
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Valua...
Wood
Vintage Chinese Oriental Gold Leaf Dome Lid Jewelry Box w/ Soapstone Figures
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Gold Leaf Dome Lid Oriental Jewelry Box w/ Carved Soapstone Figures and Red Lined Interior. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 6" H x 14" W x 9" D.
Wood
19th Century Chinoiserie Tall Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In great condition for its age. With bone handle pulls.
Bone, Wood, Lacquer
Chinese cloissoné Circular Cup or Vide Poche Hand-Painted, circa 1910
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Chinese cloissoné Circular Cup or Vide Poche Hand-Painted, circa 1910
Ceramic
Small Oval Chinoiserie Painted Ceramic and Metal Trinket Box with Mirror Lid
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Bring a little chinoiserie to a vanity, side table, or coffee table. This pretty oval box is created from metal and has a hand painted and glazed ceramic top. The metal surrounds the...
Metal
$1,258Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Travelling Jewellery Box, Chinese, Lacquered, Campaign Case, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique travelling jewellery box. A Chinese, lacquered pine campaign case, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Delightful example of red lacquered craftsmans...
Pine, Lacquer
$400Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Chinese Cinnabar Lacquer Floral Trinket Box, 1960s
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
Vintage Chinese Red Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Floral Trinket Box. Shipping & Location This item is located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We offer secu...
Lacquer
Japanese Laquered Papier Mâché Circular Cups Hand Painted, circa 1910 Set of 2
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is a beautiful papier mâché, circular lacquered set of 2 cups, which we attribute to being made in Japan during the early 20th century, circa 1910. This is a very decoratives...
Paper
Jewelry Box Brass Swan Bird Red Lacquer
Located in New York, NY
A '70 modern red lacquer or high-gloss 'demi-lune' box with inlayed brass swan bird design, circa 1970s. A chic decorative box for jewelry (as demonstrated)...
Brass
Long Narrow Chinese Laquered Box with Brass Bun Feet
By Sarreid Ltd.
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely unusually long and narrow Chinoiserie box having black background with red and gold flowers, brass hinge and bun feet.
Wood
$9,800
H 4 in W 11 in D 15 in
Japanese Momoyama Period Black Lacquer and Mother of Pearl Box, 16th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and unusual Japanese black lacquer and mother of pearl inlaid box, Momoyama Period, 16th century, Japan. The large box and cover featu...
Lacquer, Abalone
$239Sale Price|65% Off
H 3.35 in Dm 2.56 in
Smooth oval silver snuffbox with enamel flag and hinged lid
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Smooth oval silver snuff box with enamel flag and hinged lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: English. Brand: Birmingham. Weight: 78.14 grams. Dimensions: 8.5x6.5cm. Content: 925...
Silver
$4,750
H 10.5 in W 7.75 in D 4.5 in
Lidded Canister with Handle, Elaborate Repoussé & Enamel Work, Munich Secession
By Ludwig Karl Maria Vierthaler
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Crafted by Ludwig Vierthaler for the Josef Winhart metalwork company in Munich, this gorgeous and singular lidded canister displays the bravura repoussé work that the artist is known for. Winhart hammered elaborate Secession-style swirls and geometric patterns into the sides and lid of this piece, and enriched the lid with midnight blue and ruddy brown enamels. The entire piece has a subtle hammered finish and a streaky patina that gives the surface great depth of color. Interestingly, Vierthaler spent years as a metalsmith at Tiffany and Company in New York...
Copper, Enamel
Italian Murano Faceted Glass & Brass Hinged Box / Jewelry Box
Located in North Miami, FL
This beautiful hinged Murano glass box in pristine clear faceted glass and brass trim and original decorative key and tassel. It is a wonderful desk or...
Crystal, Metal
$1,025
H 10 in W 11.75 in D 6 in
Japanese Lacquer Box with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay and Parquetry Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A finely crafted Japanese tabletop cabinet from the early 20th century, this compact storage piece is richly detailed with traditional decorative techniques and export-era flourishes...
Wood
Vintage Industrial Enameled Metal Utility Bins with Hinged Lids
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Medium-sized enameled metal utility bins showcase sturdy industrial construction with hinged lids and stackable design. Originally manufactured by Tolesco...
Metal
$280
H 2.5 in W 2.63 in D 2.5 in
Antique Ormolu Jewelry Box Souvenir Casket Bevelled Glass Grand Tour France 1900
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique French Églomisé Casket - Souvenir from Verdun, France, circa 1900 A charming French antique casket from circa 1900 with gilt brass fittings and clear glass panels. The hinge...
Crystal, Ormolu
Antique Brass and Hardwood Chinese Jewelry Box 1940s
Located in Den Haag, NL
This vintage Chinese jewelry box, crafted from rosewood, reflects the quiet elegance of a bygone era. Intricate brass fittings highlight traditional Chinese motifs, once symbols of l...
Hardwood
Antique French Ormolu Beveled Amber Glass Jewelry Casket Dresser Box
Located in Wayne, NJ
A stunning antique French brass ormolu with rare amber tone beveled glass footed jewelry casket or dresser box with hinged lid . It has ornate feet, intricate flowers and roses in it...
Ormolu
Old Jewelry or Trinket Box inspired by Alexandre Noll
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This very old wonderful box is carved in solid wood. It can be closed by a beautiful polished mother of pearl shell. This box could be of the hand of Alexandre Noll (1890-1970), but ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
$2,100
H 6 in W 7 in D 5 in
19th Century French Empire Cloisonné Bronze Jewelry Casket with Velvet Interior
Located in North Miami, FL
19th century French Empire cloisonne bronze jewelry casket with blue velvet interior By: unknown Material: bronze, velvet, enamel, metal, copper Technique: gilt, cloisonné, champlevé, cast, molded, metalwork Dimensions: 5 in x 7 in x 6 in Date: late 19th century, circa 1890 Style: Napoleon III, Rococo Revival, Neoclassicism Place of origin: France This richly gilded jewelry...
Bronze, Enamel, Metal, Copper
$1,063
H 4.34 in W 5.91 in D 3.94 in
Antique French Silvered & Gilt Jewellery Casket Box AB Paris 19th C
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful Antique silvered and gilt on copper French jewellery casket, signed AB Paris and Circa 1880 in date. Of rectangular form this wonderful casket is of very high quality and features the lid and sides decorated with relief cast scenic panels...
Copper
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 4.25 in W 5 in D 3.25 in
Antique Moser Cranberry Enameled & Ormolu Mounted Glass Casket Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite antique glass casket box, attributed to the renowned Moser glassworks, exemplifies the opulence and artistry for which Moser is celebrated. The box is crafted from ric...
Art Glass
Japanese Camphorwood Brass Okinawa Pagoda Jewelry Chest Box 17"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Japanese chinoiserie jewelry treasure chest. Made of Camphor Wood featuring a carved cityscape with Pagoda and etched brass hardware. The box interior features a mirror and ...
Hardwood
Sold
H 4 in W 7.9 in D 5.4 in L 4 in
Vintage Chinoiserie Jewelry Box, Wood with Jade Inlay and Brass Decor
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage Chinese jewelry box features solid wood body with finger joint corners, carved inlay on the lid, and brass applique decor on the corners and around the inlay. The box is equi...
Stone, Jade, Brass
Chinese Jewelry Box Jewelry Box Jade Rosewood Brass Vintage
Located in Poperinge, BE
Vintage wooden jewelry box, jewelry storage box with 5 drawers and 2 doors, decorated with jade and brass fittings, China, approximately mid-20t...
Jade, Brass
Vintage Chinese Jewelry Box Lacquered Wood Brass
Located in Poperinge, BE
Vintage Chinese jewelry box, jewelry box with drawers and doors, black lacquered wood inlaid with pearl and finished with brass fittings,...
Brass
Decorative Chinoiserie Bombe Style Black Lacquer Oriental Jewelry Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Decorative Chinoiserie Bombe Style Black Lacquer Oriental Jewelry Box. Circa Late 20th - Early 21st Century. Measurements: 19" H x 18.5" W x 11" D.
Wood
Mid-20th Century Black Lacquer Pagoda Jewelry Box With Clock
Located in Fort Washington, MD
Stunning Jewelry box with a pagoda style beautifully decorated, has a working clock that can be removed with a push through a hole on the back to adjust time or change battery This ...
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Cloisonne Enamel Box with Flowers Chinoiserie Style
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful small cloisonne box made of colorful enamel and brass, with flower design on lid, in the Chinoiserie style, circa mid-20th century. A convenient piece to hold a ring or e...
Brass, Enamel
Japanese Laquered Papier Mâché Circular Lidded Box Hand Painted, circa 1910
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is a beautiful papier mâché, circular lacquered lidded box, which we attribute to being made in Japan during the early 20th century, circa 1910. This is a very decorative box...
Wood
Sold
H 2.5 in W 3.25 in D 3.25 in
Antique English chinoiserie Papier Mache Lidded Dresser Box, circa 1880
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb antique English black ebonized japanned papier mache lidded dresser box or trinket box with an Asian chinoiserie design, circa 1880. This Fine box is handmade with hand pain...
Paper
Vintage Black Lacquer Chinese Oriental Figural Pyramid Pagoda Jewelry Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Black Lacquer Chinese Oriental Figural Pyramid Pagoda jewelry box. Item features a black lacquer finish, gold gilt details, felt lined interior,...
Wood, Paint
Asian Wood and Brass Jewelry Box
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An asian wood and brass jewelry box. Dark red mahogany colored wood with with brass drawer pulls and decorative accents. Two doors open to reveal thr...
Brass
Decorative Jewelry Box with Fine Chinoiserie
Located in Greven, DE
Casket with chinoiserie Wooden jewelry box with paintings in Chinese style. Fine gold painting depicts leaves and vines as well as figural and architectural motifs. There is a d...
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 52 in W 22 in D 16 in
Chinese Lacquer Tansu Semanier Lingerie Jewelry Armoire Chest Dresser Chinoiseri
Located in Dayton, OH
Chinese jewelry armoire, chest or dresser featuring hand painted detail of pagodas, landscapes, birds, and florals with brass banded accents and butterfly pulls...
Brass
Le Tallec Orange Chinoserie Decorated Box, Full Hall Marked Great Patina
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vibrant and unique dresser or table top box for all your precious items. From the studio of Camille Le Tallec, we love the detail, craftsmanship and orange color. Atelier Le Tallec...
Gold, Enamel
Cartier Hand Painted Enamel Porcelain Trinket Box
By Cartier
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Cartier hand painted enamel porcelain oval trinket box. It depicts an East Asian landscape with a couple wearing oriental outfits in the front o...
Porcelain