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.
Mid-Century Modern Brass Faux Bamboo Box Attributed to Maison Baguès, 70s
Located in Roma, IT
We are pleased to offer for sale this elegant brass box, finely crafted and embellished with sophisticated faux bamboo details. Dating to the mid-20th century, this striking vintage ...
Brass
$243Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Chinese Bone Ebony Oval Treasure Box
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Antique Chinese bone ebony oval treasure box with lid cover decorated with incized symbol of happiness on top.
Bone
Antique Anglo Indian Quill and Bone Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Exceptional antique Anglo Indian sewing box handcrafted with quills and decorated bone with a brass handle, lion heads and paw feet. The interior has pin cushions and compartments wi...
Brass
Small Onyx Shagreen and Macassar Ebony Box with Bone Inlay
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, exotic, and unmistakably refined, shagreen has long captivated those with a discerning eye for luxury. Derived from stingray skin, this richly textured material first appear...
Stainless Steel
Antique Vizagapatam India Table Box Ebonized Wood & Bone Carvings
Located in Forney, TX
Vizagapatam box, India, 19th century. This highly decorative and unusual Anglo-Indian table box features rustic workmanship that adds to the character and charm of this unique Sout...
Bone, Wood
Silver Plate Box in Faux Bamboo Motif Attributed to Maria Pergay
By Maria Pergay
Located in Chicago, IL
Faux Bamboo silver plate box attributed to Maria Pergay. Excellent condition. Heavy weight box.
Silver Plate
Large Navy Blue Shagreen and Macassar Ebony Box with Bone Inlay
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, exotic, and unmistakably refined, shagreen has long captivated those with a discerning eye for luxury. A study in subtle opulence, this artisan-crafted decorative box is wr...
Stainless Steel
$1,318
H 1.78 in W 5.12 in D 4.34 in
Art Deco box in wood and metal attributed to the Maison DESNY - 1930s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Art Deco - Box - Decorative Box Materials: Macassar wood and nickel-plated metal Measures : 13x11cm H: 4.5cm Superb quality, the best of French Art Deco. There is no visible designe...
Metal
Ebony Tissue Box
Located in Milan, IT
An elegant reinterpretation of an everyday household item, this superb tissue box is expertly fashioned of prized horn and ebony wood with a glossy lacquere...
Horn, Wood, Ebony
Milano Sterling Silver Treasure Box
Located in Milano, IT
Milano Sterling Silver Treasure Box Special edition of our sterling silver jewellery box collection Made in MIlano - Italy , sterling silver one of a kind box for your treasures The ...
Sterling Silver
Iron Strong Box Treasure Chest
Located in Ferndale, MI
Iron strong box treasure chest, nicely crafted case and mechanism. Original key included . Possibly stage coach item .
Steel, Wrought Iron, Iron
$90
H 25.99 in Dm 12.21 in
70s Sewing Box Sewing Basket Utensilio Wood Mesh Space Age Mid Century Design
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
70s sewing box sewing basket Utensilio wood mesh Space Age mid century design Object: sewing basket Manufacturer: Condition: good Age: around 1960-1970 Dimensions: ...
Fabric, Wood
$354Sale Price|48% Off
H 2.37 in W 4.65 in D 3.15 in
Jewelry box attributed to Maison Bague / Maria Pergay bamboo
By Maison Baguès, Maria Pergay, Maison Jansen
Located in Lugo, IT
Jewelry box attributed to Maison Bague / Maria Pergay. Good condition. Thank you
Silver Plate
Large Onyx Shagreen and Macassar Ebony Box with Bone Inlay
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, exotic, and unmistakably refined, shagreen has long captivated those with a discerning eye for luxury. A study in subtle opulence, this artisan-crafted decorative box is wra...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Mosaic Box Mid Century Modern
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Beautiful Mid Century Modern Italian Mosaic Tile Teak Box. Circa 1960s - early 1970s Gorgeous colors reminiscent of Italian Mosaic Design like Gio Ponti and California Craft Stud...
Ceramic, Teak
$739
H 1.58 in W 15.36 in D 5.52 in
Italian Mid-Century Acrylic Faux Tortoise and Brass Decorative Box, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Mid-Century Acrylic Faux Tortoise and Brass Decorative Box, 1970s Gorgeous Italian crafted jewelry box made of acrylic with brass details. Can be used as a jewelry box as we...
Brass
$1,250
H 1.78 in W 6.11 in D 4.14 in
Mid-Century Modern Onyx Jewelry Box with Brass Hinge, Spain, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern hinged box veneered in fine Onyx stone, Spain, 1950s. This exquisite vintage 1950s rectangular box is all constructed with onyx and features a brass hinge. This tr...
Stone, Onyx, Brass
Late 19th Century Chinese Chippendale Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A Chinese covered box with silver bindings & abalone inlays, late 19th century. "Chinese Chippendale" taste for the Western market. Silver corner mou...
Wood
Pair of Pearl Inlaid Rosewood Boxes
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of inlaid boxes with blossoms. The pair of boxes have the original slide locks. The symbol on the top of the box is similar to the Chinese and Japanese symbol of wealth and pros...
Hardwood
Baker Furniture Chinese Chippendale Vanity Jewelry Chest with Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Baker Furniture vanity / jewelry chest with built in storage compartments and hidden mirror. Accompanied by matching vanity stool. A very unique piec...
Wood
A Chinese 19th Century Cinnabar Lacquered Scroll Box
Located in Bellport, NY
A dome shaped 19th century Cinnabar Laquered Chinese Scroll Box. Made of leather and wood, with bronze side handles and a bronze front latch. There ar...
Bronze