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.
$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
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
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
Silver-Plated Faux Bamboo Box, France, 1960s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Elegant 1960s silver-plated box in the iconic faux bamboo style. The rectangular form is intricately crafted with layered, realistic bamboo stalks in high-relief, finished in warm si...
Silver Plate
Sculptural Brass Decorative Jewelry Box Brutalist Mid Century Modern
By Line Vautrin
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A heavy beautiful modernist round brass box
Brass
Chinese Reverse Glass Treasure Chest. c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
As much an artwork as a piece of furniture, this 19th-century treasure chest from northern China is richly decorated with relief carvings and delicate gilt paintings. The doors bear ...
Glass, Elm
$92
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
Petite Antique Anglo Indian Bone and Tortoise Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Charming petite antique Anglo Indian lidded box handcrafted in indigenous hardwoods clad in tortoise shell and decorated with elaborate lacy bone designs, featuring an etched and pai...
Bone, Tortoise Shell
$364Sale 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, Maison Jansen, Maria Pergay
Located in Lugo, IT
Jewelry box attributed to Maison Bague / Maria Pergay. Good condition. Thank you
Silver Plate
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
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
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
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
$1,354
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
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