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.
Pair Royal Crown Derby "Gold Aves" Candlesticks. Vintage With Dolphin bases
By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant pair of 24 karat gold and white fine porcelain candlesticks by the re known English firm of Royal Crown Derby. This elaborate design of adorned birds and peacocks is appli...
Gold
$531Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Royal Delft Blue and White Hand-Painted Ceramic Candlesticks
By Royal Delft
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hand-painted Royal Delft candlesticks by De Porceleyne Fles decorated in classic blue and white and offered as a pair with original Delft boxes. This rare and elegant pair of Royal ...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Delft
Late 20th Century Vintage Chinoiserie Blue & White Monkey Candle Stick Holder
Located in Cookeville, TN
FABULOUS Vintage Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Blue & White Monkey Candle Stick Holder. The piece measures 7 inches tall x 4 inches wide x 3.25 inches deep
Ceramic
19th Century F. Barbedienne Bronze Champlevé Enamel Candlesticks
Located in Stockholm, SE
A fine pair of champlevé enamel candlesticks in a chinoiserie style by Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810 - 1892), made in Paris ca.1880. Signed "F. Barbedienne" They are an example of the ...
Bronze, Enamel
$1,011Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Royal Doulton Hand-painted Porcelain Candle Stands
Located in Worcester Park, GB
Crafted in fine porcelain by Royal Doulton and marked accordingly, this pair of hand-painted candle stands features the rare and dramatic Oyama pattern—an homage to East Asian design...
Porcelain
Pair of Large Antique French Chinoiserie Brass Candlesticks in Pagoda Style
Located in COLMAR, FR
A pair of large, antique, tripod candlesticks in brass in a unique chinoiserie style. Their néo-gothic, pagoda shape and their impressive size (12 inches tall) make them highly decor...
Brass
Vintage Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 13" Brass Bronze Candlestick Lamp Base - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 13" Brass Bronze Candlestick Lamp Base - Pair. Item features tall slender forms, cloisonne enamel, holes to bas...
Bronze
Chinoiserie Monkey Figurine Resin Candle Holders Green and Pink a Pair
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage monkey decor, Majolica Italian ceramic style monkeys candle holders set of two. Vintage Chinoiserie monkey figurine candle holders in pink, green and cream colors, both Monkeys are holding a lotus flower candle holder. The monkey figurines are made of heavy Resin. These monkey figurine candle holders are definitely a unique vintage find and are in very nice vintage condition. Dimensions each: 9.5ʺW × 4.5ʺD × 9.25ʺH. Inspired by José Cunha...
Resin
$550 / set
English Delft Candle Holders
Located in Miami, FL
A fine pair of blue and white Delft porcelain candle holders. Crafted in England. Decorated with floral motifs and embellished with t...
Porcelain
Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Monkey Candlestick
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Inject a dose of whimsical sophistication into your decor with this charming vintage ceramic monkey candlestick. A quintessential example of Hollywood Regency and Chinoiserie chic, t...
Ceramic
Vintage Oriental Foo Dog Stacked Brass Pricket Chinese 20" Candlesticks - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Oriental Foo Dog Stacked Brass Pricket Chinese Candlesticks - a Pair. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 19.5" H x 4.5" W x 4.5" D.
Brass
Herend Porcelain Raspberry Chinese Bouquet Candlestick & Vase Pairing
By Herend
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This candlestick and vase were made by the well known Herend factory of Hungary in approximately 1970 in their signature Chinaoserie style. The pair is composed of porcelain with han...
Porcelain
Pair Chinese Cloisonné Cranes as Candlestick Prickets
Located in New York, NY
This darling pair of cloisonné crane pricket candlesticks would be the perfect addition to any home. In Chinese mythology the symbol of the crane represents longevity, and the depict...
Bronze, Enamel, Gold Leaf
Vintage Asian Opposing Glazed Ceramic Elephant Candlesticks - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This captivating pair of vintage ceramic elephant figures pays homage to the classic Chinoiserie tradition, designed to serve as striking decorative objects or majestic candle holder...
Ceramic
$230Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Red Cloisonné and Metal Candlestick decorated with birds and flowers
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of vintage candlesticks probably produced between the 60s and 70s. We do not know whether it is a Chinoiserie, therefore candlesticks made in Europe but in an Oriental style, or whether it is a Chinese production, despite the uncertain origin, they remain splendid decorative elements. These candlesticks have a quadrangular base and candle holder in silver metal, polished by us with a specific product. The peculiarity is in the stems of these vintage candlesticks, made with the Cloisonné technique, an artistic enamel decoration that involves a design made of thin threads or strips or small metal partitions...
Metal, Brass, Enamel
$315Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 8.25 in W 4 in D 4 in
Vintage Dutch Delft Faience Floral Candlesticks - a Pair
By Delft
Located in Pearland, TX
A lovely pair of Mid-Century Dutch Delft faience candlesticks. Maker's mark on reverse. These fine candlesticks are hand painted with a floral design in the traditional Delft colors ...
Ceramic, Paint
Pair of Similar French Louis XVI Style Brass Candlesticks, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
An elegant pair of very similar French Louis XVI-style brass candlesticks or candle holders from the 1920s. Beautifully ornate with rich chiseling, stripes, and rosettes throughout....
Brass
Wonderful Royal Crown Derby Traditional Imari Urn Centerpiece Lid Handles
By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Royal Crown Derby Traditional Imari Urn / Centerpiece With Lid And Having Handles
Porcelain
$495 / set
H 9.25 in W 9.5 in D 4.5 in
Chinoiserie Monkey Figurine Resin Candle Holders Green and Pink a Pair
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage monkey decor, Majolica Italian ceramic style monkeys candle holders set of two. Vintage Chinoiserie monkey figurine candle holders in pink, green and cream colors, both Monkeys are holding a lotus flower candle holder. The monkey figurines are made of heavy Resin. These monkey figurine candle holders are definitely a unique vintage find and are in very nice vintage condition. Dimensions each: 9.5ʺW × 4.5ʺD × 9.25ʺH. Inspired by José Cunha...
Resin
Pair of French Solid Brass Candlesticks
Located in Miami, FL
Charming pair of French solid brass candlesticks. These simple yet beautifully detailed items will enhance any coffee, cocktail or bedside tab...
Brass
$3,950 / set
H 10.75 in W 5.25 in D 5.25 in
Pair of Royal Crown Derby Olde Avesbury Pattern Candlesticks & 8 Dinner Plates
By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
These tall candlesticks and dinner plates were made by the renowned English porcelain maker, Royal Crown Derby. The candlesticks and plates are done in their 'Olde Avesbury...
Porcelain
1970s Vintage Silver Plate Dolphin Candlesticks, Decorative Accent
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage pair of silver plate opposing Dolphin candlesticks. A lovely addition to any table setting.
Silver Plate
Vintage Neoclassical Style Dolphin Candlestick Molded Clear Glass
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This gorgeous hand-blown and molded art glass candleholder is a striking sculptural piece created in the style of Gusevsky Crystal, Russia. Rendered as an elegant figural dolphin, th...
Art Glass
$133Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.98 in Dm 2.92 in
Ceramic Hand-Painted Candlestick Candle Holder by DeSimone, Italy
By Giovanni DeSimone, DeSimone
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This vintage figural candlestick by Giovanni Desimone Italy is a unique and eye-catching piece of decorative art. DeSimone was a renowned Italian ceramicist and designer who worked in the mid-20th century, known for his whimsical and colorful ceramic sculptures...
Ceramic, Majolica, Pottery
$467Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 10.83 in W 4.14 in D 4.34 in
Large Pair of Antique Victorian Brass Candlesticks
Located in Suffolk, GB
Large pair of antique Victorian brass candlesticks having a shaped turned column and raised on a square stepped base Measures: H 27.5cm W 10.5cm D 11cm Date 1860.
Brass
$1,922
H 31.7 in W 8.67 in D 7.88 in
Spanish Medieval Hand Forged Iron Candle Stand / Floor Candle Holder
Located in Barcelona, ES
Gorgeous handwrought torchère candle holder, Spain, 1940s This medieval style floor candleholder stands up on three legs tripod base. It has a terrific aged patina. It has a clean de...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Pair of Painted Wood Candlesticks
Located in North Salem, NY
Attractive pair of new painted wood candlesticks.
Wood
Sold
H 9.06 in W 4.45 in D 4.45 in
Dutch Delft Blue and White Hand-Painted Ceramic Tulip-Shaped Candlesticks
By Royal Delft
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
This elegant pair of tulip-shaped candlesticks was handcrafted by Royal Delft (De Porceleyne Fles), the oldest surviving Delftware factory, established in 1653. Known for its exquisi...
Ceramic, Delft, Earthenware
Sold
H 7 in W 4 in D 3.5 in
Pair Antique Gold Bronze Chinoiserie Candlesticks with Elephants, Circa 1910's.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair Antique Gold Bronze Chinoiserie Candlesticks with Elephants, Circa 1910's.
Bronze
Sold
H 7.25 in W 7.5 in D 3.25 in
Vintage 1970s Fitz & Floyd Porcelain Elephant Candlesticks Candle Holders 7.5"
Located in Dayton, OH
Circa 1970's Fitz & Floyd chinoiserie style white porcelain single taper candlestick holders in the shape of Indian elephants with curled trunks, draped in lime green saddlecloths with cobalt blue trim / details. Made in Japan. "Founded by Pat Fitzpatrick and Bob Floyd in Dallas in 1960, the ceramics company that bears their names started out as an import company. It soon expanded into creating and designing ceramic giftware, and Fitz and Floyd moved into tabletop products and accessories like candlesticks, plates, and teapots later in the 1960s. The company's hand-painted ceramic gift lines were developed in the 1970s, and the reputation of Fitz and Floyd grew due to the quality of its work and the creative pieces for which the company became known. The company’s in-house design staff developed themes around which entire collections were built. Among their most popular creations were their animal-themed teapots and their pots de creme cups...
Porcelain
Sold
H 6.75 in W 5.5 in D 3.75 in
2 Mottahedeh Stately Homes Sir Humphrey Wakefield Famille Rose Candlesticks 7"
By Mottahedeh
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of late 20th century pair of porcelain candlesticks by Mottahedeh from the Stately Homes - Sir Humphrey (Humphry) Wakefield series. Rectangular base with turned single taper hol...
Porcelain
Nelson Rockefeller Collection Asian Inspired Brass Candlesticks
By Mottahedeh
Located in Atlanta, GA
Asian Inspired Brass Candlesticks or Prickets, from The Nelson Rockefeller Collection, and produced by Mottahedeh, India, circa 1970s. In the 1970s ...
Metal, Brass
Russian Blue and White Porcelain Double Horse Candle Holder
Located in Elkhart, IN
A wonderful blue and white porcelain double horse candle holder. Russia, Late-20th Century Measures: 6.5"W × 2.13"D × 6.88"H Excellent original v...
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Bronze Ho Ho Boy Candle Stands, C. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
These early 20th century candlesticks are cast of bronze in the form of two young boys dressed in flowing garments and standing on square pedestal bases. Each boy holds a dish for ta...
Bronze
Chinoiserie Cast Iron Figurative Candle Holders, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A wonderful pair of cast iron Chinoiserie candle holders. 20th Century Measures: 3.75"W × 3.75"D × 8.75"H Excellent original vintage condition. Minor surface wear expected w...
Iron
Ceramic Chinoiserie Flame Stitch Candle Stick Holders - A Pair
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pair of ceramic pastel pink, blue and purple candlestick holders. Each piece is round and created from ceramic. The exterior of each candle holder...
Ceramic, Paint
Pair of Bronze and Ormolu Regency Period China-Men Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
A pair of early 19th century Regency period bronze and ormolu Candlesticks, in the form of well-cast Chinamen holding engine turned moulded nozzles and floral drip pans, supported on...
Bronze, Ormolu
Sold
H 7.75 in Dm 3.75 in
Tall Trompe L'OeilGrand Millennial Gold Gilt Tassel Candlestick Holders, Pair
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pair of tall Grand Millennial gold tassel candlestick holders. Each gilt holder is tall, in a Trompe l'oeil tassel motif. This set will be the per...
Paint
Antique Chinese Candleholder in Wood, 19th Century
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful and antique 19th century Chinese candle holder. The Chinese candle holder was made of fine wood painted black, has the shape of a cube, ...
Wood