Chinoiserie Candle Holders
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.
Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Majolica
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Porcelain
1980s Dutch Vintage Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Ceramic, Earthenware, Delft
1980s Dutch Vintage Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Ceramic, Earthenware, Delft
1960s British Vintage Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Gold
Early 2000s Chinese Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Metal
Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Brass
Late 20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Resin
Early 20th Century American Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Wood
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Ironstone
20th Century English Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Porcelain
20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Bronze, Enamel, Gold Leaf
1920s French Vintage Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Bronze
1880s French Antique Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Bronze, Enamel
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Bronze
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Metal
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Majolica
Late 20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Ceramic
Early 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Ormolu, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Bronze
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Bronze, Enamel
20th Century French Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Jade, Silver
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Ormolu, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Ormolu, Bronze
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Porcelain
Late 20th Century European Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Hungarian Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Metal, Brass, Enamel
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Ceramic
1970s Indian Vintage Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Metal, Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Bronze
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Candle Holders
Bronze