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.
Gilt Bronze and Wood Table Clock, Clock Signed Biesta, Paris, circa 1890
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Gilt bronze and wood table clock. Clock signed Biesta, Paris, circa 1890.
Bronze
$1,486Sale Price|20% Off
Original circa 1920's Asprey London Chinoiserie Mantle Clock Lovely Decoration
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely original circa 1920’s Asprey London Chinoiserie mantle clock A very decorative and well made piece, r...
Wood
Empire Gilt Bronze Clock Mantel, circa 1800
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An Empire gilt bronze clock mantel, circa 1800 The case surmounted by an Alexander the Great bust. Dial signed: "Rocquet à Paris” France.
Bronze
French Bronze Chinoiserie Clock, circa 1880
Located in New York, NY
French bronze chinoiserie clock, circa 1880.
Bronze
Lovely quality antique Edwardian mahogany mantle clock
Located in Ipswich, GB
Lovely quality antique Edwardian mahogany mantle clock, having a domed shaped case with ribbon carvings around the edges, a central brass bezel and white enamel dial with Roman numer...
Brass
$4,032
H 27.56 in W 11.03 in D 4.73 in
Patinated Gilt-Bronze Wall Clock by E. Artult, French, Circa 1890
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Patinated and Gilt-Bronze Hanging Clock, with an enamelled dial and Arabic Numerals. The dial signed 'E. Artult / Moulins S.Allier'. The clock with a twin-train movement and a ...
Bronze
Elegant Patinated and Gilt Bronze Portico Clock Circa 1875
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An elegant neoclassical bronze portico clock. The patinated bronze with gilt bronze accents with round white porcelain dial. The four columns on each side with a plinth base at the...
Bronze
$1,196Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 8.5 in W 17 in D 5 in
Fine Marble French Art Deco Mantle Clock Set with Garnitures, circa 1920
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This French Art Deco marble mantle clock set, dating to circa 1920, is a fine example of period craftsmanship and design. The set includes the central mantle clock flanked by two matching garniture urns, all executed in richly veined multicolor marble with tones of sienna, green, black, and ochre. The clock’s oval form is accented by gilt bronze detailing with geometric Art Deco motifs, perfectly complementing the clean lines and symmetry characteristic of the era. The central clock face features traditional Arabic numerals and elegant hands, set within a finely worked circular dial. Supported on bronze ball feet, the clock exudes balance and refinement. The accompanying garnitures, with their urn-like shapes and stepped bases, further enhance the architectural quality of the ensemble. Ideal for collectors and decorators alike, this French Art Deco clock with garnitures...
Breccia Marble
Fine Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock with Putti by A Paris
By Antide Janvier
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite figural bronze mantel clock with Putti leaning on clock face which sits on a fluted column draped in garlands and fabrics. Sitting on a r...
Bronze
$88,000
H 38.5 in W 23 in D 11.5 in
Large French Gilt-Bronze Mantel Clock, signed Marquis à Paris, c. 1860–1880
Located in Tarzana, CA
A magnificent gilt-bronze mantel clock of monumental form, richly cast and finely chased in the Rococo-revival style. The case is surmounted by a celestial globe above a pierced flor...
Bronze, Ormolu
Biedermeier Period Wood and Gilt Clock
Located in Montreal, QC
Austrian Biedermeier period gilt and polychromed wood clock. Chiseled gold Swiss movement, signed: P.Francois a' Nion.
Ormolu
Süe & Mare French Art Deco Table / Mantle Clock 1920
By Sue et Mare
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This exceptional French Art Deco mantel clock, dating to circa 1920, reflects the refined decorative vocabulary associated with Süe et Mare and the luxurious interiors of early 20th-...
Glass, Palmwood
Bronze Figural Clock by Deniere, Paris, circa 1870
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A bronze figural clock by Deniere, Paris, circa 1870. Modeled as Cupid seated on his bow and quiver, a dove at his rear, the enamel dial signed Deniere Ft...
Bronze
$1,350
H 11 in W 7.25 in D 5 in
Edwardian Coventry Astral Chinoiserie Pagoda Mantel Clock, England, Circa 1930
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English Edwardian mantel clock with a Coventry Astral movement, housed in a japanned wooden case of architectural pagoda form. The dark ground is richly ornamented with raised gil...
Brass
$16,500
H 86 in W 18 in D 9 in
Fine 19th C Lacquered Chinoiserie Grandfather Clock by Triggs and Sons London
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine 19th century Chinoiserie hand painted and decorated grandfather clock. The dial signed Triggs and Sons London. Working condition.
Wood
Red Chinoiserie Table Clock, French
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Red French Chinoiserie Table Clock. Clock has a brass movement stamped "France," and is painted with gilt pagodas, and flowers, and birds, all on a dark red background. ...
Wood
Victorian ebonised chimming mantle clock
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive Victorian period ebonised, chimming three train mantle clock on bells and gong. The eight day duration movement strikes on the hour and half hour. (strike silent op...
Ormolu
Sold
H 96 in W 18 in D 9.25 in
George III Chinoiserie Tall Case Clock, Faux Bois, 18th Century, Tall Case
Located in Stamford, CT
George III Chinoiserie Tall case clock, Grandfather Clock, Faux Bois, 18th Century, Finest Chinoiserie Tall Case Clock. Stunning 18th Century pedimented bonnet top with finials. A...
Metal
Sold
H 37 in W 15.25 in D 5 in
Vintage George III Style Chinoiserie Black Tavern Act of Parliament Wall Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
George III style Black & Gold chinoiserie wall clock. Made in the form of a Tavern or Act of Parliament Clock. Front panel features a water sce...
Hardwood, Paint
Sold
H 11.42 in W 6.89 in D 4.34 in
Stunning Elliott London Ltd Chinese Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Mantle Clock
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Elliot London LTD Chinese chinoiserie, black lacquered mantle clock. A very good looking well made an...
Brass
19th Century Swedish Fryksdahl Clock with Chinoiserie Decor
Located in East Point, GA
An elegant 19th century Swedish Fryksdahl clock adorn with distinctive chinoiserie nature design and abalone inlay. This antique Fryksdahl clock from S...
Metal
Chinoiserie Lacquered Grandmother Clock
Located in Hixson, TN
Chinoiserie lacquered grandmother clock. Wonderful detail and color applied. Painted over gesso and raised figures. Brass Dial face with chimes on th...