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.
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
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
Raingo Freres Mantle Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
A superb French silver over bronze clock by Raingo Freres. Signed Raingo Frères on the dial and on the works, on a Rouge Griotte marble base. Dimensions: Height 22" width 19 3/4" de...
Marble
Magnificent Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine gilt bronze and marble clock featuring a lion. Marble case, ornate face with enameled Roman numerals. France, circa 1880 Dime...
Marble, Bronze
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
$5,743
H 17.3 in W 7.5 in D 6 in
Gilt Bronze Gothic Revival Table Clock w. Earth Angel Sculpture by Devaulx Paris
By devaulx
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and wonderful antique clock from the early 1800s. Marked: S. Devaulx, Paris. Having an impressive, stylish and sizable antique clock like this gracing your mantel piece or sid...
Brass, Bronze
French Restauration Gilt Bronze Clock Signed Mesnil, Paris
Located in Essex, MA
With pointed architectural pediment over an enamel clock face with signature of Mesnil of Paris. With black marble frieze and white marble columns with b...
Marble, Bronze
Chinoiserie decorated Mantel clock circa 1930s
By Maple & Co.
Located in Dereham, GB
Chinoiserie decorated Mantel clock circa 1930s Cream in colour Top with Scroll shaped pediment Decoration With, Flowers, Foliage, Figure, Bridge & Building Circular enamel dial, Dom...
Lacquer
$950
H 2 in W 3.5 in D 0.5 in
Asprey London Swiss Made Clic Clac Travel Clock, Original Box and Suede Pouch
By Asprey International Limited
Located in Miami, FL
Asprey London Swiss Made Clic Clac Travel Clock, Original Box and Suede Pouch Offered for sale is an Asprey London Swiss Made Clic Clac Travel Clock with original Asprey box and sue...
Stainless Steel
$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
French Enameled Chinoiserie Clock, circa 1920
Located in New York, NY
With smoky Agate Buddha all mounted on a silvered bronze and enamel rose quartz base.
Agate
$908
H 9.45 in W 5.91 in D 3.35 in
Lovely antique Edwardian quality mahogany inlaid satinwood mantle clock
Located in Ipswich, GB
Lovely antique Edwardian quality mahogany inlaid satinwood mantle clock by Mappin & Webb London, having a lovely antique Edwardian quality mahogany mantle clock with inlaid satinwood...
Brass
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
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 Atlanta, 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...