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.
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
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
$2,739Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Table Desk Clock, Painted, Chinoiserie, China Art
Located in Berlin, DE
Decorative, antique table clock with elaborate painting on the case and dial. chinoiserie. China art.
Wood
Antique French Chinoiserie Ormolu and Porcelain Three-Piece Clock Graniture
Located in New York, NY
A very fine antique French chinoiserie, doré bronze, and Imari porcelain three-piece clock graniture. The porcelain is marvelously hand-painted with intricately designed flowers, pea...
Bronze
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
Chinoiserie Style Gilt-Bronze and Enamel Figural Clock
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A rare Chinoiserie style gilt-bronze and enamel figural clock. This elegant and sophisticated clock has a finely chiselled gilt-bronze case with gold and enamel highlights. It dep...
Ormolu
$4,950Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century, French Clock in the Chinoiserie Style
Located in San Francisco, CA
19th century, French clock In the Chinoiserie style. An 8 day pendulum movement that bell strikes on the hour and half hour. Chinese porcelain body in the Kang His style by Samson. T...
Bronze
$36,375Sale Price / set|33% Off
Very Fine 19th Century French Chinoiserie Silver and Gilt Three-Piece Garniture
Located in Tarzana, CA
An important & rare silvered and gilt bronze 3-piece Chinoiserie clock garniture comprising a clock and two side pieces. The Pagoda form clock with 2 Chinese figures, one sitting pla...
Bronze
Jules Vieillard Chinoiserie Mantel Clock, Faience, Regency Style
Located in Queens, NY
French (Mid-19th Century) Chinoiserie design faience 6-sided mantel clock with foo dog top and elephant heads on sides. (by JULES VIEILLARD, Bordeau France) (Not working)
Metal
$3,904Sale Price|20% Off
H 1 in W 14 in D 8 in
Antique Chinese Hand Painted Lacquer Scene Gilt Fan with Lacquer Box
Located in Brea, CA
19th century antique Chinese hand painted lacquer scene gilt fan with original lacquer box.
Lacquer
$2,663
H 7.68 in W 9.45 in D 6.7 in
ANTIQUE 1920's CHINESE CHINOISERIE CARVED MAHJONG SET WITH THE ORIGINAL RACKS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite original 1920's Mahjong set with ornately hand carved case in the Chinoiserie taste coupled with the period counter racks and original instructions A very good looking well made and decorative set, I've personally never seen this case before, it is a master class of carving and looks expensive and super decorative in any setting, this is a complete four person suite so it has 148 pieces including 8 blanks, you have a large selection of counters and the racks as mentioned, the racks are decorative with dragons to the back which I've never seen before Condition wise we have deep cleaned, hand condition waxed and hand polished it from top to bottom, there may be some age and use related patina marks based on normal use and transport Dimensions of the case Height: 19.5cm Width: 24cm Depth: 17cm All measurements are taken at the widest points. Should you require any additional or more specific measurements, please do not hesitate to ask. If you have any questions, we kindly ask that you contact us before purchasing. About Us Royal House Antiques is a privately owned family business, originally established in Wimbledon, SW19, and now based in Pulborough, West Sussex (RH20). We specialise in sourcing and restoring the finest luxury antique leather seating, alongside a carefully curated collection of antiques and decorative pieces dating from the 16th through to the 20th century. In addition to antiques, we regularly stock pieces from renowned designers and luxury brands, including Fritz Hansen, Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, Charles & Ray Eames, Vitra, David Linley, Rolex, Tiffany & Co, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and many others. Condition Please study the detailed photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the item's description and condition report. We encourage all prospective buyers to ask any questions before purchasing, as all items are sold as seen and as described. Royal House Antiques cannot accept responsibility for assumptions or interpretations made independently by buyers. If there is any aspect of the listing that requires clarification, we are always happy to assist. As with all genuine antiques, vintage, and period pieces, signs of age and use should be expected. Antique leather furniture...
Bamboo, Hardwood
Antique German Three Piece Porcelain Clock Garniture
Located in Montreal, QC
For those who enjoy the fine quality of blue and white German porcelain from the middle of the last century, this is a particularly fin...
Porcelain
$20,514 / set
H 25.6 in W 16.93 in D 8.67 in
Sèvres Style Porcelain Mounted Ormolu Three-Piece Clock Set by H. Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in London, GB
Comprising a central clock and a pair of flanking candelabra, the clock with central circular dial signed 'PICARD / A GENEVE', surrounded by three ormolu cherubs and two porcelain pl...
Ormolu
Antique Enameled Gilt Bronze Carriage Clock
Located in London, GB
The contrast between rich blue enamel, in light and dark hues, and bright gilt bronze gives this carriage clock a sumptuous, luxurious feel. With a t...
Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze
Fine Ormolu and Sevres Porcelain Antique French Clock Set
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A stunning antique French ormolu clock set, circa 1870, mounted with exquisite Sèvres style porcelain with Rose Pompadour pink ground. Pan...
Ormolu
$1,635Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.88 in W 8.47 in D 6.3 in
ANTIQUE MAHJONG SUITE CIRCA 1940's CHINESE CHINOISERIE DRAGON DESIGN MUST SEE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this highly collectable Chinese Chinoiserie Circa 1940's Mahjong set with the original box which is a hand p...
Bamboo
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
Wonderful English 18th-19th Century Red Chinoiserie Grandfather Clock
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
English late 18th-early 19th century red chinoiserie grandfathers clock. Brass dial inscribed Jan Chater. Working condition. Beautiful detail and paint. Wonderful condition.
Metal
$2,624Sale Price|20% Off
H 19 in W 16.75 in D 9 in
19th Century Antique Hand Painted Chinese Lacquer Table Jewelry Cabinet
By The Lacquer Company
Located in Brea, CA
19th century antique hand painted Chinese lacquer jewelry cabinet with a pair of raised panel doors opening to five drawers with turned ivory...
Lacquer
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.04 in W 1.97 in D 1.89 in
Northern Wei Dynasty, Antique Chinese Painted Pottery Standing Court Lady
Located in Sampantawong, TH
Antique Chinese painted pottery standing court lady, with original pigments remaining. Age: China, Northern Wei Dynasty, A.D. 386 - 535 Size: Height 20.4 C.M. / Width 5 C.M. / Depth...
Pottery
Louis XV Chinoiserie Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock by Raingo Freres
Located in New York, NY
French 19 century Louis XV style Chinoiserie motif gilt bronze cartel clock works signed Raingo Freres.
Bronze
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.06 in W 16.34 in D 3.55 in
Bayard Art Deco Mantel Clock, Wood and Brass, France, Circa 1930
By Bayard
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
Bayard Art Deco Mantel Clock – France, circa 1930 Elegant mantel clock by the renowned French maker Bayard, dating from the Art Deco period (circa 1930). This timepiece features a p...
Brass
Sold
H 6.675 in W 6.675 in D 4 in
Vintage Mid Century Chelsea Desk Clock Electronometer Chinoiserie Bronze Frame
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking example of mid-20th century American horology and decorative arts, this electric mantel clock by the Chelsea Clock Company features a vividly executed chinoiserie-style ca...
Bronze
Sold
H 11.25 in W 6 in D 4 in
19th Century English Chinoiserie Revival Mahogany Inlaid Pagoda-Top Mantel Clock
Located in Atlanta, GA
Late 19th Century English Chinoiserie Revival Mahogany Pagoda-Top Mantel Clock with Gilt Bronze Mounts An elegant and finely crafted English mantel clock, dating to the late 19th ce...
Bronze
Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Marina Clock Chinoiserie Design
Located in Newark, England
Fine and rare Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Marina clock. The clock from the Marina series in white Lucite featuring Chinoiserie panels with a figure fishing ...
Metal, Gold, Brass
Sold
H 9.5 in W 6 in D 3.75 in
Petite English Asprey London 1930s Painted Wood Chinoiserie Mantel Clock
By Asprey International Limited
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English Asprey London painted wood mantel clock from the mid 20th century, with gilt Chinoiserie motifs and pagoda roof. Created in England during the second quarter of the 20th c...
Glass, Wood
Vintage Chinese Cloisonne Mantle Clock
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice little Mantle clock. Cloisonne and Brass made. China 1970s battery operated. Runs like clockwork. Attractive piece.
Enamel
Sold
H 15 in W 11 in D 4.5 in
French Chinoiserie/Orientalist Champleve Enamel & Bronze Clock, F. Barbediene
Located in New York, NY
A very fine quality antique French Orientalist/Chinoiserie Style, Chamleve Enamel and doré bronze double sided clock, signed by Ferdinand Barbedienne. It is very rare to see a clock ...