Chinoiserie Inkwells
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.
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Inkwells
Brass
Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Inkwells
Ormolu
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Inkwells
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Inkwells
Bronze
Late 18th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Inkwells
Enamel, Bronze
20th Century English Chinoiserie Inkwells
Pewter
Late 18th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Inkwells
Faience
1880s French Antique Chinoiserie Inkwells
Porcelain
1910s American Vintage Chinoiserie Inkwells
Bronze
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Inkwells
Bronze
Early 1900s French Antique Chinoiserie Inkwells
Bronze
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
1930s Scottish Vintage Chinoiserie Inkwells
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chinoiserie Inkwells
Marble
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Inkwells
Crystal, Bronze
1980s Spanish Vintage Chinoiserie Inkwells
Metal
1930s French Vintage Chinoiserie Inkwells
Chrome
Early 1900s European Antique Chinoiserie Inkwells
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Inkwells
Bronze, Copper
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Inkwells
Bronze
1820s British Antique Chinoiserie Inkwells
Gold, Enamel
1880s European Antique Chinoiserie Inkwells
Porcelain
1820s English Antique Chinoiserie Inkwells
Ironstone