Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
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 20th Century Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Resin
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Paper
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Bronze
Early 20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Porcelain
Late 18th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Bronze
Mid-20th Century German Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Porcelain
Late 18th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Faience
Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Ormolu
20th Century English Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Pewter
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Crystal
Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Enamel, Bronze
1930s Scottish Vintage Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Porcelain
2010s Mexican Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Resin
Early 2000s German Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Porcelain
Early 1900s French Antique Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Bronze
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Porcelain
2010s Mexican Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Resin
21st Century and Contemporary American Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Amethyst, Marble, Chrome
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Chrome
1950s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Resin
2010s Mexican Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Resin
1870s Swedish Antique Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Ceramic
2010s Mexican Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Resin
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Bronze
1820s British Antique Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Gold, Enamel
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Brass
Early 20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Stone
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Jade
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Wood
Late 19th Century German Antique Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Metal
1880s European Antique Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Bronze
1810s French Antique Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Bronze
19th Century Antique Chinoiserie Desk Accessories
Metal