Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
CHINOISERIE STYLE
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.
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Style: Chinoiserie
Pair of Japanese Satsuma Kutani Porcelain Foo Dogs Sculptures/Figurines
By Satsuma
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
This is a pair of Japanese Satsuma Kutani porcelain Foo Dogs. They are hand painted white and adorned with gilt and silver suns, flowers and scrolls. Both of them are playing with a ...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Tang-Style Horse Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
The beautifully hand carved Chinese wood horse is in the style of those produced during the Tang Dynasty. The material is a dark wood with remnant of red paint. Parts were carved sep...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Monumentale paire de grues en fonte de fer - 2.70 et 2.25 mètres
Located in TOULON, FR
Monumentale paire de grues en fonte de fer à patine verte
Objets de grande décoration aussi bien en intérieur qu'au jardin
2,70 mètres
2,25 mètres
plus de 200 kg
A retirer sur pla...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Iron
2 Chinoiserie Polychrome Ceramic Elephant Plant Stands Garden Stools Statues
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of vintage majolica style ceramic plant / candle stands / garden stools / Bookends in the shape of green Asian elephants with raised trunks, decorated with coverings in white, b...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Oversized Terracotta Foo Dog Statue
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Vintage terracotta foo dog statue stands 16" tall. Glossy glazed finish and a jovial expression adds a fun touch to any decor. Good vintage condition with minor imperfections consist...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Large Josef Inwald Art Glass Platter With 5 Claw Dragon - Barolac Glass
By Josef Inwald
Located in Atlanta, GA
Josef Inwald, circa 1930.
A good quality and large platter made of glass with 4 dragons. Beautiful chinoiserie decoration to the surface - well known pattern.
"The founder of the...
Category
20th Century Austrian Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Art Glass
Vintage Fitz and Floyd Ceramic Staffordshire Hunting Dog Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Fabulous pair of porcelain staffordshire hunting dog figures sitting on grass cushions with gold trim. Underneath the protective felt pad is a hole which the company purposely made s...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Two White Figure of Seated Hounds, Circa 1725, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng reign
Located in seoul, KR
Fine porcelain figure of seated hounds. The mouth of the dog is open; the ears are flipped back; and there is a chain around the neck. The dog's bones are well depicted.
Period : Qi...
Category
1720s Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Large Glazed Terra Cotta Lions or Foo Dogs
Located in Bradenton, FL
Extraordinary pair of fine and rare and very large pair of glazed terra cotta decorative foo dog or lion statutes, circa early 20th century. Glazed in green, yellow and red with slig...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pottery, Terracotta
Porcelain Japanese Cinnabar Foo Dog Figurines on Stands
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Pair of hand painted porcelain foo dogs from Japan feature a cinnabar body with colorful accents and gold detailing. Marked "Genuine Katani, Made in Japan". Both sit on separate porc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Ceramic Chinoiserie Elephant Garden Stool With Trunk Up
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Ceramic elephant garden seat (or end table for cocktails) features a bright, glazed finish and a raised trunk signifying good luck. Good condition with imperfections consistent with ...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
20th Century French Collection of Carved Wood Elephants, Set of 19
Located in High Point, NC
A decorative set of 19 masterfully carved wooden elephants from 20th century France. Showing both Asian and African elephant specimens, each piece is carved from realistic to abstrac...
Category
20th Century French Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
1960s French Ceramic Elephant
Located in High Point, NC
A ceramic decoration from 1960s France in the shape of an elephant. A saddle seat and blanket are glazed with ochre and white, the elephant’s skin glinting a fern-like jade and laced...
Category
20th Century French Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Small Ceramic Asian Turquoise Foo Dogs, a Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabulous pair of small Asian ceramic turquoise foo dogs with both male and female figures. The carving details are amazing. Great addition to your chinoiserie collection.
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
1960s French Ceramic Elephant
Located in High Point, NC
A ceramic decoration from 1960s France in the shape of an elephant. A saddle seat and blanket are glazed with pale blue and white, the elephant’s skin painted a rich burnt umber and ...
Category
20th Century French Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Ceramic Asian Turquoise Foo Dog
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabulous single ceramic Asian turquoise female foo dog. The carving details are amazing. Great addition to your chinoiserie collection.
Category
1950s French Vintage Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Mid 20th Century White Porcelain Foo Dogs - Pair
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of Foo Dogs in porcelain depicting mythical lion-like animals that are protectors, "guardian lions". Unsigned, artist unknown. White colored porcelain, glazed and standing on ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
1960s French Ceramic Elephant
Located in High Point, NC
A ceramic decoration from 1960s France in the shape of an elephant. A saddle seat and blanket are glazed with pale blue and ochre, the elephant’s skin painted with dark celadon and l...
Category
20th Century French Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
1960s French Ceramic Elephant
Located in High Point, NC
A ceramic decoration from 1960s France in the shape of an elephant. A saddle seat and blanket are glazed with indigo blue, the elephant’s skin painted with glossy white and laced wit...
Category
20th Century French Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Large Carved Wood Foo Dogs, a Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of vintage palace size large carved wood foo dogs. Amazing carved wood details . Fun Fact from the estate of Kirk Douglas Great addition to your chinoise...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Small Asian Turquoise Foo Dogs, a Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fabulous pair of small Asian ceramic turquoise foo dogs with both male and female figures. The carving details are amazing. Great addition to your chinoiserie collection.
Category
1950s Vintage Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Porcelain Foo Dog
Located in New York, NY
Mid century white porcelain hand decorated foo dog with yellow and blue glaze colors and git accents.
Category
20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Gold
Pair Very Large Chinese or Japanese Carved Wooden Fu Lions
Located in New York, NY
Pair highly stylized large Chinese or Japanese carved wooden guardian lions (fu lions or foo dogs), hand-painted with gilt highlights.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Turquoise Blue Foo Lion Dog Decorative Object, circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A single Lion Foo dog ceramic decorative object, circa mid-20th century, 1960s, China. This Lion Foo Dog is a beautiful turquoise blue and makes a great statement piece / decorative ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Japanese Export Porcelain Foo Dogs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of mid century hand decorated porcelain foo dogs featuring a cinnabar ground accented with colorful glaze polychrome and gold accents.
Category
20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
1960s French Ceramic Elephant
Located in High Point, NC
A ceramic decoration from 1960s France in the shape of an elephant. Painted with a white glaze laced with powder blue and yellow ochre; the saddle, seat ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Bronze Scholar Riding a Horse Incense Burner Sculpture
Located in Charlotte, NC
A vintage Chinese table top incense burner sculpted in bronze depicting a scholar riding a horse. Unsigned, artist unknown. Solid bronze of two p...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
1960s French Ceramic Elephant
Located in High Point, NC
A ceramic decoration from 1960s France in the shape of an elephant. Glazed in a deep blue laced with powder blue and yellow ochre; the saddle, seat and b...
Category
1960s French Vintage Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Mid 20th Century Oriental Carved Gilt-Wood Wall Sculpture Rooster Chickens
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A very detailed Chinese style bas-relief / low relief representing a rooster, chickens and peony flowers and floral surroundings. It is a wall mounted sculpture with a shallow overall depth. This rectangular bas-relief is hand carved in wood and hand a gold leaf finish. A bas-relief or low relief originates from the Italian “Basso Rilievo...
Category
1960s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Giltwood
Pair 19th Century French Chinoiserie Terracotta Female Figures of Bird Sellers
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of French Rococo style terracotta figures of bird sellers, both female, one holding a dove and a birdcage the other a dove and bouquet of flowers. Both figures are beautifully modeled, both very interesting head wear...
Category
Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
MAITLAND SMITH Verdigris Brass Foo Dogs / Guardian Lions - Pair
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of Foo Dog sculptures in brass depicting mythical lion-like animal family that are protectors, "guardian lions", by Maitland Smith. Verdigris (patinated) brass sculpted statues, one lion...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Chinoiserie Ceramic Lucky Elephant Plant Stand in Green and Cream
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A small chinoiserie ceramic lion garden statue or plant stand. A wonderful way to add a touch of In South East Asian decor to a space. (Fun Fact: Ele...
Category
20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Vintage Italian Chalkware Fu Foo Dog Chinese Guardian Lion Sculpture Centerpiece
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Italian chalkware painted sculpture / statue in the shape of a Chinese guardian lion / foo dog, standing on a pedestal or stool. Signed a...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Chinoiserie Colorful Large Ceramic Hand-Painted Swan or Goose Bird Statue
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large hand-painted ceramic statue of a goose or swan. A wonderful decorative piece for any Chinoiserie bird lover.
Dimensions:
7.5" Wide
11" Tall
13"...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Chinese Guardian Foo Lion Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese "Guardian Foo Lion" resin sculpture on a black wood plinth.
Category
1950s Vintage Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Resin, Wood
Foo Lion Dog Green and Yellow Ceramic, circa 1930s
Located in New York, NY
A single ceramic Lion Foo dog decorative object, circa early-20th century, 1930s, China. This Lion Foo Dog is green and yellow with dark brown accents and base. Piece and makes a great decorative object for a desk, shelf, library, cocktail table, etc. Dimensions: 5.75" Height.
For agate dish...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Polychrome Wooden Carved Wood Tang Horse Sculpture Statue Red Figure
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Chinese Polychrome wooden carved wood 29" red and blue Tang Style Horse sculpture statue figure. Item features solid wood construction, nicely carved details, desirable distressed fi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Vintage Porcelain Elephants Salt and Pepper Shakers with Tray Collectible
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage collectible blue and white porcelain elephants salt and pepper Shakers with tray.
Shakers are 2”H x 2 1/5”.
Tray is 3” x 5”.
Chinoiserie han...
Category
Late 20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Carved Figure, an Oriental, Jade Study of Bird of Para, China 20th
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This bird is in Jade. It has been made in China during the 20th Century.
The color is green.
Category
20th Century Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Pair of Rare Chinese Carved Wood Foo Dogs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of rare Chinese carved wood foo dogs.
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Chinese Polychrome Wooden Carved Wood Tang Style Gold Horse Sculpture Figure
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Chinese Polychrome Wooden Carved Wood Tang Style 31" Horse Sculpture Figure. Item features solid wood construction, nicely carved details, desir...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
19th Century Meissen Porcelain Figure of a Malabar Man on a Rhinoceros
Located in New York, NY
A fantastic 19th century Meissen Porcelain orientalist/Turkish figure of a Malabar Man seated on a rhinoceros. This is a rare and beautiful group made by...
Category
19th Century German Antique Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Wicker Capybara Animal
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chinese wicker capybara box from the Shanghai collection with carved wood highlights and removable lid.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wicker
Pair of Hand Carved Green Soapstone Bookends with Pheasant imagery Chinoiserie
Located in San Diego, CA
Finely carved vintage soapstone bookends. Figures of pheasants beautifully and gracefully carved in these bookends present imagery that moves with th...
Category
1960s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Birds or Quails
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of life size Chinese cloisonné or enamel on copper birds decorated with elaborate floral designs, having brass crests, beaks, and feet and removable wings.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Chinese Cloisonné Bird on a Stand
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Fine Chinese parrot or bird expertly decorated with enamel on brass presented on a custom wood perch and lucite stand.
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Asian Wood Hand-Painted Figure of a Recumbent Ram
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Asian recumbent ram is shown resting upon gilded hooves with head raised and black eyes looking straight ahead, its mouth slightly opened, finely decorated with dense scrolled pa...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair of Han Dynasty Pottery Horses and Equestrian Riders
Located in Dallas, TX
A wonderful pair of Ex Sotheby’s painted Polychrome Equestrian Horse and Riders made from gray pottery, Presents beautifully and guaranteed authentic with provenance and COA.
Measures: Height 11.5 inches and width 11 inches
Condition: Possible professional restorations but not detectable.
Provenance: Sotheby’s London. 16th November, 1999. Lot 12 (2 of 4 horses in that lot).
Sotheby’s New York, NY September 14, 2019.
The importance of the horse in the history and culture of China can be viewed, in part, through the artistic legacy of this great civilization. In sculpture, painting, and literature, horses were glorified and revered. Horses were believed to be related to mythological dragons, reflecting their sacred status within society. During the unification of China under the Han Dynasty, bands of mounted nomadic warriors from the north threatened the country. In order to thwart their attacks, the Chinese sought to import stronger, faster steeds from Central Asia (as opposed to the Mongol ponies used by the invaders), eventually leading to the creation of the Silk Road. This small sculpture of a mounted soldier reveals the crucial military role of the horse. When compared to the diminutive stature of the rider, the importance of the horse becomes readily apparent. This creature provided security and strength, allowing the Empire to secure its borders and expand its influences across Central Asia. The magnificent regalia of the horse, including a brilliantly painted saddle in red and green/gold, reflect the respect this animal received. The warrior as well is gorgeously decorated with a painted red tunic and gray chest...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Foo Dog Hitching Post Sculpture in Solid Granite, Early 20th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
Solid carved granite Chinese foo dog sculpture. Late 19th-early 20th century antique stone carving. It once served as a hitching post for horses...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Granite
Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Elephants
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Enchanting pair of Chinese cloisonné or enamel on copper elephants decorated with symbolic biomorphic designs on an alluring blue background.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonné Foo Lions
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Unusual pair of Chinese cloisonné foo lions featuring exaggerated expressions, stylized big cat characteristics, alluring blue background, and presented ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Pair of Canton Style Porcelain "Cats" Sculptures, circa 1980
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of sculptures in Canton style porcelain representing two sitting cats. White background with an enameled tawny decor and flowers and vegetal motifs in green, pink and red tones,...
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Cats
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese cloisonné or enamel on copper cats in a familiar stalking pose decorated with symbolic biomorphic designs over an alluring blue background.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Enamel
Mid-Century Chinese Wicker Horse
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Mid-Century Chinese wicker horse with a contagious exuberance and one hoof balanced benevolently on a swallow. The 2nd century bronze sculpture used as in...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wicker
Chinese Terra Cotta Parrot
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Life-size terracotta parrot or bird with a quizzical expression, decorated and glazed with soft muted colors.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Handwoven Straw Ram Figure
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stylish and whimsical piece will make a definite statement piece with its graceful form and precision handwoven artistry. The piece dates to the 1960s-1970s and retains its impo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Straw
Pair of Rare Chinese Carved Wood Foo Dogs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of rare Chinese carved wood foo dogs.
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
1960s French Ceramic Elephant
Located in High Point, NC
A ceramic decoration from 1960s France in the shape of an elephant. Glazed in a murky umber hue laced with powder blue and yellow ochre; the saddle, seat and blanket are delicately p...
Category
1960s French Vintage Chinoiserie Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Chinoiserie animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinoiserie animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage animal sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinoiserie animal sculptures made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original animal sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Fitz and Floyd, Maitland Smith, and Meissen Porcelain. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for animal sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $85 and tops out at $12,640 while the average work can sell for $650.