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.
$340Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Foo Dog Bookend Tray
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage set of foo dogs mounted on a wood tray. These beautiful carved foo dogs rest on a conjoined tray that is ready for favorite titles or it can act a...
Wood
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...
Granite
ORIENTALISM Pendant With Organic Motifs In 14Kt Yellow Gold With lavender Jade
Located in Miami, FL
A Vintage pendant with lavender Jade in a stand. This is a very handsome pendant created in Asia with orientalism patterns. The mounting was carefully hand-crafted in solid yellow g...
Jade, Gold
Antique Brazilian Signed Vieira De Castro Rio Porcelain Chinese Noble Figure
By João Vieira
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Late 19th century antique Brazilian signed Porcelain Vieira De Castro Rio This delicate Brazilian porcelain reppresenting a noble chinese woman holding ...
Porcelain
$377 / item
H 9.85 in Dm 4.73 in
Murano Vase Masterpiece, Blooming Field with Poppies and Lavender, Signed
By Gio Ponti, Fulvio Bianconi & Paolo Venini, Silvio Piattelli, Ercole Barovier
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
The vase made with the same technique of the tumblers in another listing. After the success of the tumbler group, I asked the maestro to make a vase that would keep the design and t...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$350
H 1.5 in W 2.5 in D 1.5 in
Small Signed Early 20th Century Bronze Sculpture of Reclining Whippet Dog
Located in Middleburg, VA
Small Signed Early 20th century Bronze of Reclining Whippet dog Signature located on back of dog, unable to read artist's name Measures: 1.5" H, 2.5" W, ...
Bronze
Chinese Antique De Hua Porcelain Kwan Yin Statuary
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a Chinese hand carved De Huang Porcelain Kwan Yin Bodhisattva statuary in off-white ivory color. It is all hand made and hand carved Kwan Yin seating on the lotus Seat with t...
Porcelain
1990s Chinese Porcelain Figure Bust of Mao Zedong
Located in Marbella, ES
1990s Chinese porcelain figure bust of Mao Zedong, with stamp from Chinese customs authorizing its export.
Ceramic
Natural Lavender/ Purple Coral
Located in Houston, TX
Natural Lavender/Purple Coral. Offered is a naturally colored lavender/purple coral. This lovely piece of coral is great as a stand alone piece or could be grouped with other coral o...
Coral
Vintage Duck Figurine Figure Couple Blue Chinese Porcelain
Located in Poperinge, BE
A charming pair of figurines of an Indian runner duck, also known as a bottle duck, made of turquoise and purple glazed Chinese porcelain, 20th century, unmarked. These beautiful du...
Porcelain
Atelier Pendant 14"
By Allied Maker
Located in Glen Cove, NY
A hand-spun brass parabolic shade perfectly slips over a cast-glass dome. A line of glass is revealed from the profile; inciting a look underneath into a seemingly endless void of gl...
Brass
$500Sale Price|20% Off
H 14 in W 10.75 in D 7.75 in
Vintage Chinese Jade & Quartz Bonsai Tree Sculpture
Located in Plainview, NY
A vintage Chinese Jade and Quartz bonsai tree. Delicately crafted, this bonsai tree boasts beautiful and colorful leaves and petals.The flowers are made on bendable wrapped wires and...
Jade, Quartz
Art Deco Silvered Bronze Tiger Bookends - France 1930´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco Silvered Bronze Tiger Bookends - France 1930´s Tigers are mounted over Belgium Black Marble. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and A...
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Burmese Amber With Organic Matter
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional Burmese amber specimen, dating back roughly 99 million years, offers a rare window into the ancient world. Known to collectors as a "men...
Other
Rare Butterfly Porcelain China Figure by Ens Antique German 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare butterfly made by famous porcelain manufactory Ens, Volkstedt Germany. It is made of china porcelain and very delicate, this would be a great addition for your collection. It ...
Porcelain
1940s Chinese Pair Foo Dog Glazed Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of antique chinese figurines Foo Dog sculpture green glaze ceramic. Dimensions: 8" H x 3.75" W x 6.5" D Ple...
Ceramic
Chinese Theatre Turquoise and Red Pom Headdress, Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Chinese turquoise papier mache and red pom theatre headress, early 20th century, mounted on a custom, black painted metal base.
Wire, Metal
Sold
H 16 in W 10 in L 16 in
Hand Embroidered Silk Miao Minority Tribe Child's Headdress, Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Hand embroidered silk Miao Minority tribe child's headdress with sequins and tassels from the early 20th century on a custom black painted metal mount.
Metal