Skip to main content

Chinoiserie 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.

to
26
121
3
8
9
104
3
15
39
21
2
2
5
8
4
2
6,867
4,699
2,823
922
838
700
587
502
468
448
382
244
203
181
90
89
84
78
53
31
22
19
18
101
20
64
53
44
28
16
Height
to
Width
to
124
124
124
3
1
1
1
1
Style: Chinoiserie
Vintage 1970s Neiman Marcus Japan Bronze Foo Dogs
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly beautiful pair of 1970s vintage bronze foo dogs by Neiman Marcus Japan. Guardian lions, also known as komainu, shishi, or foo dogs, are intimidating, mythical, lion-like c...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

A Pair of Large French Chinoiserie Style White Porcelain Figures
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of Spectacular and Large Antique French Chinoiserie Style white porcelain figures of a male and female figure. Both modelled in white bi...
Category

Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Large Malachite Rock on Display Stand Chinese Scholar Stone
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large malachite rock specimen with intense green and black colors fitted on a wood stand and displayed as a Chinese scholar stone. The gemstone in the vertical botryoidal form was ...
Category

20th Century American Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Pair, Vintage Chinoiserie & Partial Gilt Wood Decorated Obelisks
Located in Atlanta, GA
Italian, 20th century. Introducing a captivating pair of Vintage Chinoiserie & Partial Gilt Wood Decorated Obelisks, each a testament to timeless elegance and artistic finesse. Stan...
Category

20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Giltwood, Lacquer

Pair of Blue Glazed Foo Dog Temple Lion Figurines 18cm
Located in Poperinge, BE
A beautiful pair of foo dogs, temple lions, vintage figurines made of turquoise and light blue glazed crackle ceramic, China, unmarked, circa mid-20th century. These beautiful figur...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Chinese Flying Horse of Gansu Statue - Sculpture w/ Traces of Gold Leaf
Located in St. Louis, MO
Large vintage Chinese cast statue or sculpture depicting a flying horse from the Gansu Province in western China. The composition captures the movement and motion of a galloping ho...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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 Sculptures

Materials

Granite

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 Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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 Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Hand Carved Wooden Buddha Head Bust Statue Sculpture
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Find tranquility in the Wooden Buddha Head Bust Statue Sculpture. Hand-carved with meticulous detail, this piece captures the essence of peace and min...
Category

20th Century Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Neoclassical French Country Porcelain Blue and White Obelisk
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning neoclassical, Chinoiserie, or Grand Tour style blue and white porcelain obelisk Measures: 3.75"W x 3.75"D x 14.25"H. Very good original vintage condition. Minor surface ...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Vintage Chinoiserie Green Majolica Glazed Ceramic 22" Chinese Foo Dog Statue
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Chinoiserie Green Majolica Glazed Ceramic 22" Chinese Foo Dog Statue. Circa M...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Decorative Carved Wood Chinese Foo Dog Dragon Incense Burner Holder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Decorative Carved Wood Chinese Foo Dog Dragon Incense Burner Holder. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 8.25" H x 7" W x 3.5" D.
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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 Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Asian Cloisonné Enameled Cranes - Set of 2
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A truly magnificent pair of vintage Asian cranes, these statues are a masterful display of the ancient art of cloisonné. Each bird is rendered with exquisite detail, featuring intric...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Wooden Large Sculptures of Buddha on Bases with Polychromy Traces
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Rare Buddha wooden heads sculptures , with polychrome traces - smiling and peaceful - Rested on a pair of wood capitals, same era. Suitable for the...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Pair Italian Chinoiseries Porcelain Nodding Head Figures, Mottahedeh, Italy.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair Italian Chinoiseries Porcelain Nodding Head Figures, Mottahedeh, Italy. A pair of Chinese export style nodding head figures of Mandarins from the co...
Category

20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinoiserie Green Majolica Glazed Ceramic 24" Chinese Foo Dog Statue
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Chinoiserie Green Majolica Glazed Ceramic 24" Chinese Foo Dog Statue. Circa M...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Polychrome Carved Wood Tang Horse and Rider Statue Sculpture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Chinese Polychrome Carved Wood Tang Horse and Rider Statue Sculpture. Item features a wax stamp to rear, desirable paint loss throughout, solid ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie 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 Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Chinese Hand Carved White Jade Birds, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of antique hand carved white jade bird figures China, Early 20th Century Each measures: 5.38"W x 1.25"D x 3.5"H. Good original vintage condition.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Jade

Large Dresden Porcelain Bolognese Dog
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Dresden Porcelain Dog Sculpture. It depicts a life size Bolognese hairy dog. He has grey and white curly hair with big black eyes. It is hallmarked Dresden.
Category

Early 20th Century German Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Carved Stone Meditating Buddha Head Statue Bust on Wood Plinth 12"
Located in Dayton, OH
Heavy carved stone Buddha head sculpture / statue featuring curling hair, elongated ears, closed eyes, and slightly smiling expression. Set in a black painted wooden plinth stand. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Stone

A Pair of 18th Century English Chinoiserie Carved Wood Ring Holders
Located in North Miami, FL
A pair of 18th Century English Chinoiserie carved wood ring holders modeled after Asian men. The pieces are polychromed and gold gilded. Both are holding tra...
Category

18th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Chinese Polychrome Wooden Carved Wood 29" Tang Horse Sculpture Statue Red Figure
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Chinese Polychrome Wooden Carved Wood 29" Tang Horse Sculpture Statue Red Figure. Item features solid wood construction, nicely carved details, desirable distressed finish, and paint...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Chinoiserie Style Ceramic Male Figures Hand Painted Decorative Objects, Pair
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of hand-painted ceramic Asian male figures, Chinoiserie style, circa mid-20th century, British Hong Kong. Hand painted in both rich and bri...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Polychrome Wooden Carved Wood 28" Tang Horse Sculpture Statue Red Blue
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Chinese Polychrome Wooden Carved Wood 28" Tang Horse Sculpture Statue Red Blue. Item features desirable paint loss throughout, solid wood construction, distressed finished, nicely ca...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie 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 pale blue and ochre, the elephant’s skin painted with dark celadon and l...
Category

20th Century French Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Asian Style Chinoiserie Faux Cinnabar Large Red Statues Male & Female
Located in Topeka, KS
Breathtaking vintage Asian Style Chinoiserie large decorative statues 1 male and 1 female comprised of bright red plastic-coated plaste...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Plastic, Plaster, Paint

Antique Chinese Bronze Foo Dog Seal Statue
Located in San Diego, CA
Representing the mythical figure of a foo dog, this incredibly ornate figure packs detail and beauty in a compact form. Beautifully patinated piece from the 1940s. Four character sea...
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair Italian Chinoiserie Porcelain Nodding Head Figures, Mid 20th Century, Italy
Located in Austin, TX
A fine pair of Italian porcelain chinoiserie nodding head figures of a Chinese Mandarin couple, made for the Marbo Lamp Company, circa 1960's, Inl...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

French Chinoiserie Style Terracotta Musician Mounted as Lamp
Located in Stamford, CT
Elegant French Chinoiserie style terracotta figure of a lute playing musician mounted on a lovely carved walnut base. With a wonderful hand carved matching wood finial. 35 inches h...
Category

Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta, Walnut

Pair of Hand-Painted Porcelain Birds Made by Jeanne Reed’s
Located in Fort Washington, MD
Gorgeous pair of porcelain hand-painted birds standing on a branch Made by Jeanne Reed’s for the Historic Charleston Foundation This pair would look stunning on a fireplace mantle ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

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 Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Vintage Ricardo Lynn Carved Teak Wood Oriental Figures Flute Player Wiseman Pair
By Ricardo Lynn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Ricardo Lynn Carved Teak Wood Oriental Figures Flute Player Wiseman - a Pair. Item features a large impressive form, flute playing woman, Wisem...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Teak

Phoenix Sculptures in Spinach Jade
Located in Round Top, TX
These expertly carved spinach jade phoenix sculptures are a true testament to masterful craftsmanship, capturing the graceful beauty and intricate detail ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Jade

1970s Large Scale Terracotta Chinoiserie Figurine Depicting Woman Att. Chapman
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1970s large scale chinoiserie figurine depicting a female holding a brass umbrella. This piece is attributed to Chapman and in very good condition.
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Foo Lion Dog Sculpture Decorative Object, 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. Agate dish...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Natural Malachite Rock on Display Stand as Chinese Scholar Stone
Located in Atlanta, GA
A natural malachite rock specimen with striking green and black colors fitted on a wood stand for viewing and meditating. The front of the gemstone features tight and small polished botryoidal form, revealing a beautiful, mottled pattern with intense colors of contrasting green and black. The back is natural with exposed malachite fibers fused in the bedrock. The slab form rock is displayed as a viewing stone on a fitted wood base by an American collector of Chinese scholar rocks. Known as "Peacock Rock" in Chinese, there was a more recent tradition in China (from Qing Dynasty and on) to collect the exotic gemstones such as malachite and turquoise specimen...
Category

20th Century American Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Lomonosov Porcelain Grouse Bird Figurine, Handpainted, 1986-1992
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming standing grouse bird figurine is made of porcelain. Highly detailed hand-painted decoration in organic brown and beige palette complements complex, realistic shape of the p...
Category

1980s Russian Vintage Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain, Ceramic

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 Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Vintage Ceramic Drip Glaze Frog
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Terrific ceramic glazed frog with a Chinoiserie flair. Great proportions with a meaty presence. Wonderful coloring. Signed, Jason.
Category

20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

18th Century English Wood Carved Standing Chinese Attendant with Lotus Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
18th century English wood carved standing Chinese attendant with lotus bowl, The well carved and decorated figure with glass eyes, holding a 10 inch...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Gesso, Glass, Wood, Paint

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Seated Buddha in Patinated Bronze, Circa 17th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Seated Buddha in patinated bronze, circa 17th century. A bronze Buddha sculpture, brown patina, from Thai-Lao, principality of Chieng Kham, circa 17th century. H: 52cm. W: 35cm, D: ...
Category

17th Century Asian Antique Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Antique Bronze Clad & Polychrome Painted Buddha Sculpture with Pedestal Stand
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique cast and dipped bronze Buddha sculpture and stand is signed by and unknown maker, and presumed to have been made in China in approximately 1920. Both the ornate stand an...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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 Sculptures

Materials

Enamel

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Sculpture of Fearless Monk Riding a Tiger from Lao, People's Democratic Republic
Located in Stockholm, SE
A well-known sculpture portraying of a fearless monk riding a tiger from Lao, People's Democratic Republic. This sculpture is part of the Buddhist art tradition in Laos and serves a...
Category

Early 20th Century Laotian Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Paper, Plaster, Paint

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wicker

2 Annamite Mandarins In Bronze, Vietnam, Early 20th Century
By Ishikawa Komei
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Pair of Annamite mandarins in bronze with brown patina, dressed in the traditional costume of scholars for audiences, decorated with dragons; they carry a tablet in their hands. The...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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 Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Natural Malachite Rock on Display Stand as Chinese Scholar Stone
Located in Atlanta, GA
A natural malachite rock specimen with striking green and black colors fitted on a wood stand for viewing and meditating. The front of the gemstone features tight and small polished ...
Category

20th Century American Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Stone

American Chalkware Chinoiserie Seated Infants, 2
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of American Chalkware Chinoiserie Seated Infant 3D figurative plaster sculptures painted gold on black wood bases, apparently unmarked.
Category

20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Chinese Burlwood Sculpture
Located in Antwerp, BE
Chinese burlwood sculpture . Height 100 cm.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Pair of White Ceramic Lions
Located in Locust Valley, NY
This Pair of White Ceramic Lions exudes elegance and timeless sophistication, making them perfect statement pieces for any interior or garden decor. Each lion is meticulously crafted...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Decorative Object, Lilique Style Casting Glass Custom Made Sculpture
By Alexander's Collection
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Decorative Object, Lilique Style Casting Glass Custom Made Sculpture Add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home decor with our stunning In the Style of Lalique Sculptu...
Category

2010s Hong Kong Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Uranium Glass

Malachite Rock on Display Stand as a Chinese Scholar Stone
Located in Atlanta, GA
Displayed on a black custom carved wood stand, this solid malachite rock specimen with intense green and black colors functions as a Chinese scholar stone. The gemstone showcases the...
Category

20th Century American Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Two Figurine of Seated Boys, Circa 1725, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Reign
Located in seoul, KR
Wearing a blue-glazed short child's apron knotted around the waist, his hair drawn into one or two topknots Period : Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Period Production Date : C 1725 Made in ...
Category

1720s Vietnamese Antique Chinoiserie Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Chinoiserie sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinoiserie 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 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 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 sculptures, popular names associated with this style include Maitland Smith, Meissen Porcelain, Feldman Lighting Co., and Fitz and Floyd. 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 sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $80 and tops out at $27,960 while the average work can sell for $885.

Recently Viewed

View All