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.
English Chinoiserie Style Twenty-Six Piece Silver Toilet Service
By Carrington & Co, Richard Comyns, Lionel Alfred Crichton 1
Located in London, GB
This twenty-six piece silver toilet service was created in the early 20th century, after a model made in London between 1673-1682. The original set is o...
Silver
Sterling Chinoiserie Silver Cocktail Spoons, Set of 6
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful vintage set of 6 Asian designed long thin cocktail spoons. Original box included. Nice details on the charms motifs. Additional dimensions: -Box: 9.75"W x 4.5"D x 1"H
Silver
Set of Five Sterling Silver Demitasse Spoons
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple and elegant set of five sterling silver demitasse spoons, circa 1940s. The set is in very good vintage condition and each spoon measures...
Sterling Silver
$8,550
H 33.47 in W 19.69 in D 70.87 in
Dresser Chinoiserie Style Ebony Gloss Wood, White Dragon Sculpture, in Stock
By Alexander's Collection, Alexander Anisimov
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Dresser Chinoiserie Style Ebony Gloss Wood, White Dragon Sculpture, in Stock Introducing the Dresser by Art Furniture, a stunning piece that embodies both style and functionality....
Wood, Ebony
Sterling Silver Serving Spoon
By Whiting Manufacturing Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Being offered is a sterling silver serving spoon in the “Louis XV” pattern by Whiting Silver. This pattern is famous for its scallops handle and its ele...
Sterling Silver
$3,995
H 31.25 in W 76 in D 18 in
Chinoiserie Black & Burl Chin Hua Dresser by Raymond K. Sabota for Century Furn
By Raymond Sabota, Century Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Chinoiserie Chin Hua Collection dresser or sideboard by Raymond K. Sabota for Century Furniture comprised of an ebony-tone wood frame, burlwood inlays, brass trim & hardware, double doors, and nine drawers total. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, it has been cleaned but has no outstanding flaws that we have detected. Normal wear as you would expect with use & age. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 20th Century. NOTE: IF you love this Chin Hua Collection dresser or sideboard by Raymond K. Sabota for Century Furniture, we have the matching armoire/wardrobe, pair of nightstands, and pair of mirrors in separate listings here for sale if they are still available. We also have many other items from the Chin Hua line. Check them out! OH, MY GOODNESS!!!! If you are looking for a dynamic dresser for your bedroom. Or a beautiful buffet for your dining room. Or a CRAZY gorgeous credenza for your entry hall or living room. You have DEFINATELY found it! This beauty is part of the original Chin Hua Collection designed by Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture in 1975. The entire collection was retired in 1998 after a 23-year successful run. So successful that Century Furniture reissued the collection in 2012. And it is no wonder they revived it. The Chin Hua Collection was one of Century’s most revered collections of all time. And this piece bears the original Century Furniture tag and is not part of the new collection and is only available vintage!!! So, It’s your LUCKY DAY!!! Playing with Hollywood Regency and Chinoiserie styles, Raymond Sabota designed this piece oh-so-handsomely. It is comprised of a stunning rectangular ebony-toned wood framework featuring beautiful burlwood inlays on the door fronts, 6 drawers, and phenomenal recessed top. It exhibits double doors in the center of the cabinet and three drawers on each side of the double doors all surrounded with beautiful brass trim & displaying magnificent brass hardware. And hidden BEHIND those double doors lies a marvelous secret!! THREE more drawers graduating from narrow at the top to a bit wider at the bottom AND they also have lovely brass pulls in the center of each drawer. That’s NINE drawers total!! Talk about AMPLE storage space for linens, clothes, books, or whatever your stow-away needs are! It is going to be an incredible addition to your bedroom or dressing area if you choose to use it as a dresser but its usage is not limited to that! It will be BEAUTIFUL in your dining room used as a sideboard or buffet, in the family room as a cabinet for games, toys, and art supplies, or in an entry utilized as a credenza hosting a lovely sculpture or artwork on top and endless options below. Whatever its use, it bears an EXQUISITE and timeless style you are sure to love for years to come! Raymond Karl Sobota (1914-2010) is an award-winning American furniture designer. He attended and obtained his degree in design from Kendall College of Art and Design in his native home of Grand Rapids, Michigan. After graduating in 1946 Sobota apprenticed with his namesake and uncle, a furniture designer as well, Karl Schmidt, who designed for Berkey and Gay Furniture Company. He apprenticed for seven years leading to his designing for Grand Rapids Bookcase and Chair Co., the Mt. Airy Furniture Co., Hekman Furniture and finally Century Furniture for whom he designed from 1952 until 1995. He designed all the company’s wood furniture during that time in total, over 150 collections. The most notable being Citation, Chin Hua, Claridge, and the Henry Ford Museum and the British National Trust collections. Sobota is credited for helping make Century Furniture the industry leader it is today. Century Furniture Company, one of the world’s largest privately owned upper-end residential furniture manufacturers, was founded in 1947 by Harley Ferguson Shuford, Sr. When first formed Century Furniture was a selling agent for local upholstery lines. But as soon as a year later Shuford had built a case goods plant in Hickory, North Carolina and that started it all. Harley Shuford along with his siblings and children acquired company after company expanding into upholstered furniture, chair manufacturing, and even a leather division. Century has made it through feast and famine in the furniture business and today retains their long-standing role as a leading force in the American home furnishings market. This amazing Chin Hua dresser...
Brass
$6,500 / set
H 31.25 in W 32.5 in D 16.75 in
Pair Vintage French Chinoiserie Marble Top Chests / Dressers / Commodes
Located in New York, NY
Pair of petite vintage French chinoiserie bombe-shaped marble top commodes (dressers, chests of drawers) in the Louis XV/XVI style, with ebonized finishes with hand-carved polychrome...
Marble
Bespoke English Style Painted Dresser Base
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Custom build English style painted pine dresser base. Reference: 7728 Dimensions 75 inches (191 cms) Wide 22.5 inches (57 cms) Deep 33 inches (84 cms) High
Pine
$188Sale Price / set|36% Off
H 0.25 in W 1 in D 5.13 in
Set of 5 Sterling Silver Coffee Spoons by Peter & Ann Bateman
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 5 sterling silver coffee spoons by Peter & Ann Bateman, London, 1796. Georgian neoclassical design. Peter was Hester's son & Ann was the widow of her other son Jonathan. Engra...
Sterling Silver
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 54.5 in W 34 in D 18 in
Amazing Burled Amboyna Brass Mastercraft Two-Piece Tall Dresser Chinoiserie
By Mastercraft
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Amazing burled amboyna and brass two-piece chinoiserie Mastercraft tall dresser. Wow! is what you will say when you see this stunning two-piece...
Brass
$3,695 / set
H 30.5 in W 108.25 in D 19 in
John Widdicomb MCM Campaign Style 3 Piece Burlwood Dresser and Vanity Set
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Widdicomb Mid Century Campaign Style 3 Piece Burlwood Dresser and Vanity Set Each of the two cabinets in this set is 36 wide x 19 deep x 30.5 in...
Brass
$6,056
H 33.27 in W 87.72 in D 22.45 in
George III English Oak and Walnut Dresser Base With An Arrangement Of Six Drawer
Located in Faversham, GB
A splendid George III oak dresser base with a slightly oversailing two plank top with walnut banding. The richly patinated top rests over a central arched cross banded panelled pair...
Brass
$3,370
H 30 in W 62 in D 18 in
Romweber Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Credenza, Refinished
Located in Charleston, SC
An exceptional mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie dresser or credenza By Romweber USA, Circa 1950s Black lacquered teak, with original Asian-inspired brass hardware ...
Brass
$14,850Sale Price|40% Off
H 35.25 in W 45.25 in D 23 in
Fine French Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze & Marquetry Chinoiserie Marquetry Commode
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine French 19th-20th century Louis XV style gilt-bronze mounted tulipwood chinoiserie marquetry two-drawer bombé commode with a veined rouge royal marble top. The serpentine shape...
Marble, Bronze
Salt and Pepper Set, Sterling Silver, Japanese Figural Man c.1950s
Located in Glasgow, GB
A whimsical salt and pepper set crafted in Japan during the 1950s, made entirely of sterling silver. The set features a charming figure of a Japanese man standing atop a decorative...
Sterling Silver
Antique JWR Sterling Silver .925 Dinner Table Butler Service Call Bell 37g
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage JWR sterling silver hand bell / dinner bell with ornate pierced handle. 1.5” x 2.5” (Diameter x Height) / 36.5 g.
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 4.93 in W 3.75 in D 2.56 in
Flat Chased James II Style Antique Brittania Standard Silver Tea Caddy, 1907
By Lambert Coventry ST London 1
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1907 by Lambert & Co., this stunning, Antique Brittania Standard Silver Tea Caddy, is flat chased in the James II style. The tea caddy measures 5"(12.5cm)...
Britannia Standard Silver
Sold
H 3.75 in W 18.5 in D 14.25 in
Chinoiserie Sterling Silver Dressing Table Set, James II Style, London, 1926
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1926 by D. & J. Wellby, this striking, sterling silver dressing table set, is presented in its original box,...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Edwardian Chinoiserie-Style Sterling Silver Tazzas by Crichton
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Edwardian period, sterling silver, Chinoiserie -Style pedestal-based tazas, London, 1913, Lionel Alfred Crichton - maker. Retailed at Crichton Bros., New York and London. Eac...
Sterling Silver
Silver Tea and Coffee Set with Matching Tray
By Adie Brothers, Horace Woodward & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, GB
Silver tea and coffee set with matching tray English, 1920-1921 Kettle on lampstand: Height 33cm, width 23cm, depth 16cm Tray: Height 3cm, width 64cm, depth 44cm This large silver set is comprised of a coffee pot, a tea pot, a kettle, a milker, a creamer, a sugar bowl with lid, a tea caddy with lid, a waste bowl with a strainer, and a tray. All pieces are engraved with coats of arms and the servers are set with wooden handles. The set is designed and made in the same style as 18th Century Huguenot silver...
Sterling Silver
Chinese Sterling Silver Sycee Shaped Box
By Wai Kee
Located in London, GB
This beautifully made Chinese silver box is formed in the shape of a traditional Chinese Sycee. The body is realistically tooled to simulate the eff...
Silver
Round Lidded Container in Sterling Silver by Tiffany & Co
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Beautiful Sterling Silver lidded container made by Tiffany & Co featuring Chinoiserie engraved decoration. this box is very heavy and is quite solid. Completed hand engraved it is a ...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.1 in W 0.1 in D 0.1 in
Bamboo by Tiffany Sterling Silver Dinner Flatware Set for 6 Service 36 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Introduced in 1961, Bamboo was designed by Tiffany’s then-Design Director, Van Day Truex. In 1965, Bamboo won the International Design Award for silver. Its simplicity and character ...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 0.1 in W 0.1 in D 0.1 in
Bamboo by Tiffany Sterling Silver Dinner Flatware Set for Six Service 30 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Introduced in 1961, Bamboo was designed by Tiffany’s then-Design Director, Van Day Truex. In 1965, Bamboo won the International Design Award for silver. Its simplicity and character ...
Sterling Silver