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Chinoiserie Painted Furniture

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
Red Chinese Antique Hand Painted Wood Serving Tray
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Late 19th century antique wood serving tray hand-painted with flowers on red background. Worn paint and great patina with floral painted des...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Painted Furniture

Materials

Wood

Red Chinese Antique Hand Painted Wood Serving Tray
Red Chinese Antique Hand Painted Wood Serving Tray

Red Chinese Antique Hand Painted Wood Serving Tray

19th Century Bamboo and Chinoiserie Sewing Stand
Located in Hixson, TN
19th century bamboo and chinoiserie sewing stand A unique double lift top sewing stand with chinoiserie panels and bamboo construction. The top is ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Painted Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

19th Century Bamboo and Chinoiserie Sewing Stand
19th Century Bamboo and Chinoiserie Sewing Stand

19th Century Bamboo and Chinoiserie Sewing Stand

Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Low Cabinet, Coffee Table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Low Cabinet, Coffee Table This is a delightful Oriental Cabinet, it is both Long and low and is designed to be used as both cabinet and as a low dining tab...
Category

1920s Vintage Chinoiserie Painted Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Low Cabinet, Coffee Table
Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Low Cabinet, Coffee Table

Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Low Cabinet, Coffee Table

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Chinoiserie painted furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinoiserie painted furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage painted furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with bamboo, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinoiserie painted furniture made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 painted furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $450 and tops out at $1,600 while the average work can sell for $1,025.

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