Chinoiserie Lighting
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.
1780s English Antique Chinoiserie Lighting
Mirror, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Lighting
Metal
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Lighting
Bronze
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Lighting
Porcelain
1980s Vintage Chinoiserie Lighting
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Chinoiserie Lighting
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Lighting
Metal
Mid-19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Lighting
Ironstone, Wood
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Lighting
Marble, Metal
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Lighting
Metal
1930s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Lighting
Crystal, Metal
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Lighting
Parchment Paper, Giltwood, Lacquer
20th Century Chinoiserie Lighting
Glass
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Lighting
Wood
1940s Unknown Vintage Chinoiserie Lighting
Porcelain
Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Lighting
Bronze
1920s French Vintage Chinoiserie Lighting
Bronze
Early 20th Century American Chinoiserie Lighting
Brass
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lighting
Enamel
Early 20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lighting
Crystal, Tin
Early 20th Century American Chinoiserie Lighting
Multi-gemstone, Bronze
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Lighting
Brass
1990s Chinoiserie Lighting
Brass
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Lighting
Metal
20th Century American Chinoiserie Lighting
Plastic
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Lighting
Wood
20th Century Chinoiserie Lighting
Porcelain
20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Lighting
Bronze
20th Century Chinoiserie Lighting
Bronze
1950s American Vintage Chinoiserie Lighting
Brass