Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
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.
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Jade, Gold
1980s French Vintage Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Bakelite
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Jade, Gold
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Bone
1950s American Vintage Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Metal
Mid-20th Century English Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Jade, Multi-gemstone, Gold
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Jade, Bronze
Early 18th Century Antique Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Paper
Late 19th Century European Antique Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Bone
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Wood
Late 19th Century British Antique Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Horn, Ebony
Early 19th Century British Antique Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Horn, Ebony
Mid-20th Century Czech Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Malachite
Early 19th Century British Antique Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Horn, Ebony
Mid-20th Century English Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Metal, Sterling Silver, Silver
20th Century American Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Gold
20th Century American Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Stone
19th Century British Antique Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Leather
Early 2000s American Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Paper
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Jade, Metal
20th Century Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Jade
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Jade
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Silk
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Silk
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Silk
20th Century Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Collectible Jewelry
Brass