Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Jade, Gold
1980s French Vintage Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Bakelite
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Ebony
1960s Japanese Vintage Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Iron
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Jade, Gold
1930s European Vintage Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Wicker, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Bone
Early 20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Silver Plate
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Glass
1960s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Linen
20th Century American Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Ceramic, Paint
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Gesso, Shell, Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze
20th Century English Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Ceramic
1950s American Vintage Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Metal
Early 20th Century European Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Composition
Mid-20th Century English Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Jade, Multi-gemstone, Gold
Mid-20th Century Indian Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Jade, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Enamel, Brass
1980s Vintage Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze
Mid-20th Century English Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Chrome
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood
19th Century German Antique Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Mahogany
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Wood, Giltwood
Late 19th Century German Antique Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Mid-20th Century Czech Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Malachite
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze
19th Century Dutch Antique Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Crystal, Silver
19th Century Dutch Antique Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Crystal, Gold
Early 20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Iron
1990s Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Paper
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Jade, Metal
Late 19th Century British Antique Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Bronze
1950s Vintage Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Brass
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Softwood
20th Century Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Jade
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Jade
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Resin
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Marble, Brass
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Silk
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Silk
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Collectibles and Curiosities
Silk