Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Like chinoiserie, which had emerged in Europe in the 17th century, antique Chinese Chippendale furniture was an appropriation of Asian design that often distilled it to stereotypes.
Thomas Chippendale published The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director in 1754, and the widespread popularity of the book of furniture designs influenced a new style of furniture named for the English cabinetmaker. Artisans in England, the United States and Europe adapted the work illustrated in its pages. The publication of the pattern book included designs reflecting “Gothic, Chinese and Modern Taste,” with illustrations of “Chinese” chairs and cabinets featuring elaborate hand-carved latticework.
Pagoda-shaped flourishes and wood painted in the “japanned” finish that mimicked lacquer were common on these pieces, as were fretwork patterns on chair backs. The back of a chair is the easiest way to distinguish between Gothic, Rococo and Chinese Chippendale chairs, all of which typically feature broad seats and luxurious upholstery. Chippendale’s designs for “Chinese” chairs tend to favor more clean lines and less ornamentation than the other styles, with cutouts in the rails and the fretwork on the back evoking a European ideal of East Asian design.
Dark woods such as walnut and solid mahogany were commonly used, as were bamboo turnings. Cabinets for imported Chinese ceramics frequently were adorned with glazing bars, while small tea tables were detailed with angular fretwork. The style remained popular through the 18th century and into the decades that followed, even inspiring an entire room at Buckingham Palace.
Find antique Chinese Chippendale dining room chairs, side tables, case pieces and other furniture and decor on 1stDibs.
1770s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Suede, Mahogany
1780s Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Kingwood, Lacquer
1780s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Mahogany
Late 18th Century French Antique Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Fabric, Walnut
19th Century American Antique Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Wood
2010s Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Mahogany
20th Century Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Upholstery, Oak
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Chenille, Mahogany
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Wood, Lacquer
18th Century Antique Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Silk, Mahogany
Late 18th Century American Antique Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Mahogany
2010s Belgian Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Walnut
1880s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Mahogany
18th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Mahogany
Late 18th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Mahogany
Mid-18th Century Antique Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Mahogany
Late 18th Century British Antique Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Suede, Mahogany