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.
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Fabric, Faux Bamboo, Cane, Wood
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Silk, Wood
Late 20th Century Indonesian Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Cane, Wood, Lacquer
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Teak
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Faux Bamboo, Cane, Lacquer
1980s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Late 20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Cane, Mahogany
1980s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Fabric, Oak
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Velvet, Fruitwood
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Wood
1990s Canadian Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Wood
1940s French Vintage Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Cane, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Upholstery, Faux Bamboo
Mid-20th Century British Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Faux Bamboo
1980s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Wood
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Indonesian Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Fabric, Mahogany
Late 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Cotton, Cane, Bentwood
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Fabric, Faux Bamboo, Wood
Late 20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Aluminum
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Linen, Wood
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
1970s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan
1990s Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Upholstery, Cane, Wood