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.
Pair of 18c Style Giles Grendey Inspired Burton-Ching Red Chinoiserie Arm Chairs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
18c Style Giles Grendey Inspired Burton-Ching Red Chinoiserie Arm Chairs - A Pair
Wood
Chinoiserie Ebonized Gilt Accent Clawfoot Tub Armchairs, Pair
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautiful pair of Chinoiserie Japanned gilt ebonized accent armchairs, Early 20th Century. Curved rounded barrel back frames feature hand painted detailed scenes, classic ball and c...
Upholstery, Wood
Sensational Pair of Red Coral Bamboo & Rattan Club Chairs with Custom Cushions
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sizzling hot pair of coral red rattan and bamboo vintage armchairs having classic shape and custom cushions. seat height without cushion 17.5 Arm height 25
Bamboo, Rattan
Four Louis XV Style Gilt-Wood Chinoiserie Bergères, Jansen Attr., 1890
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine and Rare Assembled Set of Four French Louis XV Style Gilt-Wood Carved and Japanned-Chinoiserie Lacquer Decorated Bergers Armchairs, attributed to Maison Jansen (House of Janse...
Velvet, Giltwood, Lacquer
Vintage Woodmark Originals French Louis XVI-Style Bergere Armchair Chinoiserie
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Exceptional Woodmark Originals Bergere armchair crafted in the refined Louis XVI style, featuring a beautifully carved hardwood frame with elegant tu...
Upholstery, Wood
Black Lacquered & Gilt Chinoiserie Decorated Armchairs
Located in Rochester, NY
A substantially sized pair of Queen Anne style armchairs in the original beautiful black lacquered finish w/ finely gilded chinoiserie decoration of floating leaves and cross hatchin...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Set of Four Century Faux Bamboo Chinese Chippendale Style Armchairs
Located in Sarasota, FL
This set of four faux bamboo dining chairs by Century Furniture combines classic chinoiserie-inspired design with the brand’s signature craftsmanship and durability. Constructed in C...
Brass
Late 19th Century Japanese carved wood arm chair
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th Century Japanese carved wood arm chair with a pair of wonderful mythical dragons to the back rest and arms. Having a serpentine shaped seat and raised o...
Softwood
Asian Modern Antique Armchairs Black Lacquered & Gold Finish Cane Seat, Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Late 19th century one-of-a-kind pair of chinoiserie antique armchairs black lacquered & gold finish with hand woven cane seats. The Backrest is thick Gilt finish depicting a travel scene...
Fabric, Cane, Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer
Chinoiserie Georgian Style Pair of Host & Hostess Armchairs Black Lacquer Frames
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage Chinoiserie & Georgian Style pair of Host & Hostess armchairs black lacquer frames with hand painted Asian scene details, gilded trim, cabriole front legs, & new duc...
Fabric, Wood
Antique Asian Rosewood Carved Foo Dogs Armchairs Set of 2
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on "Read More" or "View More Details" below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing is from 1st Dibs and they normally s...
Rosewood
$3,295 / set
Chinese Hand-Carved Dragon Throne Armchairs Pair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on "Read More" or "View More Details" below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing is from 1st Dibs and they normally s...
Silk, Wood, Fruitwood
English Chinoiserie Burnt Bamboo Chippendale Arm Chair
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A delicate chinoiserie burnt bamboo or tortoise bamboo armchair. Fashioned from bamboo, the back features geometric shapes and lines. the arms...
Bamboo
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Red & Gilt & Painted Chinoiserie Armchair
Located in Huntington, NY
Rouge & Gilt painted chinoiserie Armchair with caned seat
Oak
Century Furniture Chin Hua Collection Horseshoe Arm Chairs
Located in Stafford, TX
This elegant pair of Horseshoe Arm Chairs comes from the iconic Chin Hua Collection by Century Furniture, originally designed by Raymond K. Sobota. Inspired by classic Chinese Ming d...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Oriental Horseshoe Ming Style Cream Lacquered Lounge Chairs - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Vintage Cream Lacquered James Mont Style Ming Horseshoe Lounge Chairs. Item features solid wood frames, cream lacquered finish, horseshoe barrel backs, burgundy and gold upho...
Fabric, Wood, Lacquer
1980s Pair of Century Furniture Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Armchairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Introducing a pair of elegant 1980s Century Furniture Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Armchairs. Crafted with precision and timeless style, the...
Lacquer
$1,836Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Faux Bamboo Interior CRafts of Chicago Armchairs in Green Upholstery
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of faux bamboo armchairs by Interior Crafts of Chicago exemplifies timeless design and superb craftsmanship. Known for producing some of the finest luxury furnishings in th...
Walnut
Chinese Carved Hardwood Horseshoe Ming Style Barrel Back Lounge Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Chinese Carved Hardwood Horseshoe Ming Style Barrel Back Lounge Arm Chair. Item features a solid wood frame, nicely carved details, great style and form. Circa Late 20th Century. Mea...
Wood
Maitland Smith Style Tessellated Stone over Wood Pair Armchairs Asian Modern 70s
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Maitland Smith Style Asian Modern tessellated stone over wood Armchairs, Side Chairs. A gray and taupe tessellated stone over wood covered chair with bronze color pattern and brass inlays. They come with custom seat cushions...
Stone, Brass
Pair of Antique French Chinoiserie Armchairs, Red and Gold Lacquer, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of antique French Chinoiserie Arm Chairs from the late 19th Century. These grand chairs are painted in Chinese red with gold decoratively applied on the traditional fretwork patterns. Fitted with black and red silk chair...
Fabric, Wood, Lacquer
Elegant pair of 1970s Black Chinoiserie Arm Chairs w/Carved Details Mid Century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This striking pair of chinoiserie-style armchairs blends timeless elegance with bold visual appeal. Crafted from solid wood and finished in a sleek black lacquer, each chair features...
Wood
WaterCloset Commode Armchair Table Red Lacquer Alnwick Castle DukeNorthumberland
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Rare red lacquer, Chinoiserie water closed and matching table cupboard from the Collection of the Duke & Duchess of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle of Harry Potter fame Dating from c1...
Lacquer
Armchair, Antique Chinoiserie Style with Silk Upholstery
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique chinoiserie armchair is a charming example of the Asian influence on European furnishings, with a tailored architecture, ebonized finish and hand painted gold scenery on almo...
Silk, Wood
Pair 1970 Vintage Chinoiserie Rattan Bamboo Armchairs Woven Cane Seat & Backrest
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage pair of unique bamboo armchairs. These are handcrafted chairs with cane seats feature bamboo frames and Chinese inspired bamboo patterns. The backrests are designed with an ...
Bamboo, Cane
Mid-century Chinoiserie Style Lounge Chairs by Century Chair Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of horseshoe armchairs with "scrubbed white" finish by the Century Chair Company, 1987. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Chinese Ming Style Carved Wood High Back Throne Armchairs
Located in Miami, FL
Chinese Ming Style Carved Wood High Back Black Throne ArmChairs. The pieces are complementary with different sizes for male and female.
Wood
Pair Vintage McGuire Bamboo Chairs With New Coral Chenille Cushions
By McGuire
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A pair of McGuire style rattan armchairs with new coral chenille cushions, showcasing the brand’s signature blend of organic form and refined design. The chairs feature a distinctive...
Rattan
Raymond Sabota Century Greek Key Arm /Dining Chairs-Manner of Michael Taylor
By Michael Taylor, Century Furniture
Located in Hudson, NY
Stunning pair of midcentury Chinoiserie styled chairs in the manner of Michael Taylor. These solid ebonized wood framed chairs w. a cream colored velvet upholstery stand regally. Can...
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Vintage Chinese Elm Wood Ming Yoke Back Lacquered Asian Scholars Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Elm Wood Ming Yoke Back Lacquered Asian Scholars Arm Chair. Believed to be Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 44" H x 24" W x 22.5" D x 19" Seat height x 28" Arm h...
Wood
Lacquered Stylized Ball & Claw Armchair, Carved Chinoiserie Details
Located in Miami, FL
Lacquered Stylized Ball & Claw Armchair, Carved Chinoiserie Details Offered for sale is a vintage carved wooden ball & claw leg armchair that has been lacquered in orange. The chair...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Chinese Asian Rosewood & Marble Armchairs Pair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Pair of Mid Century Chi...
Marble
Mid-20th Century Oversized Asian Chinoiserie Armchair in Rosewood
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering one of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of an Oversized Asian chinoiserie carved rosewood armchair...
Rosewood, Cotton
$1,196Sale Price / item|20% Off
Antique Chinoiserie Decorated Queen Anne Arm Chair ca 1930
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on "Read More About This Item" below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all...
Wood, Paint
Set of Eight Midcentury Asian Modern Upholstered Chinoiserie Dining Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sophisticated and substantial set of eight dining chairs. They feature an Asian Modern design concept with high backs. Completed with dark espresso stained wood and fully upholster...
Fabric, Wood
$12,000 / set
A Pair of Red Painted Chinoiserie Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
This enchanting pair of early 20th-century red-painted chinoiserie armchairs showcases exceptional craftsmanship and artistic detailing. Hand-painted scenic panels depict idyllic lan...
Fabric, Wood
$2,995 / set
Chinoiserie Foo Dog Armchairs Pair Mid Century
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Cotton, Oak
Chinoiserie Arm Chair in Fresh Ivory Lacquered Finish #2
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chinoiserie Chinese chair frame freshly lacquered in ivory white. We have 2 identical chairs, so purchase a pair and also see our matching sofa. Add some chic chinoiserie style to yo...
Wood
1930 Chinese Armchair Sculpted and Gold-Plated with Goblin
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
1930 Chinese armchair sculpted and gold-plated with goblin.
Antique Chinese Ju Mu Hat Armchairs with Authentication Pair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Elm, Wicker
Rosewood Henredon Style Asian Chinoiserie Solid Dining Accent Desk Armchair
By Henredon
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Rosewood
Vintage Boho Bamboo Arm Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning artifact from the Aesthetic Movement, this exquisite vintage armchair is a masterpiece of Chinoiserie design. Expertly crafted from turned wood to perfectly mimic the form...
Metal
Chinoiserie Arm Chair in Fresh Ivory Lacquered Finish #1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chinoiserie Chinese chair frame freshly lacquered in ivory white. We have 2 identical chairs, so purchase a pair and also see our matching sofa. Add some chic chinoiserie style to yo...
Wood
Vintage Coastal Tortoise Bamboo Arm Chairs - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Infuse your space with an air of exotic elegance with this stunning pair of vintage armchairs, masterfully crafted from bamboo with a rich faux tortoise shell finish. Inspired by the...
Bamboo
Chinoiserie Style Painted and Decorated Bergere
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chinoiserie style bergere in cream finish with parcel gilt and sage linen upholstery.
Wood