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 Mid-Century Chinese Rosewood Corner Chairs with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
Located in Brooklyn, NY
These corner chairs were handmade in China during the middle of the 20th century. Crafted in rosewood, the authentic mother-of-pearl inlay features natural motifs. Curved armrests an...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Rosewood
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Chinoiserie Rosewood Corner Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage Chinoiserie rosewood corner chair Lovely rosewood chair with intricately carved floral motifs. Measures: 27 Width x 22 Depth x 32 Hei...
Rosewood
Mid-18th Century Mahogany Corner Chair
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A large example of a mid 18th century mahogany corner chair with vase shaped back splat, good cpouor and patination.
$3,250 / set
H 36.5 in W 24.75 in D 20.5 in
Pair of Antique Swedish Monk's Corner Chairs in Oak, Circa Early 20th Century
Located in Peabody, MA
Pair of rustic Swedish munkstolar, or monk’s chairs, ca. 1910-1920. Their three legged design has its origins in the medieval monasteries of Northern Europe where it was considered a...
Oak
Pr. Mid Century Corner Lounge Chairs by Ficks Reed
By Ficks Reed
Located in New York, NY
Super chic pair of triangular lounge chairs, attributed to Ficks Reed. The chairs feature a wrap around plinth style base of repeating bamboo pieces, and a bent bamboo frame. The cus...
Bamboo
$1,699
H 31.89 in W 27.17 in D 24.81 in
Vintage Danish 1960s Henning Kjærnulf Oak Corner Chair, Razorblade Back Splats
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Presenting this exceptional oak corner chair, a definitive example of Danish Mid-Century design by Henning Kjærnulf, likely produced by EG Møbler in the 1960s. Known for his "Bruta...
Fabric, Oak
$2,995 / set
H 37.25 in W 18 in D 20.25 in
Antique Chinese Carved Rosewood Dining Chairs With Mother of Pearl Inlay, 1890s
By George Zee
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding set of four antique Chinese dining chairs China, Circa 1890s Gorgeous carved rosewood, with exquisite Mother-of-Pearl inlay, and removable upholstered seat cushions....
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Antique Victorian Carved Walnut Corner Chair
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique Victorian carved walnut corner chair of the highest order. This was made in Europe, possibly France, it dates from around the 1860-1880 period. The quality is out...
Cotton, Walnut
$575Sale Price|52% Off
H 34 in W 23.5 in D 17 in
Chinese Export Oriental Hand Carved Rosewood Corner Chair
Located in Plainview, NY
A beautiful Chinese export oriental corner chair. The chair is finely hand-carved of quality rosewood with shiny lacquer finish and is made using...
Rosewood
$2,025Sale Price|55% Off
H 33.5 in W 26.5 in D 26.5 in
18th Century Chippendale Corner Chair with Marquetry Inlay
Located in Savannah, GA
This outstanding 18th century Chippendale walnut corner chair features intricate marquetry inlay in a delicate floral motif. Even the back of the top rail, splats and the back of the...
Walnut
Pair of 19th Century Carved Oak Corner Chairs
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century carved oak corner chairs from England with a wonderfully carved back, supports and arms, all depicting acanthus leaves and scrolls. The seats have wonderful carv...
Oak
$714
H 26.38 in W 16.54 in D 16.54 in
Mid Century Antique Provincial Hand Crafted Bobbin Corner Chair, France, 1940s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A fine French Provincial corner chair in stained oak with a handmade cane seat. Classic bobbin turned legs and in a overall fine vintage condition. Made in the 19th century. Lovely ...
Straw, Wood
Vintage Rosewood Hand Carved Oriental Corner Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage rosewood hand carved oriental corner chair Chic solid rosewood oriental corner chair hand carved in front and back. This charming piec...
Rosewood
English Oak Bobbin Corner Chair
Located in Faversham, GB
A superb oversized Victorian bobbin corner chair in oak with a freshly upholstered calico seat cushion. The double railed ladder back rest with si...
Calico, Oak
Sold
H 32.25 in W 28 in D 21.5 in
Vintage Chinese Carved Hardwood Corner Lounge Chair with Mother of Pearl Inlay
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Chinese Carved Hardwood Corner Lounge Chair with Mother of Pearl Inlay. Item...
Wood, Mother-of-Pearl
Chinoiserie Lacquered Tub Chair with Cane United KIngdom 1920s
Located in Sakskøbing, DK
This early 20th-century Chinoiserie tub chair, crafted in the United Kingdom, features a cane seat and back for both comfort and style. The chair is made from black lacquered wood, d...
Cane, Wood
Chinese Hand Carved Mother of Pearl Inlay Corner Chair
Located in Delray Beach, FL
amazing vintage Chinese lacquered and hand carved corner chair. Features ornate and detailed mother of Pearl inlays.
Wood
Decorative Chinoiserie Tub Chair with Cane United KIngdom 1900s
Located in Sakskøbing, DK
Antique hand-painted chair in Chinoiserie style. United Kingdom, 1900s. The sturdy chair with cane is decorated with Chinese scenes and has 2 legs like a claw at the front. Nicely we...
Cane, Wood
Antique Bamboo Corner Chair, 19th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Rare antique 19th century bamboo corner chair. Superb quality and in excellent condition. Additional information: Materials: Bamboo Color: Brown Period: 19th Century Styles: ...
Bamboo
Wicker Bamboo Chair Chinoiserie Style
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and well-made all-bamboo armchair with 'spindle' sides and back and a light-blue upholstered seat cushion, in the Chinoiserie design style, circa mid-20th century. A grea...
Upholstery, Bamboo, Wicker
19th Century English Chinoiserie Bamboo Corner Chair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare English bamboo corner chair made in the chinoiserie revival taste of the late 19th century Europe. Features a frame made entirely of bamboo in a square form reinforced with doub...
Linen, Wood, Bamboo