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.
$11,250Sale Price|50% Off
1980s Zanaboni Silk Velvet Leopard Tiger Sculptural Curved Sofa
By Zanaboni
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
In 1967, in the Italian town of Honey began to operate the factory, named by the founder Vittorio Zanaboni "Zanaboni Salotti Classici, Classic furniture by Zanaboni". So far this bra...
Textile, Satin, Silk, Velvet
1970s Sculptural Curved Rattan Denim Blue Loveseat
By Mcquire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The beautiful rare collection is statement piece which is also extremely comfortable and packed with personality! Just look at the details and curves on this beauty! Plush denim blu...
Upholstery, Rattan
Vintage Faux Bamboo Iron Chinoiserie Loveseat Settee With Leopard Print Cushions
Located in Cookeville, TN
This eye-catching mid-20th-century loveseat features a faux-bamboo iron frame finished to resemble rattan and bamboo, styled in the highly decorative Chinoiserie tradition. With a ge...
Metal
$1,450
H 27.25 in W 50 in D 32.625 in
Mid-Century Manou Bamboo Loveseat with Verner Panton Inspired Cushions, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A distinctive Mid-Century Manou bamboo loveseat from the 1970s, radiating a relaxed, bohemian charm with a playful design twist. This piece stands out with its robust, organic frame ...
Bamboo, Fabric
Curved Banana Shape Loveseat or Sofa in Floral Wool, Denmark 1940s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Viggo Boesen style banana shaped or curved Loveseat made in Denmark, around late 1930s or early 1940s. This small sofa will make a strong statement in any room. Beautiful round volup...
Wool, Beech
Vintage 1970s Pencil Reed Loveseat in Off-White Bouclé Settee
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A sculptural pencil reed loveseat from the 1970s, newly upholstered in an off-white textured bouclé. This two-seat settee showcases the refined linearity of reed construction, paired...
Bamboo, Reed
Danish 1940's Curved Small Sofa
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super elegant "Banana" shaped curved sofa that the Danes were famous for in thew late Art Deco and early Midcentury periods. This sofa will make a strong statement in any room. Beaut...
Beech
Danish Banana Form Curved Sofa or Loveseat Early 1950s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and very elegant 1940s curved two-seat sofa from the 1940s. Often called banana sofas by the Danes due to the curved shape. This sofa has slightly more straight backrest an...
Brass
Vintage Regency Judith Norman Printed Floral Loveseat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This elegant Judith Norman loveseat is a masterful distillation of 1980s Postmodernism and romantic "Grandmillennial" flair. Fully upholstered in a premium chintz-style fabric, the s...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Danish 1950s Banana Form Curved Sofa or Loveseat
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and very elegant Danish 1950s curved two-seat sofa raised on a beech frame and legs. These type of sofas was manufactured from the 30's and up through the early 50's. The 5...
Wool, Beech
1950s Swedish Velvet Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' Sofa, circa 1950s First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden, the 'Samspel' sofa is one of the finest pieces to be drawn by Sweden...
Wool, Cotton, Beech
1970s Gerard van den Berg “Ringo” Cognac Leather Loveseat
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful leather “Ringo” loveseat designed by Gerard van den Berg, Netherlands, 1970s. Upholstered in its original cognac leather, the loveseat has aged gracefully with natural pa...
Leather
Mid-century Modern Italian Curved Small Sofa 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Curved sofa from the 1950s, Italian production. Original upholstery of the time, we recommend replacing the fabric.
Velvet, Beech
Green Schumacher Velvet Curved Loveseat
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully shaped vintage curved loveseat upholstered in rich green Schumacher velvet. The silhouette features a continuous, softly rounded ...
Velvet, Wood, Down
Wrought Iron Garden Patio Poolside Settee Loveseat Bench by Salterini
By Salterini, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Chic wrought iron garden, patio, poolside loveseat, bench, sofa by Salterini. The sofa is in very good original condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consistent wit...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 36 in W 42 in D 25 in
Vintage Baker Milling Road Chinoiserie Lacquered & Caned Settee Loveseat Bench
By Milling Road, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th Century Baker Furniture Milling Road Chinoiserie Settee. Features a Sheraton style frame and black lacquered Chinoiserie finish with gold linework and trim. The settee fe...
Fabric, Rattan, Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 30 in W 55 in D 19 in
Vintage Chinoiserie Loveseat With Custom Lavender Quadrille “China Seas” Print
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fantastic vintage custom built loveseat. Beautiful high back shape done in Quadrille “China Seas” in custom pale ice lavender. The most stunning chinoiserie design. Acquired from a P...
Fabric, Down
Michael Taylor Far East Collection Settee for Baker
Located in Pasadena, TX
Michael Taylor Far East Collection settee for baker Michael Taylor designed sofa for the Baker Far East collection. Ebonized lattice back and frame with Ming style legs. Upholste...
Walnut
Sold
H 25 in W 86 in L 25 in
Vintage White Ethan Allen Sofa with Bench Cushion and Bamboo and Brass Detail
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A long vintage Ethan Allen sofa reupholstered in a crisp milky white. Faux bamboo accents frame the couch around the bottom and sides, with brass on ...
Brass
Pair of Asian Modern Ebonized Sofas
By Century Furniture, Michael Taylor
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of Asian Modern small sofas / loveseats in the style of Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Far East Collection. Overall great all original condition with beautiful ebonized stai...
Upholstery, Wood
Hazelton House English Chinoiserie Settee by Baker
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic English rolled arm settee by Baker furniture featuring Hazelton House Chinese garden chinoiserie fabric made from glazed cotton and hand-pr...
Fabric, Mahogany, Down
James Mont Style Asian Modern Chinoiserie Settee by Century
By James Mont
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An iconic looking horseshoe back settee in the style of James Mont and made by Century. It features a burgundy patinated finish, brass detailing, and the original upholstery. We also...
Brass