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
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
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
$11,935
H 28.35 in W 86.62 in D 44.1 in
Twins Curved Sofa by Rute Martins, Dark Blue Velvet and Black Lacquer
Located in Lisboa, PT
The Twins curved sofa by Rute Martins for Greenapple, in dark blue velvet on a plinth of black satin lacquer. Handcrafted in Portugal. W 220 x D 112 x H 72 cm (86.6 x 44.1 x 28.3 in)...
Velvet, Upholstery, Lacquer, Cotton
$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, Upholstery
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
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
$16,482
H 28.35 in W 98.43 in D 49.22 in
Twins Large Curved Sofa by Rute Martins, Beige Mohair Velvet and Black Lacquer
Located in Lisboa, PT
The Twins large curved sofa by Rute Martins for Greenapple, in beige mohair velvet on a plinth of black satin lacquer. Handcrafted in Portugal. W 250 x D 125 x H 72 cm (98.4 x 49.2 x...
Wood, Mohair, Velvet, Lacquer, Upholstery
$1,534Sale Price|50% Off
H 34.65 in W 57.88 in D 31.5 in
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
Wrought Iron Garden Patio Poolside Settee Loveseat Bench by Salterini
By Woodard Furniture Co., Salterini
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
$995 / set
H 34 in W 45.5 in D 25.5 in
Vintage Woodard Wrought Iron Loveseat, Mid-Century Modern, 1970's
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a Vintage Woodard/Salterini Style Outdoor Wrought Iron Loveseat/Bench. This classic piece features black metal mesh seating, decorative floral detailing, and elegant curve...
Wrought Iron
$3,730
H 29.53 in W 47.25 in D 30.32 in
Two-Seat “Ecco” Loveseat by Slettvoll in Cognac Leather and Rattan, Norway 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Two-Seat “Ecco” Loveseat by Slettvoll in Cognac Leather and Patinated Rattan, Norway, 1970s This beautifully preserved two-seat “Ecco” loveseat by Slettvoll Manilla Furniture, part ...
Leather, Bamboo, Rattan
$5,400
H 28 in W 59 in D 28 in
Danish 1950s Curved Banana Shape Loveseat or Settee with Red Wool Fabric
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Banana shaped or curved loveseat made in Denmark, around early 1950s. This small sofa will make a strong statement in any room. Beautiful round voluptuous lines and tall legs. These ...
Mohair, Beech
Curved "Banana" Loveseat or Small Sofa, Denmark 1940'S
By Viggo Boesen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Banana shaped Viggo Boesen style curved sofa made in Denmark in the 1940s. This sofa will make a strong statement in any room. Beautiful round lines and iconic feet. Solid and sturdy...
Mohair, Beech
Vintage Brighton Pavilion Pagoda Loveseat, Bamboo & Rattan, 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Charming Brighton Pavillion Pagoda style loveseat with beautiful fretwork back and sides. Very fine detail. A beautiful and special piece. Use as is or ad...
Bamboo, Rattan
Wrought Iron Garden Patio Settee Loveseat
By Salterini, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Stylish wrought iron garden, patio poolside settee loveseat, attributed to Salterini. Clean, ready to use condition, currently in later white paint finish which shows some wear, norm...
Wrought Iron
$14,475
H 32.5 in W 92 in D 25 in
1940s Style Modernist Sweeping Curved Sofa in Oyster Velvet by High Style Deco
Located in New York, NY
This stunning modernist sofa was handcrafted by artisans in New York state, by High Style Deco, based off a design from the 1940s. It offers elegant proportions and sweeping dramatic...
Velvet, Wood
$3,000
H 42 in W 75 in D 38 in
Vintage French Knole Style Silk Down Filled High Arm Loveseat Settee Sofa Couch
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage silk down filled loveseat / settee / sofa or couch featuring a formal tapered chaise lounge design with high rolled arms and arched back o...
Upholstery, Hardwood, Down
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
James Mont Style Asian Chinoiserie Ebonized Sofa & Loveseat Set
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elegant James Mont style chinoiserie sofa and matching loveseat set with ebonized black frames that are pierced, James Mont Style, throughout - see pics. They come with fitted blue-g...
Fabric, Textile, Wood
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
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 Michael Taylor, Century Furniture
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