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.
Chinese Chippendale Style Faux Bamboo Stool
Located in Sheffield, MA
English Chinese Chippendale style gold painted faux bamboo stool with red silk upholstered top is from the mid 20th century. Created in England during the midcentury period, the upho...
Wood
Chinese Chippendale Style Rattan / Bamboo Ottomans / Tables in Blue & White, S/3
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fun set! It is a set of three Chinese chippendale style ottomans or side tables in a new striped upholstery. They are in very good vintage condition. The tops are not attac...
Upholstery, Rattan
Lamby Stool
Located in Paris, FR
Stool Lamby with solid wood structure, upholstered with foam and covered with removable polar fabric.
Foil
$1,406
H 14.57 in Dm 16.15 in
Franco Albini Midcentury Rattan and Bamboo Round Ottoman Stool, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous mid-century round bamboo & wicker stool. Franco Albini designed this piece in Italy during the 1960s. The pouf features a beautiful combination of curved bamboo, rattan a...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
$2,519
H 16.15 in W 15.75 in D 16.74 in
Mid Century Modern Organic Rattan Black Metal Stool or Ottoman 1950s Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage organic stool or ottoman or footstool from rattan and black lacquered metal frame 1950s Austria. While the slightly curved seat shows wonderful organic ra...
Metal
Handmade Mushroom Ottoman in Orchid Boucle Fabric, Mid-Century Style
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in an orchid colored curly boucle fabric. Orchid is a muted purple color. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating...
Fabric
$375 / item
H 18 in Dm 18 in
Mushroom Ottoman in Persimmon Red Boucle, Handmade Mid-Century Style Pouf, USA
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a red-orange colored curly boucle fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned sea...
Fabric
$375 / item
H 18 in Dm 18 in
Handmade Mushroom Ottoman in Denim Blue Boucle, Mid-Century Modern Style Pouf
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in a denim blue colored curly boucle fabric. Perfect for using as a footstool or extra occasional seating. A comfortable cushioned sea...
Fabric
English Chinese Chippendale Giltwood Faux Bamboo Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
English Chinese Chippendale style gilded faux bamboo stool from the mid-19th century, its square crown seat with canted corners upholstered with a leopard print cut velvet in orange ...
Upholstery, Wood
Moroccan Inlaid Stools
Located in Atlanta, GA
Moroccan inlaid stools, in the manner of Carlo Bugatti, Morocco, 20th century. We have two pairs available. They are priced at $1800 per pair.
Stone
$3,950 / set
H 18.75 in W 16 in D 16 in
Pair of Vintage Midcentury Harvey Probber Parsons Milo Baughman style Stools
By Edward Wormley, Harvey Probber
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of vintage midcentury stools attributed to Harvey Probber. Legs have a radius interior side. I believe these most likely need re-uphols...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Pouf in the Style of Albini 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern Organic vintage woven rattan pouf or ottoman designed in the style of Franco Albini, Italy. Many rattan rods form and set this structure. It is smart and transpare...
Rattan
$1,031
H 15.36 in Dm 20.08 in
Mid-Century Italian Round Ottoman Pouf in Woven Rattan and Wood, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful French Riviera style pouf stool completely made in hand-woven rattan with walnut wood feet. This delightful organic object can also be used as stylish side table, it was de...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood, Wicker
Midcentury Ottoman Pouf in the Style of William "Billy" Haines
By Grosfeld House, James Mont, Dorothy Draper, William Billy Haines
Located in Houston, TX
Midcentury ottoman pouf in the style of William "Billy" Haines. This charming 32 inch round poof is newly upholstered in plush white bouclè fabric with a large center button. This ve...
Bouclé
Sold
H 12 in W 18.75 in D 12 in
Chinese Chippendale Style Silver Gilt Tole Turquoise Leopard Velvet Ottoman
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1950s Chinese Chippendale style silver gilt tole ottoman newly upholstered in a turquoise velvet. It is unmarked. It is most likely Italian.
Metal
Sold
H 19.5 in W 17 in D 17 in
Chinese Chippendale Style Brunschwig & Fils Leopard / Chinoiserie Ottomans -Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 1970s Chinese Chippendale style ottomans upholstered in Brunschwig and Fils leopard chinoiserie. They are unmarked and in very good condition.
Upholstery, Mahogany
Sold
H 28 in W 53.75 in D 16.75 in
1960s Chinese Chippendale Style Console Table and Leopard Ottomans by Kindel
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set that pushes all of the buttons. It is by Kindel. The set is carved mahogany with Chinese Chippendale styling. The ottomans are newly upholstered in leopard. They measur...
Upholstery, Mahogany
1970s Chinese Chippendale Style Ostrich Leather Ottomans Benches, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a handsome pair of Chinese chippendale style carved mahogany benches with ostrich leather upholstery. Both are in very good condition. They are unmarked.
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 36.5 in W 26.5 in D 34 in
Faux Bamboo Chinese Chippendale Martha Stewart Bernhardt Lounge Chair & Ottoman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
20th century Martha Stewart for Bernhardt faux bamboo Chinese Chippendale lounge armchair and ottoman. Listing includes (1) armchair, (1) ottoman, solid...
Wood
1970s Erwin Lambeth Chinese Chippendale Style Ottomans, a Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a vintage pair of Erwin Lambeth Chinese Chippendale style ottomans that have been newly upholstered in a textured linen. The finish is a satin linen white. They are marked.
Linen, Wood
Sold
H 17.5 in W 22.5 in D 17.25 in
Chinese Chippendale Pair of Foot Stools in Orange and Yellow Stripe Upholstery
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous Chinese Chippendale orange and yellow striped upholstered pair of stools by Burlington House Furniture. Comprised of walnut stained...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 18 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in
Ethan Allen Chinese Chippendale Style Mahogany Fretwork Square Stools, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
20th century Ethan Allen Chinese Chippendale style mahogany fretwork square stool - a pair. Item features a solid wood frame, upholstered seat, nicel...
Mahogany
Pair of Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Benches
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of newly upholstered Chinese Chippendale mahogany benches. The classic straight leg with corner detail and X-stretcher. The fabric ...
Damask, Mahogany
Vintage Chinoiserie Style Ottoman Restored in Zebra Hide
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
A beautiful ottoman! We love the delicate yet very sturdy carved legs. Suitable for an extra seat in the living room or bedroom. The square, oversized shape can even hold a silver tr...
Zebra Hide
Pair of Hollywood Regency Chinese Chippendale Ottoman Benches
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Two Chinese Chippendale white lacquered benches w/ bright yellow patent leather seats; in the style of Tony Duquette
Patent Leather, Wood
Large Chinese Chippendale Style Ottoman
Located in Bellport, NY
Large Chippendale Style Ottoman with a mahogany wood frame and premium quality leather upholstery. Down and cotton filled cushion. A very striking piece.