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.
English Chinoiserie Chairs, Ex-Garvan Collection Yale University, circa 1835
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An exceptional and important set of four circa 1835 English William IV, or early Victorian period, side or breakfast chairs of Regency parcel-klismos form having black Japanned frames with allover gilt relief...
Cane, Softwood, Paint
$2,220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Expertly Reupholstered Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Chairs by Century Furniture
Located in North Canton, OH
A rich, decadent black lacquered finish wraps these beautiful chairs by Century Furniture in the style of James Mont. freshly upholstered with new everything and finished with a spec...
Brass
Small Signed Perret et Vibert Late 19th Century Chinoiserie Bamboo Chair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small signed Perret et Vibert Chinoiserie bamboo chair from the late 19th century with mother of pearl inlaid black lacquered plaque on the ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Bamboo, Rattan
1960s Asian Chinoiserie Scholar Splat Back and Larsen Cushions Armchairs – Set
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a set of vintage chairs from the 1960s. This pair has a graceful and elegant appearance, reflecting the artistic sensibilities often found in Asian furniture. One distinctive feature is their splat back design, a solid vertical panel positioned between the backrest and the canned seat, providing both support and visual interest. The stretcher base ensures stability and sturdiness, with horizontal support bars elegantly connecting to the chair's legs, promising durability, and longevity. The chairs' most captivating aspect lies in their luxurious cushions made with Larsen Fabric. Highly sought after in interior design and home furnishings, Larsen textiles...
Upholstery, Hardwood
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
Vintage Carved Teak Wood Japanese Imperial Meiji Style Side Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Carved Teak Wood Japanese Imperial Meiji Style Side Chair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 37" H x 20" W x 18" D X 20" Seat height.
Teak
$1,500 / item
Pair of High Back Decorator Chairs
By James Mont
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of unusual decorator chairs with a high back and handle on the top.
Upholstery
Pair of Faux Bamboo and Gold Leaf Stools. England, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of faux bamboo and gold leaf stools, England, late 19th century.
Gold Leaf
Early 19th Century Ming Style Slatted Back Hardwood Armchairs
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a pair of beautiful Chinese Ming Style armchairs, circa the early 19th century. This structural, clean-lined pair is ...
Hardwood
Pair Antique Italian Red & Gold Painted Chinoiserie Style Side Chairs Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair Antique Italian Red & Gold Painted Chinoiserie Style Side Chairs, Circa 1890's.
Upholstery, Wood
$2,996Sale Price / set|25% Off
Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Gold Painted Metal Chairs Rolling Style Phyllis Morris
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning vintage Chinoiserie or Hollywood Regency faux bamboo gold painted metal rolling chairs on black casters with burgundy seats in the style o...
Metal
Antique Faux Bamboo & Cane Chair, 19th-Century Chinoiserie Style
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautifully crafted 19th-century faux bamboo side chair featuring a handwoven cane seat and an elegant spindle fan-back. This chair is a classic example of the English and French C...
Cane, Wood
Vintage Maitland-Smith Hand-Painted Chinoiserie Armchair Custom Palm Cushion
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A beautifully crafted vintage armchair by the renowned makers at Maitland-Smith, featuring an exquisite hand-painted chinoiserie scene set against a rich deep green finish with delic...
Wood
Fine Pair Chinoiserie Decorated Side Chairs Circa 1900
Located in Dereham, GB
Fine Pair Chinoiserie Decorated Side Chairs Cream in Colour, Queen Anne Style Decorated With Flowers & Foliage Seats Recently re upholstered & coveredWith Cream Ottoman pattern Mate...
Lacquer
Pair of Gilt Bamboo Style Diminutive Children’s Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
Unusual pair of diminutive gilt metal bamboo children’s chairs. Burnished gold gilt finish with red undertones. Unusual small size was designed as a children's chair. Small size woul...
Metal
$1,250Sale Price / set|48% Off
Pair of Italian Brass Bamboo Side Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of midcentury Italian brass bamboo side chairs. Newly upholstered in pink velvet fabric. Overall unpolished patina to brass. Stamped ‘Made in Italy’ on the underside. Seat is 1...
Brass
Vintage Coastal Medallion Brighton Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
Bring coastal charm to your space with this Vintage Coastal Medallion Brighton Chair. Featuring a stunning medallion design and a breezy, relaxed style, this chair is perfect for add...
Rattan, Bamboo
Early 20th Century Torched Faux Bamboo Double Cane Brighton Pagoda Side Chair
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A 1920s "burnt" faux bamboo side chair with a double cane back in remarkably good condition.
Cane, Wood
Set of Midcentury 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 d...
Wood, Upholstery
Vintage Paper Mache Inlay Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite antique Victorian side chair is a masterclass in 19th-century decorative artistry. Featuring a stately balloon-back silhouette, the frame is meticulously finished in r...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Vintage Paper Mache Inlay Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite antique Victorian side chair is a masterclass in 19th-century decorative artistry. Featuring a stately balloon-back silhouette, the frame is meticulously finished in r...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
$1,350 / set
Vintage Boho Hand Carved Side Chairs - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A delightful pair that perfectly captures the intersection of Chinoiserie elegance and European tradition. These vintage dining chairs feature delicately turned wood frames crafted t...
Fabric, Wood
1960s Sculptural Painted Floral Spindle Panjubi Chairs Footstools, Set of 4
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, hand painted and intricate wood tribal chairs and footstools you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acqui...
Textile, Wood, Paint
$1,796Sale Price / set|60% Off
H 33.47 in W 22.84 in D 24.41 in
Mid-Century Modern French Riviera Cane Bamboo Armchairs, 1960s
Located in Paris, IDF
This pair of bamboo armchairs from the Mid-Century Modern French Riviera period is bursting with nostalgia. A light golden bamboo structure, cane seat, and the original printed cushi...
Bamboo, Cane
$8,995 / set
H 35 in W 18.25 in D 13.5 in
Set of Eight English 1880s Oak Dining Room Side Chairs with Spindle Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English set of eight oak dining room side chairs from the late 19th century, with spindle motifs and wooden seats. Created in England during the last quarter of the 19th century, ...
Oak
$1,895
H 41 in W 25.5 in D 21 in
Antique Chinese Chippendale or Boho Styled Faux Bamboo Accent or Side Chair
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage Chinese Chippendale or Bohemian styled accent chair is presumed to have been manufactured in the United States in circa 1950. The frame is done in a sculptured wood to mimic bamboo stalks and covered with a bright honey amber lacquer...
Wood
$5,500 / set
H 34.5 in W 16 in D 16 in
Set of Four Italian 1820s Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs with Carved Splats
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four Italian neoclassical walnut dining room side chairs from the early 19th century, with carved splat, fluted legs and new upholstery. Born in Italy during the first quart...
Upholstery, Walnut
$4,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.5 in W 19 in D 18.5 in
Set of 4 Antique English Regency Dining Chairs in Mahogany w/ Upholstered Seat
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A fine set of four English Regency dining chairs in mahogany with carved bugles resting on back chair rail below the top slat which is line inlaid, with turned front legs and saber r...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Late 19th Century French Carved Mahogany Side Chair
Located in New Orleans, LA
An antique, late 19th century French Belle Epoch, intricately hand carved mahogany accent/side chair, with the most graceful, double scrolled, Cabriole legs. The Belle Epoch period i...
Mahogany
$1,496Sale Price|25% Off
H 18.5 in W 50 in D 16.5 in
Vintage Chinoiserie Ming Style Bench by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture
By Raymond K. Sobota, Century Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Chinoiserie Ming style black lacquered bench by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture, needs reupholstered. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage...
Fabric, Wood
$2,621Sale Price|25% Off
H 29.5 in W 31 in D 27 in
Vintage Chinoiserie Ming Style Yoke Back Chairs Black Lacquered Style James Mont
By James Mont, Century Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Asian Chinoiserie Ming style yoke back chairs with black lacquered frames & brass details in the style of James Mont. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that thes...
Brass
19th Century English Chinoiserie Painted Side Chair
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century English side chair: painted ebonized wood with chinoiserie detailing, turned spindle splats beneath a shaped crest rail, caned seat and hand turned legs. Newly upholster...
Velvet, Cane, Wood
$1,323Sale Price / item|22% Off
H 31.5 in W 18.51 in D 18.51 in
Art Deco Chair, Ebonized Wood, Orange Fabric, France, circa 1930
Located in Regensburg, DE
Elegant original Art Deco dining room chair from France around 1930. The beech solid wood frame has been black lacquered and high-gloss polished. The curving of the backrest, as wel...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
$1,164
H 34.65 in W 28.75 in D 25.99 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen Leather Armchair by Fröscher, Light Wood Frame, 1960
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Fröscher Sitform
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This leather armchair by Kofod-Larsen, based on the design of the Elisabeth chair, is in excellent condition. The light wood frame harmonizes beautifully with the dark, tobacco-brown...
Leather
Antique Duncan Phyfe Tiger Maple Chair, Circa 1880s
Located in Germantown, MD
A very charming Duncan Phyfe chair from the 19th century. Handcrafted. Red brand new red velvet upholstery being done. Measures 18"W x 19"D x 33"H....
Upholstery, Maple
Sold
H 39.5 in W 22 in D 25 in
Vintage Bamboo Rattan Accent or Side Arm Chairs With Cane Seating a Pair
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Vintage Bamboo Rattan Accent or Side Arm Chairs with Cane Seating - A Pair. Add a touch of coastal bohemian chic to your home with this stunning pair of vintage bamboo rattan accent...
Rattan
Chinese Lacquer Sofa Chairs
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Pair of Chinese lacquer chairs. Cushioned seats and great Chinese detailing. Curbside to NYC/Philly $450
Upholstery, Lacquer
Vintage Chinoiserie Style Chippendale Faux Bamboo Chairs- a Pair
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Vintage Chinoiserie Style Chippendale Faux Bamboo Chairs Vintage: 1980s Vintage Chinoiserie Style Chippendale Faux Bamboo Chairs Style: Chinoiserie style Design: Faux bamboo with fa...
Fabric, Faux Bamboo
Sold
H 35 in W 22.25 in D 18 in
Mid 20th Century Restored Refinished Rattan Fretwork Cane side Arm Chairs Pair
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Pair of Mid-20th Century restored and refinished rattan and cane side armchairs in the manner of Brighton Pavilion. These chairs showcase a geometric Chippendale-inspired design, int...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Sold
H 34.26 in W 17.72 in D 19.3 in
Pair Of Antique French Napoleon III Ebonised Side Chairs, Mid-19th Century Chair
Located in Bristol, GB
PAIR OF ANTIQUE CHAIRS A pair of highly decorative and elegant chairs with shaped and turned ebonised frames which have been hand-painted and gilt with floral decoration, chinoiseri...
Textile, Velvet, Wood, Paint
Antique Georgian Style Lacquered Chinoiserie Chair
By Drexel
Located in London, GB
A superb antique Georgian style lacquered chinoiserie chair. This was made in USA by Drexel, it dates from around the 1970’s. It is of superb quality and is percept for use as a des...
Fabric, Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 36.5 in W 27.5 in D 19 in
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Chippendale Tortoise Bamboo Side Chair-Pair
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Exquisite pair of vintage Tortoise Bamboo throne side arm chairs with Chippendale fretwork details and new custom white Sunbrella cushions. Brighton Pavilion style with a chinoiserie flair these have been repaired, refinished, restored and custom upholstered ready to make a statement in any room. Solid bamboo seats...
Bamboo, Rattan
Sold
H 33.88 in W 18 in D 19 in
A Pair of 19thC Antique Ebonised Chinoiserie Occasional Chairs with Cane Seats
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
Exquisite Pair of 19th Century Antique Ebonised Chinoiserie Chairs with Cane Seats Indulge in the timeless elegance of these stunning 19th century antique ebonised chinoiserie chairs...
Beech
Sold
H 40.5 in W 24.5 in D 23 in
Pair of Karges Green Chinoiserie Fauteuil Arm Chairs W Scalamandre Stripe
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Karges Green Chinoiserie Fauteuil Arm Chairs W Scalamandre Stripe
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 42.5 in W 21 in D 17 in
Vintage Chinese Hardwood Blue Cloisonné Enamel High Back Oriental Side Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Hardwood Blue Cloisonné Enamel High Back Oriental Side Chair. Circa Mid to Late 20th Century. Measurements: 42.5" H x 21" W x 17" D...
Enamel
Pair of 19th Century Hand Painted Italian Side Chairs
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautifully detailed hand painting make these Italian chairs standout. Featuring deeply cabriole legs and wide back splat, these chairs have just the right amount of antique patina.
Wood
Pair of 19th Century Papier Mache Side Chairs in Chinoiserie Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
With chinoiserie decoration- figures in landscapes with houses and some mother-of-pearl details. The seat skirts and legs with gilt floral details. Raised on legs with stretchers all...
Cane, Wood