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.
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Inspired Bench with Hand Painted Gold Accents
Located in North York, ON
Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Inspired bench with hand painted gold accents. American, 1980's. Featuring violet velvet with soft gold toned piping. Woo...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Asian Inspired Slipper Chairs with Cashmere Velvet Upholstery
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is an exceptionally well crafted pair of asian inspired slipper chairs, newly upholstered in a cashmere velvet with bleached wood accents. Circa 1940s, these chairs reflect the ...
Textile, Wood
Chinoiserie Style Painted Cane Slipper Chair With Floral Cushion
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A vintage slipper chair blending classic elegance with a fresh Chinoiserie spirit. The frame is painted crisp white, featuring gracefully curved legs joined by a decorative stretcher...
Cane, Wood
Pair of floral Napoleon III slipper chairs with fringes
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
This pair of floral Napoleon III slipper chairs with fringes is a stylish addition that fits any modern interior while adding a touch of vint...
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Black Painted Deacon's Bench
Located in Freehold, NJ
This antique Deacon's bench features hardwood construction, chippy black painted finish, sculpted arms, and stretcher base. Dimensions: 60w 18d 30h 17sh Condition notes: This antiq...
Wood, Paint
$3,716Sale Price|20% Off
H 27.96 in W 30.71 in D 29.53 in
Contemporary Isabella Channelled Slipper Chair in Red Velvet with Legs in Walnut
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Isabella slipper chair is one of our signature pieces. The exquisite tailored fluting and distinctive lines give a shapely feminine edge. Th...
Velvet, Walnut
Antique English Painted Wood Bench with Cross Accented Back
Located in Troy, MI
Found in England, this white painted bench dates from the 1920s. Wooden bench has weathered white paint, double X-form seat back, arms and a slatted seat. Unknown maker. Arm Height...
Wood, Paint
$2,799Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29 in W 30 in D 27.75 in
1960's Hollywood Regency Velvet Slipper Lounge Chairs - a Pair
By William Billy Haines, Dorothy Draper
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1960's Hollywood Regency slipper chairs for sale. They have a solid wood base that have been refinished in black, and have been reupholstered in a high-end velvet by Robert A...
Velvet, Wood
Mid-18th Century Chinoiserie Textured Lacquer Wood Long Bench
Located in Middleburg, VA
Mid-18th century chinoiserie textured Lacquer wood long bench Lovely lacquered look of brown and very dark brown colors. Great addition to a dining room table or any space that need...
Wood, Lacquer
$2,821 / set
H 30.71 in W 31.11 in D 29.93 in
Pair of Vintage Garnet Red Velvet Slipper Chairs with Brass Casters, Birch Legs
Located in Bochum, NRW
Pair of Vintage Garnet Red Velvet Slipper Chairs on Birch Legs with Brass Casters Elevate your interior with this exquisite pair of vintage slipper...
Velvet, Upholstery, Wood
$3,716Sale Price|20% Off
H 27.96 in W 30.71 in D 29.53 in
Contemporary Isabella Fluted Slipper Chair Juniper Green Velvet Walnut Legs
By Stuart Scott
Located in Trowbridge, Wiltshire
The Isabella slipper chair is one of our signature pieces. The exquisite tailored fluting and distinctive lines give a shapely feminine edge. This design is superb upholstered in a v...
Velvet, Walnut
$750Sale Price / set|76% Off
H 32 in W 30.5 in D 28 in
Chic Pair of Estate Slipper Chairs, Matte Black Fabric
Located in Bronx, NY
chic pair of estate slipper chairs in a cool stretch matte black fabric with a waterfall skirt and inset pleats. Fully refurbished.
$15,500 / set
H 31 in W 34 in D 31 in
Baker Ivory Satin Slipper Chairs Attributed to Michael Taylor, circa 1950s, Pair
By James Mont, Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Saint Louis, MO
An absolutely jaw-dropping pair of meticulous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency lounge chairs in original tufted ivory satin from a boutique series produced by Baker Furniture, circa 1960. Extremely rare Baker Furniture chairs in the style of James Mont. Stout, expertly crafted ebonized solid mahogany construction. This fabulous design is routinely attributed to the work of the esteemed Michael Taylor. The unmistakable look of old money...
Satin, Mahogany
Dunbar Slipper Chair
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Palm Springs, CA
slipper chair by Edward Wormley for Dubar. Button tufted tight seat and back in ivory boucle. Wood base refinished in dark walnut
Wood
French Napoleon III Style Slipper Chair
Located in Buchanan, NY
An outstanding large scale French 1920s Napoleon III style slipper chair. This slipper chair is truly magnificent. It is upholstered ...
Fabric
Sold
H 30.32 in W 27.56 in D 26.78 in
Midcentury Asian Side Chairs in Black Lacquer Wood and New Upholstery, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Beautiful set of two low chairs or side chairs made of lacquered wood in the Asian, oriental style. The seat cushion, which is easily detachable, has a wooden base and is very stabl...
Fabric, Wood
Faux Bamboo Spoon Back Newly Silk Upholstered Slipper Chair
Located in Stamford, CT
Elegant newly upholstered silver bamboo leg spoon back slipper chair. Newly upholstered in oyster silk satin. Measures: Seat is 18" tall.
Silk, Wood
David Hicks the Vase Blue Upholstered Slipper Chair
By David Hicks
Located in Stamford, CT
1940s slipper chair newly upholstered in vintage, 1970s, David Hicks The Vase print fabric in blue/ off-white. This striking, au courant fabric was purchased on the bolt and chosen ...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Upholstered Slipper Chairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A pair of upholstered slipper chairs with tufted backs, thick seats and fluted tapered brass tipped legs with invisible casters. Gre...