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.
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
$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
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
$6,800
H 34.5 in W 24 in D 31 in
1960's Modern Sabre Legs Mahogany Slipper Chairs In Velvet Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
Amazing pair of 1960's mid-century modern sabre legs mahogany slipper chairs, fully restored and re-upholstered in velvet, with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Velvet, Mahogany
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
$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 Dorothy Draper, William Billy Haines
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
$3,785Sale 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
$3,785Sale Price|20% Off
H 27.96 in W 30.71 in D 29.53 in
Contemporary Isabella Scalloped 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.
Early 20th Century Walnut Bench With a Hand Painted Top
Located in High Point, NC
1920's Continental walnut bench in the Spanish Revival style. The top is lovely and is covered in hand painted canvas, showing the original leaf and vine pattern. The canvas is a...
Brass, Iron
Custom Mid Century Style Leather Slipper Chair Pair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A stylish pair of Slipper Chairs with Pale Tan leather cushions and handsome Exotic wood frames. The chairs with a Minimalist form having an upswept back and tapering legs with Bras...
Leather, Wood
$2,325Sale Price|20% Off
H 17.33 in W 45.28 in D 15.75 in
20th Century French Hand Carved and Hand Painted Bench with Silk Upholstery
Located in Sofia, BG
French bench in carved, molded and painted wood. It rests on four curved and rudent legs, terminated by pine cones. The piece is upholstered in rose silk textile. Very comfortable an...
Wood
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...