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.
$4,550Sale Price|30% Off
Mid Century Gondola Sofa by Baker with Brass Details
By Adrian Pearsall, James Mont, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Mid-Century Gondola sofa by Baker Furniture. Sofa has super clean lines with a bit of Asian flair. This beautiful sofa is unlike any other gondola sofa. Base is tubular wood finis...
Satin
Traditional Floral Sofa With Pastel Chinoiserie-Inspired Upholstery and Skirted
Located in Elkton, MD
Late 20th-century traditional curved sofa featuring pastel floral upholstery with a Chinoiserie-inspired pattern. Designed with rolled arms, a skirted base, and three-seat cushions. ...
Upholstery
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
Stunning Asian Bird of Paradise Upholstered Sofa Chinoiserie Midcentury
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Chinoiserie style upholstered sofa with fabulous vintage bird of paradise floral fabric. This stylish sofa is actually all the rage right now and is in remarkable vintage co...
Upholstery
French Bench Painted Noir and Chinoiserie Upholstery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French ebonized lacquered bench with gilt details and Chinoiserie upholstery. Beautiful simple carving details pagoda textile upholstery. Use this bench in foyer or end of bed. Add s...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Regency Custom Tufted Sofa in Pierre Frey Chinoiserie
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Regency Custom Tufted Sofa in Pierre Frey Chinoiserie fabric, combining classic tufting with vibrant, exotic patterns. A luxurious centerpiece for any refined living area. Ac...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Gilt Chinoiserie Sofa Couch Loveseat by Broyhill and Lenoir Chair Company
By Broyhill
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A fabulous Chinoiserie sofa in Broyhill fabric by the Lenoir Chair Company. This sofa will make a statement in any room. It is upholstered in a st...
Fabric, Wood
$3,680Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Chinoiserie Ming Style Rosewood Sofa
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage chinoiserie ming style rosewood sofa. Measures: 73.5" Beautifully carved sofa with Ming legs and rich silk upholstery.
Rosewood
$11,100Sale Price / set|40% Off
Victorian Down Chinoiserie Carved Wood Claw Rattan Cane Sofa Chairs , Set of 3
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, Victorian rare suite you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful set is statement piece w...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Unusual 1970s Asian James Mont style Black Lacquered Sofa Midcentury Chinoiserie
By James Mont
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Asian James Mont style sofa with black painted wooden frame- open work design along the sides with gold painted details, circa 1970s. This wonder...
Upholstery
$7,784Sale Price / set|30% Off
Antique Victorian Sofa & Armchair Suite Chinoiserie Upholstery Claw & Ball Feet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite Victorian hand made in England, Walnut framed with Chinoiserie upholstery three piece suite. ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Gorgeous Asian Modern Michael Taylor style Chinoiserie Sofa Midcentury
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous Asian modern Michael Taylor style chinoiserie sofa with black lacquered base and back. This piece retains it's original aqua turquoise fabri...
Upholstery, Wood
1970s Curved Sculptural Rattan Denim Blue Sofa
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 cushionin...
Upholstery, Rattan
Vintage Outdoor Chinese Chippendale Cast Aluminum Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Showcasing classic Chinoiserie elegance, this vintage outdoor sofa is crafted from durable cast aluminum featuring intricate geometric Chinese Chippendale latticework. The design hig...
Metal
$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
Hand-Carved Art Nouveau Bench, Wood, France, 1890s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Hand Carved Wooden Bench - 1890's Hand-carved wooden bench from France, 1890's. A true conversation piece with a unique material quality to it. Th...
Wood
Modernist Sculpted Walnut Gondola Sofa by Adrian Pearsall
Located in Buffalo, NY
The aptly named Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa is bold in its design, so clearly translating the character of a Venetian gondola to create a unique silhouette in a sophisticated living...
Fabric, Walnut
Slope Arm Sofa by Baker Furniture, Beige Silk, Late 20th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Comfortable, sloped arm sofa with a single cushion and block-style legs made by Baker Furniture. The plush cushioning offers exceptional support, making...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,280Sale Price|20% Off
H 34.45 in W 63.19 in D 27.96 in
GEORGE SMITH CHELSSEA CHESTERFiELD TUFTED BENCH SOFA IN VELOUR UPHOLSTERY
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand made in England George Smith bench sofa with Chesterfield...
Upholstery
New Upholstery John Widdicomb Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Couch
By John Widdicomb, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
New basket weave fabric upholstery Widdicomb sofa love seat slipper chair booth sofa. Black lacquer hardwood frame.
Upholstery, Hardwood
$7,784Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 34.85 in W 71.26 in D 39.77 in
Antique Victorian Sofa & Armchair Suite Chinoiserie Upholstery Claw & Ball Feet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite Victorian hand made in England, Walnut framed with Chinoiserie upholstery three piece suite. ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid Century Modern Josef Otmar Gondola Sofa
By Otmar, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Raleigh, NC
Exceptional mid-century modern gondola sofa by celebrated designer Josef Otmar, featuring his signature flowing lines and masterful woodworking. This stunning piece showcases the sc...
Upholstery, Walnut
Baker Furniture Manhattan Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Baker Furniture Manhattan Sofa This sofa measures: 93.25 wide x 37.5 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height of 24 inches We take our photos in a control...
Upholstery
$3,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28 in W 120 in D 60 in
Mid Century Modern Modular Sectional sofa with ottoman by Broyhill Lenoir
By Broyhill
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern Modular Sectional sofa with ottoman by Broyhill Lenoir Vintage Broyhill Lenoir Modular Sectional Sofa characterized by its distinctive exposed solid wood frame st...
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage Tufted Leather Chesterfield Sofa in Oxblood
Located in Dekalb, IL
Classic tufted-leather Chesterfield sofa upholstered in deep oxblood red hide with brass nailhead trim and turned hardwood legs. The design features the signature rolled arms and con...
Leather
Fine Quality Custom Upholstered Curved Button Tufted Sofa
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fine quality and meticulously tailored curved sofa with button tufted interior, single bench seating cushion, rolled / gathered arms and resting on tapering wood legs. The sofa is cu...
Other
$34,500
H 28.15 in W 124.41 in D 67.72 in
Adrian Pearsall Grand Boomerang Sofa in Grey Pierre Frey Bouclé
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 'Boomerang' sofa, model '1600-S', Pierre Frey 'Louison' bouclé, walnut, United States, 1960s This exceptional Boomerang sofa, designed by Adria...
Bouclé, Walnut
Vintage Sofa with Chinoiserie Upholstery by Baker
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Stand out mid century sofa crafted with loose pillows on the back and seat, classic rolled arms and skirt all around, featuring chinoiserie style upholstery with figures, flowers, an...
Upholstery
Vintage Asian Chinoiserie Opium Bed
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add an exotic, statement-making piece to your decor with this Vintage Asian Chinoiserie Opium Bed. Crafted in the traditional style, this bed features rich w...
Rattan
Asian Teak and Rosewood Sofa
By George Zee
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful chinoiserie sofa in the manner of George Zee. 3 high back shields. Ornate carvings of flower plant and palms. Highly decorated side shields, sweeping arms and platform sty...
Rosewood, Teak
1980s Attributed to George Smith Chintz Floral Linen English Sofa
By George Smith
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, floral linen sofa you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful sofa is statement ...
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Boho Hand Carved Burmese Wood Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An extraordinary vintage Boho wood sofa. A hand carved Burmese gem with the more intricate carved detail. A sweeping high back in a gloss white finish. A f...
Upholstery, Wood
Expertly Restored Century Furniture Tomei Sofa
By Century Furniture, Raymond Sabota
Located in North Canton, OH
Spectacular Century Furniture Made Tomei Sofa, part of the highly sought after Chin Hua collection by Raymond Sobota, circa 1970s. Fresh from a complete overhaul from the Upholstery ...
Upholstery, Maple
Sold
H 25 in W 84 in D 36 in
Vintage 70s Bench Seat Sofa Newly Upholstered in Chartreuse Crypton Fabric
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Vintage 70s parsons style sofa with a chinoiserie feel. Has great modern lines and tufted bench seat with five coordinating pillows with zippers and...
Fabric
Sold
H 36 in W 86 in D 36 in
Directoire Style Chinoiserie Black & Gold Red Toile Down Filled Double Cane Sofa
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Directoire style chinoiserie black & gold red toile down filled double cane sofa settee. Dimensions 86" W × 36" D × 36" H. Styles Chinoiserie. seat heigh...
Cane, Wood, Feathers
Unusual 1960s Asian James Mont Style Black Lacquered Sofa, Silk / Down
By James Mont
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Asian James Mont style sofa with black lacquer base, circa 1960s. This wonderful sofa also has lovely Chow style legs,. Retains its orig...
Silk, Wood
Vintage Boho Chinoiserie Roll Arm Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An incredible vintage Boho roll arm sofa. A beautiful Chinoiserie print in chocolate brown and persimmon. Two matching sofas available. Acquired from a ...
Fabric, Wood
English 20th Century Chinoiserie Sofa
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Fabulous 20th century English country house chinoiserie sofa. This sofa is in the Chinoiserie style but is of English origin. The frame has been bea...
Upholstery
Asian Chinoiserie Brocade Sofa with Ottoman by Marge Carson
By Marge Carson
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description be sure to click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this listing. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Wonderful MARGE CARSON Asian Chinoiserie Brocade Pattern Solid Wood Sofa...
Wood, Down, Cotton