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.
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
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
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
Mid Century Gondola Sofa by Baker with Brass Details
By Baker Furniture Company, Adrian Pearsall, James Mont
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
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
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
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
$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
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
$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
$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
$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
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
Vintage Chinese Chinoiserie Fretwork Sofa and Armchair Settee 2 Pieces
Located in Baltimore, MD
Elevate your space with this striking two-piece vintage Chinese fretwork sofa and Armchair seating suite. Expertly crafted with an elegant Chinoiserie aesthetic, the set features a m...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,984
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
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
$4,130Sale Price|30% Off
H 41.74 in W 122.05 in D 78.75 in
Large Seventies curved bouclé sofa, Italy, 1970s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY WITHIN NEW YORK CITY Curved sofa from the late 20th century, featuring an organic, bean-like shape. The backrest slopes asymmetrically to provide better support ...
Bouclé
American Designer, Sectional Sofa, Rattan, Velvet, USA, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A rattan and yellow velvet sectional sofa designed and produced in the US, c. 1970s. Dimensions: 25.25” H x 98” W x 98” D Seat Height: 17”
Velvet, Rattan
$6,300Sale Price|30% Off
H 28 in W 161 in D 37 in
Postmodern Sculptural Curved Serpentine Sectional Snake Sofa
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Monumental serpentine snake sectional sofa in the style of Vladimir Kagan and Milo Baughman. This unique modular curved sofa consists of three interlocking sections reupholstered in ...
Upholstery, Ultrasuede, Wood
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
$3,600
H 37 in W 84 in D 40 in
Late 20th C. Traditional Rolled Arm Sofa in Champagne Floral Jacquard Upholstery
Located in Morristown, NJ
A beautifully tailored late 20th Century two-cushion sofa upholstered in an elegant champagne-toned floral jacquard damask with an understated tone-on-tone scrolling botanical motif....
Jacquard, Upholstery, Polyester, Wood, Down, Trimming, Feathers
$6,800 / set
H 29.5 in W 83.5 in D 38 in
Michael Taylor Style Italian Wicker Works Rattan Sofa + Ottoman
By Wicker Works
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome Italian woven rattan wicker sofa and matching demilune ottoman designed in the manner and style of Michael Taylor by Wicker Works. The pole rattan frame is covered with wove...
Fabric, Wicker, Rattan
1970s McGuire San Francisco Organic Modern Rattan Sofa
By McGuire, John and Elinor McGuire
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Organic modern rattan sofa designed by breakthrough innovator Elinor McGuire for McGuire San Francisco. The three-seat sofa or settee features a handcrafted bent rattan frame along w...
Leather, Rattan
$6,332
H 27.56 in W 68.51 in D 40.16 in
Vintage Michel Ducaroy Togo 3-Seater Sofa for Ligne Roset in Pierre Frey Velvet
By Michel Ducaroy, Ligne Roset
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Vintage Togo three-seater sofa designed by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, France, circa 1970s. Originally designed in 1973, the Togo is one of Michel Ducaroy’s most celebrated desi...
Velvet, Foam
$10,804 / set
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
$800
H 34 in W 96 in D 42 in
Large Traditional Custom Sofa, Beige Scalamandre Upholstery, Rolled Arms, 2000s
By Scalamandre
Located in Stamford, CT
Large Traditional Custom Sofa, Beige Scalamandre Upholstery, Rolled Arms, 2000s A large and comfortable TV sofa removed from a fine Long Island, NY estate, fi...
Fabric, Wood
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 Raymond Sabota, Century Furniture
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