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.
Vintage Glazed Ceramic Floral Garden Stool - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This elegant pair of vintage garden stools brings a timeless Chinoiserie aesthetic to any sophisticated interior. Crafted from high-fire ceramic with a glossy glazed finish, each sto...
Ceramic
Vintage Linked Rings Glazed Ceramic Garden Stools - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This elegant pair of vintage garden stools brings a timeless Chinoiserie aesthetic to any sophisticated interior. Crafted from high-fire ceramic with a luminous off-white glaze, each...
Ceramic
Vintage Boho Bamboo Glazed Ceramic Low Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Infuse your space with tropical warmth and timeless Chinoiserie elegance using this stunning vintage ceramic garden stool. The piece features a distinct hexagonal silhouette, entirel...
Ceramic
Vintage Glazed Ceramic Keyhole Garden Stools - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This sophisticated pair of vintage garden stools offers a grander scale and more significant architectural presence than typical ceramic seats. Featuring a beautiful interlocking cir...
Ceramic
Blue and White Chinese Porcelain Garden Stools Side Tables with Dragons
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning pair of Chinese blue and white porcelain garden stools with intricate hand painted motif of dragons, fish and flowers. Pierced detail at top...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Vintage Chinoiserie Flow Blue and White Ceramic Garden Stool
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A chinoiserie flow blue and white ceramic garden stool or drinks table. This lovely piece will be great on a patio or in a living room. It can be used as extra seating in a pinch, or...
Ceramic, Paint
Vintage Asian Glazed Ceramic Garden Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This elegant vintage garden stool is a quintessential example of timeless Chinoiserie design, featuring a classic barrel silhouette. Meticulously crafted from high-fired ceramic, it ...
Ceramic
Chinese Porcelain Garden Seat
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese style blue & white glazed porcelain garden seat of hexagonal section decorated with peonies & flowering vines (19th/20th Cent)(simi...
Porcelain
MCM Blue Elephant Shaped Ceramic Garden Stool or Plant Stand, Belgium, 1960s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a large ceramic and very decorative garden stool or plant stand in the shape of an elephant made in blue and white ceramics...
Ceramic
Vintage Regency Glazed Ceramic Low Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover the versatile elegance of this vintage glazed ceramic garden stool, a charming piece that embodies the sophisticated allure of the Hollywood Regency era. Crafted with a beau...
Ceramic
English Ebonized Stool with Fortuny Upholstery and Painted Chinoiserie Motif
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English ebonized stool from the 19th century, distinguished by its curving X-form base and elegant hand-painted decoration in the chinoiserie style. The sinuous legs form graceful...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Regency Blue Willow Glazed Ceramic Low Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your interior with this exquisite Vintage Regency Blue Willow Ceramic Low Stool—a timeless piece that seamlessly fuses form and function. Showcasing intricate blue-and-white ...
Ceramic
$325Sale Price|27% Off
Chinoiserie Red Basketweave Stool or Side Table
Located in New York, NY
Chinoiserie red basketweave stool or side table. Vintage Italian faded Chinese red painted iron stool or drinks table of basketweave design on four splayed legs. Italy, Mid-20th Cent...
Iron
$2,250 / set
Vintage Glazed Ceramic Garden Stools - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This impressive pair of vintage garden stools showcases exceptional Chinoiserie craftsmanship with a grand, architectural presence. Each stool features intricate relief carvings of m...
Ceramic
Vintage Glazed Ceramic Floral Garden Stools - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stunning pair of vintage garden stools epitomizes classic Chinoiserie elegance. Crafted from high-fire ceramic with a brilliant glossy glaze, each stool features bold, hand-pain...
Ceramic
Vintage Linked Rings Matte Glazed Ceramic Garden Stools - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking pair of vintage garden stools offers a contemporary, architectural take on classic Chinoiserie design. Featuring a bold, interlocking "linked ring" lattice pattern, eac...
Ceramic
$500Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Chinoiserie Glazed Hand Painted Ceramic Garden Stool Side Table
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Add a touch of elegance to your indoor or outdoor space with this vintage Chinoiserie ceramic garden stool. Hand-painted with vibrant floral and butterfly motifs, this glazed stool d...
Ceramic
$4,800 / item
Pair of Beautiful Chinoiserie Stools
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of Chinoiserie Stools, carved and hand-painted. Semi attached box cushion covered in Randolph & Hein "Mayfair Stripe" fabric.
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Glazed Ceramic Floral Garden Stools - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite pair of vintage garden stools showcases a delicate Chinoiserie aesthetic, perfect for adding serene elegance to any interior. Crafted from high-quality glazed ceramic,...
Ceramic
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
Vintage Regency Glazed Ceramic Elephant Stools - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Introduce an exotic touch of Chinoiserie Chic to your interiors with this captivating pair of Vintage Regency Glazed Ceramic Elephant Stools. Each stool is a magnificent example of v...
Ceramic
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Brass Fretwork Stool
Located in Pasadena, TX
Heavy, polished brass stool. Chinoisere style, with floral fretwork throughout.
Brass
Vintage McGuire Wrapped Rattan Bar Stools - Set of 3
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional set of three bar stools comes from the iconic McGuire Furniture Company of San Francisco, a brand synonymous with high-end California casual elegance. Featuring the ...
Fabric, Rattan
$4,000 / item
A Set of Four Red Painted Chinoiserie Stools
Located in New York, NY
A set of four early 20th-century red-painted chinoiserie stools with hand-painted scenic panels depict idyllic pagodas and floral motifs, rendered in a rich black and gold palette th...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Polka Dot Glazed Ceramic Low Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Enhance your indoor or outdoor living space with this striking blue and white ceramic garden stool. This contemporary take on a classic Chinoiserie form features a bold, hypnotic pol...
Ceramic
$1,850 / set
Vintage Asian Glazed Ceramic Low Stools - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your home’s aesthetic with this striking pair of vintage Chinoiserie glazed ceramic low stools. Each stool features an intricate polychrome design, showcasing traditional Asi...
Ceramic
Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Low Elephant Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage Chinoiserie elephant stool is a whimsical yet sophisticated addition to any high-end interior. Hand-crafted from durable ceramic, the piece features a majestic white elephant adorned with a lavishly detailed saddle and headdress in a vibrant "Sancai" style palette of teal, amber, and cobalt blue. Intricate patterns, including scrolling foliate motifs and a classic Greek key border along the base, reflect the rich heritage of Asian decorative arts. As a traditional symbol of wisdom and good luck, this piece serves as a meaningful and visually arresting statement for a curated home. Measuring 19" wide, 9.5" deep, and 21" tall, this versatile garden stool functions perfectly as an eclectic side table...
Ceramic
$1,357
H 17.72 in W 13.39 in D 13.39 in
Intarsio, contemporary white marble and onyx stool / side table
By Bloc Studios
Located in AVENZA CARRARA, IT
Cylindrical white Carrara stool with Honey Onyx marquetries as a placeholder for the person who sits on it. It can also be used as a side table. This piece is part of the Sunnei x Bl...
Onyx, Marble
Ceramic Hand Painted Chinese Garden Stool
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage Chinese ceramic garden stool with hand painted decor in blue and white dragon motives. Very good/excellent vintage condition. NOTE: Buyer is solely responsible for paying cu...
Ceramic
Ceramic Hand Painted Chinese Garden Stool
Located in Vilnius, LT
Chinese ceramic garden stool with openwork details and circumferential decoration of the floral elements and scenes of ladies.
Ceramic
$1,003 / set
H 13.78 in W 14.97 in D 14.97 in
1970s Spanish Handmade Pair of Wicker and Bamboo Low Stools
Located in Marbella, ES
1970s Spanish handmade pair of wicker and bamboo low stools.
Bamboo, Wicker
Pair of Antique Chinese Ceramic Garden Stools
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful pair of Chinese ceramic garden stool from late Qing Dynasty. Classic barrel shape with Famille Verte glaze depicting figurative groups in garden settings.
Ceramic
Pair of Eric O'Leary Glazed Ceramic Stools
By Eric O'leary
Located in New York, NY
Pair of glazed ceramic stools by the American artist, Eric O'Leary ( 1949- ), circa 1980s, each approximately 18 1/4 inches tall, 15 1/2 wide and 13 1/4 deep. Each 42 lbs. In 1972 ...
Ceramic
Pair of Emerald Green Glazed Garden Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming pair of mid-century elephant garden stools or side tables, finished in a vibrant emerald green ceramic glaze. Rich in color and beautifully detailed, the sculpted forms ca...
Ceramic, Terracotta, Paint
Blue And White Painted Ceramic Garden Stool
Located in New York, NY
Blue And White Chinoiserie Ceramic Garden Stool, in good overall condition. Slight wear to finish from age and use. Bright spots in photos are reflection only.
Ceramic
Eric O'Leary Glazed Ceramic Stool
By Eric O'leary
Located in New York, NY
Glazed ceramic stool attributed to the American artist, Eric O'Leary ( 1949- ), circa 1980s, approximately 18 1/2 inches tall and 14 1/4 inches in diameter. 44 lbs. In 1972 the art...
Ceramic
Chinese Porcelain Garden Seat
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese style blue & white glazed porcelain garden seat of hexagonal section decorated with peonies & flowering vines (19th/20th Cent)(simi...
Porcelain
$475
H 15.5 in W 16.25 in D 16.25 in
English Faux Tortoise Burnt Bamboo Stool or Low Side Table, 1960’s
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
1960’s Faux Tortoise Burnt Bamboo Stool Side Table. Elegant stool with both form and function. Versatile piece that looks wonderful standing alone or functional as a low side table n...
Bamboo
Hand Painted Chinese Ceramic Garden Stool
Located in Vienna, AT
ceramics garden seat, green glaze Chinese garden stools with pierced medallions on both sides. Stool has raised dots around top and buttom.
Ceramic
Large Glazed Ceramic Chinese Garden Stool Side Table in Chrome, Vintage
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Large vintage Chinese ceramic garden stool features classic drum or barrel form with bands of large scale abstract graphic decor in relief on the sides at the top and bottom of the ...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery
Antique Lacquered Chinoiserie Stool
Located in London, GB
A lovely antique lacquered chinoiserie stool in the oriental style. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1900-1920 period. The quality is great, it is a petite and use...
Cotton, Wood
Sold
H 19 in W 13 in D 13 in
Vintage Chinoiserie Porcelain Ceramic Chinese Red Blue Garden Stool Seat, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinoiserie Porcelain Ceramic Chinese Red Blue Garden Stool Seat, a Pair. Item features a beautiful bird and flower design, great style and form, approx. 30lbs each. Circa La...
Porcelain
James Mont Ming Asian Bar Stools by Century Furniture
By Century Furniture, James Mont
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Brass
Sold
H 17.5 in W 13.5 in D 13.5 in
Vintage Chinoiserie Blue White Porcelain Decorated Garden Seat Stool
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinoiserie Blue White Porcelain Decorated Garden Seat Stool. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 17.5" H x 13.5" W x 13.5" D.
Porcelain
A pair of painted and carved lacquered stools, Hong Kong 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A pair of painted, highly carved, and lacquered ornate chinoiserie stools, Hong Kong mid 20th century. In deep black with a motif of flowers, birds, and Asian iconography in tones of...
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Vintage Chinese Blue & White Hand Painted Ceramic Garden Stool Drum Side Table
Located in West Chester, PA
Vintage Chinese Blue & White Ceramic Garden Stool or Drum Side Table. Hand painted in traditional Chinese motifs with a dragon and phoenix on opposing sides. The top surface measures...
Ceramic
Pastel Koi Chinese Garden Stool
Located in Locust Valley, NY
The Pastel Koi Chinese Garden Stool is a beautifully crafted ceramic piece featuring delicate koi fish motifs, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture. The stool i...
Porcelain
Sold
H 19 in W 17.5 in D 17.5 in
Vintage Chinoiserie Red Lacquer Chinese Drum Stool w Hand Painted Bird & Flowers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinoiserie Red Lacquer Chinese Drum Stool with Hand Painted Bird & Flowers. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 19" H x 17.5" W x 17.5" D...
Wood, Lacquer
Vintage Asian Brass Stool/ Drum Table
Located in Malibu, CA
Stunning, solid brass garden stool/ drum table showcases a unique pierced design with meticulous attention to detail. It's sturdy construction...
Brass
Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Dragon Garden Stools - a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add an exotic touch to your décor with this striking pair of Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Dragon Garden Stools. Featuring intricately sculpted dragon motifs, these stools are beautifu...
Ceramic
Brass Drum-Form Garden Seat
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a super chic mid-20th century solid brass stool in the form of an antique Chinese garden seat. The stool has been recently profess...
Brass