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.
Good Chinoiserie Piano Stool
Located in Swadlincote, GB
Nice black chinoicerie piano stool, hinged lift up lid, in very good overall condition. 24" high 21" wide 13" depth 21" seat height You are welcome to vi...
Lacquer
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 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
Qing Dynasties Foo Dog Garden Seats in Green and Yellow Terra Cotta - a Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Qing Dynasties Pair of Foo Dog Garden Seats in Spinach and Egg Glazed Terra Cotta. A true pair as they are reverse with fabulous facial expressions. Amazing details and they are hand...
Terracotta
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
Antique Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Footstool, Mahogany, Circa 1890
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique Chinoiserie faux bamboo footstool with newly upholstered fabric. This piece embodies the Aesthetic Movement and Chinoiserie design trends which popularized furniture carved t...
Mahogany
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
Antique Lacquered Chinoiserie Stool
Located in London, GB
A lovely antique lacquered chinoiserie stool in the Georgian 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
Mottahedeh Blue and White Porcelain Garden Seat, circa 1960
By Mottahedeh
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage blue-and-white porcelain garden seat by Mottahedeh, dating to circa 1960. The stool is modeled in a faceted barrel form and decorated throughout with cobalt-blue floral mot...
Porcelain
CIRCA 1920'S CHINESE CHINOISERIE HAND PAINTED DRESSiNG TABLE STOOL PART OF SUITE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely original Circa 1920's Chinese Chinoiserie hand painted dressing table stool which is part of a l...
Wood
Vintage Slat Counter Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
These sophisticated counter stools offer a refined blend of Chinoiserie influence and organic modern texture. Crafted from solid wood with a luminous cerused or "pickled" wash finish...
Fabric, Wood
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
1970-1979 France Deep Teal Velvet Bamboo-Frame Stool
Located in High Point, NC
Bamboo-frame stool in Deep Teal Velvet. Finished in deep teal velvet, this bamboo-frame stool is distinguished by faux-bamboo turned legs, teal velvet cushion, reflecting the chinois...
Brass
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Brass Fretwork Stool
Located in Pasadena, TX
Heavy, polished brass stool. Chinoisere style, with floral fretwork throughout.
Brass
$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
$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
$3,849
H 24.81 in W 22.25 in D 13 in
Antique Jas Shoolbred Hall Bench with Brass Mounts & Walnut Frame circa 1890
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original circa 1890 Jas Shoolbred of Tottenham Court Road circa 1890 walnut & brass hall bench A very good looking, highly collectab...
Brass
French Egyptian Revival Bamboo Faux Painted Thebes Stool 1930s
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A 1930s French saddle top bamboo Thebes stool. The temple seat is curved on all four sides, the legs are gently flared with a flat foot and the piece is wonderfully faux painted.
Bamboo
Vintage Dimitri Omersa Lion Leather Footstool, circa 1950s
Located in Vis, NL
Vintage Dimitri Omersa lion footstool with light wear and patina on the leather consistent with wear and age.
Leather
Japanese Green Glazed Ceramic Lotus Form Garden Seat, 1950's
Located in Stamford, CT
Japanese green glaze garden ceramic seat in the form of a stylized lotus plant, circa 1950's. The elegant form and pale green, almost celadon color, make this a special piece. For in...
Ceramic
18th Century French Louis XVI Diminutive Mahogany Footstool
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming diminutive or petite footstool from the French Louis XVI period. The stool features a hand-carved mahogany frame with neoclassical motifs. T...
Brass
Pair AnSmall Brown Glaze and Blue & White Garden Seats
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This a wonderful example of a Chinese export pair of small Brown Glaze and Blue & White Garden Seats. This brown glaze is also called " Cafe au Lait". This pair is all hand painted...
Porcelain
English Chinese Chippendale Giltwood Faux Bamboo Stool
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
English Chinese Chippendale style gilded faux bamboo stool from the mid-19th century, its square crown seat with canted corners upholstered with a leopard print cut velvet in orange ...
Upholstery, Wood
1970s Glazed Ceramic Garden Seat
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1970s Glazed Ceramic Garden Seat Raised ceramic details Handle on both sides One little nick (as shown in pictures)
Ceramic
1 Q'ing Dynasty Style Garden Stool
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 Charming Q'ing Dynasty Style Garden Stool Hand carved in fir. 3 available see last photo. Please specify color when ordering. Measures: 19'' H x 16'' W x 16'' D.
Fir
Pair of Vintage Chinese Lacquered and Painted Garden Seats
Located in Chireno, TX
Pair of vintage Chinese lacquered and painted garden seats. Hand-carved wooden garden seats, or stands. Decorated with painted foliate scrolls and birds over red. Perfect height to s...
Wood
Small Bamboo Wicker Drum Table or Vintage Plant Pot Stand Stool 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Mid-20th century modern garden stool, flower pot seat or side table. Made of bamboo with wicker accents. Nice addition to your home, patio or garden. Also great as a drinks stand in ...
Wood, Bamboo
Postmodern Light Blue Waterfall Bench/Low Stool
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Introduce postmodern flair to your space with this light blue Postmodern Waterfall Bench. Featuring sleek curves and a seamless fabric finish, this versatile bench/stool combines com...
Fabric
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
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 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
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
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
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 James Mont, Century Furniture
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