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 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
$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
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 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
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
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
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 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
$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
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
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
$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
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
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Brass Fretwork Stool
Located in Pasadena, TX
Heavy, polished brass stool. Chinoisere style, with floral fretwork throughout.
Brass
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
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 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
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
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
$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 Glazed Ceramic Elephant Low Stools - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite pair of vintage glazed ceramic stools features a captivating Anglo-Indian motif, blending Chinoiserie elegance with colonial charm. Each stool is intricately decorated...
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
Pair of Antler Stools
Located in Eindhoven, NL
3 antler stools made of red deer antlers. All stools are upholstered with velvet fabric to make the stools a perfect match.
Antler, Velvet
$1,366
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
Chinese ceramic garden stool with openwork details and circumferential decoration of the floral elements and scenes of ladies.
Ceramic
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
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 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
Pair of giltwood stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of regency style stools ,gilded wood, one of the most beautiful models of the regency elegant and refined ,cushions on the top decorated with pom-poms the quality and the workma...
Fabric, Giltwood
$1,205 / set
H 18.5 in Dm 13 in
Pair of Vintage Famille Rose Porcelain Garden Stools with Mandarin Ducks
Located in Sarasota, FL
A finely decorated pair of famille rose porcelain garden stools, each painted with Mandarin duck motifs—traditional emblems of fidelity—set among lotus blossoms, floating coins, and ...
Porcelain, Paint
Pair of Italian Bar Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage pair of bar stools in the shape of female legs in colored resin with iron footrest and red fabric cushions / Made in Italy, 1970s Height: 32 inches / diameter: 18 inches 1 pa...
Iron
Pair of Blue and White Chinoiserie Porcelain Garden Stools
Located in Sarasota, FL
An elegant pair of blue-and-white porcelain garden stools, each finely hand-painted with continuous bird-and-branch landscapes enclosed by classic trellis and fretwork borders. The c...
Porcelain, Paint
$990
H 14.97 in W 7.88 in D 17.72 in
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 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
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