Chinese Chippendale Seating
Like chinoiserie, which had emerged in Europe in the 17th century, antique Chinese Chippendale furniture was an appropriation of Asian design that often distilled it to stereotypes.
Thomas Chippendale published The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director in 1754, and the widespread popularity of the book of furniture designs influenced a new style of furniture named for the English cabinetmaker. Artisans in England, the United States and Europe adapted the work illustrated in its pages. The publication of the pattern book included designs reflecting “Gothic, Chinese and Modern Taste,” with illustrations of “Chinese” chairs and cabinets featuring elaborate hand-carved latticework.
Pagoda-shaped flourishes and wood painted in the “japanned” finish that mimicked lacquer were common on these pieces, as were fretwork patterns on chair backs. The back of a chair is the easiest way to distinguish between Gothic, Rococo and Chinese Chippendale chairs, all of which typically feature broad seats and luxurious upholstery. Chippendale’s designs for “Chinese” chairs tend to favor more clean lines and less ornamentation than the other styles, with cutouts in the rails and the fretwork on the back evoking a European ideal of East Asian design.
Dark woods such as walnut and solid mahogany were commonly used, as were bamboo turnings. Cabinets for imported Chinese ceramics frequently were adorned with glazing bars, while small tea tables were detailed with angular fretwork. The style remained popular through the 18th century and into the decades that followed, even inspiring an entire room at Buckingham Palace.
Find antique Chinese Chippendale dining room chairs, side tables, case pieces and other furniture and decor on 1stDibs.
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Linen, Cotton
Mid-20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Seating
Upholstery, Faux Bamboo
20th Century Colombian Chinese Chippendale Seating
Bone
Mid-20th Century Mexican Chinese Chippendale Seating
Iron, Steel, Wrought Iron
20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Seating
Brass
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Seating
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Seating
Iron, Wrought Iron
20th Century Swedish Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Chinese Chippendale Seating
Iron
Late 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Seating
Faux Bamboo
1970s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood
1950s Italian Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Fabric, Beech
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wrought Iron
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Bamboo, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Seating
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wrought Iron
1940s French Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
1960s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Suede, Bamboo, Paint
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Seating
Rattan
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Seating
Tortoise Shell, Rattan
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Seating
Upholstery, Rattan
Mid-20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Faux Bamboo, Cane, Paint
1970s Asian Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Faux Bamboo
1970s French Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wicker
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Aluminum
1960s French Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Fabric, Rattan
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Faux Leather, Bamboo
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Bamboo, Leather, Velvet, Rattan
Late 20th Century Asian Chinese Chippendale Seating
Fabric, Bamboo, Cane