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.
20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood
1750s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Seating
Mid-20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Seating
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Upholstery, Rattan, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Fabric, Faux Bamboo, Wood, Rattan
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Naugahyde, Faux Bamboo, Wood
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Seating
Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric
1820s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Seating
Upholstery, Hardwood
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Seating
Rosewood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood
Early 20th Century British Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Seating
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Seating
Upholstery, Faux Bamboo
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Upholstery, Faux Bamboo
1970s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Leather, Silk, Bamboo
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood
1960s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Seating
Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood
1960s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood
20th Century Colombian Chinese Chippendale Seating
Bone
Late 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Seating
Metal
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Seating
Cane, Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Seating
Reed, Paint
1970s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Upholstery, Rattan
1980s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Steel
1950s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Fabric, Cane, Wood
1960s Unknown Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood
Mid-20th Century Mexican Chinese Chippendale Seating
Iron, Steel, Wrought Iron
Mid-19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Seating
Mahogany
1980s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Steel
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Linen, Cotton
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Faux Bamboo
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Glass, Mahogany, Upholstery, Faux Bamboo
Early 20th Century Unknown Chinese Chippendale Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary English Chinese Chippendale Seating
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Fabric, Rattan
1780s Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Seating
Kingwood, Lacquer
20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Seating
Brass
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood, Leather
Mid-20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Faux Bamboo
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood
1970s North American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Metal
Late 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Seating
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Mahogany
1670s North American Antique Chinese Chippendale Seating
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chippendale Seating
Faux Leather, PVC, Wood
1940s Unknown Vintage Chinese Chippendale Seating
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Leather, Pine
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Seating
Wood
1780s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Seating
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century Chinese Chippendale Seating
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Seating
Faux Bamboo, Cane, Lacquer