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 Chinese Chippendale Faux Tortoise Shell Pierced Trellis Bench Arm Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
This distinctive diminutive open-arm accent chair or bench features a bold, tortoiseshell faux-painted finish over its entire wooden frame, creating a richly textured pattern of deep...
Hardwood, Lacquer
Antique Chinese Carved Rosewood Dining Chairs With Mother of Pearl Inlay, 1890s
By George Zee
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding set of four antique Chinese dining chairs China, Circa 1890s Gorgeous carved rosewood, with exquisite Mother-of-Pearl inlay, and removable upholstered seat cushions....
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
French Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Upholstered Bench with Lattice Ends, circa 1920
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French faux bamboo upholstered bench dating to circa 1920, designed with an elegant Chinoiserie-inspired frame and distinctive openwork ends. The elongated rectangular seat is upho...
Fabric, Upholstery, Faux Bamboo
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Burnt Bamboo Pagoda Dining Chairs set of 4
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Rare set of 4 vintage burnt bamboo dining chairs. Pagoda design, beautifully rich in color, cane seats. Good vintage condition with ...
Bamboo
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
1930s English Chinoiserie Carved Oak In Chinoiserie Palm Toile
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an English carved oak arm chair in chinoiserie palm toile fabric. The frame dates to the early part of the 20th century. The fabric shows some wear and fading to the arms., a...
Upholstery, Oak
Vintage Chinoiserie Tortoise Bamboo Arm Chair
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A gorgeous barrel-back bamboo armchair. This piece reminds us of a Brighton Pavillion chair. It has a rounded barrel back with a split bamboo...
Bamboo
$3,300 / set
Set of 6 Regency style Chinoiserie Dining Chairs
Located in Pomona, CA
A very attractive set of 6 Chinoiserie Dining Chairs in the Regency Style. Two Captains chairs and 4 side chairs. An ebonized finish with Chinese and floral scene decorations. Armch...
Wood
$1,650 / set
Pair Of Vintage Chinoiserie Style Hall Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of Chinoiserie-style black lacquered and gilt-decorated chairs featuring intricate hand-painted motifs and a distinctive shield-shaped or "spoonback" silhouette. The back with...
Wood
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Chinese Lacquered Kang Coffee Altar Table Console Bench Seat 36"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique primitive Chinese Chinoiserie black lacquered low Kang altar table / coffee table / console or bench featuring rectangular form with two drawers. Dimensions: 36"w x 16.5"d x...
Lacquer
Chinoiserie Hand Carved Rosewood Howdah Elephant Saddle Chair Bangkok Thailand
Located in Topeka, KS
Phenomenal vintage Chinoiserie hand carved Rosewood Howdah or elephant saddle chair from Bangkok Thailand. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. It has a repaired chip and crack on its front top back rail. It was given a fresh coat of Danish oil. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Mid-20th Century. NOTE: If you love this saddle chair from Bangkok we have additional interesting pieces from Bangkok listed here if they are still available. OK… Grab your elephant and let’s go for a RIDE!! LOL… ok, most people probably don’t actually have a pet elephant BUT… that shouldn’t detour you from owning a PHENOMENAL hand carved elephant saddle chair or Howdah chair...
Rosewood
Set of 4 Faux Bamboo Chinoiserie Hollywood Regency Style Dining -All Armchairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This set of 4 Faux Bamboo Chinoiserie Hollywood Regency Style Dining Armchairs embodies timeless elegance and sophisticated design. Crafted with a black lacquered faux bamboo frame, ...
Walnut
Giltwood Chinoiserie Bamboo Oval Footstool
Located in Stamford, CT
Small oval antique giltwood bamboo stool. Black painted banded detailing: Newly upholstered in Schumacher Nakuru epingle woven fabric with gimp trim.
Giltwood
1970s Chinoserie Style Floral Faux Bamboo Wood Chair
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, faux bamboo handcrafted wood chair you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibite...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Faux Bamboo Chinese Chippendale Chinoiserie Newly Upholstered Bench
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely vintage faux bamboo Chinese Chippendale Chinoiserie bench. Newly upholstered with a fabulous blue and white fabric. No issues or damage. Dimensions: 38 L x 20 D x 18.5 H.
Upholstery, Faux Bamboo
Traditional Floral Sofa With Pastel Chinoiserie-Inspired Upholstery and Skirted
Located in Elkton, MD
Late 20th-century traditional curved sofa featuring pastel floral upholstery with a Chinoiserie-inspired pattern. Designed with rolled arms, a skirted base, and three-seat cushions. ...
Upholstery
Antique Chinese Elm Hardwood Horseshoe Oriental Huanghuali Lounge Arm Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique Chinese Elm Hardwood Horseshoe Oriental Huanghuali Lounge Arm Chair with Wove...
Hardwood
Late 20th Century Regency Chinoiserie Style Faux Bamboo Pagoda Bench
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A striking vintage faux bamboo pagoda bench featuring an elaborate red lacquered frame with turned spindle fretwork, bamboo-form legs, and flared feet. Th...
Upholstery, Wood
Black Lacquered & Gilt Chinoiserie Decorated Armchairs
Located in Rochester, NY
A substantially sized pair of Queen Anne style armchairs in the original beautiful black lacquered finish w/ finely gilded chinoiserie decoration of floating leaves and cross hatchin...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Four Louis XV Style Gilt-Wood Chinoiserie Bergères, Jansen Attr., 1890
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Fine and Rare Assembled Set of Four French Louis XV Style Gilt-Wood Carved and Japanned-Chinoiserie Lacquer Decorated Bergers Armchairs, attributed to Maison Jansen (House of Janse...
Velvet, Giltwood, Lacquer
1970s Curved Sculptural Rattan Denim Blue Sofa
By Mcquire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The beautiful rare collection is statement piece which is also extremely comfortable and packed with personality! Just look at the details and curves on this beauty! Plush cushionin...
Upholstery, Rattan
$3,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Sensational Pair of Red Coral Bamboo & Rattan Club Chairs with Custom Cushions
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sizzling hot pair of coral red rattan and bamboo vintage armchairs having classic shape and custom cushions. seat height without cushion 17.5 Arm height 25
Bamboo, Rattan
Set of Ten 1970s Chinese Chippendale Dining Chairs, Black Wood
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of ten black painted wood Chinese Chippendale dining chairs. Good quality, fine condition. Two armchairs: 25 wide, 21.5 deep, 37 high, ...
Wood
Antique Chinese Carved Rosewood Armchairs With Mother of Pearl Inlay, 1890s
By George Zee
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding pair of antique Chinese armchairs or dining captain chairs China, Circa 1890s Gorgeous carved rosewood, with exquisite Mother-of-Pearl inlay, and removable upholster...
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
$2,636Sale Price / set|20% Off
Chinese Hand-Carved Dragon Throne Armchairs Pair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on "Read More" or "View More Details" below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing is from 1st Dibs and they normally s...
Silk, Wood, Fruitwood
19th-C. English Red Chinoiserie Child’s Bergere Chair in Linen
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is wonderful! It is a late 19th century red chinoiserie child’s chair newly upholstered in a flax linen. Note the exquisite detail to the back and arms!
Linen, Wood
French Bench Painted Noir and Chinoiserie Upholstery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French ebonized lacquered bench with gilt details and Chinoiserie upholstery. Beautiful simple carving details pagoda textile upholstery. Use this bench in foyer or end of bed. Add s...
Upholstery, Wood
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
Antique Chinese Carved Rosewood Dining Chairs With Mother of Pearl Inlay, 1890s
By George Zee
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding set of six antique Chinese dining chairs China, Circa 1890s Gorgeous carved rosewood, with exquisite Mother-of-Pearl inlay, and removable upholstered seat cushions. ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
1960s Chinoiserie Ming Style Wood Tufted Bench Coffee Table
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, bench or coffee table you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful bench is stat...
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Pair of Warren Lloyd for Mastercraft Brass & White Fabric Empress Lounge Chairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Warren Lloyd, these chairs were manufactured in Italy by Mastercraft, famous now for their extremely high construction quality and various brass piece. These chairs are c...
Brass
1980s Pair of Century Furniture Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Armchairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Introducing a pair of elegant 1980s Century Furniture Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Armchairs. Crafted with precision and timeless style, the...
Lacquer
Pair of Brighton Pavilion Bamboo High Back Armchairs
Located in Vero Beach, FL
A pair of bamboo armchairs with gracefully shaped horseshoe frames in the Brighton Pavilion style. These beautifully handcrafted Chinese Chippendale chairs have a bamboo frame and ta...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Chinoiserie Brass Lounge Chairs by Warren Lloyd for Mastercraft Mid Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Glamorous pair of Chinoiserie brass lounge chairs, designed by Warren Lloyd for Mastercraft, American, circa 1970s. These chairs were produced for Mastercraft in Italy, and are const...
Brass
Chin Hua Set of 8 Dining Chairs 4 Side & 2 Arm by Raymond K. Sobota for Century
By Raymond K. Sobota, Century Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage set of eight Chin Hua dining chairs 6 side and 2 armchairs by Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture. Comprised of ebonized deep brown ash wood frames and upholste...
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
19th Century Chinese Moon Gazing Lounge Chair, Antique Chinoiserie
Located in Linkebeek, BE
19th Century Chinese Moon Gazing Lounge chair Chinese Moon Gazing Chair Measures : 55x90cm H:69cm SH:32cm Minor Structural Damages : Sea Pho...
Wood
$1,125Sale Price / item|25% Off
Chinese Paint Decorated Brighton Pavilion Arm Chairs, 6 Available
Located in Sheffield, MA
A true collector's item, a rare collection of early 20th Century 'Brighton Pavilion' Bamboo Chinoiserie armchairs displaying long flat arms in a horseshoe shape back, supported by ge...
Bamboo
English Chinoiserie Chairs, Ex-Garvan Collection Yale University, circa 1835
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An exceptional and important set of four circa 1835 English William IV, or early Victorian period, side or breakfast chairs of Regency parcel-klismos form having black Japanned frames with allover gilt relief...
Cane, Softwood, Paint
Antique 19th C. Chinese Export Brighton Pavilion Bamboo Chinoiserie Armchair
Located in Dayton, OH
This 19th-century antique Chinese Export bamboo armchair showcases exceptional period craftsmanship, beautifully capturing the historic Chinoiserie aesthetic. The chair is meticulous...
Bamboo, Rattan, Hardwood
Pair of Drexel Heritage Chinoiserie Style Ebonized Paint Decorated Benches
By Drexel
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 18 in W: 22 in D: 16 in A beautifully executed pair of Chinoiserie-style benches by Drexel Heritage, showcasing the brand’s celebrated ability to reinterpret classic...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Pair of Antique Victorian Lacquered Chinoiserie Side Chairs
Located in London, GB
A beautiful pair of antique Victorian lacquered chinoiserie side chairs, made in England and dating from around the 1870-1890 period. They are of very fine quality and are beautiful...
Cotton, Wood
$4,875Sale Price|25% Off
Mid Century Gondola Sofa by Baker with Brass Details
By Adrian Pearsall, James Mont, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Mid-Century Gondola sofa by Baker Furniture. Sofa has super clean lines with a bit of Asian flair. This beautiful sofa is unlike any other gondola sofa. Base is tubular wood finis...
Satin
1960s Noble Homes Chinoiserie Dining Chairs From Baker Furniture - Set of 6
Located in North Canton, OH
Set of six Baker Furniture Noble Homes collection (precursor to the Stately Homes collection) gilt black Chinoiserie dining chairs in the Queen Anne taste, each having a serpentine crest rail with paddle...
Lacquer
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
Pair of Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Side Chairs with Gilt Painted Decoration
Located in Austin, TX
A striking pair of Chinoiserie side chairs featuring distinctive octagonal backs, elegant black painted frames, and delicate gilt-painted decoration. The sculptural silhouettes are d...
Lacquer, Paint
Early 20th Century Torched Faux Bamboo Double Cane Brighton Pagoda Side Chair
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A 1920s "burnt" faux bamboo side chair with a double cane back in remarkably good condition.
Cane, Wood
Century Chair Co James Mont Style Horseshoe Ming Lounge Chairs (B) - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Century Chair Co James Mont Style Horseshoe Ming Lounge Chairs (B) - a Pair. Circa Mid 20th Century. 30" H x 30" W x 27" D x 17" Seat hei...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Chinese Elm Lacquered Cane Double Chairback Hall Bench Settee Sofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Elm Lacquered Cane Double Chairback Hall Bench Settee Sofa. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 41.5" H x 41" W x 19" D x 21" Seat height x 30" Arm height.
Cane, Elm
Vintage Heywood Wakefield Mid-Century Modern Bent Rattan Desk Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your workspace with the timeless elegance of this vintage desk chair from the iconic Heywood Wakefield collection. A brilliant fusion of classic form and mid-century material...
Upholstery, Rattan
Faux Bamboo Wooden Bench or Stool-Vintage Baker Furniture Floral Seating
Located in Southampton, NJ
A Faux bamboo bench or ottoman with slightly splayed legs and X stretcher. An opulent, exotic mix of Chinoiserie and Etruscan-inspired design elements in the exquisite new floral Chi...
Upholstery, Faux Bamboo, Wood
Italian Brass Faux Bamboo Bench
Located in Stamford, CT
Italian brass bamboo bench. Newly upholstered in Schumacher Nakuru epingle woven fabric. Seat is 16.5” tall.
Brass
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
$1,920Sale Price / set|61% Off
Set of Six Queen Anne Style Chinoiserie Dining Chairs
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Very Palm Beach! A great set of Queen Anne style dining chairs with painted Chinoiserie decoration. Beautiful carved cabriole legs and curved stretchers. Priced as a set of six, with...
Wood
Antique Chinoiserie Ebonized Rosewood High Relief Ball & Claw Scholars Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Chinoiserie side dining, scholars, or vanity chair. Made of ebonized Rosewood featuring highly ornate gothic inspired carvings with dragons, bats, squirrels, flowers, nuts, b...
Rosewood
Gilt Chinoiserie Sofa Couch Loveseat by Broyhill and Lenoir Chair Company
By Broyhill
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A fabulous Chinoiserie sofa in Broyhill fabric by the Lenoir Chair Company. This sofa will make a statement in any room. It is upholstered in a st...
Fabric, Wood
Vintage Ej Victor Faux Bamboo Dining Chairs, Chinoiserie, Set of 8
By McGuire
Located in Lutz, FL
A great set of chairs to stand out and highlight your dining room. Extremely well made with ornate detailing and timeless faux bamboo design. Solid and substantial in a black with gr...
Fabric, Wood
$1,250Sale Price / set|48% Off
Pair of Italian Brass Bamboo Side Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of midcentury Italian brass bamboo side chairs. Newly upholstered in pink velvet fabric. Overall unpolished patina to brass. Stamped ‘Made in Italy’ on the underside. Seat is 1...
Brass
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
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
Pair of 18c Style Giles Grendey Inspired Burton-Ching Red Chinoiserie Arm Chairs
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
18c Style Giles Grendey Inspired Burton-Ching Red Chinoiserie Arm Chairs - A Pair
Wood
1960s Sculptural Painted Floral Spindle Panjubi Chairs Footstools, Set of 4
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, hand painted and intricate wood tribal chairs and footstools you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acqui...
Textile, Wood, Paint