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Chinoiserie Bookcases

CHINOISERIE STYLE

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.

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Style: Chinoiserie
1970s Chinoiserie Drexel Black and Brass Bookshelves – a Pair
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a set of Drexel bookcases from their ET-cetera collection, circa the 1970s. These exquisite Asian inspired bookshelves exude timeless elegance with thei...
Category

1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Lacquered Breakfront Bookcase Chinoiserie
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Eye cathching lacquered breakfront bookcase Features a plethora of hand painted Chinoiserie on all surfaces Designs include pagodas, rustic Chinese ...
Category

1980s Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Glass

Chinoiserie Wedgewood Blue Pagoda Étagère
Located in Essex, MA
Chinoiserie Wedgewood blue pagoda étagère or shelf. Elegant étagère to display Chinese porcelain, blue and white collections, plants, or storage.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Hand painted Faux Bamboo Breakfront Bookcase
Located in Norwalk, CT
A lovely cabinet with hand painted decoration in gold over a very dark green, detailed with faux bamboo trimming. The upper section behind mullioned glass doors has glass shelves and...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Chinoiserie Chrome and Glass Etagere
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Exceptional vintage mid century modern chinoiserie chrome Etagere. Features 5 glass shelves.
Category

1980s Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Chrome

Wonderful Pair Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Arch Shape Glass Etagere Bookshelf
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Arch Shape With Glass Insert Etagere / Bookshelf's Painted White
Category

20th Century Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Metal

English 1880s Black and Gold Breakfront Two Part Bookcase with Chinoiserie Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English two part black and gold breakfront bookcase from the late 19th century with Chinoiserie décor, gilded Greek Key and floral décor, chicken wire doors, drawers and additional wooden doors. Created in England during the last quarter of the 19th century, this tall bookcase attracts immediately our attention with its tall proportions and stunning black and gold colors. Made of two parts, this breakfront bookcase is adorned with a molded cornice with carved dentil molding and a gilded Greek Key frieze, sitting above four doors presenting chicken wire. These doors open to a light painted interior with convenient shelves. The lower section, decorated with an exquisite Chinoiserie décor, is made of three drawers followed by four doors with red lacquered interior. Peaceful and traditional scenes present Chinese figures in landscapes and architectures, engaged in their daily occupations: crossing a narrow bridge, horse riding, net fishing, one can imagine the serenity of such a life. The sides are also adorned with lovely foliage and the back is plain. With its breakfront lines and skillfully executed décor, this English Chinoiserie bookcase...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wire

Antique Chinese Lacquered Elm Bookcase Etagere Dry Bar Cabinet Room Divider
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th century Chinese elm etagere cabinet. Features a modernist open form with three shelves over two dovetailed drawers and lower cupboard for storage. Constructed via mortise ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Elm

Pair Baker Far East Collection Michael Taylor Natural Elmwood Colonnade Cabinets
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Asian Style chinoiserie Baker Furniture Far East Collection by Michael Taylor pair of cabinets. Comprised of natural elmwood with a matt finish and a bit of an anti...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Century Chinoiserie Chin Hua Dbl Display China Cabinet Bookcase Raymond Sobota
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning vintage chinoiserie Chin Hua double display, China cabinet, or bookcase by Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture. Comprised of white ash burlwood with ebonized maple accents, brass hardware, lighted cabinet with 3/8-inch glass shelves with plate grooves. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are some minor chips in some of the shelves. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 20th Century. YES… Actually, you ARE seeing DOUBLE!! This is a phenomenal DOUBLE display cabinet, China cabinet, or bookcase by Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture!! This outstanding piece is part of the original Chin Hua collection designed by Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture in 1975. The entire collection was retired in 1998 after a 23-year successful run. So successful that Century Furniture reissued the collection in 2012. And it is no wonder they revived it. The Chin Hua Collection was one of Century’s most revered collections of all time. However, this gorgeous piece is not part of the new collection and is only available vintage. Playing with the Hollywood Regency and Chinoiseries style, Sobota designed this piece beautifully. It is comprised of 2 separate pieces as the top separates from the base, but it’s not designed to use the two pieces separately. However, it is nice for shipping and relocating purposes! The entire piece is all one depth, and the frame is comprised of white ash burlwood with ebonized maple accents and stunning brass hardware. The top of the cabinet is lighted and features four glass front doors with a black wood center divider inside between each cabinet and a total of six 3/8-inch glass shelves (three on each side) with plate grooves behind them. WOW!! The base has two sets of beautiful burlwood front double doors which feature gorgeous brass accent pulls and inside, a fixed wood partial shelf on each side. Talk about wonderful storage space!! Fill it with your favorite sculptures, books, plates, linens, or objects d’art! Whatever you choose to fill it with, this double display cabinet or bookcase is ready to make a bold statement in your living room, dining area, study, or any room that needs a bit of chinoiserie excellence. Raymond Karl Sobota (1914-2010) is an award-winning American furniture designer. He attended and obtained his degree in design from Kendall College of Art and Design in his native home of Grand Rapids, Michigan. After graduating in 1946 Sobota apprenticed with his namesake and uncle, a furniture designer as well, Karl Schmidt, who designed for Berkey and Gay Furniture...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Antique Golden Tortoise Bamboo and Woven Wicker Etagere Bookshelf
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique tortoise bamboo and Woven Wicker Etagere bookshelf. Bamboo rods and woven wicker shelves make this etagere shelving unique. This Boho c...
Category

19th Century American Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Plywood

English 19th Century Black and Gold Secretary Bookcase with Chinoiserie Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English black lacquer secretary bookcase from the 19th century, with glass doors, drop-front desk and gold Chinoiserie décor. Created in England during the 19th century, this secr...
Category

19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Wood

Red Japanned Bureau Bookcase
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a highly decorative and stylish Chinese red painted bureau bookcase decorated overall with gilt chinoiseries. The top section contains a broken arched pediment over two confo...
Category

20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Chinoiserie Japanned English Pagoda Bamboo Standing Corner Shelf or Etagere
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An antique English 3 tier corner etagere of burnt bamboo and black Japanned panels. Each shelf is fan-shaped and Japanned In black, with a red chinoiserie design of birds and flowers...
Category

20th Century Southeast Asian Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Unusual Baker Chinoiserie Modular Chest Bookcase Shelf Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Unusual Baker Chinoiserie style 2-piece modular bookcase chest. The top shelving unit sits on top of a Tansu-style 4 drawer chest. We love the blackened iron hardware along with th...
Category

1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Iron

Davis Cabinet Co Teakwood Chinoiserie Library Bookcase Cabinet Shelf Commode
Located in Dayton, OH
"Vintage Davis Cabinet Company bookcase commode. Made of teakwood featuring asian styling with upper book shelves and lower cabinet. Circa late 20th century, Nashville Tennessee. #1515 These words of our venerable leader introduce this short history of our firm which began in 1929. There are certainly older furniture companies ---- and obviously younger ones, but quite likely, none with a more romantic history or a more Horatio Alger-like history than ours. Davis Cabinet Company began as the dream of one man, Lipscomb ""Lip"" Davis, and as is the case with most dreams, this one ---- the impractical idea of building fine furniture from solid wood ---- was thought to be an impossibility. Wood, like steel and iron and most other substances, expands and contracts with climate changes. Furniture built of solid wood must of necessity rack itself to pieces through the inexorable changes of expansion and contraction. Lipscomb Davis thought otherwise. His personal philosophy might be expressed as ""Anything can be accomplished if it is done correctly"", and to this end he had already conceived and engineered a startling new concept of free floating construction that would allow the solid wood case construction to move at will . . . . naturally . . . and thereby avoid the stresses of climatic change. The opportunity to test the idea came dramatically in 1929 ---- but we're getting a bit ahead of our story. While Davis Cabinet Company was formed in 1929, it really had its beginnings around the turn of the century as a sawmill located near Fifth Street on the banks of the Cumberland River. The mill produced lumber from logs rafted down the river from neighboring forests. A ready market existed for most of the high grade lumber turned out by the mill. But, in order to utilize their entire production, the enterprising mill owners formed a subsidiary business, Standard Furniture Company. Here, they manufactured primarily veneered bedroom suites and sewing machine cabinets...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Italian Painted and Giltwood Chinoiserie Cabinet
Located in Houston, TX
Italian painted and giltwood chinoiserie cabinet. Stunning versatile Italian painted and giltwood chinoiserie 2-door cabinet, bookcase, bar or cu...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wood

19th Century English Black Lacquered Bookcase with Raised Chinoiserie
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful decorative 19th century black lacquered bookcase with raised Chinoiserie design. Features interesting Asian designs. A true work of art!
Category

19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wood

English 1870s Chinoiserie Waterfall Bookcase with Soft Yellow Painted Finish
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English painted Chinoiserie waterfall bookcase from the late 19th century. Attracting our eyes with its soft yellow painted color adorne...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Chinoiserie Style Faux Bamboo Gilt Iron Bookshelf Étagère
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Elaborate faux bamboo gilt iron fretwork étagère having heavy gold finish, glamorous chinoiserie style and super heavy .5" thick glass shelves. Wonderful deep detail in bamoo design....
Category

1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Mahogany Book Rack
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Presenting a fabulous and rare early 20th century American Nouveau book/ magazine trough/ console. Made of mahogany with a lacquer finish.. It is based upon the earlier concept of a ‘Canterbury’ from the English Regency Era...
Category

1910s Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Related Items
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Smoked Glass Étagère Bookcase Shelf Baughman Style
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern chrome and smoked glass étagère bookcase shelf. Item features sleek chrome metal frame, five smoked glass shelves, clean modernist lines, circa 1970s. Meas...
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1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

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Drexel Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Pagoda Top Armoire Wardrobe Cabinet
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning and breathtaking black lacquered chinoiserie style armoire that features a gold pagoda with faux bamboo accent detail all around. It alos features hand painted landscape sc...
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1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

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George III Style Breakfront Bookcase
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine quality Georgian style breakfront bookcase in the manner of Thomas Chippendale, the swan neck pediment with pierced foliat...
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1920s English Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

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Mahogany, Oak

Rare Kim Moltzer French Lacquer and Brass Shelves, 1970s
Located in Paris, IDF
Functional and stylish, this shelving unit or bookcase has a brilliant brass structure, blue smoked glass shelves, and black lacquer cabinets. Designed by Kim Moltzer in the 1970s th...
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1970s French Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

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Brass

Pair of Mid-Century Chrome, Brass and Glass Etagere Bookshelves
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF MID-CENTURY CHROME, BRASS AND GLASS ETAGERE BOOKSHELVES In the manner of Maison Jansen, circa mid 20th century Item # 904SAN13A A nice mod...
Category

20th Century Chinoiserie Bookcases

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Mahogany Breakfront Library Bookcase
Located in Cheshire, GB
Figured mahogany library bookcase. The molded cornice above four glazed doors open to reveal an adjustable shelved interior. To the base fitted with four paneled doors...
Category

Early 20th Century British Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Mahogany Breakfront Library Bookcase
Mahogany Breakfront Library Bookcase
H 90.5 in W 70.5 in D 18 in
Regency Etagere
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome mahogany four shelved Regency etagere, square with single drawer beneath, on brass casters, smooth and carved stretchers connecting each level...
Category

19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

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Mahogany

Regency Etagere
Regency Etagere
H 59.5 in W 21.5 in D 21.5 in
Burnt Tortoiseshell Bamboo Etagere Bookshelf, Early 20th Century
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Elegant burnt bamboo bookshelf.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Bamboo

Mid-Century Milo Baughman Style Round Glass & Chrome Etagere
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and versatile pair of Mid-Century chrome and glass half circle shelving units. In the style Milo Baughman Etagere these independent units can be situated together creating a ...
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

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Chrome

Kipp Stewart & Stewart McDougall For Drexel Walnut Bookcase, Classic Modernist
Located in Buffalo, NY
Walnut Bookcase by Kipp Stewart For Drexel Furniture. " Wishbone " Legs... Classic Mid Centutu Modern design,, Nice original condition,, Wonderful richly grained walnut,, minor venee...
Category

1950s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Pair Of 1970s Metal Faux Bamboo Etageres
Located in Tarrytown, NY
A pair of 1970s metal faux bamboo etageres with glass shelves. All the shelves have chips in the glass, they need to be replaced.
Category

1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Steel

Vintage Modern Stainless Steel and Glass Bookshelf Etagere
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Italian étagère features a solid construction of brushed stainless steel with five glass shelves for display. Striking modern bookshelf for home or shop storage and display. Ple...
Category

20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Stainless Steel

Previously Available Items
Chinoiserie Style Faux Bamboo Gilt Iron Bookshelf Étagère
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Elaborate faux bamboo gilt iron fretwork étagère having heavy gold finish, glamorous chinoiserie style and super heavy .5" thick glass shelves. Wonderful deep detail in bamoo design....
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1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

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Iron

Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Mahogany Book Rack
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Presenting a fabulous and rare early 20th century American Nouveau book/ magazine trough/ console. Made of mahogany with a lacquer finish.. It is based upon the earlier concept of a ‘Canterbury’ from the English Regency Era...
Category

1910s Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

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Wood

DIXIE Aloha Faux Bamboo Asian Chinoiserie Hand Painted Bookcase with Cabinet
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Asian chinoiserie style bookcase hutch with cabinet chest by Dixie Furniture, from their Aloha Collection. Faux bamboo wood with hand painted chinoiserie scene on the doors & top,...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Bookcases

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Brass

19th Century Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Outstanding quality with an unusual blue hue including a blue leather writing surface.
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19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Metal

L & JG Stickley Chinoiserie Etagere Bookcase Console Having Brass Gallery
Located in Southampton, NJ
A beautiful multifunctional J & G Stickley Etagere, Bookcase or Console Table having carved Chinoiserie details throughout with brass gallery. Features 4 doors with 12” high shelf st...
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21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture Chinoiserie Dutch Baroque Breakfront Bookcase or China Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Dutch Baroque Chinoiserie style breakfront bookcase or dining cabinet By Baker Furniture USA, Late 20th Century Black lacquer, with Asian scenes painted in gold r...
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Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Bookcases

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Burl, Lacquer, Glass

Georgian Style Chinoiserie Decorated Secretary Bookcase by Baker
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome English Georgian style secretaire bookcase cabinet made by Baker Furniture. The two-part secretary features a dark green lacquered case embellished with parcel gilt Chinoiserie reserves. The top portion is fronted by two large arched doors opening to a four-shelf storage area. The doors are surmounted by a conforming cornice top with mounts for finials. The slant front desk opens...
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20th Century American Chinoiserie Bookcases

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Brass

Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Étagères with Hand Painted Gold and Floral Details
Located in Morristown, NJ
A pair of late 20th C. four-shelf black lacquered Chinoiserie étagères with hand painted gold with red floral detail and brass finials. The decoration is mirrored front and back and ...
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Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

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Brass

Georgian Style Chinoiserie Decorated Secretary Bookcase by Sarreid
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous secretaire bookcase by Sarreid Ltd. featuring a Georgian style Japanned case decorated in the chinoiserie revival taste. The two-part bookcase is fronted by two large doors inset with antiqued, beveled glass opening to reveal a shelved storage area. The case has a domed top with a cornice flanked by decorative finials on each side. The lower dresser features a slant front or fall front writing table measuring 37 inches wide by 14 inches deep. The inside is fitted with stepped storage...
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20th Century American Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Wood

Vintage Drexel Et Cetera Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Pagoda Curio Display Cabinet
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Drexel Et Cetera illuminating oriental pagoda form curio display cabinet, circa 1980s. Features black lacquer finish with gold, floral and geo...
Category

1980s Vintage Chinoiserie Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Hardwood, Lacquer

Important Antique Victorian Chinese Chinoiserie Revolving Bookcase Side Table
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare, Victorian circa 1880 Chinese Chinoiserie revolving bookcase table. An exceptionally well made and highly decorative library book table...
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1880s Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Bookcases

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Wood

Antique English Burnt Bamboo Chinoiserie Wood Painted Bookshelf or Bookcase
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A grand millennial's dream come true! This early Victorian English burnt bamboo bookshelf will be the chicest way to add extra storage to any space. W...
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20th Century English Chinoiserie Bookcases

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Bamboo, Wood, Paint

Chinoiserie bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinoiserie bookcases for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage bookcases created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinoiserie bookcases made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original bookcases, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Baker Far East Collection, Century Furniture, and Davis Cabinet Company. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for bookcases differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $900 and tops out at $16,500 while the average work can sell for $4,600.

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