Skip to main content

Chinoiserie Cabinets

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.

2
to
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
2
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
2
2
Style: Chinoiserie
Creator: Century Furniture
CENTURY Chin Hua by Raymond Sobota Asian Chinoiserie Dual China Display Cabinet
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Asian style dual china display cabinet by high-quality furniture maker Century Furniture, from their "Chin Hua" line designed by Raymond K Sobota. Maple hardwood with burl maple veneers, black lacquer and brass hardware. Dual lighted upper cabinets with three adjustable plate grooved glass shelves in each (6), dual beveled glass pane doors...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

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 Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Related Items
James Mont Asian Modern Style Burl & Brass Vitrines / Display Cabinets - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are a good looking pair of James Mont Asian modern style burl and brass vitrines or display cabinets. They were manufactured by Century. The cabinets of a lit interior and four...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Pair Monumental English Ebonised Bookcase / Display Cabinets
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa 1915 Pair Monumental English Ebonised Bookcase / Display Cabinets Provenance: Huge original shop fittings from the former Co-operative Society building, Swadlincote, Derbyshire...
Category

20th Century Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Pine

Henredon Chin Hua Server Buffet
Located in Pasadena, TX
41" to 80" Henredon Chin Hua Buffet Server Cabinet in flame mahogany veneer with decorative Asian inspired brass hardware. Double door cabinet wit...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Henredon Chin Hua Server Buffet
Henredon Chin Hua Server Buffet
H 30 in W 41 in D 18 in
Asian Gold Hand Painted Open Curio Display Cabinet
Located in Jupiter, FL
This is a beautiful curio cabinet. I have been using this as a display unit in my Consignment Gallery. What I love about it is it open on all sides so you could see feel and touch th...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Jade, Metal

1986 Raymond K Sabota for Century Furniture Chin Hua Double Dresser
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Raymond K Sabota Chin Hua double dresser by Century Furniture. Classic two tone black lacquer and Burlwood with gorgeous Chin Hua brass hardware. On legs. 7 drawers. DOB April 1986 One owner Will come with copies of original 1986 Century Furniture catalog and receipts. Also have the queen bedroom...
Category

1980s American Vintage Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

1970s Vintage Century Furniture Chin Hua by Raymond K Sobota Dual China Display
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Born in 1970 in North Carolina. Dual China display cabinet/ sideboard/ credenza by Century Furniture. The Chin Hua line by Raymond K Sabota. Maple hardwood with burl maple veneers, b...
Category

1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Chin Hua Dresser Credenza by Century Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Century Chin Hua Dresser Credenza Sideboard buffet or dresser manufactured by Century Furniture as part of the Chin Hua collection from the 1970s. E...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Asian Chinoiserie 3-Drawer Decorated Cabinet, circa 1970s
Located in Germantown, MD
Scarlet paint with chinoiserie paint decoration. Three drawers Very good condition. Measures: 34 25"W. x17.25"w. x 29.5"H W5.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Large Bookcase / Display Cabinet iin Oak, circa 1925
Located in Lüdinghausen, DE
Large bookcase restored Art Deco circa 1925 oak display cabinet Features: Solid oak shelves, height adjustable Original fittings Original rod locks Subtle, abstract carving ap...
Category

20th Century Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Chin Hua Display Cabinet by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Chin Hua display cabinet by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture Raymond K. Sobota started designing for Century Furniture in ...
Category

Late 20th Century European Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Burl

1970s Raymond Sabota Chin Hua Gentleman's Dresser
Located in Waxahachie, TX
1970s Burlwood and lacquer Classic chinoiserie Raymond K Sabota Chin Hua for Century Furniture Genuine Century two-tone chinoiserie armoire/ gentlemans dresser...
Category

1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Grand 19th Century English Two-Piece Mahogany Stepback Bookcase or China Cabinet
Located in Milford, NH
A beautiful large English two-piece mahogany step back bookcase, its upper case with a molded cornice over two glass doors, each with ten glazed glass panes, the top two panes arched...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Previously Available Items
CENTURY Chin Hua by Raymond Sobota Asian Chinoiserie Dual China Cabinet
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Asian style dual china display cabinet by high-quality furniture maker Century Furniture, from their "Chin Hua" line designed by Raymond K Sobota. Maple hardwood with burl maple v...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Asian Chin Hua Raymond Sobota Century Furniture Server
Located in Miami, FL
Asian Chin Hua Raymond Sobota century furniture server Offered for sale is an Asian style server by the high-quality furniture maker Century, from th...
Category

1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Cabinets

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 Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Century Chin Hua by Raymond Sobota Asian China Display Cabinet, circa 1980s
Located in Savannah, GA
Century Chin Hu.a by Raymond Sobota Asian China Display cabinet, Circa 1980s.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Burl

CENTURY Chin Hua by Raymond Sobota Asian Dual China Display Cabinet
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Asian style dual china display cabinet by high-quality furniture maker Century, from their "Chin Hua" line designed by Raymond K Sobota. Maple hardwood with burl maple veneers, bl...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

CENTURY Chin Hua Raymond Sobota Asian Chinoiserie Monumental Bar Cabinet
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Asian style, monumentally sized, bar cabinet by top-quality furniture maker Century Furniture, from their "Chin Hua" line designed by Raymond K Sobota. Burl maple with black lacqu...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Metal, Brass

CENTURY Chin Hua Raymond Sobota Asian Chinoiserie Bar Cabinet
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Asian style bar cabinet by top-quality furniture maker Century Furniture, from their "Chin Hua" line designed by Raymond K Sobota. Burl maple with black lacquer trim and brass har...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Special Listing for Pamela Century Chin Hua Dining Table & China Display Cabinet
Located in Topeka, KS
TABLE Fabulous Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie dining table designed by Raymond K. Sobota for his Chin Hua Collection for Century Furniture. Comprised of an ebonized dark brown frame w...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Wood

Century Chin Hua Burl Wood China Display Cabinet Chinoiserie Oriental Curio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Century Chin Hua burl wood China display cabinet chinoiserie oriental curio 2 cabinets currently available. Item features solid wood construction, beaut...
Category

20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Wood

White Lacquered Asian Chinoiserie Lighted Cabinet by Century
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Large china cabinet by Century Furniture features new high gloss white lacquer finish, Dorothy Draper Brazilliance wallpaper detailing, and beveled glass doors. Lower cabinet sits on...
Category

1980s Vintage Chinoiserie Cabinets

Asian Chinoiserie Lighted Cabinet by Century
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Large vintage china cabinet adorned with brass hardware and beveled glass doors. Lower cabinet sits on Ming styled legs and houses three dr...
Category

1980s Vintage Chinoiserie Cabinets

Chin Hua Collection China Display Cabinet or Book Case by Century Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous china cabinet, display cabinet or bookcase from the Chin Hua collection by Century Furniture, circa 1970. This great cabinet is lighted an...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Chinoiserie cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinoiserie cabinets for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage cabinets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, asian art and furniture, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinoiserie cabinets made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original cabinets, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Century Furniture, Henredon, and Jasper Furniture 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 cabinets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $695 and tops out at $105,293 while the average work can sell for $3,850.

Recently Viewed

View All