Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
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.
Mid-20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Pine
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Leather, Bamboo, Wood, Maple
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Bamboo, Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
19th Century Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Mahogany, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Danish Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Rosewood
19th Century British Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Enamel
18th Century American Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Maple
Mid-19th Century Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Bronze
19th Century American Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Walnut, Burl
Late 20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Burl
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Walnut
1890s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Satinwood
Mid-20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
1770s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Brass
Late 18th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Mahogany
1820s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Mahogany
19th Century Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Glass, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Mahogany, Burl
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Glass, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Glass, Wood
Early 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Glass, Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Faux Bamboo
1760s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Mahogany
Late 19th Century European Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Early 20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Wood