Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
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.
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Rattan, Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass, Metal
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Bamboo, Rattan, Mirror
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Faux Bamboo, Wicker, Wood
1850s British Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Thai Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
20th Century Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
1960s French Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1950s Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Mid-19th Century Asian Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Paint
1890s Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Glass, Wood
20th Century American Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze, Gold Leaf
1980s Asian Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Hardwood
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Cane, Rattan, Wood
19th Century Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Chrome
Mid-20th Century English Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Teak
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Glass, Mirror, Mahogany
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1940s French Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
20th Century British Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Hardwood
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1880s French Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
18th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Faux Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer
Early 1900s British Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Wood
Early 2000s American Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Faux Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Fabric, Bamboo, Wood
1980s American Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Gold Leaf, Metal
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Cherry, Pine, Mirror, Oak
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass