Chinese Chippendale Furniture
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.
Early 20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Giltwood
1770s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Suede, Mahogany
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool, Cotton
1960s Italian Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Giltwood
Mid-19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Glass, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bone
18th Century Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool, Cotton
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool, Cotton
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool, Cotton
Early 1900s Asian Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool, Cotton
20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Wood
20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Hardwood
20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century French Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Glass
1960s Italian Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Giltwood
Mid-19th Century Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
2010s Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Ceramic
Late 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Cotton, Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Mahogany
20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Glass, Giltwood
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
1750s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Fabric, Faux Bamboo, Wood, Rattan
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Metal, Brass
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Glass
1920s English Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Pine
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
18th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Velvet, Bamboo, Paint
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo, Wood
1820s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Upholstery, Hardwood
20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany, Burl
Early 1900s Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Mahogany
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass
20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wicker, Lacquer
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Naugahyde, Faux Bamboo, Wood
1970s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany, Glass
1870s British Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
1940s French Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wicker, Cane, Rattan
1950s English Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Walnut
Early 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Mahogany
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass