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.
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Hardwood
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Upholstery, Rattan
1910s Chinese Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool, Cotton
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Iron
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
Early 20th Century East Turkestani Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool
1960s Spanish Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Rosewood
1960s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Mahogany
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Lacquer
1960s British Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Metal
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Wood
20th Century Unknown Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool
20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass
Late 18th Century European Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary English Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
1970s North American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Aluminum
18th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Oak, Pine
2010s Mexican Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Ceramic
1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
Early 20th Century Mongolian Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool
Mid-20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
1960s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Walnut
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Faux Bamboo, Cane, Reed, Wood
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Marble
1760s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo
Early 20th Century British Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
1960s Unknown Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass, Pewter
2010s American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Gesso, Mirror
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Giltwood
1890s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
1960s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
19th Century American Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Cherry, Mahogany
1970s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Glass, Lacquer
1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
1980s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Steel
1870s British Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bone
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Glass
20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
1950s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Fabric, Cane, Wood