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.
Set of 12 Original Antique Botanical Prints After Sowerby. English 18th Century
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful set of 12 botanical prints. Hand coloured copper-plate engravings After drawings by J.Sowerby Published by W.Curtis 1793 Unframed. The measurement given is for one pri...
Paper
3 Chinoiserie Gold Silver Metallic Tropical Bird Crane Leaf Vine Hanging Panels
Located in Dayton, OH
Three vintage gold and silver metallic painted hanging panels featuring a tropical bird / Crane / Stork theme with vines. Dimensions: 21" x 1" x 62.75" (W x D x H)
Hardwood, Paint
Petite Victorian Style Chinoiserie Bookcases W/ Hand Painted Bird Doors -Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of diminutive Victorian style hand painted bookcases. They are painted in a distressed butter yellow. The door fronts open to open space, and I do have one key. They h...
Brass
Pair of Vintage Ralph Lauren Blue .& White Foo Dog Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Ralph Lauren blue and white foo dog lamps by Visual Comfort. A very classic pair with giltwood base and cap. Hand painted Foo Dogs or guardian lions amidst scrollwork and clo...
Porcelain
Vintage Venetian Chinoiserie Wall Mirror, Italy 1950s, Black and Gold Painted
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Amazing wall decorative mirror. Made in Italy in the 1950s. Wooden frame painted black and gold colors. The classic shape of Venetian mirrors. Very good vintage condition. Dimens...
Wood
2 Antique Cantonese Tiger Claw Armored Metal Combat Spiked Gloves Chinoiserie
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique pair of chinese Tiger Claw or Hawk Combat Gloves. Features a metal articulated frame with spiked wrist plates. Figers connected via chain. Dimensions: 9" x 5" x 2.5" (Widt...
Metal
Chinese Hand Painted Silk 4 Panel Folding Screen Scholars Landscape Bógǔ tú 59"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 20th Century Chinese Hand Painted Silk Folding Screen. Titled Bógǔ tú which translates to pictures of antiquities. The screen depicts a gathering of scholars by the water. Ant...
Silk, Hardwood, Paint
La Barge Brass Framed Black Reverse Painted Mirror
By La Barge
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional reverse hand painted black paneled framed mirror with gilt accents depicting herons in flight and cherry blossom foliage. La Barge, 1980s.
Brass
Delft - Blue and White Plaque with polychrome frame, mid 18th century
By Delft
Located in DELFT, NL
Delft blue and white wall plaque with integral polychrome self-frame, mid-18th century. The central decoration depicts an Oriental landscape with blossoming peonies, painted in coba...
Earthenware, Delft, Faience
Black Lacquer Side Table with Gilt Motif
Located in Greenwich, CT
Black Lacquer Side Table with Gilt Motif
Lacquer
Antique Chinoiserie Black & Gold Tall Chest of Drawers
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Chinoiserie Black & Gold Tall Chest of Drawers.
Wood
Vintage Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Carlton House Neoclassical Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th Century Carlton House Writing Desk. Features a chinoiserie lacquered exterior with a bow shaped form featuring a sloped front, eleven drawers and compartments. The desk is...
Hardwood, Lacquer, Paint
Vintage Chinese Black Lacquer 4 Panel Hand Painted Folding Screen Room Divider
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Four Panel Folding Screen / Room Divider. Features a black lacquer frame with a painted landscape showcasing a mountainous backdrop with flowers and bi...
Hardwood, Lacquer
Gracie Style 8 Panel Chinoiserie Painted Wallpaper Screen 12 Ft
By Gracie
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A monumental and decorative eight-panel Chinoiserie folding wallpaper screen attributed to Gracie. The grand screen features a beautifully hand-painted chinoiserie garden scene execu...
Wood, Paper
Maitland Smith Japanese Meiji Style Red Lacquered Bamboo Motif Coffee Table 48"
Located in Dayton, OH
An exquisite Japanese Meiji inspired Cocktail Table or Storage Chest by Maitland Smith, circa 1980s. Features a red-orange lacquered case designed with a golden painted bamboo shoot...
Hardwood, Lacquer, Paint
4 Liu Kuiling Beasts Hanging Scrolls Cats Monkeys Rabbits Squirrels 38"
Located in Dayton, OH
Four vintage Chinese hanging scroll prints after Liu Kuiling, circa 1979. Titled the Four Beasts paintings collection and includes: Rabbits in a Bamboo garden; Squirrels in a gnarle...
Paper
2 Rare Chinese Marble Foo Dog Guardian Fu Lion Temple Garden Statues 41"
Located in Dayton, OH
Two monumental antique Chinese Foo Dogs, circa mid 20th century. Made of white marble featuring meticulously carved detail. Each Guardian is set over a large plinth base with invert...
Marble
1970s Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Ginger Jar Table Lamps by Westwood - Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of vintage Chinoiserie ginger jar table lamps By Westwood Lamps USA, Circa 1970s Porcelain bases, with painted traditional Chinese buildings and willow trees, insp...
Brass
Antique Victorian Mother of Pearl Lace Folding Fan Shadow Box Display 28"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian Mother of Pearl floral lace folding hand fan in shadow box display. Dimensions: 28" x 2" x 20" (Width x Depth x Height)
Mother-of-Pearl
Chinese Coromandel Black Lacquer 8 Panel Folding Screen Room Divider 128"
Located in Dayton, OH
Impressive mid 20th century Chinese coromandel lacquered eight panel folding screen featuring a grand Palace / Courtyard scene. In this scene, the Emperor sits central, flanked by Ge...
Hardwood, Lacquer
1920s Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug Floral & Bird Motif in Taupe & Amethyst
Located in Norwalk, CT
This stunning Antique Chinese Art Deco rug is a masterclass in the "Nichols" style of the early 20th century. Set against a sophisticated, variegated taupe-mauve field, the rug featu...
Wool
18th C Style Burton-Ching Charles II Black Chinoiserie Regency Mirror
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
18th C Style Burton-Ching Charles II Black Chinoiserie Regency Mirror
Mirror
Italian Venetian Pink Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Cabinet
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Italian Venetian Pink Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Cabinet. It is beautifully hand painted with yellow inside and pink outside. It comes apart in two p...
Wood
Art Deco Chinese Wool Rug in Rich Ruby Crimson & Ochre with Floral Prunus Motif
Located in Norwalk, CT
A striking example of early 20th-century textile art, this antique Chinese Art Deco rug features a vibrant, deep ruby crimson field framed by a contrasting camel-ochre border. Hand-k...
Wool
Vintage Tansu Style Chinoiserie Lowboy Credenza Buffet Dresser Sideboard Cabinet
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th Century Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Sideboard. Features Korean Tansu inspired styling with applied brass detail. The case is finished in black lacquer with colorful orienta...
Brass
Vintage Chinese Black Lacquer Dimunitive Small Side Table Cabinet Chinoiserie
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th Century Chinese Cabinet. Features black trimmed in gold with a geisha scene along the front. The cabinet opens to one shelf for accessory storage. Dimensions: 24" x 14" ...
Hardwood, Lacquer
1980s Wildwood Chinoiserie Butterflies Leaves Ivy Table Lamp 31"
Located in Dayton, OH
Circa 1980's Wildwood table lamp - Chinoiserie style white porcelain vase shaped body, hand painted with leaves, branches and butterflies, brass ac...
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Export Canton Blue Willow Gilt Plate Platter Tray 8"
Located in Dayton, OH
Small late 19th century Chinese Export porcelain platter / plate - rectangular in shape with rounded corners and gilt detail at the edge, decorated with a Blue Willow style lands and...
Porcelain
Blue and White Porcelain Chinoiserie Chinese Garden Stool or Side Table
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic blue and white porcelain garden stool, decorated with traditional Chinese motifs and stylized floral elements. The round form is punctuated by pierced medallions, giving th...
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Figural Black Lacquer Soapstone MOP Folding Screen Room Divider
Located in Dayton, OH
An Exquisite Mid 20th Century Chinoiserie Six Panel Folding Screen. Features a black lacquer frame decorated with a traditional oriental garden scene with raised soapstone figures a...
Soapstone, Brass
Dennis & Leen Chinoiserie Iron Gilt Tray Cocktail Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant gilded iron and lacquered tray cocktail or coffee table by designed by Dennis & Leen, Los Angeles, California. The Dennis and Leen "Shaped Chinoiserie Tray Table" (Mod...
Iron
Henry Link Chinoiserie King Size Headboard
By Henry Link
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Chinoiserie king size headboard attributed to Henry Link Furniture. Central panels with burlwood veneers are hand-painted with Asian river scenes in gold with white and black detai...
Wood
Decorative Hand-Painted Pagoda Style Chinoiserie Shelf
Located in Bruton, GB
A charming Chinosierie style pagoda topped shelf featuring a hand-painted deep green finish with gilt accents and delicate floral decoration throughout. Inspired by Chinoiserie and A...
Hardwood, Giltwood
Mid Century Chinese Famille Rose Floral & Fauna Polychrome Garden Stool Seat 18"
Located in Dayton, OH
An exceptional mid 20th century Chinese Famille Rose porcelain garden stool. Features a charming floral and fauna design over white porcelain with colorful detail. The seat showca...
Porcelain
Vintage Chinoiserie Blue and White Porcelain Umbrella Stand
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic blue and white porcelain umbrella stand in the chinoiserie tradition, featuring Asian floral designs. The crisp cobalt decoration is framed by intricate border work, giving...
Ceramic
18th Century Venetian Rococo Chinoiserie Yellow Polychrome Paint Dressing Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most charming authentic antique Venetian Chinoiserie decorated poudreuse (dressing table) with beautifully aged original patina! Venice, Italy, 18th century A wonderful...
Gesso, Mercury Glass, Wood, Oak, Pine, Paint
Dutch Delft Hand-Painted Ceramic Table Lamp, Makkum Polychrome, New Velvet Shade
By Amitābha Studio, Royal Tichelaar Makkum
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
One-of-a-kind Dutch Delft hand-painted Chinoiserie ceramic table lamp by Royal Tichelaar Makkum, paired with a new olive green velvet shade trimmed in Houlès passementerie and a matc...
Brass
1980s Chinoiserie Pagoda Form Gilded And Black Lacquer Floor Lamp
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fun 1980s chinoiserie floor lamp. It is in working order. The gilded top is removable for bulb changing. It is in very good condition.
Wood
Chinese Red & Black Lacquer Figural Soapstone Dry Bar Cabinet Chinoiserie
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 20th Century Chinese Red and Black Lacquer Soapstone Inlaid Dry Bar, circa 1960s. Features a demilune form with flip top opening to a mirrored area for glassware and bottles as ...
Soapstone
Antique Calligrapher's Pen Box, Lacquered, Quill Case, Chinoiserie, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique calligrapher's pen box. An Oriental, lacquered papier-mâché quill case in Chinoiserie taste, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Fascinating pen case...
Lacquer
$1,650 / set
Pair Of Vintage Chinoiserie Style Hall Chairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of Chinoiserie-style black lacquered and gilt-decorated chairs featuring intricate hand-painted motifs and a distinctive shield-shaped or "spoonback" silhouette. The back with...
Wood
Small cloisonné tray with two boxes. Opium set. China, 19th century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Small cloisonné opium set comprising a tray and two boxes, China, 19th century. A delicate cloisonné enamel set consisting of a rectangular tray with soften...
Brass, Enamel
Important Maison Gripoix Floral Arrangement, Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Riverdale, NY
Important Gripoix Floral Arrangement, from the former YSL Showroom on West 57th St in New York City. One of an important trio that were used for decoration within the Lalanne designed iron showcases...
Silver Plate, Bronze
Antique 19th Century Hand-Painted Lobed Paper Mache Dish Fruit Motif Wabi Sabi
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Charming antique 19th-century papier-mâché dish featuring a beautifully scalloped, lobed form and richly hand-painted decoration. The warm ochre-orange ground is adorned with a repea...
Lacquer, Paper
Hand-Knotted Modern Chinese Botanical Wool Area Rug - Slate Grey & Marigold
Located in Norwalk, CT
Elevate your space with this hand-knotted wool rug, blending classical Chinese aesthetics with contemporary design. Its slate grey field features subtle color variations, serving as ...
Wool
$6,000 / set
Pair of Chinese Oxblood Rouleau Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese Porcelain Oxblood Lamps 17th Century on contemporary turned bases. Qing Dynasty. 7.5″ diam x 28″h
Porcelain
Antique Blue and White Dutch Delft Vase Table Lamp, French Wired, circa 1730
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A C R O T E R I O N is pleased to offer this beautiful circa 1730 blue and white Dutch Delft vase having hand-painted baroque chinoiserie floral and foliate landscape panel designs a...
Brass
$2,450Sale Price / set|30% Off
Drexel Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Klismos Regency Style Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Drexel
Located in Germantown, MD
Set of Six Drexel Furniture Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Klismos Regency Style Dining Chairs. Four side chairs and two scroll arm captain chairs Measure 19.5" in width, 21" in depth...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Lacquer
George II Style Black & Gold Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
George II Style Black & Gold Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase.
Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer
Blue and White Porcelain Chinoiserie Chinese Garden Stool or Side Table
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic blue and white porcelain garden stool, decorated with traditional Chinese motifs and stylized floral elements. The round form is punctuated by pierced medallions, giving th...
Porcelain
Chinoiserie Large Blue and White Porcelain Covered Jars, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic pair of blue and white ginger jars, decorated throughout with delicate Chinese landscapes and floral motifs. The pattern is dense yet balanced, wrapping the form in movemen...
Ceramic
Japanese Elm Tansu Step Cabinet Chest Cupboard Double Sided Fretwork 90"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Meiji style Tansu step chest, etagere or storage cabinet. Made from beautiful elm with traditional staircase form. The cabinet is double side...
Brass
Chinese Chinoiserie Wooden Oval Footed Rope Banded Wash Tub Laundry Basin 20"
Located in Dayton, OH
Chinese Chinoiserie wooden laundry tub/wash basin/planter - oval shape with slatted barrel-like sides, supported on four gently curved legs/feet, and banded with three rows of rope t...
Wood
Chinese Export Four Panel Red Lacquered Chinoiserie Gilt Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A highly decorative four-panel red lacquer folding Chinese Export Coromandel screen, richly decorated with a continuous flora and fauna Chinoiserie garden scene. The front features a...
Brass
Dragon Motif Fountain Pen, Gold Overlay on Black, Acura, Mint in Box Circa 1990
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Acura Dragon Motif Fountain Pen, Gold Overlay on Black, Mint in Box, Late 20th Century A bold and highly decorative vintage fountain pen by Acura, featuring an elaborate high-relief ...
Resin
$248Sale Price|62% Off
Georgian Spode Dinner Plate A Ironstone Chinoiserie Pattern No.2283, circa 1820
By Josiah Spode
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very beautiful hand painted dinner plate, produced by the Spode factory in the late Georgian period, Circa 1820. This is pattern number 2283, the chinoiserie decoration ...
Ironstone
14 Lacquered Paper Mache Trinket Boxes Russian Kashmir Indian Burmese Thailand
Located in Dayton, OH
Collection of 14 vintage hand-painted, lacquered paper mache lacquerware trinket / keepsake / cigarette / storage boxes, from the Russian, Kashmir, Indian, Burmese, and Thailand regi...
Lacquer
$1,930Sale Price|35% Off
Antique Chinoiserie Style Bamboo Rattan Card Table (circa 1910)
Located in London, GB
Antique Chinoiserie style bamboo and rattan card / mahjong table featuring beautifully hand-painted Asian herons or egrets (circa 1910). "Bamboo goes in and out of style, but it has ...
Bamboo
Pair Sunset Cosco Large Ceramic Baluster Urn Table Lamps, 1960s-1970s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Pair of vintage designer art ceramic or pottery lamps feature large elongated urn or baluster shaped bodies, decorated in stunning monochromatic glossy glaze with bright gold accent...
Gold Plate
Large Chinese Glazed Terracotta Planter Decorated with Dragons
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This important chinese jardiniere or planter is made of polychrome glazed terracotta, decorated with dragons. This is aa Chinese work. Circa 1900
Terracotta
The former First Lady kept the Victorian antique, with an elegant chinoiserie design, for the rest of her life.
Taking us on a whirlwind tour of spaces that use charming prints with aplomb, the interiors expert makes a compelling case for ditching staid solids when tackling your next decorating project.