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.
Hollywood Regency. Chinoiserie hand-painted ceramic table lamps, Spain, 1970s
By Capo Di Monte, Cerámicas BONDIA, Paolo Traversi, Bassano, Hispania CH
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Compatible with US/EU standards. LED compatible. Lampshades included. Hollywood Regency ceramic table lamps in a very cozy Chinoiserie style, Spain, 1970s. Each piece is composed of...
Metal, Chrome
2 Chinese Green Sancai Glazed Porcelain Foo Dog Guardian Lion Statues 12"
Located in Dayton, OH
Two vintage Chinese famille verte green and gold Sancai glazed porcelain foo dogs / guardian lion sculptures / statues / figurines. Purchased at Stones Throw Antiques, Lenox Massach...
Porcelain
Antique Early 19th Century Coalport Thumb & Finger Imari Plate 9.5"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique early 19th century Coalport John Rose porcelain display plate (circa 1803–1810) featuring the iconic Thumb and Finger Imari pattern with gilt-latticed cobalt cloud motifs and...
Porcelain
Chinoiserie Large Blue and White Porcelain Covered Jar
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic blue and white ginger jar, decorated throughout with delicate Chinese landscapes and floral motifs. The pattern is dense yet balanced, wrapping the form in movement while m...
Ceramic
Michael Taylor Kempner Bed, Hand-Crafted Wood, Chinoiserie Style, USA King Size
Located in San Francisco, CA
This is a King Size MIchael Taylor Design, Kempner Bed, formerly designed by Syrie Maugham and re-intoduced by Michael Taylor in the mid 1950's. The bed offered, is finished in a bla...
Wood, Giltwood
Large Blue and White Chinoiserie Porcelain Ginger Jar
Located in Elkhart, IN
A large blue and white porcelain ginger jar decorated with continuous Chinoiserie landscapes of pagodas, garden pavilions, trees, distant hills, and small boats. The cobalt decoratio...
Porcelain
Antique Art Deco Chinese Wool Rug with Indigo Field and Lotus Medallions 9x11
Located in Norwalk, CT
Elevate your interior with this breathtaking 1920s Antique Chinese Art Deco wool rug, featuring a rich, midnight indigo blue field accented by traditional lotus medallions, floral sp...
Wool
Meissen Blue Onion Porcelain Soup Bowls, Set of Two, Germany, Early 20th Century
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A beautiful pair of antique Meissen porcelain soup bowls in the iconic Blue Onion pattern, also known as Zwiebelmuster, made in Germany during the early twentieth century. Each bowl ...
Porcelain
Charming little set made of Limoges Porcelain, 19th century
Located in New York, NY
Charming little set made of Limoges Porcelain, 19th century Just what you need for a delicate lunch or an exquisite afternoon « goûter »! - 24 plates - 12 soup plates - 3 sauce boat...
Porcelain
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
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
Antique 1920s Chinese Art Deco Wool Rug in Rich Ruby, Plum & Magenta 9x11
Located in Norwalk, CT
Elevate your space with the dramatic elegance of this spectacular antique 1920s Chinese Art Deco wool rug. Masterfully hand-knotted during the golden age of Chinese Deco weaving, thi...
Wool
Antique Carved Mahogany Demi Lune Card Table By Lamb Of Manchester, 19Th Century
By Lamb of Manchester, James Lamb
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE VICTORIAN FOLD OUT CARD TABLE BY JAMES LAMB OF MANCHESTER (1816-1903) A handsome, good quality and elegant folding card table of simple demi-lune form with beautiful design ...
Brass
Antique Chinese Carved Rosewood Dining Chairs With Mother of Pearl Inlay, 1890s
By George Zee
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding set of four antique Chinese dining chairs China, Circa 1890s Gorgeous carved rosewood, with exquisite Mother-of-Pearl inlay, and removable upholstered seat cushions....
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Asian Chinoiserie Coromandel Six-Panel Gilt Bronze Folding Screen
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Spectacular six panel Chinese coromandel folding screen with hand-painted relief gilt decoration. This large Chinoiserie room divider features Asian landscape scenes depicting Chin...
Brass
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
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
$3,144Sale Price|20% Off
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
$2,344Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Chinoiserie Black & Gold Tall Chest of Drawers
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Chinoiserie Black & Gold Tall Chest of Drawers.
Wood
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 Portuguese Blue and White Porcelain Umbrella Stand
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous blue and white porcelain umbrella or cane stand with a Delft style hand-painted design Portugal, Circa 1980s Measures: 8"W x 8"D x 17"H. Very good vintage condition.
Porcelain
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
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
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
Chinoiserie Large Blue and White Porcelain Ginger Jars, Pair
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic pair of blue and white ginger jars, decorated throughout with delicate bird and flowering branch motifs. The pattern is dense yet balanced, wrapping the form in movement wh...
Porcelain
Vintage Chinese Garden Stool, Blue and White Porcelain, Circa 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage blue and white Chinese porcelain garden drum stool. Its silhouette mimics an ancient drum, a classic design originally created in imperial China for courtyard and garden use....
Porcelain
Vintage Hand-Painted Chinoiserie Ceramic Table Lamp, Makkum, New Pleated Shade
By Royal Tichelaar Makkum, Amitābha Studio
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Dutch Delft polychrome chinoiserie table lamp from a vintage ceramic vase by Tichelaar Makkum, hand-painted, circa 1948-1979, and paired with a new coral pleated silk shade. A flower...
Brass
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
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
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
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
Set of Seven Mid-20th Century Blanc de Chine Porcelain Figures of Quan Yin
Located in Elkhart, IN
A serene grouping of seven blanc de chine figures depicting Quan Yin, the bodhisattva of compassion, rendered in softly modeled white porcelain. Each figure carries subtle variation ...
Porcelain
Chinoiserie Large Blue and White Porcelain Planter
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic blue and white porcelain planter, rendered in a softly faceted, scalloped form that feels both tailored and relaxed. The hand-painted botanical motifs—branching blossoms an...
Ceramic
Regency Style Coromandel Scarlet Red Chinoiserie Lacquered Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 17 1/4 in W: 42 in D: 24 in An exceptionally elegant Regency Style Coromandel scarlet red chinoiserie lacquered coffee table, executed in the distinguished taste of...
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Vintage Chinese Porcelain Hand Painted Artichoke Table Lamps Ginger Jars, Pair
Located in Southampton, NJ
An extraordinary pair of Chinese Ginger Jar lamps with intricate Artichoke and Sunflowers floral motif; hand painted in green & gold on white porcelain. Gold bases are of wood. M...
Porcelain, Wood, Paint
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
Tall 38" Italian Blanc De Chine Porcelain Quan Yin Asian Goddess Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Tall Blanc de chine ivory porcelain Quan Yin, Asian goddess of peace, figural lamp on circular painted wood base. Her robes surrounded by lotus flowers at the base of sculpture, and...
Porcelain
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
French Vintage Verre Églomisé Mirror with Phoenix Pattern
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A dazzling French vintage mirror of églomisé design in the border panels featuring stylized herons and mythical phoenix known as a Ho-Oh bird. The delicate imagery of historic refere...
Glass, Mirror, Paint
Vintage Delft Blue and White Ceramic Table Lamp Pair, New Lampshades
By Boch Freres Keramis, Amitābha Studio
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Vintage Dutch Delft blue and white ceramic table lamp pair made by Boch for Royal Sphinx, circa 1969 to 1979, now one-of-a-kind lamps with new Ikat-style pleated lampshades in tonal ...
Brass
Vietnamese Lacquer Box, Vietnam, 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Elegant rectangular Vietnamese lacquer box finished in deep black lacquer and decorated with a hand-painted scene of goldfish swimming among aquatic plants in shimmering golden tones...
Lacquer
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
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Bronze Coffee Table "Imperial Court Scene"
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Bronze, pewter and enamel coffee table depicting the story of chan by Kelvin and Phillip Laverne. The coffee table has a beautiful vibrant village scene with a wonderful ...
Pewter, Bronze
Vintage Chinoiserie French Louis XV Style Ladies Writing Desk and Chair a set
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Chinoiserie or French Louis XV style ladies writing desk and chair both composed of black lacquered wood frames bearing a crackled distressed all over finish with h...
Brass
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
Delft - Blue and white delftware set of 4 chinoiserie plates, 18th century
By Delft
Located in DELFT, NL
This set comprises four mid-18th-century Delft plates, each with chinoiserie decoration in cobalt blue. The central field shows a central sprig of tobacco leafs rising from stylised ...
Earthenware, Delft, Faience
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
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
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
$11,600Sale Price|20% Off
Georgian Style Red & Gold Chinoiserie Decorated Burton-Ching Secretary Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Georgian Style Red & Gold Chinoiserie Decorated Burton-Ching Secretary Desk.
Wood
12 X 9 Antique Chinese Art Deco Chinoiserie Peking Rug Geometric Medallion
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an antique Chinese Peking rug, typically dating from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. It features a classic two-tone aesthetic with a rich, ...
Wool
Mason's Ironstone Large Platter, Table & Flowerpot Pattern, Circa 1818
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good hand painted Mason's ironstone large Platter or Meat Plate, in the Table and Flowerpot gilded pattern, from their earliest George IIIrd period, circa 1818. The p...
Ironstone
$773Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Willow Pattern Platter Large, Circa 1850
Located in Worcester Park, GB
This exquisite large ceramic serving platter features the timeless Blue Willow pattern, a beloved design that blends romantic legend with classic artistry. Dating back to the 1850s, ...
Ceramic
Large Lucky Chinoiserie Elephant Plant Stand in Oxblood and Polychrome Glaze
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A striking and highly decorative vintage Asian ceramic elephant garden seat or plant stand, rendered in a rich oxblood glaze and adorned with colorful hand-painted auspicious motifs....
Ceramic, Paint
Vintage Chinoiserie Style Mirror With Gilt Relief Decoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and fantastic Chinoiserie Mirror, likely English. Very tall, the Mirror has an Ebonized Frame with raised and Gilt painted Asian decorative motifs surrounding the frame inclu...
Mirror, Wood
$359Sale Price|20% Off
1970's Chinoiserie Storage Chest In Rattan With Brass Accents
Located in San Carlos, CA
For Sale: Stunning Dark-Toned Rattan Storage Chest with Brass Accents Add a touch of elegance to your home with this beautiful dark toned rattan storage chest, designed in a classic...
Brass
White Furniture Mahogany & Burl Mandarin Chinoiserie Flip Top Buffet Server
Located in Dayton, OH
1980s White Furniture Company Mandarin dining flip top server or dry bar. Features a rectangular form with lacquer, mahogany and burlwood. The top has a unique sliding mechanism an...
Brass
$1,973Sale 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
Henredon Pan Asian Chinoiserie Brass Butterfly 3 Drawer Campaign Chest Commode
By Henredon
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Henredon Pan Asian Chinoiserie Oriental Brass Butterfly 3 Drawer Small Bachelor Chest...
Brass
Vintage Chinese Hand-Carved Wood Figural Chess Set with Folding Game Board
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A wonderfully sculptural vintage hand-carved figural chess set, featuring an elaborate folding wooden game board and a remarkable collection of individually carved playing pieces. M...
Wood
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.