Chinoiserie Furniture
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.
20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Furniture
Ceramic
1940s Asian Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Bamboo
20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Jade, Brass
1980s Argentine Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century Thai Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood, Paper, Teak
1780s Italian Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Mirror, Wood, Giltwood
Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
1880s French Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
Early 1900s French Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
20th Century English Chinoiserie Furniture
Glass, Giltwood, Lacquer
2010s British Chinoiserie Furniture
Textile, Thread, Wood, Fur
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass, Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Furniture
Bamboo, Wicker, Mirror
1910s Asian Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Breccia Marble
1980s Swedish Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Plaster
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Earthenware, Delft, Faience
1960s Asian Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood, Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Furniture
Walnut, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Paper
2010s American Chinoiserie Furniture
Paper
Late 18th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Ironstone
1990s Philippine Chinoiserie Furniture
Grasscloth, Faux Bamboo, Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Furniture
Glass, Wood
1860s English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Paper
1980s English Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Linen, Upholstery, Wood
1850s Austrian Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Enamel, Silver
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Furniture
Rosewood
1980s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Furniture
Composition
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Bamboo, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary British Chinoiserie Furniture
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary British Chinoiserie Furniture
Paper
Late 18th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Earthenware
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Furniture
Enamel
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Crystal, Brass
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Furniture
Paint
20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Ironstone
Late 20th Century English Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
1960s Cambodian Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Furniture
Crystal, Tin
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Cotton, Wool
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Wool, Cotton
2010s Hungarian Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
1950s Japanese Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Bronze
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Soapstone
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Pearlware
1890s Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Bamboo
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
1960s Japanese Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
18th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Earthenware, Faience, Maiolica
Chinoiserie furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
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