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Chinoiserie Carts and Bar Carts

CHINOISERIE STYLE

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.

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Style: Chinoiserie
Hollywood Regency Ornate Chinoiserie Polished Brass Bar Cart c. 1955
Hollywood Regency Ornate Chinoiserie Polished Brass Bar Cart c. 1955

Hollywood Regency Ornate Chinoiserie Polished Brass Bar Cart c. 1955

Located in Saint Louis, MO

This chic bar cart is most certainly not the shy one in the room with an ornate dragon themed frame of golden brass that's attention grabbing without apology...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Brass

Early 20th C. French Red Lacquer Bar Cart with Gilt Chinoiserie Decor
Early 20th C. French Red Lacquer Bar Cart with Gilt Chinoiserie Decor

Early 20th C. French Red Lacquer Bar Cart with Gilt Chinoiserie Decor

Located in Dallas, TX

Decorate a living room or dining room with this charming antique serving cart, crafted in France circa 1920. Rectangular in form, the cart stands on two large spoked front wheels wit...

Category

Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint

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Strict, simple bar cart Original chrome plating With intermediate shelf, both levels mirrored Original Art Deco, France 1930s Also available as a pair Dimensions: Width: ...

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Late 19th Century English Mahogany Drinks Cart
Late 19th Century English Mahogany Drinks Cart

Late 19th Century English Mahogany Drinks Cart

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H 30.25 in W 25.13 in D 18.13 in

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Located in High Point, NC

Late 19th century mahogany drinks cart from England. There are two shelves, both with galleries around three sides, leaving one side open for the ability to slide serving trays. The...

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1950s Art Deco Mid-Century Italian Wood and Brass Dry Bar Cabinet Liquor Cart
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Unique and very elegant Italian Art Deco dry bar cabinet cart with top glass tier and highlighted by the great wooden structure design and overall shape completed by the details of t...

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English 19th Century Oak Butler’s Trolley
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H 48.38 in W 57.25 in D 19.75 in

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A gorgeous serving trolley, made of richly figured oak planks and barley-twist posts from 19th century England, circa 1840s. This beautiful antique has a wonderfully patinated and in...

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Vintage Custom Italian Metal Bar Cabinet with Blush Marble Top
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Located in Chicago, IL

Spanning over seven feet in width, this extraordinary bar cabinet embodies the spirit of postwar Italian design, when furniture was conceived as both functional object and artistic s...

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Aldo Tura Brown Goatskin Round Bar Cart Removable Tray, Italy, 1960s
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Aldo Tura Brown Goatskin Round Bar Cart Removable Tray, Italy, 1960s

By Aldo Tura

Located in Munich, DE

Fine bar or serving cart by Aldo Tura Milan, Italy 1960s in very good vintage condition. The wooden frame is covered with brown colored goatskin, varnished in clear acrylic lacquer a...

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Hollywood Regency Faux Bamboo Brass Bar Serving Tray
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Hollywood chic' round faux bamboo brass/copper bar tray. Gorgeous aged patina showing copper and brass. 15-1/2" wide.

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Located in Devon, England

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Previously Available Items
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This small gold faux bamboo metal bar cart is the perfect size for any room where you want to entertain your guests. Features glass shelves and wheels. Top tray is removable. No more...

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Mario Buatta for John Widdicomb Chinoiserie Two-Tier Tea Table/Etagere
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Baker Furniture Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Bar Cart
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A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency bar cart by Baker Furniture. The cart features stunning book-matched walnut wood grain, with a unique faux bamboo frame. It offers goo...

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1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Carts and Bar Carts

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Chinoiserie Style Cinnabar Red Two Tier Bar Cart with Removable Tray Top
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Chinoiserie Style Cinnabar Red Two Tier Bar Cart with Removable Tray Top

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Located in Hopewell, NJ

An elegant cinnabar red and gold chinoiserie decorated bar or serving cart having a removable tray that's aged mirror with black and gold painted decoration. The body of the cart has...

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Elegant French Brass Faux Bamboo Bar Cart with Removable Tray Top
Elegant French Brass Faux Bamboo Bar Cart with Removable Tray Top

Elegant French Brass Faux Bamboo Bar Cart with Removable Tray Top

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A stylish French bar cart or drinks trolley. Clever design allows for top to lift off and become a serving tray. Faux bamboo-very well made, vintage ca' 1970's, in the style of Bague...

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Chinoiserie carts and bar carts for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinoiserie carts and bar carts for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage carts and bar carts created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, asian art and furniture, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with glass, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinoiserie carts and bar carts made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original carts and bar carts, popular names associated with this style include and Mastercraft. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for carts and bar carts differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,000 and tops out at $12,600 while the average work can sell for $2,195.