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.
Chinoiserie Decorated Demi Lune Console Table
By Maple & Co.
Located in Dereham, GB
Chinoiserie Decorated Demi Lune shape Console Table Black & gold in colour, Depicting : Figure, house , Trees & foliage Sitting on 3 Cabriole shaped legs Good Original Cond...
Lacquer
Vintage Century Chinoiserie Style Chin Hua Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 31 1/4 in W: 73 in D: 18 in Introduce timeless sophistication to your interior with this striking Vintage Chinoiserie Style Console Table from the iconic Chin Hua C...
Brass
Gilt Chinoiserie Console Table or Bar
By James Mont
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gilt Chinoiserie Console Table or Bar, probably Chinese, circa 1960s. This piece is constructed of gilt wood with an inset black granite top. The low maintenance granite makes it a g...
Granite
MidCentury Chinoiserie Faux Tortoise Shell Finished Console Table with Shelf
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century Chinoiserie style rectangular console table with a faux tortoise shell veneer, high gloss lacquered finish, and lower shelf. Small hexagonal impressions left in top lacq...
Wood
Asian Inspired Console Table by Michael Taylor for Baker In Your Choice of Color
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Atlanta, GA
Asian inspired console table, designed by Michael Taylor for Baker, American, circa 1960s. Inspired by a traditional Asian altar table, th...
Wood
Antique Asian Buddhist Alter as Narrow Hall Table or Console or Sofa Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Early turn of the century alter table from a south Asian Temple. Heavy solid wood with nice heavy patina in a warm dark brown color. Sure to be an interesting highlight in your space.
Wood
Console Table with Inlay, 19th Century
Located in Toronto, CA
This is a gorgeous late Qing Dynasty Chinese altar table made of Rosewood. Scroll ends carved with dragons and beautiful mother-of-pearl inlay on all sides, including top, back, legs...
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Marvelous Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Console Cabinet Hand-Painted Floral
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Marvelous Chinoiserie decorated black and gold console cabinet, Circa 60's. This lovely piece was well cared for and looks rarely used. The floral...
Wood
Vintage Oriental Chinese Carved Hardwood Demilune Marble Top Console Hall Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Oriental Chinese Carved Hardwood Demilune Marble Top Console Hall Table. Item...
Marble
Chinese Chippendale Style Console Table w/ Lacquered Chinoiserie Decoration
Located in Norwalk, CT
Wonderful attention to detail makes this console outstanding, from finely hand painted decoration, carved fretwork, incised greek key border to classic Chinese Chippendale form. And...
Wood
Chinoiserie Console Table By Bassett Ca' 1970's With Glass Etched Insert
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic Chinoiserie style console table by Bassett, made in the USA ca' 1970's. Distinctive flared legs, etched glass/inset top with decorative motifs, center pull out drawer. Fini...
Ash
Vintage Chinoiserie Bone Lacquer Oriental James Mont Style Console Table Server
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Chinoiserie Bone Lacquer Oriental James Mont Style Console Table Server. Item...
Wood, Lacquer
1970s Chinoiserie Scroll Ming Style Wood Glass Console Nesting Table Stools
By Thomasville
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, console table and stools you could hope to find. In original and unfinished condition. Outstanding design is exhibited...
Glass, Wood
Antique Lacquered Asian Console Table & Mirror with Hand Carved Lacquer Figures
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome antique Asian black lacquered console table and matching mirror with exceptional deep hand carved lacquer details of Asian figures...
Wood
Baker Furniture Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Lacquered Bamboo Top Console Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie style two-tier console table or sofa table By Baker Furniture, "Milling Road" Collection USA, Late 20th Century Beautiful deep brown crack...
Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer
Asian Chinoiserie Distressed Black Finish Alter Style Sofa Console Table
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Asian chinoiserie alter style sofa or console table with a lovely distressed black finish. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have...
Wood, Paint
Ebonized Chinese Altar Table Hall Console James Mont Style 50" Sofa Table (B)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ebonized Chinese Altar Table Hall Console James Mont Style 50" Sofa Table (B). Item features one drawer, solid wood construction, distressed finish, nicely carved details, finished b...
Wood
19th Century French Louis XIV Chinoiserie Wrought Iron & Marble Console
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century French Louis XIV Chinoiserie wrought iron & marble console is a marvel of the furniture maker's art! The bold scrollwork of the design immediately captivates one's attentions upon entering the room, then the subtle coloration of the brick red contrasting with the bronze accent tones become apparent. The luxuriously veined marble top has been contoured and beveled to follow the complex contours of the iron below with exquisitely blended complementary coloration for added visual appeal. But the coup de grace...
Marble, Wrought Iron
Lacquered Console Table Attributed to Thomas O'Brien for Century Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Lovely transitional lacquered console table attributed to Thomas O'Brien for Century Furniture. The piece has a modern Chinoiserie feel to it and maybe even a nod to John Dickenson ...
Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Red Chinoiserie Decorated Demi Lune Console Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Chinese red chinoiserie decorated demi lune console table, circa 1900. With a demi lune top with raised gilt chinoiserie decorations, a scalloped apron with gilt decorations, resting...
Wood, Paint
Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Gold Gilt Tall Altar Console Hall Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Gold Gilt Tall Altar Console Hall Table. Item features gold gilt details, tall impressive size, solid wood construction, distressed finish, nicely car...
Wood
English Chinoiserie Black and Gold Console Tables with White Marble Tops, a Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of English Chinoiserie black and gold console tables from the 19th century with white marble tops. Embrace the exquisite fusion of ...
Marble
Hand Painted Chinoiserie and Faux Marble Top Console
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An hand painted and ebonized console table with front and side panels of painted chinoiserie decoration. The hand painted faux marble top, with black spiral legs with hand painted Ch...
Hardwood
Vintage Chinese Chinoiserie Black Demilune Pink Marble Console Table - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Chinoiserie Black Demilune Pink Marble Console Table - a Pair. Iem features a half round Demilune form, inset pink marble t...
Marble
Chinoiserie White Painted Console Table with Pagodas, Brighton Pavilion
Located in New York, NY
A Fabulous Chinoiserie Style, Hand-Carved and Hand-Painted Rectangular Shaped Console Table/Side Table with Green Verde Antico Italian Marble Top. Inspired after models in the Famou...
Marble
Large Chinese Elmwood Altar Table
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Large Chinese elm wood altar table with scroll carved cut out details to apron and legs.
Elm
Baker Furniture Style Hollywood Regency Mahogany Console Table, Circa 1960s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie console table or sofa table In the manner of Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Carved mahogany, with Asian i...
Mahogany
Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Console Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
This English mahogany console table is a rare period example of the elaborate Chinese Chippendale style. A study in symmetry and balance, this table combines the restrained elegance of the Georgian period with the intricate artistry of the Orientalist aesthetic. Elaborate fretwork on the frieze and pierced supports are beautifully matched by fluted legs. As a whole, it represents a stunning marriage of Chippendale craftsmanship and Eastern design. Small, decorative tables such as this represented the great influence that China had in European decorative and Fine art beginning in the 1600s. Since the Restoration of the monarchy, there had been a growing interest in Chinese-style design forms in England. Called "chinoiserie" in French, this style had become extremely popular by the middle of the 18th century, and designers such as Thomas Chippendale eagerly adopted the elaborate Eastern designs. By the mid-1750s, the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens were sporting "Chinese Pavilions...
Mahogany
19th Century, Oriental Lacquered and Giltwood Console Table
Located in IT
19th century, oriental lacquered and giltwood console table Size: H 80 x L 110 x P 45 cm Particular oriental console table, made at the end ...
Giltwood, Wood
Vintage Burnished Brass Bi-Level Console Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your entryway or living space with this striking vintage bi-level console table, a masterclass in Hollywood Regency glamour with a subtle Chinoiserie influence. The architect...
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Chinoiserie Hand Painted Console Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely Italian hand painted chinoiserie console table. It has gilt accents throughout the serpentine frame. It dates to the 60s and is in very good condition. My shipping ...
Poplar
Bagues Style Metal & Laminate or Formica Top Console Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant console table evokes the timeless sophistication of French design, crafted in the distinctive style of Maison Baguès. The piece features a sleek laminated wood or Formi...
Metal
19th Century Chinese Lacquered Console with Travertine Top
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century Chinese Lacquered Console With Travertine Top. This stunning 19th century Chinese chinoiserie style free standing console table has been lacquered in a beautiful shade o...
Travertine
Chinoiserie Console Table or Bar Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Chinoiserie Console Table, probably American, circa 1960s. It is a versatile size and can be used as a console table, entry table, or bar. Deep Chinese red color with hand ca...
Wood
Ebonized Chinese Altar Table Hall Console James Mont Style Sofa Table 'B'
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage ebonized Chinese Altar table console hall 28 x 50 James Mont style sofa table (B). Item features solid wood construction, distressed fini...
Wood
Carved demi-lune Chinese console tables in red C 1880.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Carved demi-lune Chinese console tables in red C 1880. Can be pushed together to make a center table. Center table measuring: 32.5" X 48" X 48"
Wood
19th Century Chinese Alter Table
Located in Norwood, NJ
Impressive Chinese 19th century alter table. Console table with fine carving. Fretwork along the entirety of the front and back. This work continues down the pedestal legs. Pedestal ...
Hardwood
Asian Inspired Console Table, Beveled Glass Inset Tops, Late 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Asian Inspired Console Table, Beveled Glass Inset Tops, Late 20th Century Offered for sale is an Asian inspired console table with two beveled inset glass tops. This console can als...
Glass, Wood
19th Century Chinoiserie Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th century chinoiserie table, probably Chinese export, circa late 19th century. This was probably originally intended as a sewing table, but it i...
Metal
Long Chinoiserie Carved Console Table or Hall Table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Long Chinoiserie Carved Console Table or Hall Table This is a stunningly attractive piece it is made in fruitwood it is long with an intricately Carved Front, the sides and legs too...
Teak
Vintage Asian Style Solid Oak Altar Console Table
Located in Elkton, MD
Substantial vintage altar-style console table crafted from solid oak with traditional Asian-inspired lines. Features sculptural legs, a thick beveled top, and upturned ends. Perfect ...
Oak
Oriental Console Table This is a very attractive long table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Oriental Console Table This is a very attractive long table it has a drawer at each end and is set on long thin legs, it has a superb patina,...
Beech
Lacquered and Burled Wood Console Table
Located in Norwood, NJ
Painted and Burled Wood Console Table. Chinoiserie console table. Painted in two tones of eggshell. Beautiful finished burl wood top
Wood
Regency Chinoiserie and Marble Console Table
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
An early 19th Century black and gilt chinoiserie marble top side/console table. The Greek green marble top above a cushion frame frieze with exaggerated cabriole legs and stylised ...
Marble
Michael Taylor Asian Style Forest Green Lacquer Console Table
Located in Locust Valley, NY
This Michael Taylor chinoiserie-inspired lacquered console table exudes the timeless elegance of his style, finished in a rich, deep forest green that evokes a serene, sophisticated ...
Lacquer
Gilt Faux Bamboo Mirror and Console Table Chinoiserie
Located in Atlanta, GA
Glamorous Gilt Faux Bamboo Mirror and Console Table, American, circa 1960s. Retains warm original patina with craquelure finish as originally created. The mirror measures 34.5"H x 22...
Mirror, Wood
Mid-19th Century Carved Chinese Altar Table
Located in Asheville, NC
Carved Chinese altar table in rubbed through red cinnabar lacquer on wood, brackets supporting top have pierced wave scroll motifs, end panels connecting legs have similar decorative...
Wood