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.
18th Century English Chinoiserie Demi-lune Console / Games Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 18th Century George II Period Games Table / Demi-Lune Console Table. Lacquer with hand painted detailed chinoiserie raised gesso village scene with figures fishing, the piece fo...
Gesso, Wood, Lacquer
1970s Asian Rosewood Mahogany Leather Top Expandable Game Table
Located in Stafford, TX
with a leather-inlaid top and a dark wooden frame. The table’s surface features a gold-tooled border design, a classic detail often found in high-quality antique furniture. Key Feat...
Leather, Rosewood
Chinese Black Lacquer Games Table with Hand-Painted Floral Decoration
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Elegant Chinese Chinoiserie games table in black lacquer, beautifully decorated with hand-painted floral motifs and delicate gilt details. The shaped hinged top opens to reveal a gre...
Hardwood, Lacquer
$1,200
Chinoiserie Games Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinoiserie Lacquered and Parcel Gilt Game Table, probably Chinese, at least circa 1940s, possibly much earlier. Retains warm original patina. It is a versatile size and can be used ...
Wood
Mid Century Style Leather Top Game Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Mid-Century Modern style leather top square game table. The gilt-tooled leather top is ready for play, with pivoting hinged drawers on ...
Leather, Wood
19th Century English Victorian Rosewood Games Table
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality Victorian rosewood games table. The table has an inlaid top which swivels and folds over to reveal a chess board and backgammon. Below this is a single fit...
Rosewood
$3,476
H 30.52 in W 22.05 in D 22.05 in
Stunning Antique Victorian 1860 Black Lacquer Mother of Pearl Chess Games Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this original Victorian circa 1860-1880 Mother of Pearl black lacquered with ornate gold leaf floral h...
Hardwood
Regency Mahogany Games Table with Satinwood Inlay
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Regency-period games table from England, circa 1810-1815. Crafted from mahogany, the apron is decorated with fine line inlay in satinwood and maple, while the tapered legs a...
Felt, Mahogany, Maple, Satinwood
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
William IV Mahogany Games Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
William IV mahogany games table, circa 1830. With a D shaped folding mahogany top, a frieze with scroll and leaf form designed ends, a ring turned and bulbous shaped pedestal, restin...
Mahogany
$995
H 29.25 in W 32.5 in D 32.5 in
English Queen Anne Style Mahogany Card/Game Table w/ Tooled Leather Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Designer: The Williamsburg Galleries Manufacturer: The Williamsburg Galleries Materials: Mahogany, Red Gilt-Tooled Leather, Brass Pull This ...
Brass
$2,964Sale Price|24% Off
H 27.25 in W 28 in D 28 in
1970s Mastercraft Sculptural Brass Dining / Game / Center Table Base
By Mastercraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking 1970s Mastercraft brass dining or game table base exemplifies the bold sculptural glamour for which the American luxury manufacturer is celebrated. Crafted in brass wit...
Brass
English Edwardian Folding Games Table
Located in Hudson, NY
This fine and unusual games table is of rare form, circa 1900 and 1910, is made of mahogany and deal secondaries. The brass fittings have all been chrome-plated, a feature usually re...
Mahogany
George II Mahogany Games Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
George II mahogany games table, 18th century. Having a rectangular top the front central area is recessed, a frieze drawer, resting on cabriole legs with acanthus carved knees termin...
Mahogany
Parsons Style Vanucci Games Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Vintage Games Table with rich mixed wood veneers and inlaid Chrome accents. . On four angle cut legs, the square top with four drawers, one on ea...
Metal, Other
$1,320Sale Price / set|70% Off
H 29 in W 35.75 in D 17.5 in
Pair of English Edwardian Style Painted Satinwood Games Tables
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Pair of English Edwardian style painted satinwood, demilune shaped, console games tables, mid-20th century. Paint decorated with floral and musical trophies. Inside games surface is ...
Felt, Satinwood, Paint
Vintage Ming Game Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This elegant Ming-style side table is a masterful blend of ancient Eastern influence and mid-century minimalist design. Featuring a clean, crisp white finish, the table highlights th...
Wood
Chinosorie Faux Bamboo Cane Glass Top Breakfast Game Dining Table
Located in Stafford, TX
This Italian faux bamboo game table exudes a classic and timeless charm with its elegant craftsmanship and vintage appeal. The frame is crafted to mimic the look of real bamboo, comp...
Faux Bamboo, Cane, Glass
Sold
H 30.25 in Dm 54 in
Chinoiserie Dining Table Distressed Red Asian Pedestal Base & Round Glass Top
Located in Topeka, KS
Fantastic vintage Chinoiserie dining table with distressed red painted carved wood Asian pedestal style base and a round glass top wit...
Glass, Wood
Sold
H 19.75 in W 23.75 in D 30 in
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Lacquered Reversible Chess Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie lacquered reversible chess table.
Wood, Lacquer
Asian Chinoiserie Hand Painted Dining Set, Game Table with Four Chairs
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning Chinese black lacquered set includes a table with 4 chairs and features a hand painted motif of cranes and flowers on a gold gilt background. The table top also has a Greek ...
Glass, Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Sold
H 29 in W 38 in D 18.5 in
Rare and Fine Antique English Period Games Table Black Ground Chinoiserie
Located in Houston, TX
Antique period games table English black ground chinoiserie lacquer decorated. The D-shaped hinged top painted with a landscape scenic, with swivel action And painted interior with...
Wood
Sold
H 29 in W 30 in D 30 in
Vintage Black Square Game Table with Mirrored Top and Drink or Cigar Holders
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An ebonized black square game table with mirrored top, and drink or cigar holders. This beautiful vintage piece will be a fabulous way to host your weekly mahjong, bridge, or card ga...
Mirror, Wood, Paint
Red Chinoiserie Gilt an Lacquer Games Table by Atelier Midavaine
By Atelier Midavaine
Located in Dallas, TX
Red chinoiserie gilt and lacquer games table with inset leather top, raised on cabriole legs with slipper feet. Featuring four drink slides, one on...
Lacquer
Sold
H 31 in W 36.75 in D 36.75 in
Chinese Rosewood Antique Mother of Pearl Marble Breakfast Game Table Inlaid Mop
Located in Dayton, OH
19th century Rosewood Mother of Pearl inlaid game or breakfast table with marble top insert. Intricately detailed with bamboo shoots along the legs, flowers and birds along the apron...
Marble
19th Century English Chinoiserie Game Table with Leather Top
Located in Dallas, TX
Very fine 19th century English chinoiserie game table with green leather top. Beautiful painted images along the sides and base of the table and decorative claw feet. Has one drawer ...
Wood
19th Century French Chinoiserie Center Table, Game Table
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century French chinoiserie center table, game table is the perfect size to provide a platform to enthrall your guests as they enter the home, or to provide a spacious surface fo...
Oak
Striking Asian Inspired Red Black and Gold Console Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A striking Asian inspired red, black and gold lacquered console, bar, or game table. The tabletop lifts up and depicts a Chinese scene h...
Wood