Like chinoiserie, which had emerged in Europe in the 17th century, antique Chinese Chippendale furniture was an appropriation of Asian design that often distilled it to stereotypes.
Thomas Chippendale published The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director in 1754, and the widespread popularity of the book of furniture designs influenced a new style of furniture named for the English cabinetmaker. Artisans in England, the United States and Europe adapted the work illustrated in its pages. The publication of the pattern book included designs reflecting “Gothic, Chinese and Modern Taste,” with illustrations of “Chinese” chairs and cabinets featuring elaborate hand-carved latticework.
Pagoda-shaped flourishes and wood painted in the “japanned” finish that mimicked lacquer were common on these pieces, as were fretwork patterns on chair backs. The back of a chair is the easiest way to distinguish between Gothic, Rococo and Chinese Chippendale chairs, all of which typically feature broad seats and luxurious upholstery. Chippendale’s designs for “Chinese” chairs tend to favor more clean lines and less ornamentation than the other styles, with cutouts in the rails and the fretwork on the back evoking a European ideal of East Asian design.
Dark woods such as walnut and solid mahogany were commonly used, as were bamboo turnings. Cabinets for imported Chinese ceramics frequently were adorned with glazing bars, while small tea tables were detailed with angular fretwork. The style remained popular through the 18th century and into the decades that followed, even inspiring an entire room at Buckingham Palace.
Find antique Chinese Chippendale dining room chairs, side tables, case pieces and other furniture and decor on 1stDibs.
$155Sale Price / set|68% Off
2 Chinese Chinoiserie Nesting Tables Carved Wood Gold Eash
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Two antique Chinese Nesting tables of stands. Hardwood carving tops and sides with gold bronze wash.. Protected with glass.
Wood
Mid 20th Century Set of Four Chinese Hong-Mu Nest of Tables for George Zee & CO.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful set of four vintage Chinese rosewood nesting side tables for George Zee and Co. ( the smallest one has the label in the bottom, shown in the picture). They are originally from the mid-20th century with dark reddish...
Rosewood
Nest of Four 19th Century Chinese Hardwood Tables
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality nest of four 19th century Chinese hardwood tables. Having carved foliate decoration to the frieze.
Hardwood
Set Of Four Chinese Hardwood Nesting Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Four tables each with a burled wood top. Carved ruyi design aprons and square legs .
Hardwood
$895Sale Price / set|28% Off
H 14 in W 22 in D 21 in
Vintage Chinoiserie Bamboo, Cane Nesting Stacking Tables, Set of 3
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Chinoiserie Bamboo, Cane Nesting Stacking Tables, Set of 3 Offered for sale is a set of three (3) bamboo, cane and rattan nesting tables. These lovely tables are hand-craft...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
$1,800
H 25.5 in W 19.75 in D 13.75 in
Antique Rosewood and Jade Chinoiserie Nesting Tables with Diorama Tops, 4
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a rare, stunning set of Chinoiserie nesting tables, circa the 1920s. This set of four nesting side tables is the perfec...
Jade
Set of Three Antique Chinese Lacquered Nesting Tables
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Set of three antique Chinese nesting tables, crafted in wood and finished in traditional black lacquer. Each tabletop is decorated with ...
Hardwood, Lacquer
Four Chinese Rosewood Nested Tables
Located in London, GB
These beautiful tables were created in China in the early 20th century. They have been carved from rosewood. These ‘nested tables’ vary in their size, so th...
Rosewood
19th Century Chinese Hardwood Nest of Tables
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality nest of four Chinese hardwood tables, each having carved and fret work frieze panels of leaves and grapes and raised on four turned legs, united by stretchers.
Hardwood
Three Teak Wood Sled-Base Nesting Tables
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of three sled based teak wood nesting tables. Excellent build quality with solid teak wood construction. Made in Canada.
Teak
$4,300 / set
H 28 in W 19.5 in D 14 in
Set of Four Antique Chinese Teakwood Nest of Tables, Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Set of four antique Chinese teakwood nest of tables, circa 1890.
Teak
Antique Rosewood Chinese Nesting Tables set of 4
Located in Malibu, CA
A set of four Chinese hand‑carved rosewood nesting tables, each crafted with a shapely hand carved apron && is supported by slender legs joined with traditional stretchers. T...
Rosewood
$2,600 / set
H 21.25 in W 25.19 in D 17.32 in
20th Century Nest of 3 Marquetry Side Tables with Cabriole Shaped Legs
Located in Miami, FL
This stylish nest of 3 marquetry side tables feature slender cabriole shaped legs and bronze finish.
Wood
Chinese Nesting Tables Set of 4 Ming Hua Li Wood
Located in Somis, CA
Our Chinese nesting tables are very elegant and versatile. Each and every table is a complete piece on its own, unlike most other sets with one of the stretchers removed to accommodate "nesting". The tables are made of solid Hua Li wood, a close relative to the revered Huang Hua Li...
Wood
Set Of 19th Century Paduk Chinese Tables
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of four tables of Chinese hardwood. All the tables are in very good condition, their side is grelt and the color of the wood is amazing.
Hardwood
Set of 19th Century Paduk Chinese Tables
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of four tables of Chinese hardwood. All the tables are in very good condition, their side is grelt and the color of the wood is amazing.
Hardwood
Ebonized Mid-Century Rosewood Chinese Set of Four Nesting Tables
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautifully hand-carved tables with mortise and tenon construction. Made in Hong Kong, circa 1930, and in very good condition. Smaller table is 14 L x 8.75 W x 16 H.
Hardwood