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.
$116Sale Price / set|60% 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
$1,895 / set
H 27 in W 19 in D 13.5 in
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese nest of four nesting tables, Hand-crafted
Located in Pomona, CA
This item is a set of antique Chinese nest of four nesting tables, crafted from fine dark hardwoods in about early 20th century and features highly decorative, openwork pierced flora...
Hardwood
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
$2,850
H 29 in W 20.5 in D 15.25 in
19th Century Carved Chinese Nesting Tables, Hardwood with Carved legs Circa 1880
Located in New York, NY
A set of three Chinese nesting tables All three flat table tops raised on round legs with carved friezes. The tables have been tightened touched up waxed.
Hardwood
$1,400 / set
H 26 in W 20 in D 14 in
Chinoiserie Hand Carved Asian Wood Nesting Tables or Stacking Tables, Set of 4
Located in Miami, FL
Asian Modern chinoiserie hand carved exotic wood set of 4 nesting tables or stacking tables. Size of each table: 14.00 D x 20.0 L x 26 inches H. 12.25 D x 17.5 L x 22 inches H. 10.5 ...
Rosewood
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
French Made Faux Bamboo Chinoiserie Brass Nesting Tables
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite set of French faux bamboo brass nesting tables captures the elegance of Chinoiserie style while offering versatile functionality. Crafted in France, each table feature...
Brass
$6,200 / set
H 28 in W 20 in D 14 in
Chinese Export Nesting Games Tables, Set of Four, Mid 19th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
An exquisite and unusual set of four Chinese export black lacquer and gilt painted nesting tables, early to mid 19th century, China. The largest table top opens to serve as a games table. This elegant set of four nesting tables crafted in black lacquer and intricately and densely painted in gilt. The table tops all with figural court scenes. The legs of lyre form and set with clawed feet. Delicate paintings of leaves...
Wood
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
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
$1,650 / item
H 27.75 in W 25.5 in D 15.25 in
Set of Four Japanned French Chinoiserie Style Hand Painted Nesting Tables
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Set of four hand carved Asian style nesting tables featuring an hourglass form design and exquisitely hand painted figural scenes on each tabletop. Each table has a curved spreader a...
Wood
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
$1,640Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 25.99 in W 20.08 in D 13.78 in
Vintage Quartetto Of Nest Tables, Chinese, Nesting, Occasional, Mid 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage quartetto of nest tables. A Chinese, rosewood graduated occasional table with Mother of Pearl inlay, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Delightfully prese...
Wood
$1,546 / set
H 22.84 in W 21.26 in D 14.18 in
Triptych Florentine Gold and Red Wood Italian nesting Tables, 1960
By Florentia
Located in Den Haag, NL
Triptych Florentine nesting tables from 20th century. Furniture in carved, chiseled and gilded wood of beautiful line and pleasant decor. Co...
Fruitwood
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
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