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.
Antique Regency Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Nesting Tables with Carved Dragons
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Chinoiserie or Regency style set of three scalloped edge nesting tables with imperial dragon feet England, Circa mid 19th century Black lacquered japanned hand carved wo...
Wood, Paint
Vintage chinoiserie Rattan Nesting Tables, circa 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
A set of three vintage chinoiserie Rattan nesting tables. circa 1960s. Feature a tiger bamboo and rattan frame and black laminated top with floral ...
Bamboo, Rattan
Set of 4 Nesting Stacking Carved Rosewood End Side Occasional Tables Set Mint!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Phenomenal Set of 4 Nesting Stacking Carved Rosewood End Side Occasional Tables Set Mint!
Rosewood
Set of Three Antique Victorian Vintage Chinoiserie Ebonised Nest of Side Tables
Located in Sale, GB
- A beautiful set of three chinoiserie nest of tables with carved claw feet, circa 1890. - Intricate and delicate construction, gold leaf d...
Wood, Lacquer
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
Antique Lacquered Chinoiserie Nesting Coffee Table
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and extremely well made antique lacquered Chinoiserie nesting coffee table. This was made in England, it dates from the 1920-30’s. T...
Wood
Antique Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Nesting Table Set with Carved Dragon Feet
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique set of lacquered nesting tables was made by Wong Kwoko Hing from Canton China in circa 1910 in the period chinoiserie style. These graduated nesting tables are construct...
Softwood
$1,800 / set
19th Century Chinoiserie Nesting Tables
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th century Chinoiserie nesting tables, probably Chinese for the export market, circa 19th century. They retain their original overall craquelure patina.
Wood
$3,950 / set
Mid-Century Bronze Nest of Tables
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic Mid-Century Jansen style bronze nest of tables with hand polished lacquer finish. The large table has a stick and ball gallery and all three tables wi...
Bronze
Set of Four English Chinoiserie 19th Century Black and Gold Nesting Tables
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four English black and gold nesting tables from the 19th century with Chinoiserie décor, slender turned legs and bow front stretcher. This...
Wood
$1,922Sale Price / set|20% Off
Fine Set of Five Lacquered and Hand Painted Nesting Tables, Japan, 1920
Located in Brussels, BE
A chinoiserie corner cabinet formed by five small tables and hand painted details. Japan around 1920.
Wood
Nest of Three circa 1900 Chinese Chinoiserie Lacqurered Side Tables Hand Painted
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of three original Chinese Chinoiserie black lacquered tables. A good looking,...
Wood
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
Antique Edwardian Lacquered Chinoiserie Nest of Tables
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique Edwardian lacquered chinoiserie nest of tables. They were made in England in the oriental style, they date from around 1900-1920. They are of lovely quality and ...
Wood
19th Century English Red Lacquered Japanned Nesting Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
A charming set of four English red lacqured and Japanned -Chinoiserie nesting tables dating from the late 19th century. All four tables are decorated with red crackled lacquer with g...
Wood
Vintage Chinese Carved Rosewood Nesting Side Tables with Paw Feet - Set of 4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Carved Rosewood Nesting Side Tables with Paw Feet - Set of 4. Item features solid wood construction, beautiful wood grain, nicely carved details, quality craftsmanshi...
Hardwood
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
Nest of 3 Lacquered Painted Chinoiserie Tables This is a Good-looking set
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Nest of 3 Lacquered Painted Chinoiserie Tables This is a Good-looking set of tables, with attractive painted chrysanthemums on the table tops...
Lacquer
Nest of Three circa 1900 Chinese Chinoiserie Lacqurered Side Kidney Tables
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of three original Chinese Chinoiserie black lacquered tables. A good looking,...
Wood
Carved Oriental Nest of Four Tables
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Carved oriental nest of four tables This is a very Good-looking set of tables, with attractive carved scenes on the top and sides, all 4 table...
Elm
Vintage Asian Gilt Dragon Nesting Tables - Set of 4
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover a captivating piece of craftsmanship with this set of four Vintage Asian Gilt Dragon Nesting Tables. These unique tables showcase a mesmerizing hand-painted gilt design feat...
Giltwood
SUBLIME NEST OF 2 CIRCA 1880 CHiNESE CHINOISERIE LACQURERED TABLES HAND PAINTED
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this sublime nest of two original Chinese Chinoiserie black lacquered tables...
Wood
$989 / set
H 11.62 in W 17.92 in D 13.19 in
Antique Set Of Nesting Tables, Oriental, Bamboo, Occasional, Side, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique set of nesting tables. An Oriental, bamboo and rattan occasional side table, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Compact nesting tables with a charming ...
Bamboo
$1,800 / set
H 22 in W 22 in D 20 in
Semi-Circle Bamboo & Cane Nesting Tables / Stacking Tables Handcrafted, Set of 3
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern Bohemian style semi-circle bent bamboo & handwoven cane top set of 3 nesting tables or stacking tables. Each occasional table has a hand braided cane Top Border. ...
Bamboo, Cane
1960s Nesting Ceramic Tile Tables, Denmark
Located in Praha, CZ
- 3 pieces - Good original condition with minor signs of use.
Ceramic, Wood
Danish Rosewood Nesting Tables
Located in Geneva, CH
Set of three rosewood nesting tables. Very good condition. Legs are easily dismountable for shipping.
Rosewood
Nesting Table Made In Teak, Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This side table is an example of Danish design from the 1960s, made of teak wood, which radiates warmth and elegance. With its simple and functional design, this table fits perfectl...
Teak
Scandinavian Nesting Tables in Rosewood 1960s Danish
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Danish nesting table from the 1960s in rosewood.
Rosewood
Aldo Tura Lacquered Goatskin Nesting Tables
By Aldo Tura
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Three Chic Lacquered Goatskin Nesting Tables, designed by Aldo Tura, Italy, circa 1930s.
Goatskin, Wood
$1,922Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 47.25 in W 28.75 in D 11.82 in
Fine Set of Five Lacquered and Hand Painted Nesting Tables, Japan, 1920
Located in Brussels, BE
A chinoiserie corner cabinet formed by five small tables and hand painted details. Japan around 1920.
Wood
Antique Edwardian Lacquered Chinoiserie Nest of Tables
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique Edwardian lacquered chinoiserie nest of tables. They were made in England in the oriental style, they date from around 1900-1920. They are of lovely quality and ...
Wood
$7,690 / set
H 18.12 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
Italian Midcentury Gianfranco Frattini Black Nesting Tables for Cassina, 1960s
Located in Salzburg, AT
Set of three black high gloss stacking tables by Gianfranco Frattini, Italy, 1960s. The wood has been completely re-lacquered due to the worn surface and is now in perfect condition....
Glass, Wood
$390
H 19.69 in W 20.48 in D 14.97 in
Set Of Nesting Tables Made In Dark Wood, Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of side tables is an elegant example of Danish design from the 1960s, created with a beautiful dark wood that exudes a timeless elegance. The different sizes allow them to ...
Wood
$3,230 / set
H 18.51 in W 21.26 in D 14.57 in
NEST OF THREE ANTIQUE CIRCA 1920 CHINESE CHINOISERIE SiDE TABLES HAND PAINTED
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of three original Chinese Chinoiserie green lacquered and hand painted nested tables Pleas...
Wood
Antique Chinese Style Lacquered Chinoiserie Nest of Tables
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and very well made antique Chinese style lacquered chinoiserie nest of tables. They were most likely made in England, they date from around the 1970-80’s. The quality is...
Wood
Edwardian Chinoiserie Nest of Three Tables
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A good nest of three chinoiserie tables, from the largest oval to the smallest round, in very good overall condition. 24" high 22" wide 15" diameter You are welcome to view this it...
Beech
Oriental Style Nest of 4 Tall Lacquer Tables
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Oriental Style Nest of 4 Tall Lacquer Tables This is an impressive set of tables, the nest has 4 tall Chinoiserie lacquer tables, the tables are soun...
Lacquer
Antique Chinese Hand Carved Nesting Tables - Set of 4
Located in Delray Beach, FL
This exquisite set of four Antique Chinese Hand Carved Nesting Tables is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and traditional design. Each table i...
Wood
Sold
H 29 in W 30 in D 18 in
Vtg Chinoiserie Asian Inspired Black Nesting Side Tables by Paalman - Set of 3
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinoiserie Asian Inspired Black Nesting Side Tables by Paalman - Set of 3. Circa Early to Mid 20th Century. Measurements: Large: 2...
Wood, Paint
Hand Painted Asian Nesting Tables
Located in Malibu, CA
Large table; hand painted floral motif in shades of gold over cinnabar. 20"H 15"W 12.25"D Small table 17.5"H 12.5"W 10.5"D
Hardwood, Lacquer
Sold
H 18 in W 14.5 in D 10.5 in
Pair of Vintage Japanese Mother of Pearl Inlaid Rosewood Nesting Tables
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Vintage Japanese Mother Of Pearl Inlaid Rosewood Nesting Tables. This item includes restricted materials and can not be sold outside of the co...
Rosewood
Sold
H 27 in W 19 in D 13.5 in
Set of 4 Chinese Asian Carved Nesting Tables Chinoiserie Mid-Century Modern
Located in West Hartford, CT
Set of 4 Chinese Asian Carved Nesting Tables feature hand-carved details, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of Chinese design. Crafted with precision and care, these nesting ...
Rosewood
20th Century Scandinavian Set of Nesting Tables
Located in High Point, NC
Elegant and exotic, this set of four nesting tables takes inspiration from traditional Asian furniture. Made in Scandinavia in the 20th cen...
Wood
Vintage Asian Tiger Bamboo Rattan Nesting Tables
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on CONTINUE READING at the bottom of this page. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Set of (3) Hand Pai...
Bamboo, Rattan
Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Wood Nesting Table, Set of 3
Located in Astoria, NY
Group of three faux bamboo wood nesting tables, each decorated with different landscape scene to top. Dealer: S138XX.
Wood
Sold
H 27 in W 17 in D 11.25 in
Set Ebonized Chinoiserie Nesting Tables, Stacking Tables, Oriental Motif, 19th
Located in Manhasset, NY
Set of Three Ebonized Chinoiserie nesting tables, stacking tables oriental motif, 19th C. Each in an ebonized wood finish with gilt gold design on gilt wood carved claw feet.
Wood