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.
English Chinoiserie rolled rim tole tray, c. 1830
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautifully rendered English tole tea tray, painted with an extensive chinoiserie landscape in gilt and bronze powder against a black lacquer ground. The rolled rim encloses a dens...
Enamel, Tin
$2,100Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Carlton House Neoclassical Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th Century Carlton House Writing Desk. Features a chinoiserie lacquered exterior with a bow shaped form featuring a sloped front, eleven drawers and compartments. The desk is...
Hardwood, Lacquer, Paint
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Bronze Coffee Table "Imperial Court Scene"
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Bronze, pewter and enamel coffee table depicting the story of chan by Kelvin and Phillip Laverne. The coffee table has a beautiful vibrant village scene with a wonderful ...
Pewter, Bronze
Ebonized Gilt Chinoiserie Round Side Accent Pedestal Table
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Black lacquered English Chinoiserie occasional side table, early 20th Century. This highly detailed round side table features hand painted decorative Asian figural and landscape mot...
Wood, Giltwood
Antique Carved Mahogany Demi Lune Card Table By Lamb Of Manchester, 19Th Century
By Lamb of Manchester, James Lamb
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE VICTORIAN FOLD OUT CARD TABLE BY JAMES LAMB OF MANCHESTER (1816-1903) A handsome, good quality and elegant folding card table of simple demi-lune form with beautiful design ...
Brass
$2,625Sale Price|30% Off
Maitland Smith Japanese Meiji Style Red Lacquered Bamboo Motif Coffee Table 48"
Located in Dayton, OH
An exquisite Japanese Meiji inspired Cocktail Table or Storage Chest by Maitland Smith, circa 1980s. Features a red-orange lacquered case designed with a golden painted bamboo shoot...
Hardwood, Lacquer, Paint
Regency Style Coromandel Scarlet Red Chinoiserie Lacquered Coffee Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 17 1/4 in W: 42 in D: 24 in An exceptionally elegant Regency Style Coromandel scarlet red chinoiserie lacquered coffee table, executed in the distinguished taste of...
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Blue and White Porcelain Chinoiserie Chinese Garden Stool or Side Table
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic blue and white porcelain garden stool, decorated with traditional Chinese motifs and stylized floral elements. The round form is punctuated by pierced medallions, giving th...
Porcelain
$1,927Sale Price|35% Off
Antique Chinoiserie Style Bamboo Rattan Card Table (circa 1910)
Located in London, GB
Antique Chinoiserie style bamboo and rattan card / mahjong table featuring beautifully hand-painted Asian herons or egrets (circa 1910). "Bamboo goes in and out of style, but it has ...
Bamboo
Dennis & Leen Chinoiserie Iron Gilt Tray Cocktail Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An elegant gilded iron and lacquered tray cocktail or coffee table by designed by Dennis & Leen, Los Angeles, California. The Dennis and Leen "Shaped Chinoiserie Tray Table" (Mod...
Iron
Large Scale Vintage Burl Double Sided Coffee Table
By Baker Furniture Company, Henredon
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This oversized vintage burl coffee table is a fine statement piece. A real substantial piece of furniture. The perfect piece to ground a large living space. We love the fact that ...
Burl
Vintage Chinoiserie Burnt Bamboo Octagon Side Table, Circa 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Small burnt bamboo octagon side table in very good original condition. This Chinoiserie style side / drinks table is a very versatile piece.
Bamboo
Baker Furniture Style Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Tole Tray Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie coffee or cocktail table In the manner of Baker furniture USA, Circa 1960s Bamboo base, with faux bamboo green-lacquered tole ...
Bamboo, Lacquer
Rose Tarlow Scalloped Coffee Table Chinoiserie Lacquered
By Rose Tarlow
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A spectacular bespoke Chinoiserie decorated coffee or cocktail table by Rose Tarlow - Melrose House, Los Angeles, California. The scalloped coffee table...
Beech, Giltwood, Lacquer
Chinese Chinoiserie Blue and White Porcelain Garden Stool, Late 20th Century
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic blue and white porcelain garden stool, decorated with traditional Chinese motifs and stylized floral elements. The hexagonal form is punctuated by pierced medallions, givin...
Porcelain
Hollywood Regency Red & Brass Asian Chinoiserie Small Cabinet or End Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A handsome and well made vintage cabinet from the 1960's. It features an Asian Modern motif with plenty of storage.
Brass
$490Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Chinese Chinoiserie Carved Elm Pedestal Plant Sculpture Stand 26"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage 20th century carved wooden Chinese plant stand / sculpture / statue pedestal. Round top trimmed with cloud shaped carvings around the upper edge and sun shaped medallion stre...
Elm
Dennis and Leen Cut-corner Chinoiserie Cocktail Table
Located in Sunshine, LA
Defined by a distinctive chamfered silhouette, this Dennis & Leen tray table draws on timeless Chinoiserie styling to create a piece that is both functional and decorative for modern...
Metal
Pair Vintage Coastal Faux Bamboo Aluminum Side Tables With Glass Tops
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A chic pair of vintage faux bamboo aluminum side tables featuring sculptural bases and clean-lined glass tops. The frames have been refinished in an exterior satin finish, highlight...
Aluminum
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
Vintage Chinoiserie Burnt Bamboo and Lacquered Grass Cloth Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage pagoda inspired Chinoiserie desk. It is constructed with a bamboo frame and deep red lacquered grass cloth panels. Typically associated with British Colonial Design. Wonderfu...
Bamboo
Antique Italian Chinoiserie Reverse Painted Coffee Table
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chic Italian eglomise coffee table with a round top featuring Chinoiserie style reverse painting on a silver leaf background, with a carved wood twisted rope frame and classical cabr...
Silver Leaf
$1,496Sale Price|25% Off
Asian Teak Hand Carved Drop Front Compartmentalized Desk Style of George Zee
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Asian teak hand carved drop slant front desk with interior compartmentalized cubby storage in the style of George Zee and Co. of China. This amazing piece is in fabulous condition. Please see photos, circa mid-20th century. This phenomenal drop front desk is made with superior craftsmanship and materials and is in exceptional original condition. Comprised of teak that has been carved on the drop front and the drawer faces with an incredible plum blossom and bird motif. The drop front is slanted above three rows of drawers. The top row having two drawers and the lower two a single full width drawer. All with recessed carved handles. Inside the drop front, besides the work surface, there is a removable cubby compartmentalized storage including a small drawer. This is made in the style of renowned Chinese furniture maker George Zee and Co. who made high quality teak and camphor wood furniture...
Teak
Chinese Lacquer Tea Coffee Table Inlaid Mother of Pearl Soapstone
Located in Bradenton, FL
Stunning 20th century Chinese Chinoiserie Tea Coffee Table. Table features mother of pearl and soapstone design of Chinese figures on top with scrolled apron containing Chinese flora...
Soapstone
1970s Chinoiserie Style Desk Century Furniture's Chin Hua Collection
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This vintage piece is a 1970s writing desk from Century Furniture's Chin Hua Collection, lesigned by Raymond Sobota. It features a signature Chinoiserie design with an ebonized maple...
Wood, Paint
Jansen Style Carved & Painted Chinoiserie Coffee Table With Brass & Steel Base
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A Jansen style carved and painted chinoiserie coffee table with a wood top and brass and steel base. The vintage table top highlights a chinoiserie landscape scene including a ...
Brass, Steel
$1,725Sale Price|25% Off
Red Lacquer Chinoiserie Inspired Cabinet that pulls out into a Dining Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful small console or wall table with a bit of storage underneath, however the top pulls out to be a 77" table - full sized to seat 4-6 people. The bold Chinese red lacquer i...
Brass
Antique Chinese Rosewood Side Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Chinese rosewood round side table, circ 1920's. With a carved and reticulated gallery, resting on a folding stand with bamboo style carving. Nice deep old color to the rosewood.
Rosewood
Henredon Scene Two Burlwood Ming Dynasty Style Coffee Table
By Henredon
Located in Alhambra, CA
Scene Two, by Henredon, square coffee table. Large olive burl wood table top with Ming Dynasty-style horseshoe legs. 1970's/80's. In overall great vintage condition, and see photos f...
Wood, Burl
Chinoserie Lacquered Cocktail Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Chinoiserie style lacquered cocktail table resting upon four legs with curved feet having pierced openwork to the apron with rectangular table top with lacquered scrolled and foliate...
Wood
19th Century English Chinoiserie Ladies Secretaire Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Extraordinary 19th century English ladies secretaire desk or writing table. The two part desk was made in the Chinoiserie revival period of Europe ...
Brass
1940s Chinoiserie Ming Style Gilt Hand Painted Wood Coffee Table
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Indulge in the timeless elegance of this exquisite hand carved and painted wood coffee table dating back to the 1940s. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this artistic piec...
Wood, Paint
Mid Century Faux Bamboo Coffee Table with Chinoiserie Top
Located in Pomona, CA
A superb designer Chinoiserie Coffee Table with a faux Bamboo Base. Decorated in the Oriental style with hand-painted scenes. An aged patina of gold and silver gilt. The table sits o...
Silver Leaf
Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Marble Top Oriental Plant Stand Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Marble Top Oriental Plant Stand Side Table with Butterfly and Foo Dog Carvings. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 36" H x 18.5" W x 18.5" D.
Marble
Schmieg & Kotzian Attributed Chinoiserie Lacquer Coffee Table with Burlwood Top
Located in Morristown, NJ
A 20th century chinoiserie lacquer coffee table attributed to Schmieg & Kotzian. The shaped burlwood veneer top, with its rhythmic, swirling grain, provides warmth and movement with...
Wood, Burl, Paint
19th Century Late Qing Dynasty Altar Table with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
Located in Toronto, CA
This is a gorgeous late Qing Dynasty Chinese altar table. Scroll ends carved with dragons and beautiful mother-of-pearl inlay on all sides, including top, back, legs and even inner r...
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
$7,150 / set
Pair of Antique English Chinoiserie Pedestals
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout pair of 19th Century English pedestals or stands handcrafted in hardwood in an octagon form,featuring hand decorated floral Chinoiserie with embossed highlights on an eboniz...
Hardwood
English Chinoiserie Style Faux Bamboo Lacquered Tray Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming English chinoiserie style faux bamboo cocktail table featuring a paper-maché lacquered tray top decorated with intricate Asian motifs. The tray has parcel gilt pagodas and landscapes over a dramatic red ground. The lacquer has a desirable aged craquelure fine webbing on the finish. The later constructed faux bamboo green...
Wood
Chinoiserie Coffee Table in Black Lacquer with Gilt
Located in Wichita, KS
Chinoiserie black lacquer coffee table. An early 20th century piece and a very attractive design. The table stands on shapely square legs in the oriental style with a decorated apron...
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
$2,620Sale Price|20% Off
1940's Asian Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Floral Coffee Table
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Stunning 1940's Asian Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Floral Form Coffee Table. This table was part of a set bought at auction.
Wood
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Stylish Black & Gold Chinoiserie Style Tray Coffee Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Attractive black and gold chinoiserie style tray top coffee table having elegant splayed legs. The craquelure finish adds an elegance to the piece.
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
$895Sale Price|22% Off
Wonderful Bamboo Oval Handpainted Tole Coffee Cocktail Side Tray Table
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Bamboo Form Base Oval Handpainted Tole White With Gold Coffee / Cocktail / End / Removable Tray Table
Metal
Vintage Baker Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Coffee Table with Floral and Gold Motifs
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th c., a finely crafted Baker Furniture coffee table inspired by Chinese design elements. The table has a low profile, with a rectangular top, and is ornately decorated with detail...
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Red Chinoiserie Demilune Console Table, 19th Century, China
Located in Atlanta, GA
Red Chinoiserie Demilune Console Table, 19th century, China.
Wood
$3,234Sale Price / set|20% Off
Fine Chinoiserie Decorated Dressing Table Circa 1900
Located in Dereham, GB
Fine Chinoiserie Decorated Dressing Table circa 1900 Cream in colour7 Drawer Base Decorated With Houses, Figures, Trees, Flowers , & Foliage Sitting on Cabriole shaped Legs, With: F...
Lacquer
Gracie Cashew Lacquer Coffee Table with Handpainted Raised Gold Floral Design
By Gracie
Located in New York, NY
A one of a kind handmade coffee table by Gracie's New York artists, c. 2000. This wood table has classic lines, with elegantly tapered horsehoof legs. The top was handpainted with ...
Wood, Lacquer
Chinoiserie Papier Mache Tray Table (Tray on Stand) from England
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful English tray table or tray on stand from the Aesthetic Movement Period, featuring a rectangular tray of papier mache with a recessed center showing a decorative Chinoiser...
Wood, Paper
Wonderful Red Painted Gold Gilt Chinoiserie Tole Side End Tray Branch Table
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Red Painted & Gold Gilt Chinoiserie Tole Side, End Tray Branch Form Table
Metal
Vintage Ralph Lauren Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Side Tables - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This elegant pair of vintage chinoiserie side tables by Ralph Lauren exemplifies the brand’s refined approach to classic global design. Crafted from wood and finished in a rich black...
Wood, Lacquer
Chinoiserie Style Octagonal Accent Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Chinoiserie octagonal accent table with fine form and color. Features a classic black lacquer and gilt design with scenes of Asian architecture and natural landscapes decorating an o...
Brass
Vintage Chinese Harwood Chinoiserie Dining Room Set Table 8 Chairs - 9 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Harwood Chinoiserie Dining Room Set Table 8 Chairs - 9 Pc Set. Listing includes (1) 24" leaf, (2) armchairs, (6) side ch...
Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood
Blue and White Porcelain Chinoiserie Chinese Garden Stool or Side Table
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic blue and white porcelain garden stool, decorated with traditional Chinese scenes and motifs and stylized floral elements. The round form is punctuated by pierced medallions...
Porcelain
$596Sale Price|20% Off
1950's Asian Chinoiserie Leather/ Carved Glass Top Drum/ Side Table
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Vintage 1950's Asian Chinoiserie Wood Drum/ Side Table. Decorated base with leather top and back carved glass top.
Wood
A Chinoiserie Decorated Console / Sofa Table
Located in Pomona, CA
A fine Console or Sofa Table in black lacquer with a chinoiserie frame decorated in shades of gold. Designs of trees, plants, boats and huts standing on cabriole legs. Two drawers to...
Burl
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Monumental Bronze "Wedding Dance" Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, Mid-Century, T'ang Marriage Coffee Table, Etched Bronze, USA c. 1965 Rare and important 'T'ang Marriage' coffee table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne (also r...
Bronze, Enamel, Zinc
18th Century Venetian Rococo Chinoiserie Yellow Polychrome Paint Dressing Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most charming authentic antique Venetian Chinoiserie decorated poudreuse (dressing table) with beautifully aged original patina! Venice, Italy, 18th century A wonderful...
Gesso, Mercury Glass, Wood, Oak, Pine, Paint
Mid Century Faux Bamboo Coffee Table
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Classic faux bamboo coffee or cocktail table. Beautiful design and scale. Deep carved detailed frame supports rounded edge glass top secured with brass caps. Curbside to NYC/Philly ...
Brass
Phillip and Kelvin Lavern "Ming" Side Tables, Set of Two
Located in Bradenton, FL
Phillip and Kelvin Lavern "Ming" Side Tables, Set of Two. Philip LaVerne (American, 1908-1988), Kelvin LaVerne (American, 1937-2020). This father and son team created custom, limite...
Bronze, Enamel
Antique 19th Century Bamboo Two Tier Side Table with Lacquared Chinoiserie Decor
Located in Steinheim am Albuch, BW
Charming and highly decorative chinoiserie bamboo side table with two lacquered tiers. Both shelfs are hand painted in blacks and reds and gold and for its age the the colors of the...
Wood, Bamboo