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.
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
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Painted and Carved Wood Occasional Table
Located in Elkhart, IN
An exceptionally charming early 20th century chinoiserie painted wood drinks table featuring a richly patinated black ground decorated with hand-painted Chinese figures and floral mo...
Paint, Wood
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
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
$1,967Sale 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
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
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
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
Chinoiserie Woven Rush Hexagonal Garden Stool or Side Table
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Chinoiserie woven rush hexagonal garden stool, plant stand, or small side table These stools have long been favored for their versatility—equally suited as a side table, ...
Rattan
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
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
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
Antique Two-Tiered Burnt Bamboo Side Table, Japanned Top, Circa 1890
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique two-tiered burnt bamboo side table with hand painted Japanned top. This beautiful small side table is in good original condition. This Aesthetic movement table was crafted in...
Bamboo
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Style Lacquered and Gilt Tole Tray Table
Located in Doylestown, PA
Italian Chinoiserie style black lacquered tole tray table with folding ebonized wood base. It features a delightful, intricately hand-painted design with butterflies and flowers in g...
Metal
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
1982 Drexel Heritage ET Cetera Chinoiserie End Table Black & Burl with Ormolu
By Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
Outstanding vintage Drexel Heritage ET Cetera collection chinoiserie black painted end table or side table featuring black lacquered ...
Metal
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
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
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
$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
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
English Faux-Bamboo Mahogany Side Table with Porcelain Top, Circa Early-20th C
Located in New York, NY
A refined, relatively small, English faux-bamboo mahogany wood side accent table with porcelain top, Chinoiserie-Chippendale design period, circa late-19th century to early-20th cent...
Porcelain, Wood, Cherry
Polychrome Decorated Terra Cotta Elephant Form Garden Seat
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Polychrome decorated terracotta elephant form garden seat, late 20th century. The flat tabletop area measures 8"X10",
Terracotta, Paint
Chinoiserie Floral Green and Pink Porcelain Garden Stool or Side Table
Located in Elkhart, IN
A classic Chinoiserie blue, white, pink, and green porcelain garden stool, plant stand, or small side table decorated with traditional Chinese motifs and stylized floral elements. ...
Porcelain
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
Chinese Hardwood Plant Stands, Chinoiserie Style, Late 20th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Pair of matching Chinese hardwood plant stands, also commonly called pedestal tables, display stands, or lamp tables. They are constructed from Hongmu (a traditional Chinese rosewood...
Hardwood
Blue and White Porcelain Chinoiserie Garden Stool or Side Table on Wooden Stand
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
Italian Petite Hand Painted Gilt Chinoiserie On Black Lacquer Side Table Desk
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a wonderful hand painted Italian side table with a handy single drawer. It has ablack lacquer foundation with gilt pastoral and floral japanning. The single drawer has a yell...
Poplar
Drexel Heritage ET Cetera Collection Chinoiserie Black Gold & Burl Coffee Table
By Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
Magnificent Drexel Heritage ET Cetera collection chinoiserie black & gold painted & burl coffee table with beveled glass insert to...
Gold Leaf
Vintage Brighton Pavilion Octagon Side Tables, 1970s
Located in Southampton, NJ
Vintage Brighton Pavillion Octagonal side tables with Chinoiserie fretwork tops and 1/4" Glass top inserts. 19th-century Chinese export inspired, sold as a pair, ready for use. Dim...
Bamboo, Rattan, Glass
English 19th Century Chinoiserie Partner’s Desk with Leather Top and Gilt Decor
Located in Atlanta, GA
This English desk dates to the 19th century and is executed in the Chinoiserie taste, featuring a black lacquered ground richly decorated with gilt and polychrome scenes inspired by ...
Leather, Wood
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, Paint, 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 Chinoiserie Lacquered Rectangular Coffee Cocktail Table Greek Key Inlay
Located in Dayton, OH
20th century lacquered wood chinoiserie coffee table. Features a rectangular form top with geometric Greek key inlay. The table is supported by flared ...
Hardwood, Lacquer
Antique Brass Tray Table on Black Chinoiserie Base, 20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20th century solid brass tray table. The brass tray sits on a carved wood chinoiserie style base with a bottom stretcher.. The base is painted black. The two handled monumental tray is stamped...
Brass
Baker Furniture McMillen Collection Venetian Bureau With Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An extremely rare and outstanding Venetian Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk and hutch top From the exclusive "McMillen Collection" by Baker Furniture USA, Ci...
Brass
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Drexel Heritage Mahogany And Ebonized Chinoiserie Decorated Low Table C1950
By Drexel
Located in Big Flats, NY
Drexel Heritage Mahogany and Ebonized Low Table with Gilt Chinoiserie Decoration Raised on Straight Square Legs C1950 Measures- 17.5''H x 38''W x 38'...
Mahogany
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
Chinoiserie Coffee Table with Black Lacquer
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
19th Century French Chinoiserie Center Table with Marble Top
Located in Bradenton, FL
French Chinoiserie Carved Marble Top Center Table. Serpentine marble top rests above a conforming giltwood base. The apron is decorated with a hand-painted Chinoiserie scenic band de...
Marble
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
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
Antique Lacquered Chinoiserie Dressing Table
Located in London, GB
A stunning antique lacquered chinoiserie dressing table of the highest order. This was made in England, it dates from the 1900-1920 period. It is of outstanding quality and is a ver...
Mirror, Wood
Antique Japanese Wood & Brass Small Low Kyodai Vanity Dressing Table with Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique Japanese Wood & Brass Small Low Kyodai Vanity Dressing Table with Beveled Gla...
Brass
Vintage Chinoiserie Chinese Carved Hardwood Marble Top Pedestal Plant Stand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinoiserie Chinese Carved Hardwood Marble Top Pedestal Plant Stand with Floral Carved Details. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 32.5" H x 13" W x 13" D.
Marble
$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
Antique Victorian Lacquered Chinoiserie Side Table
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous and very rare antique Victorian lacquered chinoiserie side table. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1850-1870 period. It is of superb quality and has a s...
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
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
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Henredon Walnut Ming Style Side Table
By Henredon
Located in Pasadena, TX
This Henredon side table is made of solid walnut. It's made in the chinoiserie ming style. It has hoofed feet and humpback stretches for added stability.
Walnut
Vintage Chinese Bird Carved Hardwood Kneehole Writing Desk with Decorated Back
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Chinese Bird Carved Hardwood Kneehole Writing Desk with Decorated Back. Item ...
Hardwood
$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
Painted Chinese Kang Table with Stone Inlay, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
During winter in the colder provinces of China, life revolved around the kang, a heated brick platform that household members would sit or recline upon. Placed on top of the kang, lo...
Agate, Soapstone