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.
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
Black Lacquer Side Table with Gilt Motif
Located in Greenwich, CT
Black Lacquer Side Table with Gilt Motif
Lacquer
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
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
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
$4,550Sale Price|30% Off
Large Scale Vintage Burl Double Sided Coffee Table
By Henredon, Baker Furniture Company
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
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
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
$1,925Sale 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
British Colonial Burnt Bamboo and Rattan Desk and Coordinating Chair
Located in Lancaster, PA
This is a handsome writing desk with a coordinating chair in the British Colonial style, produced in the U.K. sometime during the mid-20th century. The bamboo has a burnt effect, a...
Bamboo, Hardwood, Paint
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
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
$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
Chinoiserie and Faux Marble Painted Cocktail Gueridon / Table W/ Brass Gallery
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This side table checks all the boxes! It is a lovely drinks table with painted chinoiserie top surrounded by a brass gallery. The tripod legs are wood and have been hand painted faux...
Brass
$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
Henredon Chinoiserie White Coffee Table
Located in Doylestown, PA
1970s Heritage-Henredon Asian style chinoiserie white coffee table. Crisp, creamy white table with carved openwork along the apron raised on straight square legs. Beautiful, clean ...
Wood, Paint
$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
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
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
Baker Furniture Circa 1960s Olive and Hand Painted Writing Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s writing table, desk or bureau plat by Baker Furniture of Grand Rapids. Exceptional quality, from the tooled green leather, the crisp casting of the brass pulls and filigr...
Brass
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
Baker Furniture Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Lacquered Bamboo Top Console Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie style two-tier console table or sofa table By Baker Furniture, "Milling Road" Collection USA, Late 20th Century Beautiful deep brown crack...
Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer
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
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
$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
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
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 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 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
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
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
Asian Chinoiserie Distressed Black Finish Alter Style Sofa Console Table
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Asian chinoiserie alter style sofa or console table with a lovely distressed black finish. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have...
Wood, Paint
Mid-Century Italian Chinoiserie Hand Painted Console Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely Italian hand painted chinoiserie console table. It has gilt accents throughout the serpentine frame. It dates to the 60s and is in very good condition. My shipping ...
Poplar
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
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
Chinoiserie Painted Brown and Gilt Waterfall Coffee Table
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A chinoiserie style waterfall coffee table beautifully finished in a rich chocolate brown lacquer with gilt detailing. The table’s smooth, continuous waterfall silhouette gives it a ...
Paint
Chinese Elephant Form Polychrome decorated Stoneware Garden Seat
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Colorful Chinese polychrome decorated stone ware elephant form garden seat, late 20th century.
Stoneware, Paint
1960s Chinoiserie Ming Style Oval Extended Dining Table 5 Chairs, Set of 6
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, dining table and wood chairs set you could hope to find. In its original condition. No restoration. Outstanding design...
Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Chippendale Style Console Table w/ Lacquered Chinoiserie Decoration
Located in Norwalk, CT
Wonderful attention to detail makes this console outstanding, from finely hand painted decoration, carved fretwork, incised greek key border to classic Chinese Chippendale form. And...
Wood
Baker Furniture Style Hollywood Regency Mahogany Console Table, Circa 1960s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie console table or sofa table In the manner of Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Carved mahogany, with Asian i...
Mahogany
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
Vintage Brighton Pavilion Pagoda Desk and Chair, Burnt Bamboo, 1980s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Chinoiserie Burnt / Tortoise Bamboo Brighton Pavilion Pagoda style desk and accompanying pagoda style cane seat chair. This iconic set is a rare find in very good condition.
Bamboo, Grasscloth
Wonderful Petite Bamboo Round Painted Chinoiserie Tole Scalloped Side End Table
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Petite Bamboo Round Hand Painted Chinoiserie Tole Scalloped Side / End Table
Metal
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
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
$636Sale Price|20% Off
Chinese End Table Nightstand Cabinet Vinyl Wrapped
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Wood, Lacquer
Set of Three English Regency Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Nesting Tables with Gilt
Located in Elkhart, IN
A richly layered set of three antique Regency-style nesting tables, finished in black lacquer and detailed with gilt chinoiserie scenes. The surfaces depict traditional pagoda landsc...
Wood, Paint
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
76" Extendable Chin Hua Dining Table and 6 chairs by Century Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Chin Hua dining table and chairs by Century Furniture. Dining table designed for the Chin Hua Collection for Century Furniture. Ebonized dark b...
Burl