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.
$1,160Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Dressing Table With Mirror & Bench C1940
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** An antique Chinese Chippendale dressing set offers mahogany construction with dressing table, upholst...
Mirror, Mahogany
Victorian Mahogany Dressing Table
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A very nice quality Victorian mahogany dressing table, mercury plate mirror, white procelain castors, jewelry drawers to the top, single drawer below, lovely colour and condition. 6...
Mahogany
$2,440Sale Price|20% Off
H 63.78 in W 51.58 in D 23.63 in
Quality Victorian Antique Carved Mahogany Dressing Table
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality Victorian antique carved mahogany dressing table having an attractive shaped upper section, tilting mirror with elegantly scrolled carved supports. It has three small attract...
Other
$5,000
H 33.5 in W 35.75 in D 22.75 in
Finnegan’s of London Exquisite Mahogany Dressing Table with Accessories
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a Finnegan’s of London exquisite dressing table in solid mahogany and mahogany veneer. The fold out table supports a three mirror...
Sterling Silver
Vanity Dressing Table w/ Mirror & Drawer
Located in San Francisco, CA
C. 19th century Vanity dressing table w/ mirror & drawer.
Glass, Wood
$2,300
H 56.3 in W 50.4 in D 15.75 in
1940s, Italy, Chippendale Walnut Mirrored Dressing Table and Burl Walnut Veneer
By Cantu
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1940s, Italy, Chippendale walnut mirrored Dressing table and burl walnut veneer with biselled mirror Cabinet and polished with shellac and wa...
Mirror, Walnut, Burl
$3,250
H 70.5 in W 45 in D 19 in
Antique Dressing Table/ Chest of Drawers with Gustavian Grey Paint & Oval Mirror
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A late 19th century pine chest of drawers or dressing table with newly-painted Gustavian grey/white or driftwood color paint. Offers an oval dressing mirror that pivots and rests over a table surface that is flanked on each side by a pedestal housing a drawer for toiletries, below which are two long...
Mirror, Pine
$3,427
H 28.35 in W 33.08 in D 15.75 in
1940s Scandinavian Vanity Dressing Table with Its Triptych Mirror
Located in London, GB
This is a classic Swedish dressing table/vanity table from the 1930s/40s, showcasing the timeless elegance of Scandinavian design. The dressing table features a distinctive curved t...
Walnut
Mahogany duchess dressing table
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany duchess dressing table, the original mirror plate in the moulded frame between carved supports, To the base with a large mahogany top above an arrangement of freeze drawers....
Wood
Mahogany dressing table
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany dressing table of small proportions, the shield-shaped bevelled mirror. Flanked by short drawers to each side above the figured mahogany top. The base section is fitted with...
Wood
Gothic Revival Mahogany Dressing Table
Located in Cheshire, GB
Gothic Revival dressing table, the rectangular mirror plate encased in moulded frame supported on stylised gothic arms above two banks of...
Wood
Dutch Mahogany Dressing Table
Located in Cheshire, GB
Dutch mahogany and marquetry inlaid dressing table the arched mirror between tapered uprights to the base section fitted with long frieze drawer over a ...
Wood
$1,200Sale Price|45% Off
H 25.75 in W 29.25 in D 10.5 in
Georgian Regency Mahogany Dressing Table Swing Mirror Toilet with Lions Heads
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Antique Georgian Regency inlaid mahogany swing dressing table or toilet mirror with stunning lion head pulls and barley twist mirror supports. This...
Mirror, Mahogany
Sold
H 33 in W 20 in L 33 in
Antique Chinese Chippendale Carved Flame Mahogany Vanity Pagoda Mirror Chair Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Chinese Chippendale carved flame mahogany vanity pagoda mirror chair set. Set includes: Vanity, vanity chair, and mirror. All with beautiful woo...
Mirror, Mahogany
Prince of Wales Plume Base Chinese Chippendale Ladies Mahogany Vanity
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Chinese Chippendale style carved vanity.
Mahogany