Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
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.
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Mirror, Giltwood
Late 18th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Brass
20th Century European Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Glass
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Composition
Mid-18th Century British Antique Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Gold Leaf
20th Century Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Wood
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Paint, Paper
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Silk
18th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane, Wicker
19th Century American Antique Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Wood
1830s American Antique Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Glass
Late 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Giltwood, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Stainless Steel
1890s French Antique Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Bronze
1780s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Brass
Early 20th Century Indian Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Hardwood
20th Century European Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Resin
Early 20th Century British Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Wood
Late 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Mirror, Mahogany
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Mahogany
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Brass
Late 20th Century Unknown Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Metal
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Iron
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Silk
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Wall Decorations
Wood