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.
Pair Of Chinese Chippendale Gilt Mirrored Wall Brackets
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Chippendale giltwood and plaster mirrored wall brackets. Brackets feature classical Chinese Chippendale style scrolled foliate gilt decoration with mirro...
Mirror, Giltwood
Pair of Fern Wall Brackets
Located in New York, NY
American, circa 1850-1880. Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), with wire armature and composition ornament, gessoed and gilded. Measures: 14 1/8 in. high, 16 5/16 in. wide (at the sh...
Wood
$475 / set
H 8.5 in W 7.75 in D 3.5 in
Pair of Italian Gilt Wall Shelves Brackets, Florentine Neoclassical
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming Italian Pair of Gold Leaf Painted Wall Shelves. This Florentine style set could certainly stand alone as a pair on a wall or functional to hold treasures on top. Wonderful c...
Gold Leaf
$850Sale Price / set|35% Off
H 20 in W 14 in D 8 in
Italian Oversized Gilt Wall Brackets/Shelves a Pair
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1838 Pair Oversized Italian gilt wall shelves/brackets
Cast Stone
Pair of Chinoiserie Black and Gilt Brackets
Located in New York, NY
Each decorated with a Chinoiserie figure engaged in a leisurely pursuit; with black banding throughout.
Wood
Pair of Italian Rococo Architectural Gilt Wall Shelves Brackets
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gorgeous Italian Pair of Gold Leaf Wall Shelves. This set could certainly stand alone as a pair on a wall or functional to hold treasures on top. Wonderful classic addition to any li...
Gold Leaf
Pair Gilt Carved Brackets
Located in New York, NY
Pair Gilt Carved Brackets. Antique English gilt carved wood and plaster fluted wall brackets with acanthus leaf edge detail above fanned fluted console with toupie foot terminal. Eng...
Wood, Gesso
Vintage Italian Gilt Wall Brackets - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Infuse your walls with the sophisticated charm of this exquisite pair of vintage Italian gilt wall brackets. Masterfully crafted in the esteemed Florentine tradition, these ornate co...
Gesso
Pair of European Gilt Wall Brackets of Ho Ho Birds
Located in Chicago, IL
These lavish gilt wall brackets are crafted in a Chinoiserie-meets-Rococo style with a whimsical design of Ho Ho birds perched on scrolled branches. A Western interpretation of the mythical phoenix of Chinese and Japanese decorative arts, the Ho Ho bird is often depicted like an eagle and was a common motif in French and English furniture design beginning in the 18th century. The head and wings of each Ho Ho bird support a small flat shelf...
Resin
Pair of Italian Gilt Carved and Mirrored Wall Brackets Mid-Century
Located in valatie, NY
A Pair of Italian Gilt Carved and Mirrored Wall Brackets Mid-Century. The hand carved Florentine brackets feature fluted details and a patinated finish. Each wall shelf is ready to h...
Mirror, Giltwood
Pair Of Shell Groto Wall Brackets
Located in Kent, Dover
A pair of English 'Grotto' wall brackets in sand coated wood, encrusted with various seashells.
Shell, Beech
Pair of Italian Wall Brackets
Located in Hudson, NY
Pair of Italian Wall Brackets. Black lacquered triangular top over brass tripod base.
Brass
Pair of English Gilt Hanging Corner Wall Brackets
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of English gold gilt hanging corner wall brackets with centered upper crest surmounted by scrolled acanthus, lower carved shell, surrounded by...
Sold
H 13 in W 12 in D 7 in
Chinese Chippendale Style Carved Fruitwood W/Gilt Accents Wall Brackets - S/2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of Chinese chippendale style carved fruitwood wall brackets with painted gilt accents and tassels. They most likely date to the later part of the 20th century. They a...
Fruitwood
Pair Of Chinese Chippendale Gilt Mirrored Wall Brackets
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Chippendale giltwood and plaster mirrored wall brackets. Brackets feature classical Chinese Chippendale style scrolled foliate gilt decoration with mirro...
Mirror, Giltwood
Sold
H 6 in W 12.25 in D 6.5 in
Chinese Chippendale Style Brass & Wood Decorative Crafts Wall Brackets, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
Timeless appeal! This is a pair of brass and mahogany Chinese Chippendale style wall brackets by Decorative Crafts. The brackets do have a plate rim. They are marked.
Brass