Chinese Chippendale Furniture
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.
Early 20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Pine
Mid-19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Giltwood, Glass
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Fabric, Faux Bamboo, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool
20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Fabric, Hardwood
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Pine
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Aluminum
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Faux Bamboo
21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Faux Bamboo
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Glass, Mahogany
20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Giltwood
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Glass, Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Mahogany
1880s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
1910s Chinese Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool, Cotton
1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
Early 20th Century European Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass
18th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Wood
Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo, Birdseye Maple, Satinwood
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo, Rattan
Early 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Glass, Wood
19th Century British Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Giltwood
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo
20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mother-of-Pearl, Glass, Hardwood
Late 20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century Unknown Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Composition
20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Faux Leather, PVC, Wood
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool
Late 20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Cane, Wood
20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane
Early 20th Century Asian Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool
Early 1800s Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo, Cane, Reed
1840s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Clay, Ironstone
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo, Lacquer
20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Ceramic