Chinoiserie Furniture
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.
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinoiserie Furniture
Faux Bamboo
1990s Philippine Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century British Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Rattan, Wood
1990s American Chinoiserie Furniture
Bronze
20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood, Paint
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Ironstone
18th Century Dutch Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Earthenware, Delft, Faience
21st Century and Contemporary American Chinoiserie Furniture
Linen, Feathers
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
1990s American Chinoiserie Furniture
Paper
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood, Burl
1770s Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Gold
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
1770s Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal, Gold Leaf
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Paper
20th Century European Chinoiserie Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood
1970s Hong Kong Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Bronze
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
1910s English Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Ironstone
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Soapstone
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Furniture
Silk
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain, Glass, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
2010s Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Ceramic
1960s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood, Mirror
1970s French Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Silver Plate, Bronze
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Lacquer
1990s Chinoiserie Furniture
Hardwood, Lacquer
2010s American Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Copper, Enamel
1890s Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
1950s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Mirror, Wood
1980s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Silver
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Ironstone
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Ironstone
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Ironstone
Early 18th Century Dutch Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Earthenware, Delft, Faience
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Earthenware, Faience
2010s American Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood
19th Century Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Paint, Bamboo
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Enamel
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Canvas
1980s European Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Paper
Chinoiserie furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
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