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.
Mid-20th Century French Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Earthenware, Delft, Faience
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Jade
1990s American Chinoiserie Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
1980s Dutch Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Ceramic, Earthenware, Delft
19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Ironstone
1940s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
1970s Philippine Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Upholstery, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Teak
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood, Paper
Early 2000s American Chinoiserie Furniture
Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
1980s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Burl, Cane, Wood
1980s Hungarian Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
1960s Japanese Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
20th Century French Chinoiserie Furniture
Enamel
1980s Philippine Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Early 20th Century American Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood
1940s Asian Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Wool
Late 20th Century European Chinoiserie Furniture
Gold
20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood
19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Glass, Wood
1980s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Textile, Satin, Silk, Velvet
20th Century Austrian Chinoiserie Furniture
Art Glass
Mid-20th Century Southeast Asian Chinoiserie Furniture
Bamboo
1990s Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Glass, Wood, Lacquer
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Ironstone
Mid-20th Century Dutch Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
Early 18th Century Dutch Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass, Bronze
20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Bronze
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Upholstery, Faux Bamboo
20th Century English Chinoiserie Furniture
Paint, Paper
1880s French Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Ceramic, Faience
1960s Japanese Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Paper
Mid-18th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Delft
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Glass, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Furniture
Poplar
Early 1900s French Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Velvet, Giltwood, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Furniture
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Dutch Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood
1950s American Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Leather, Mahogany
1960s French Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood
1910s English Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Hardwood
1940s Tibetan Vintage Chinoiserie Furniture
Bronze
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Earthenware, Delft, Faience
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Furniture
Metal
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Furniture
Porcelain
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Brass