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.
Claydon Overmantel Border Glass Mirror
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
An exceptional overmantel mirror, inspired by the Chinese Room of Claydon. The elaborate carved decoration following the style of Luke Lightfoot in the Chinoiserie taste, a term used...
Giltwood
$66,464
Claydon Chimney Piece
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
An exceptional carved chimney piece with mirror above, inspired by the Chinese Room of Claydon. The elaborate carved decoration following the style of Luke Lightfoot in the Chinoiser...
Giltwood
$1,200Sale Price|25% Off
Gold Giltwood Faux Bamboo Mirror
Located in Sheffield, MA
Contemporary Italian Chinoiserie in the Chippendale style gold gilt wood mirror with divided sections. The top and side panels have darkened distressed mirror for added interest. Se...
Mirror, Wood
$799Sale Price|60% Off
Vintage LaBarge Three Panel Chinoiserie Beveled Mirror
By LaBarge
Located in East Freetown, MA
Impressive antique gilt and black painted Chinoiserie three panel beveled mirror . Made in Italy by leading mirror maker La Barge.
Mirror, Wood
$3,891
H 53.5 in W 36.5 in D 1.6 in
Large French Mirror in Hand Carved Solid Nutwood Frame with Flowery Decor
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique, one of a kind and highly decorative mirror. This beautifully hand carved antique mirror frame is in great condition. It is perfe...
Mirror, Nutwood
$1,800
H 34.5 in W 44.5 in D 1.5 in
Vintage LaBarge Chinoiserie Floral Gold Gilt Decorated Rectangular Wall Mirror
By LaBarge
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage LaBarge Chinoiserie Floral Gold Gilt Decorated Rectangular Wall Mirror. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: Entire Mirror: 34.5" H x 44.5" W x 1.5" D. Middle Glass: 32.5" ...
Metal
Louis XVI Style, Large Wall Mirror, Giltwood, Glass, Europe, 1950s
Located in Stamford, CT
Giltwood over the mantel mirror. This theatrical wall or console mirror is simply stunning and certain to add a fine reflection to any home set...
Giltwood, Mirror
$1,509 / item
H 42.01 in W 25.99 in D 0.24 in
Mid-century Freeform Wall-hanging Modern Frameless Beveled Mirror, Vintage N.2
Located in London, London
Mid century style freeform frameless freeform wall mirror with an elegant bevel. Handcrafted in London, UK. This mirror is fully customisable. Dimensions: H 106.7cm x W 66cm (wides...
Mirror
$4,439 / item
H 38.98 in W 21.46 in D 1.19 in
Vintage N.7 Freeform Beveled Mirror with Bronze Patina Brass Frame
Located in London, London
Exquisite vintage series N.7 mirror with an elegant bevel and a solid brass full frame with a handcrafted bronze patina finish. Made and designed in London, UK. Dimensions and frame ...
Brass
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
H 52 in W 24 in D 1.5 in
Gorgeous LaBarge Chinoiserie mirror with gold leaf and sophisticated Lines
By LaBarge
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This gorgeous LaBarge Chinoiserie mirror is a stunning example of fine craftsmanship and timeless design, perfect for collectors and interior designers seeking an elegant statement p...
Mirror, Walnut
Vintage LaBarge Chinoiserie Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
Lovely rectangular vertical mirror by Labarge having Chinoiserie decorated frame with an ivory background poetically decorated in pastels with birds and Asian inspired foliage. Signe...
Mirror
$14,850
H 54.5 in W 49 in D 6 in
A Florentine 19th Century Baroque Style Giltwood Carved Figural Mirror Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very Fine Italian 19th century Baroque Revival style Florentine giltwood carved figural mirror frame, with carvings of allegorical masks on each corner and scrolled acanthus border...
Mirror, Wood
Freeform E Bevelled Mirror with Minimalist Brass Frame
Located in London, London
Modern freeform organic shaped wall mirror with a bevel, minimalist brass frame. Designed and handcrafted in London, UK. This mirror is full...
Brass
Period French Art Deco Wrought Iron Beveled Mirror
By Raymond Subes, Edgar Brandt, Paul Kiss, Gilbert Poillerat
Located in Houston, TX
Period French Art Deco wrought iron beveled mirror. Great French Art Deco hand forged horizontal wrought iron beveled mirror with wood back, circa 1930. This gorgeous Art Deco bevele...
Wrought Iron
$4,528 / item
H 42.01 in W 25.99 in D 1.19 in
Mid-Century Style Bevelled Wall Mirror, Bronze Patina Frame, Vintage N.4
Located in London, London
Vintage N. 4 Art deco style wall mirror with a bevel and a handcrafted bronze patina full frame. Designed and made in London, UK using pure solid brass. Mirror dimensions: 1067mm (4...
Brass, Bronze
Venetian Overmantel Mirror
Located in Hudson, NY
An arched-top Venetian overmantel mirror with amber glass accents. Amber glass is more the color of that in the lighter photos. the over height is 3...
Mirror
Georgian Style Red & Gold Chinoiserie Decorated Beveled Mirror
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Georgian Style Red & Gold Chinoiserie Decorated Beveled Mirror
Mirror, Wood
Chinoiserie Style Pagoda Form Faux Bamboo Mirror
Located in Sheffield, MA
Chinoiserie Style Pagoda Form Faux Bamboo Mirror with wrought iron painted faux bamboo detail surrounding the center beveled mirror. Wall mirror, mantel mirror, dresser mirror, en...
Iron
19th Century Chinoiserie Overmantel Mirror
Located in Tetbury, England
Chinoiserie decoration to the broken pediment and frame on red ground, original mirror plate.
Mirror
Chinoiserie Style Painted Wall Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
This vintage wall mirror has an elongated form, with a rectangular base and arched top shaped by sinuous, stepped corners. The mirror is decorated in the chinoiserie style, painted w...
Mirror, Wood
Large Mahogany Chinoiserie Pagoda Mirror
Located in Redding, CT
Large Mahogany Chinoiserie Pagoda Mirror. Made of mahogany wood. Perfect for above a dresser or Mantel. Classic faux bamboo detail with a Pag...
Mahogany
French Forged Iron & Bronze Chinoiserie Mirror
Located in London, GB
A Fine, rectangular enamelled forged iron wall mirror, with a highly decorative Chinoiserie bronze faux bamboo pediment. French, c. 1950s. Plate size H117 x W59 cm.
Brass, Bronze, Iron
Sold
H 51.97 in W 31.89 in D 6.7 in
Antique 19th Century French Gold Leaf Gilt Chinoiserie Mirror with Weathered Gla
Located in Casteren, NL
This rare antique mirror was made in Southern France around 1870. It was made in Chinoiserie style but has also Louis Seize elements incorporated. ...
Gold Leaf
Gilt Chinoiserie Mirror, circa 1940s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gilt chinoiserie mirror, probably Italian, circa 1940s.
Metal
Chinoiserie Faux Tortoise Mirrors
By Henredon
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of Chinoiserie mirrors with striking black and gold Tortoise finish attributed to Henredon. Ready to hang. No markings.
Wood, Paint
Chinese Chippendale or Chinoiserie Gilt Mirror
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Chippendale or chinoiserie gilt mirror, probably Italian, circa 1940s or earlier. It is constructed of giltwood and gesso. Wonderful original patina to the gilt surfaces and ...
Gesso, Wood
Sold
H 42.25 in W 28.5 in D 2 in
Églomisé Reverse Painted Chinoiserie Gold-Tone Wall Mirror by La Barge
By La Barge
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome hand reverse painted Églomisé wall mirror with a gold-tone Chinoiserie or Asian style design by La Barge and signed by Katherine Manifold. It is in fabulous vintage conditio...
Brass
Le Barge chinoiserie style mirror signed C. Adams
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Le Barge chinoiserie style horizontal mirror with eglomise painted glass panels, signed C. Adams, dated 1987. This is a heavy mirror that will require a profe...
Metal