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.
Vintage Scorched Bamboo King Headboard, Chinese Chippendale, 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage scorched bamboo Chinese Chippendale style king sized headboard.
Bamboo
$1,421Sale Price|20% Off
MId 20th Century Bamboo and Rattan Bed Headboard in Chinese Chippendale style
Located in Roma, IT
A Gorgeous Chinese chippendale style double headboard in Authentic Patina; looks like it came off the set of "YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE" again starring Sean Connery as James Bond. The structure of this vintage headboard is made of thick bamboo canes cut and tied together with rattan to create a splendid geometric design typical of the British Chinoiseries. This headboard is of certain Italian production, produced between the 60s and 70s. The Style and Design of this piece recalls the products of historic Italian brands specialized in natural fibers furnishing, such as Arpex or Vivai Del Sud. Being produced in Italy, this headboard has the measurements of a standard European double bed...
Bamboo, Rattan
Vintage Faux Bamboo Super-King Chinese Chippendale Style Bed Head
Located in Bruton, GB
A striking painted headboard featuring an elegant faux bamboo frame and an intricate geometric lattice motif inspired by classic Chinese Chippendale/Chinoiserie design. Finished in a...
Wood
Vintage Coastal Chinese Chippendale Rattan Headbord
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Bring timeless charm and bohemian elegance into your space with this vintage Chinese Chippendale rattan headboard. Expertly crafted in a geometric, coastal-inspired design, this piec...
Bamboo, Rattan
$2,695 / set
H 30 in W 30 in D 19.75 in
Vintage Coastal Organic Modern Rattan Wicker Nightstands or Bachelor Chests
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Gorgeous pair of vintage rattan wicker bachelor chests featuring a richly toned finish, wrapped pencil reed frames, and intricate woven drawer fronts with decorative loop detailing. ...
Rattan, Plywood
20th Century Louis XVI Style Bed
Located in Berlin, DE
Unusual bed in Louis XVI style. Solid beechwood, finely engraved, with colored handpainting and gilded. Low feet and high head-part. (H-Kw-7).
Wood, Beech
$11,392
H 59.85 in W 75.99 in D 85.04 in
French Louis XVI-Styled Hand-Carved Cane Bed -The Chevalier - (UK Super King)
Located in London, Park Royal
The Chevalier Bed draws on the classical elegance of French Louis XVI design, where proportion, detailing, and craftsmanship come together to achieve a quiet confidence. Hand-crafted...
Hardwood
Early 20th Century Italian Bed
Located in Ballard, CA
A very rare 20th century handpainted Italian bed. This twin sized bed features an exquisite multicolored Florentine design Comes with the original si...
Wood
Midcentury Style Walnut Bed King
Located in Westwood, NJ
A midcentury style quartered walnut king size bed with an upholstered headboard and antique brass hardware and feet. Dimensions: 82 1/4" W x 91 7/8" D x 68 5/8" H.
Brass
Vintage chippendale style mahogany four posters bed
By Albert Wood & Five Sons
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage chippendale style mahogany four posters bed
Mahogany
Vintage rattan cradle
Located in AIGNAN, FR
Rattan cradle dating from the 60s. Rattan is bright, warm and of good quality. Its curves give it a lot of softness and harmony. Solid, stable, practical and pretty, it will bring a...
Rattan
Decorative Brass Headboard, Mid-20th Century, Italian Modern
Located in London, GB
Decorative brass headboard, mid-20th century, Italian. Attractive piece with nice worn vintage character. There is an even aged patina to the brass which we have left unpolished; th...
Brass
Chippendale Mahogany Nightstand
Located in Annville, PA
A Chippendale Mahogany Night Stand featuring fine quality veneered drawer fronts, solid mahogany cabriole legs and dovetailed drawers. Each leg an...
Mahogany
$1,995
H 47.25 in W 80.5 in D 2.5 in
Raymond Sobota Century Furniture Hollywood Regency King Size Headboard, 1970s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie black lacquered king size headboard By Century Furniture USA, Circa 1970s Measures: 80.5"W x 2.5"D x 47.25"H. Very goo...
Wood, Lacquer
20th Century Louis XV Style Bed
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful bed in Louis XV style. Solid beechwood, finely engraved, with colored hand painting and gilded. (H-Kw-1).
Wood, Beech
$5,197Sale Price|54% Off
H 32.68 in W 69.69 in D 2.76 in
20th Century French Gilt Wood Hand Carved Headboard in Rococo Style
Located in Sofia, BG
20th Century French gilt wood hand carved headboard in Rococo style in original condition. Very stable one with astonishing details and great proportions. France, circa 1900
Wood
Chinese Chippendale Rattan Bamboo Queen Canopy Bed, Palm Beach Style
Located in Bradenton, FL
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Queen Size Rattan and Bamboo Canopy Bed in the Brighton Pavilion / Palm Beach Style. Bed features intricate fret...
Bamboo, Rattan
Henredon King Size Mahogany Headboard
By Henredon
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Chinese Chippendale style king size headboard made by Henredon for their Folio Fourteen collection. Made of carved mahogany in the shape of three pierced seat backs, with simple gr...
Mahogany
Mid Century Modern Faux Bamboo Full Headboard by Dixie Aloha Collection
Located in West Hartford, CT
Rare Dixie Furniture classic faux bamboo headboard crafted in solid oak wood and part of the coveted "Aloha" collection. Size is full and this i...
Wood, Oak
Sold
H 41.75 in W 59 in D 2 in
Late 20th Century Vintage Coastal Chinese Chippendale Faux Bamboo Headboard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Coastal Queen headboard. A beautiful faux bamboo in a Chinese Chippendale design. It’s a tricky size so it’s either a small queen or a large full. It just depends ...
Faux Bamboo
Antique Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Double Bed Circa 1930
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique double bed frame offers flame mahogany construction with headboard having carved crest and footboard with circular elements, c1930 ...
Mahogany
Sold
H 46.5 in W 57 in D 81 in
Vintage Chinese Chippendale Flame Mahogany Full Size Carved Pagoda Bed Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Chippendale flame mahogany full size carved pagoda bed frame. Item features carved pagodas to headboard, beautiful wood grain, nicely ...
Mahogany
Sold
H 59 in W 79.5 in D 3 in
Vintage Thomasville Pagoda Fret Fretwork Faux Bamboo King Headboard Chippendale
By Thomasville
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Beautiful vintage Thomasville pagoda, Chinese Chippendale, fretwork fret king size headboard. This incredible vintage headboard does not come aroun...
Wood
Vintage Coastal Rattan Chinese Chippendale Twin Headboards, a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fantastic pair of vintage Coastal twin headboards. Beautiful Chinese Chippendale design in heavy rattan. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Rattan
Vintage Coastal Chinese Chippendale Rattan Queen Headboard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fantastic vintage Queen headboard. Beautiful arched design with the coveted Chinese Chippendale motif. Inset woven rattan panels. Acquired from...
Rattan
Hollywood Regency Gilt Iron Faux Bamboo King Headboard
Located in Redding, CT
Stunning Chinoiserie Hollywood regency gilt faux bamboo king headboard. Nice Chinese Chippendale Greek Key Pattern. Timeless style and desig...
Metal
Sold
H 87 in W 63 in D 2.88 in
Baker Furniture Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Queen Size Headboard, circa 1970s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Hollywood Regency chinoiserie carved mahogany queen size poster headboard By Baker Furniture USA, circa 1970s Measures: 63" W x 2....
Mahogany
Sold
H 84 in W 65 in D 86.5 in
Vintage Chinese Chippendale Rattan Bamboo Canopy Bed Headboard Queen Palm Beach
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Amazing vintage rattan Chinese Chippendale canopy bed. Queen Size. 6 pieces come together for assembly. You would use a standard mattress frame for the middle. Perfect for the island...
Rattan