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.
1960s Sculptural Painted Floral Spindle Panjubi Chairs Footstools, Set of 4
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning, hand painted and intricate wood tribal chairs and footstools you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acqui...
Textile, Wood, Paint
Mid-century Chinoiserie Style Lounge Chairs by Century Chair Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of horseshoe armchairs with "scrubbed white" finish by the Century Chair Company, 1987. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Upholstery, Wood
Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Gold Painted Metal Chairs Rolling Style Phyllis Morris
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning vintage Chinoiserie or Hollywood Regency faux bamboo gold painted metal rolling chairs on black casters with burgundy seats in the style o...
Metal
English Chinoiserie Chairs, Ex-Garvan Collection Yale University, circa 1835
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An exceptional and important set of four circa 1835 English William IV, or early Victorian period, side or breakfast chairs of Regency parcel-klismos form having black Japanned frames with allover gilt relief...
Cane, Softwood, Paint
English Chinoiserie Burnt Bamboo Chippendale Arm Chair
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A delicate chinoiserie burnt bamboo or tortoise bamboo armchair. Fashioned from bamboo, the back features geometric shapes and lines. the arms...
Bamboo
Antique Faux Bamboo & Cane Chair, 19th-Century Chinoiserie Style
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautifully crafted 19th-century faux bamboo side chair featuring a handwoven cane seat and an elegant spindle fan-back. This chair is a classic example of the English and French C...
Cane, Wood
1960s Asian Chinoiserie Scholar Splat Back and Larsen Cushions Armchairs – Set
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a set of vintage chairs from the 1960s. This pair has a graceful and elegant appearance, reflecting the artistic sensibilities often found in Asian furniture. One distinctive feature is their splat back design, a solid vertical panel positioned between the backrest and the canned seat, providing both support and visual interest. The stretcher base ensures stability and sturdiness, with horizontal support bars elegantly connecting to the chair's legs, promising durability, and longevity. The chairs' most captivating aspect lies in their luxurious cushions made with Larsen Fabric. Highly sought after in interior design and home furnishings, Larsen textiles...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Small Signed Perret et Vibert Late 19th Century Chinoiserie Bamboo Chair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small signed Perret et Vibert Chinoiserie bamboo chair from the late 19th century with mother of pearl inlaid black lacquered plaque on the ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Bamboo, Rattan
Japanned Chinoiserie Chair, Papier-Mâché, Mother-of-Pearl Inlay, Regency Taste
Located in Leeds, GB
Japanned Chinoiserie Chair, Papier-Mâché and Wood, with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay, Regency Taste A decorative late 19th century japanned chair in the Regency taste, finished in black la...
Mother-of-Pearl
Pair Antique Italian Red & Gold Painted Chinoiserie Style Side Chairs Circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair Antique Italian Red & Gold Painted Chinoiserie Style Side Chairs, Circa 1890's.
Upholstery, Wood
$1,350 / set
Vintage Boho Hand Carved Side Chairs - A Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A delightful pair that perfectly captures the intersection of Chinoiserie elegance and European tradition. These vintage dining chairs feature delicately turned wood frames crafted t...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Gilt Bamboo Style Diminutive Children’s Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
Unusual pair of diminutive gilt metal bamboo children’s chairs. Burnished gold gilt finish with red undertones. Unusual small size was designed as a children's chair. Small size woul...
Metal
Early 20th Century Torched Faux Bamboo Double Cane Brighton Pagoda Side Chair
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A 1920s "burnt" faux bamboo side chair with a double cane back in remarkably good condition.
Cane, Wood
Vintage Carved Teak Wood Japanese Imperial Meiji Style Side Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Carved Teak Wood Japanese Imperial Meiji Style Side Chair. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 37" H x 20" W x 18" D X 20" Seat height.
Teak
Set 4 Antique Ebonized Chinoiserie Georgian Dining Side Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This distinguished set of four English Georgian chinoiserie dining chairs represents the perfect union of refined eighteenth-century English craftsmanship and the European fascinatio...
Textile, Wood
$1,500 / item
Pair of High Back Decorator Chairs
By James Mont
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of unusual decorator chairs with a high back and handle on the top.
Upholstery
$1,250Sale Price / set|48% Off
Pair of Italian Brass Bamboo Side Chairs
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of midcentury Italian brass bamboo side chairs. Newly upholstered in pink velvet fabric. Overall unpolished patina to brass. Stamped ‘Made in Italy’ on the underside. Seat is 1...
Brass
Vintage Paper Mache Inlay Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite antique Victorian side chair is a masterclass in 19th-century decorative artistry. Featuring a stately balloon-back silhouette, the frame is meticulously finished in r...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Vintage Coastal Medallion Brighton Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
Bring coastal charm to your space with this Vintage Coastal Medallion Brighton Chair. Featuring a stunning medallion design and a breezy, relaxed style, this chair is perfect for add...
Rattan, Bamboo
Early 19th Century Ming Style Slatted Back Hardwood Armchairs
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a pair of beautiful Chinese Ming Style armchairs, circa the early 19th century. This structural, clean-lined pair is ...
Hardwood
Fine Pair Chinoiserie Decorated Side Chairs Circa 1900
Located in Dereham, GB
Fine Pair Chinoiserie Decorated Side Chairs Cream in Colour, Queen Anne Style Decorated With Flowers & Foliage Seats Recently re upholstered & coveredWith Cream Ottoman pattern Mate...
Lacquer
Vintage Paper Mache Inlay Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite antique Victorian side chair is a masterclass in 19th-century decorative artistry. Featuring a stately balloon-back silhouette, the frame is meticulously finished in r...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
$950Sale Price / set|47% Off
H 39 in W 21 in D 26 in
Set of Three Louis XV Style Bleached Wood Chairs with Faux Hide Upholstery
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stylish spin on classic set of 3 petite Louis XV style bleached carved wood chairs having chic high end faux hide upholstery with double piping detail. Measure: Seat height 19. #5115.
Cowhide, Wood
$1,800 / set
H 38.75 in W 21.25 in D 21 in
Pair of Antique Louis XV Style Walnut Caned Side Chairs, France, 19th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This charming pair of side chairs captures the quintessential elegance of the Louis XV style, with its sensuous curves, floral carvings, and delicate proportions. Crafted in France i...
Wood
$8,995 / set
H 35 in W 18.25 in D 13.5 in
Set of Eight English 1880s Oak Dining Room Side Chairs with Spindle Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English set of eight oak dining room side chairs from the late 19th century, with spindle motifs and wooden seats. Created in England during the last quarter of the 19th century, ...
Oak
$3,648Sale Price / set|24% Off
H 30 in W 17.25 in D 19.5 in
Set of Six Shelby Williams 'Gazelle' Sculptural Aluminum Side Chairs, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant and sculptural, this rare set of six (6) Shelby Williams 'Gazelle' dining chairs captures the best of American Mid-Century Modern design with a distinctly architectural profi...
Aluminum
$925 / item
H 38 in W 19 in D 18 in
Louis XVI Style Painted Square Back Side or Dining Chair for custom order
Located in Oakville, ON
This Louis XVI style square back dining chair is one of our most popular, best seller dining chair for us. The frame is made in Italy of soli...
Wood
Pair of Faux Rope Carved Wood Chairs
Located in Rochester, NY
In the style of or attributed to Casa Stradivari, Italy - a pair of faux rope side chairs, dining chairs with carved hard wood frames ( beech / maple ) cane backs and woven natural palm seats...
Wood, Cane
$4,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32.5 in W 19 in D 18.5 in
Set of 4 Antique English Regency Dining Chairs in Mahogany w/ Upholstered Seat
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A fine set of four English Regency dining chairs in mahogany with carved bugles resting on back chair rail below the top slat which is line inlaid, with turned front legs and saber r...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$2,280
H 35.44 in W 18.31 in D 18.9 in
Scandinavian Modern, Stump Chair / “Kubstol” in Pine, Mid 20th Century, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
A fine example of a mid 20th-century Swedish Stump Chair, "Kubstol", crafted in pine with a sculptural silhouette and clean lines. The chair’s understated character is enhanced by th...
Pine
$1,650
H 34.75 in W 22.75 in D 19 in
Hollywood Regency Faux Bamboo Desk Chair / Casters by Phyllis Morris for Kessler
By Phyllis Morris, Kessler Industries
Located in San Diego, CA
A sculptural Hollywood Regency desk chair designed by Phyllis Morris for Kessler Industries, featuring an iconic faux bamboo lattice frame in painted metal. #5329RM This elegant ar...
Aluminum
Mario Bellini Red Cab Lounge Chair by Cassina, 1970s Italian Design
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic chair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina c.1970s, Italy, features the original Red Russian saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The seat has a rounded l...
Steel
Set of 6 Fine French 1950s-1960s Dining Chairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of six fine French Mid-Century sculptural solid oak side chairs.
Oak
$2,880
H 32.88 in W 21.26 in D 23.04 in
Swedish Stump Chair / “Kubstol” in Pine & Floral Upholstery, Mid 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A rare Scandinavian stump chair, known as a "Kubstol", crafted from a solid section of pine trunk and produced in Sweden during the 1970s. The chair combines rustic craftsmanship wit...
Fabric, Textile, Pine
Sold
H 34 in W 22 in D 19 in
Vintage Maitland-Smith Hand-Painted Chinoiserie Armchair Custom Palm Cushion
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A beautifully crafted vintage armchair by the renowned makers at Maitland-Smith, featuring an exquisite hand-painted chinoiserie scene set against a rich deep green finish with delic...
Wood
Sold
H 39.5 in W 22 in D 25 in
Vintage Bamboo Rattan Accent or Side Arm Chairs With Cane Seating a Pair
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Vintage Bamboo Rattan Accent or Side Arm Chairs with Cane Seating - A Pair. Add a touch of coastal bohemian chic to your home with this stunning pair of vintage bamboo rattan accent...
Rattan
Chinese Lacquer Sofa Chairs
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Pair of Chinese lacquer chairs. Cushioned seats and great Chinese detailing. Curbside to NYC/Philly $450
Upholstery, Lacquer
Vintage Chinoiserie Style Chippendale Faux Bamboo Chairs- a Pair
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Vintage Chinoiserie Style Chippendale Faux Bamboo Chairs Vintage: 1980s Vintage Chinoiserie Style Chippendale Faux Bamboo Chairs Style: Chinoiserie style Design: Faux bamboo with fa...
Fabric, Faux Bamboo
Sold
H 35 in W 22.25 in D 18 in
Mid 20th Century Restored Refinished Rattan Fretwork Cane side Arm Chairs Pair
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Pair of Mid-20th Century restored and refinished rattan and cane side armchairs in the manner of Brighton Pavilion. These chairs showcase a geometric Chippendale-inspired design, int...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Sold
H 34.26 in W 17.72 in D 19.3 in
Pair Of Antique French Napoleon III Ebonised Side Chairs, Mid-19th Century Chair
Located in Bristol, GB
PAIR OF ANTIQUE CHAIRS A pair of highly decorative and elegant chairs with shaped and turned ebonised frames which have been hand-painted and gilt with floral decoration, chinoiseri...
Textile, Velvet, Wood, Paint
Antique Georgian Style Lacquered Chinoiserie Chair
By Drexel
Located in London, GB
A superb antique Georgian style lacquered chinoiserie chair. This was made in USA by Drexel, it dates from around the 1970’s. It is of superb quality and is percept for use as a des...
Fabric, Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 36.5 in W 27.5 in D 19 in
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Chippendale Tortoise Bamboo Side Chair-Pair
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
Exquisite pair of vintage Tortoise Bamboo throne side arm chairs with Chippendale fretwork details and new custom white Sunbrella cushions. Brighton Pavilion style with a chinoiserie flair these have been repaired, refinished, restored and custom upholstered ready to make a statement in any room. Solid bamboo seats...
Bamboo, Rattan
Sold
H 33.88 in W 18 in D 19 in
A Pair of 19thC Antique Ebonised Chinoiserie Occasional Chairs with Cane Seats
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
Exquisite Pair of 19th Century Antique Ebonised Chinoiserie Chairs with Cane Seats Indulge in the timeless elegance of these stunning 19th century antique ebonised chinoiserie chairs...
Beech
Sold
H 40.5 in W 24.5 in D 23 in
Pair of Karges Green Chinoiserie Fauteuil Arm Chairs W Scalamandre Stripe
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Karges Green Chinoiserie Fauteuil Arm Chairs W Scalamandre Stripe
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 42.5 in W 21 in D 17 in
Vintage Chinese Hardwood Blue Cloisonné Enamel High Back Oriental Side Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Hardwood Blue Cloisonné Enamel High Back Oriental Side Chair. Circa Mid to Late 20th Century. Measurements: 42.5" H x 21" W x 17" D...
Enamel
Pair of 19th Century Hand Painted Italian Side Chairs
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautifully detailed hand painting make these Italian chairs standout. Featuring deeply cabriole legs and wide back splat, these chairs have just the right amount of antique patina.
Wood