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 Asian Glazed Ceramic Double Gourd Vases - a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of fabulous vintage Asian vases. This pair of Asian vases are in a beautiful shade of red with amazing details of dragons and flowers. It is an amazing piece to add to any roo...
Ceramic
Large Chinese Chippendale Overmantel This is a very attractive large piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Chinese Chippendale Overmantel This is a very attractive large piece, it has 2 mirrors set in a superb carved frame, with shelves, columns and decorative cut outs The Mirror ...
Walnut
18th Century Carved Giltwood Chinese Chippendale Mirror
Located in London, GB
A fine quality crisply carved Mid-18th Century giltwood Mirror, having c-scroll acanthus and flower decoration throughout, contained in 'Chinese pagoda' frame.
Giltwood
Antique Chinese Ningxia Rug Hand-Knotted Wool, 4'8"×6'4"
By Amara Rugs
Located in Torrance, CA
This antique Chinese Ningxia rug is a striking example of Qing-era artistry, showcasing a delicate interplay of traditional floral symbolism and Buddhist harmony. Hand-knotted in sof...
Wool
Chinese Chippendale-Style Painted Bench
Located in Sheffield, MA
White painted bench or ottoman or stool with zebra linen upholstery, carved apron panels, decorative corner brackets and stretchers.
Linen, Wood
Nazmiyal Collection Antique Chinese Blue Rug Deer Motifs 10 ft 3 in x 11 ft 5 in
Located in New York, NY
Antique Peking Rug – Blue Wool with Crane and Deer Motifs, Early 20th Century
Wool
A fine pair of 19th century Chinese Chippendale mahogany Gainsborough chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine pair of large 19th century Chinese Chippendale carved mahogany Gainsborough style armchairs . Beautiful carving and fretwork . Covered in a green silk material
Mahogany
Antique Georgian Mahogany Tea Table, circa 1870
Located in New Orleans, LA
Appealing Chinese Chippendale style.
Mahogany
Pair Chinese Chippendale style wall mirrors, C19th
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality pair of 19th Century Carved gilt wood Chinese Chippendale style Pier glass mirrors. Each having scrolling foliate decoration to the surround and Pagodas to the centre....
Giltwood
Vintage Chinese Chippendale Refectory Dining Table with Smoked Glass Table Top
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1950’s Chinese Chippendale style refectory dining table with smoked glass top A very nicely made and large refectory dining table. This piece came with a very rare set of Chinese Chippendale Cockpen dining chairs...
Glass, Wood
19th Century Chinese Peking Carpet ( 10' x 11'6" - 305 x 350 )
Located in New York, NY
19th Century Chinese Peking Carpet ( 10' x 11'6" - 305 x 350 )
Wool
Pair of Chippendale Style Chairs in Red Lacquered Wood, circa 1880
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Chippendale style chairs in red lacquered wood standing on four legs: cabriole front legs with a decor of cartouche, foliage a...
Fabric, Wood
Georgian Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Occasional Table
Located in Long Island City, NY
This early 19th-century George III Chinese Chippendale occasional table features a blind fretwork frieze and pierced corner bracket supports. The carved fretwork pattern continues on...
Mahogany
$8,071
Chinese Rug Blue Peking
Located in Ferrara, IT
Chinese Peking Rug – Blue Floral Medallion – 300 × 211 cm This exquisite Chinese Peking rug, measuring 300 × 211 cm, showcases a timeless elegance with its deep blue field and intric...
Wool
Chinese Rug By Walter Nichols in Relief-Technique
Located in Ferrara, IT
Add a touch of Oriental elegance to your space with this stunning vintage Chinese Nichols rug, measuring 300 × 154 cm. It's worth mentioning that the design of the rug is inspired b...
Wool
18th Century Chinese Chippendale Fold Over Card Table
Located in Long Island City, NY
Chinese Chippendale Fold Over Card Table. Mahogany, with baize interior.
Mahogany
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Engraved Vase
Located in VALENZA, IT
Vase in 800 solid silver. The shape of the vase is round, pot-bellied and has been made with a smooth and glossy finish. The vason was embellished with a hand engraving depicting a...
Silver
Antique Chinese Peking Rug. 6 ft x 8 ft 2 in
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese Peking Cream And Blue Rug, Country of Origin / rug type: China, Circa date: 1900. Size: 6 ft x 8 ft 2 in (1.83 m x 2.49 m)
Wool
Vintage Asian 1920s Blanc De Chine Figure of Lady
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous vintage 1920s Asian figurine. A chic Blanc de Chine design of a beautiful woman. Stamped on the bottom.
Porcelain
Oriental Asian Hardwood Tea Table with Set of Four Seats
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Oriental Asian hardwood tea table with four seats. We have lightly restored this by cleaning it, hand ...
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Open Field Beige Floral Chinese Rug
Located in New York, NY
Mid-20th Century Open Field Beige Floral Chinese Rug Handwoven in China, circa 1930 A softly aged rug featuring a warm golden field with an open, lightly worn center, accented by sm...
Wool
Early 20th Century Chinese Rug
Located in New York, NY
China circa 1910 handwoven.
Wool
George III Style Burl Walnut and Mahogany China Table Attributed to Gillow
Located in Essex, MA
Finely made with a wonderful burl veneer top of serpentine shape raised on cluster column legs headed by blind fretwork and fretwork spandrels. The ...
Mahogany