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.
Vintage Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Carlton House Neoclassical Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th Century Carlton House Writing Desk. Features a chinoiserie lacquered exterior with a bow shaped form featuring a sloped front, eleven drawers and compartments. The desk is...
Hardwood, Lacquer, Paint
Vintage Chinoiserie Burnt Bamboo and Lacquered Grass Cloth Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage pagoda inspired Chinoiserie desk. It is constructed with a bamboo frame and deep red lacquered grass cloth panels. Typically associated with British Colonial Design. Wonderfu...
Bamboo
Baker Furniture McMillen Collection Venetian Bureau With Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An extremely rare and outstanding Venetian Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk and hutch top From the exclusive "McMillen Collection" by Baker Furniture USA, Ci...
Brass
$1,496Sale Price|25% Off
Asian Teak Hand Carved Drop Front Compartmentalized Desk Style of George Zee
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Asian teak hand carved drop slant front desk with interior compartmentalized cubby storage in the style of George Zee and Co. of China. This amazing piece is in fabulous condition. Please see photos, circa mid-20th century. This phenomenal drop front desk is made with superior craftsmanship and materials and is in exceptional original condition. Comprised of teak that has been carved on the drop front and the drawer faces with an incredible plum blossom and bird motif. The drop front is slanted above three rows of drawers. The top row having two drawers and the lower two a single full width drawer. All with recessed carved handles. Inside the drop front, besides the work surface, there is a removable cubby compartmentalized storage including a small drawer. This is made in the style of renowned Chinese furniture maker George Zee and Co. who made high quality teak and camphor wood furniture...
Teak
19th Century English Chinoiserie Ladies Secretaire Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Extraordinary 19th century English ladies secretaire desk or writing table. The two part desk was made in the Chinoiserie revival period of Europe ...
Brass
Vintage Chinese Bird Carved Hardwood Kneehole Writing Desk with Decorated Back
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Chinese Bird Carved Hardwood Kneehole Writing Desk with Decorated Back. Item ...
Hardwood
English 19th Century Chinoiserie Partner’s Desk with Leather Top and Gilt Decor
Located in Atlanta, GA
This English desk dates to the 19th century and is executed in the Chinoiserie taste, featuring a black lacquered ground richly decorated with gilt and polychrome scenes inspired by ...
Leather, Wood
1970s Chinoiserie Style Desk Century Furniture's Chin Hua Collection
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This vintage piece is a 1970s writing desk from Century Furniture's Chin Hua Collection, lesigned by Raymond Sobota. It features a signature Chinoiserie design with an ebonized maple...
Wood, Paint
George Zee Style Roll Top Desk, Antique Wood, Vintage Design, USA
By George Zee
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A handsome vintage roll-top desk crafted in the Asian Modern manner, featuring a beautifully figured mahogany-toned finish and an elegant tambour door concealing a spacious writing c...
Wood
British Colonial Burnt Bamboo and Rattan Desk and Coordinating Chair
Located in Lancaster, PA
This is a handsome writing desk with a coordinating chair in the British Colonial style, produced in the U.K. sometime during the mid-20th century. The bamboo has a burnt effect, a...
Bamboo, Hardwood, Paint
Baker Furniture Circa 1960s Olive and Hand Painted Writing Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s writing table, desk or bureau plat by Baker Furniture of Grand Rapids. Exceptional quality, from the tooled green leather, the crisp casting of the brass pulls and filigr...
Brass
Broyhill Faux Bamboo Writing Desk, Chinoiserie Style
By Broyhill
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mid-20th Century Faux Bamboo Writing Desk in the style of James Mont. The desk features a faux bamboo details. Piece offers drawers with brass bamboo pulls and classic Mont-inspired ...
Brass
Vintage Brighton Pavilion Pagoda Desk and Chair, Burnt Bamboo, 1980s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Chinoiserie Burnt / Tortoise Bamboo Brighton Pavilion Pagoda style desk and accompanying pagoda style cane seat chair. This iconic set is a rare find in very good condition.
Bamboo, Grasscloth
Baker Furniture French Regency Chinoiserie Red Lacquered Hand Painted Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous French Regency Chinoiserie style writing desk or bureau plat desk By Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Red lacquered walnut, with hand-painted Asian nature scenes, embos...
Brass
Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Desk By Baker
Located in Houston, TX
Louis XV Style chinoiserie desk by Baker. Outstanding and unusual 20th century Baker Furniture Company French Louis XV style chinoiserie desk, writing table or bureau plat. This larg...
Leather, Wood
English Regency Lacquered Chinoiserie Partners Desk
Located in Queens, NY
English Regency style red lacquered chinoiserie decorated knee hole partners desk with green leather 3 panel top.
Leather, Lacquer
1970s Chinoiserie Hand Painted Malachite Green Desk Stool, Set of 2
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and rare, hand painted desk and matching stool you could hope to find. Outstanding design is exhibited throughout. The beautiful...
Wood, Paint
Antique Asian Oriental japaneese Burned Bamboo Hand Painted Decorated Desk Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique Asian Oriental Chinese burned bamboo hand painted decorated desk writing table.
Bamboo
English Red Lacquer Faux Bamboo 19th Century Desk with Gilded Chinoiserie Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English faux bamboo red lacquer desk from the 19th century with gilt Chinoiserie décor and two drawers. Born in England during the 19th century, this exquisite faux bamboo desk fe...
Faux Bamboo
$1,271Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Chinese Lacquered Table Desk Asian Hand Painted
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Wood
19th Century Chinoiserie Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th century chinoiserie table, probably Chinese export, circa late 19th century. This was probably originally intended as a sewing table, but it i...
Metal
Stunning Black Lacquered Polychrome Painted Writing Table Desk Birds Flowers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely black lacquered hand polychrome painted vintage writing table with birds and flowers A very good looking and decorative piece, made...
Wood
1970s Bone Beige Lacquered Hand Painted / Decorated Chinoiserie Desk With Chair
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Gorgeous bone beige lacquered hand painted and decorated wood desk in the Carlton House / Georgian style. The desk features a hand painted / decorated floral and birds design details...
Glass, Wood, Paint
Vintage Baker Red Lacquered Chinoiserie Writing Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover the allure of this Vintage Baker Red Lacquered Chinoiserie Writing Desk, a stunning piece that embodies timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. From the esteemed Baker Furniture Co., this desk features a rich red lacquer finish that immediately draws the eye, beautifully adorned with intricate hand-painted Chinoiserie motifs depicting scenes and patterns inspired by East Asian art. The elegant form, likely featuring classic desk elements like drawers and a refined silhouette, speaks to Baker's reputation for quality and design. This desk is not just a functional workspace but a statement piece, perfect for adding a touch of exotic sophistication and vibrant color to a study, living room, or entryway, blending artistic detail with practical use. This distinguished writing desk measures a generous 53 inches in width, 28.25 inches in depth, and 31 inches in height, offering ample surface area and legroom. While specific condition details were not provided for this item, vintage Baker pieces are generally well-made and durable; expect a condition commensurate with age and use, which may include minor surface wear that adds to its vintage character. This desk is a versatile addition to interiors ranging from Hollywood Regency and Chinoiserie to Traditional and Eclectic styles. Don't miss the chance to own this exquisite Vintage Baker desk...
Fabric, Wood, Lacquer
Vintage Chinese Ornately Carved Mahogany Oriental Chinoiserie Office Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Ornately Carved Mahogany Oriental Chinoiserie Office Desk. Item is ornately carved throughout with flowers, birds, and leafy scrollwork, carved faces to feet/base, 1 ...
Mahogany
Chinoiserie Desk and Chair French 19th Century Hand Painted Details
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Chinoiserie Desk and Chair, French, late 19th Century. Both feature hand painted details. The desk or table is a versatile size and could be used as a desk or console table. ...
Upholstery, Wood
Fine Chinoiserie Decorated 2 Drawer Table Circa 1900
Located in Dereham, GB
Fine Chinoiserie decorated 2 Drawer Table Cream in colour Top with Painted line & foliage, 2 concave shaped Drawers with: Chinoiserie Decoration with Figure in boat, House , Trees ...
Lacquer
Antique Dutch Satinwood Secretary Desk, Chinoiserie Design, Brass Trim
Located in Queens, NY
Continental Dutch-style (18/19th Century) satinwood and inlaid trimmed drop front desk with chinoiserie decorated lacquered panels and brass gallery
Brass
$1,634
H 29.53 in W 48.23 in D 24.41 in
Lovely Vintage Writing Table Desk in Hardwood with Silk Embroidered Glass Top
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely vintage writing table with silk embroidered top and glass protector A very good looking and well made p...
Silk, Glass, Hardwood
Elegant Neoclassical Desk by Baker
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant neoclassical desk, designed for Baker, circa 1960s. It is a versatile size and would make a great desk, console table, dressing table, or vanity. It offers a nice amount of s...
Brass
$3,495
H 28.75 in W 52.5 in D 26.25 in
Maurice Villency Style Mid Century Teak Desk with Bookcase Front
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Maurice Villency Style Mid Century Teak Desk with Bookcase Front The desk measures: 52.5 wide x 26.25 deep x 28.75 high, with a chair clearan...
Teak
Danish Teak Arne Vodder Drop-Leaf Extendable Sliding Desk
By Arne Vodder
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid Century Modern drop leaf desk in teak designed by Arne Vodder, circa 1960s. This versatile piece features a sliding adjustable bank that includes three dovetailed drawers with si...
Teak
Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Leather Top Desk by Baker Furniture
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 31 in W: 48 in D: 24 1/4 in This Louis XV Style Bronze and Leather Top Desk by Baker is truly an incredible piece! Crafted of the highest quality this piece is bound...
Bronze
$2,978
H 29.53 in W 57.09 in D 29.53 in
Vintage Mid-Century Oak Writing Desk with 6 Drawers, Open Back, Kjærnulf style.
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This finely crafted Brutalist Oak Desk from Denmark carries the quiet confidence of Danish mid-century design, echoing the sculptural spirit of Henning Kjærnulf. The iconic wooden ...
Brass
$4,485 / item
H 30 in W 60 in D 24 in
Stash Desk lacquer & walnut , lacquer drawers, lacquer and wood desk, waterfall
Located in Ridgewood, NY
A Minimalist’s dream, the stash desk is a perfect combination of deep, rich walnut with a pop of color. Its slim and clean profile is ideal for small spaces...
Wood, Lacquer
Victorian Tiger Bamboo and Lacquered Desk
Located in London, GB
A charming tiger bamboo and lacquered writing table, a rare example of 19th-century Anglo-Japanese style capturing the Victorian fascination with East Asian aesthetics. Crafted from ...
Bamboo, Lacquer
Baker Louis XV Style Black Ebonized Brass Mounted Leather Top Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 29 in W: 54 in D: 25 in Elevate your interior with this exceptional Louis XV style writing desk by Baker Furniture, a piece that seamlessly combines classic French elegance with the renowned craftsmanship of one of America’s most distinguished furniture makers. Finished in a rich black ebonized lacquer, this desk exudes sophistication, while its ornate brass mounts and cabochon-style hardware pay homage to the refined detailing of 18th-century Parisian design. The embossed leather writing surface offers both visual richness and a practical work area, delicately aged to evoke an authentic antique look. Ideal for writing, working, or showcasing décor, the top is not only functional but luxurious in both material and execution. The front of the desk houses three spacious drawers, adorned with Louis XV style hardware and framed by graceful curves and shapely moldings. The reverse side of the desk features faux drawers, allowing the piece to float beautifully in the center of a room. This makes it an ideal choice for those designing a centerpiece home office, library, or formal sitting room. Set on classic cabriole legs, the desk strikes a balance between decorative charm and refined utility. It embodies the hallmarks of French Rococo design, including ornate carving, symmetry, and a sense of lightness that brings elegance to any space. Whether you're a collector of fine reproduction antiques, a fan of luxury vintage furnishings, or someone looking to add a sense of Gilded Age romance to your décor, this Baker Louis XV...
Brass
$1,800
H 38 in W 38 in D 19.5 in
Antique French Carved Oak Secretary Desk Bureau Drop Front Louis XV Style
Located in Choudrant, LA
Antique French carved oak secretary desk Bureau drop front Louis XV style. Direct from France, a lovely antique French carved “drop front” secretary/desk with quintessential French ...
Oak
Lacquered Neoclassical Style Desk or Library Writing Table
By John Hall
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Bespoke library table or desk crafted in the neoclassical taste by John Hall Designs, Los Angeles, CA. The desk is constructed from beech and features an intentionally weathered, dis...
Wood, Beech
$2,750 / set
H 40 in W 41 in D 21.5 in
British Colonial Burnt Bamboo and Rattan Desk and Coordinating Chair
Located in Lancaster, PA
This is a handsome writing desk with a coordinating chair in the British Colonial style, produced in the U.K. sometime during the mid-20th century. The bamboo has a burnt effect, a...
Bamboo, Hardwood, Paint
French style Chinoiserie Writing Desk
Located in Pomona, CA
A ladies Desk in the chinoiserie style. French style cabriole legs and a leather top. A red / oxblood finish decorated in gold in the Chinese Style with foliage and figures.
Wood
Dennis & Leen Regency Style Lacquer Chinoiserie Decorated Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
This striking bespoke Dennis and Leen "Regency" black lacquered desk showcases a deep ebonized raisin crackle lacquer finish adorned with intricate gilt decoration throughout in the ...
Hardwood, Giltwood, Lacquer, Faux Bamboo
Sold
H 41 in W 48 in D 24 in
Emerald Green Lacquer Chinoiserie Desk Writing Table Console & Chair MINT
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Emerald Green Lacquer Chinoiserie Desk Writing Table Console & Chair MINT Chair measures 17x17x31x17” seat height.
Hardwood, Lacquer
Vintage Heckman Ebonized Chinoiserie Desk
Located in Sarasota, FL
Striking in ebonized rattan, this vintage Hekman desk pairs sculptural form with timeless functionality. The stained black finish reveals warm undertones, allowing the natural cane t...
Rattan, Glass
Chinoiserie Ivory Lacquered Writing Desk With Carved Panels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chinoiserie ivory lacquered writing desk with carved panels. Perfect as a computer work station. Features a single drawer and 2 doors. Freshly lacquered in a gorgeous ivory finish. A...
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 41 in W 48 in D 27 in
Chinoiserie Multiple Compartments Asian Writing Table Desk Rounded Bach MINT
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Chinoiserie Multiple Compartments Asian Writing Table Desk Rounded Bach MINT
Hardwood, Lacquer
Antique Lacquered Chinoiserie Kneehole Desk
Located in London, GB
A lovely antique lacquered Chinoiserie kneehole desk in the Georgian style. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1950’s. It is of very good quality, this is a lovely c...
Wood
19th C. Bamboo Chinoiserie Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinoiserie Lacquered Bamboo Desk, France, circa late 19th Century. Beautiful hand painted aesthetic movement decoration. It is a versatile size and can be used as a desk, writing ta...
Leather, Bamboo, Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 56 in D 25 in
French 19th Century Chinoiserie Kneehole Handpainted Writing Desk Table 9 Drawer
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning late 19th Century Chinoiserie ebonized desk with leather top and handpainted scenes throughout. Nine drawers for storage and this piece is a true work of art. Note there is ...
Wood
Sold
H 39 in W 48 in D 24 in
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer and Mother of Pearl Writing Desk Table and Chair
Located in West Hartford, CT
Exquisite black lacquer and mother of pearl desk that combines the rich heritage of Asian craftsmanship with the sophisticated design of the iconic Carlton desk. It is both function...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Sold
H 30 in W 47.5 in D 23.25 in
Vintage Modern Chippendale Faux Bamboo Desk Writing Table in Chinoiserie Style
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Vintage Modern Chippendale Faux Bamboo Desk Writing Table Vintage: 1970s Vintage Modern Chippendale Faux Bamboo Desk Writing Table Style: Chinoiserie style Design: Faux bamboo with ...
Wood
Sold
H 31 in W 64 in D 32 in
Regency Style Faux Bamboo Chinoiserie Leather Topped Desk Att. Baker Furniture
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This has timeless appeal! This is a large scale regency style chinoiserie desk attributed to Baker Furniture. It has a faux bamboo framed and turned bun feet. Each panel has beautifu...
Wood