Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
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.
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Porcelain, Ceramic
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Fabric
20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Ceramic, Porcelain, Paint
Late 20th Century Asian Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Porcelain
Late 18th Century English Antique Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Metal
Late 18th Century English Antique Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Porcelain
1980s Japanese Vintage Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Ceramic
20th Century Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Ceramic, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Glass
Early 20th Century European Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Terracotta
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Porcelain
Mid-19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Ceramic
Early 20th Century European Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Brass
Mid-20th Century Austrian Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Glass
Mid-20th Century European Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Silver Plate, Nickel
1930s Belgian Vintage Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Brass
1960s Danish Vintage Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Teak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Glass
2010s American Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Porcelain
1970s Japanese Vintage Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Other
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Porcelain
20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Stone, Jade, Quartz, Wire
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Wicker
1990s Unknown Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Fabric
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Ceramic, Fabric, Raffia, Glass
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Gold Plate
19th Century Russian Antique Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Silver
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Ormolu
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Gold Plate
Mid-20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie More Dining and Entertaining
Ceramic, Porcelain