Skip to main content

Chinoiserie Desks

CHINOISERIE STYLE

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.

20
1
to
4
18
3
21
21
21
744
192
191
180
170
123
120
96
72
48
30
29
28
24
16
14
13
3
1
6
13
1
1
4
6
1
3
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
16
7
6
6
5
9
8
8
6
5
2
1
1
1
1
Style: Chinoiserie
Georgian Chinoiserie Cream Lacquered Hand Painted Secretary Desk With Bookcase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top By Jasper Cabinet Co. USA, Circa 1970s Cream la...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Brass

English Red Mini Kneehole Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
English Venezian Red Mini Kneehole Desk with raised Chinoiserie. Hand painted and crafted by Kipper himself in our shop; truly making this vibrant desk a one of a kind. He was inspir...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Brass, Gold Leaf

Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk and lighted bookcase hutch top By Jasper Furniture Company USA, Late 20th Century Black lacquered walnu...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Brass

Chinoiserie Style Desk & Chair by Drexel Heritage, USA 1960's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite Chinoiserie Style Desk & Chair by Drexel Heritage and part of The Et-Cetera collection, a timeless masterpiece from th...
Category

1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Brass

Thomasville Allegro Faux Bamboo Desk
Located in Redding, CT
Thomasville Allegro Faux Bamboo Desk. Classic two drawer coastal style desk with faux bamboo accents. The perfect ladies writing desk with two upper drawers. Perfect size! Not too bi...
Category

1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Wood, Paint

Late 20th Century Vintage Asian Black Lacquered Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
A spectacular vintage Asian secretary desk. A chic black lacquered cabinet with hand painted gilt pastoral scenes. The most beautiful collection o...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Metal

Early 20th-Century Scriban in Chinese Lacquer
Located in NICE, FR
This two-part scriban cabinet showcases an exquisite combination of cream and gold Chinese lacquer, representing exquisite Italian craftsmanship from the early 20th century. The lower section is equipped with a chest of drawers featuring five drawers arranged in four rows. Above it, there's a slanted writing desk...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century George III Style Red Japanned Knee-Hole Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century George III chinoiserie knee-hole desk. The gilt chinoiserie is on a red lacquered background. Decorated bracket feet support the three central drawers flanked by a set o...
Category

19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Wood

Late 20th Century Vintage Regency Chinoiserie Mirrored Secretary Desk
Located in west palm beach, FL
A stunning vintage Regency Secretary desk. Beautiful hand painted Chinoiserie detail on a saffron yellow background. Beautiful mirrored doors with a beveled edge. Lots of great littl...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Mirror, Wood

19th Century English Lacquered Bamboo Writing Table Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century lacquered bamboo writing desk with tooled leather writing surface decorated in the Chinoiserie style. Decorated in the birds and floral fashion of the style. Features fi...
Category

19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Bamboo

Antique Jacobean William and Mary Greek Key Carved Mahogany 3 Drawer Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Jacobean William and Mary Green Key Carved Mahogany 3 Drawer Desk. Item features carved "chinoiserie" details, turn carved spiral legs and stretcher, nicely carved Greek key ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Red Leather Bureau Plat Writing Table Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Chinoiserie black lacquer red leather bureau plat writing table desk Additional information: Materials: LacquerLeatherWood Color: Black P...
Category

19th Century Antique Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Lacquer

Karges Ebonized, Gilt & Chinoiserie Decorated Secretary Desk 20th Century
Located in Big Flats, NY
A tall secretary by Karges offers ebonized wood construction with upper having carved shell form crest over single door case having internal bookcase; lower ...
Category

20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Wood

19th Century 3-Piece Diminutive Lacquer Secretary Desk with Nice Chinoiserie
Located in Milford, NH
A fine three-piece diminutive black lacquer secretary desk with extensive chinoiserie or japanned decoration, including a base table, bras...
Category

19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Bureau Desk Fall Front Japanning Tortoishell Gilding Chinoiserie
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
A rare, late-17th century / early-18th century, fall front bureau with gilded Chinoiserie Japanning & faux tortoishell ground. “Before Japan was made in England, the imitation of tortoise-shell was much in request for cabinets, tables and the like“. John Stalker and George Parker, a treatise on Japanning and varnishing (originally published in 1668), Alec Tiranti, 1998, p. 75. - This bureau is decorated in one of the most fashionable styles of the Baroque period, Chinese lacquer with gilded decoration and tortoiseshell imitation ground and would have been a statement piece within the interior. - The colours, which have become muted from atmospheric conditions over time, are still striking and colourful evoking warm and richness. - It has come from a private collection where it has reputedly been for many generations which explains why it is in such original condition retaining the original hinges, lock and catches. - Pieces of imitation tortoishell with gilded lacquer decoration are rare, the last piece I handled was a chest of drawers about 20 years ago. - Tortoishell furniture was only affordable by royalty and the elite and the height of fashion in the 17th century, as was producing things that were not what they seemed. One of the oldest examples of faux material from the Baroque period is at Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen where, in 1667, the royal bed...
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Lacquer

1970s Chinoiserie-Style Walnut Desk with Engraved Leather Top & Brass Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Immerse yourself in the world of French elegance with our vintage 1970s chinoiserie-style desk, a symbol of refined craftsmanship and artistic expression. Expertly handcrafted from p...
Category

1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Brass

19th Century English George III Chinoiserie Bureau
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Early 19th century hand painted and decorated chinoiserie bureau / desk. The fall front opening to reveal a fully fitted interior and numerous holding compartments, above an arrangem...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Brass

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.
Category

20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Bamboo

19th Century Japanese Style Desk
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A 19th Century English desk/dressing table featuring its original painted decoration in the then newly fashionable Japanese taste, circa 1880.
Category

19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Ash

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Teak

1970s Writing Desk From Century Furniture’s Chin Hua Collection by Raymond Sobot
Located in Hartville, OH
A coveted piece from Century Furniture’s Chin Hua Collection by Raymond Sabota, this beautifully crafted writing desk from the ea...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Lacquer

Related Items
Drexel Profile Mid-Century Modern Walnut K95 Desk by John Van Koert
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Elegant Mid-Century Modern K95 desk in walnut designed by John Van Koert for high quality furniture maker, Drexel. This desk has two large drawers on the left, and a smaller drawer o...
Category

1950s American Vintage Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Walnut

Chinoiserie Decorated Ebonized, Gilt, & Red Lacquered Secretary Desk
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Chinoiserie decorated secretary offers black lacquered wood construction with upper having a broken arch pediment over a cast with double doors opening to vermillion red lacquered ...
Category

20th Century Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Wood

Jasper Chinoiserie Breakfront Secretary, Gilt Lacquer, Bubble Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Jasper Chinoiserie Breakfront Secretary, Gilt Lacquer, Bubble Glass Offered for sale is a Chinoiserie breakfront china cabinet by Jasper with bu...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Glass, Wood

Vintage Bamboo and Grass Cloth Desk
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful British Colonial style writing desk or vanity with two working drawers for storage and reed wrapped joints. Lovely design and a great addition to any space. Very good condi...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Grasscloth, Bamboo, Rattan

Vintage Bamboo and Grass Cloth Desk
Vintage Bamboo and Grass Cloth Desk
H 38.5 in W 40 in D 20 in
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Teak Drop Front Desk Secretary in a Box, 1960-2000
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome MCM (a.k.a. Mid-Century Modern) vintage Scandinavian Modern drop front desk or secretary in a box. It is in wonderful vintage condition. There...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Teak

19th Century English Victorian Mahogany Kneehole Desk by Francis & James Smith
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality, unusual, Victorian mahogany kneehole desk by Francis and James Smith, Glasgow. The top, having three leather writing surfaces, each decorated with gold an...
Category

19th Century Scottish Antique Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century 3-Piece Diminutive Lacquer Secretary Desk with Nice Chinoiserie
Located in Milford, NH
A fine three-piece diminutive black lacquer secretary desk with extensive chinoiserie or japanned decoration, including a base table, bras...
Category

19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Antique English Victorian Double Sided Oak Twin Pedestal 18 Drawer Kneehole Desk
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning circa 1880 Victorian English oak antique knee hole 18 drawer desk A wonderful desk, ...
Category

1880s English Antique Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Leather, Oak

McGuire Oak & Bamboo Writing Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-century modern desk with light wash color that highlights the woodgrain and brass drawer drop handles. The neutral finish makes this desk more contemporary than its dark brown an...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Oak

McGuire Oak & Bamboo Writing Desk
McGuire Oak & Bamboo Writing Desk
H 30 in W 52 in D 24 in
JASPER "Generations" Inlaid Mahogany Chippendale Style Secretary Desk
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Chippendale style secretary desk by Jasper Cabinet Company, their "Generations" model. Inlaid mahogany, brass hardware, pediment top with inla...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Brass

English Mahogany Secretary Desk, 19th Century
Located in Southampton, NY
English Mahogany secretary desk, 19th century Three pieces: Crown, upper drawers and lower cabinet. Lowest draw pulls out as a secretary desk. Measures: 21" deep x 46.5" wide x 80....
Category

19th Century British Antique Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Queen Anne Style Chinoiserie Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous writing table desk or bureau plat made in the lovely Queen Anne style featuring an emerald green lacquered finish. Decorated in the chinoiserie revival...
Category

20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items
1970s Writing Desk From Century Furniture’s Chin Hua Collection by Raymond Sobot
Located in Hartville, OH
A coveted piece from Century Furniture’s Chin Hua Collection by Raymond Sabota, this beautifully crafted writing desk from the ea...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Lacquer

Vintage Maddox Chinoiserie, Black Lacquer, Slant-Front Writing Desk
Located in Houston, TX
The Vintage Maddox Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Slant-Front Writing Desk is a captivating piece of furniture that blends functionality and artistic allure. This desk, dating back to a bygone era, exudes the charm of Chinoiserie design, inspired by Chinese and East Asian aesthetics, which were highly popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. The desk is distinguished by its striking black lacquer finish, which not only adds a touch of elegance but also provides a durable and glossy surface. The slant-front design is a hallmark of writing desks, offering a hidden compartment for letters and writing tools. The intricate Chinoiserie motifs, often featuring birds, blossoms, and landscapes, are hand-painted on the desk, adding a touch of exotic beauty. This Vintage Maddox desk...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Wood, Paint, Lacquer

Antique English Chinoiserie Fall Front Desk
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th/Early 20th Century English Slant From Desk with raised chinoiserie decorated surface and green lacquered ground. Polychromed and gilt highlights with landscape scenes and a...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vintage Chinoiserie Style Ebonized Writing Desk
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a vintage Chinoiserie Style Ebonized Writing Desk. Featuring a straight line design, rectangular top, seven drawers for stora...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Brass

Chinese Teak Wood Desk
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Chinese teak wood writing table, circa 1950s. With a rectangular inset top, over two side drawers on either side of a long center drawer, reticulated corn...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Brass

Chinese Teak Wood Desk
Chinese Teak Wood Desk
H 30 in W 50 in D 24 in
1960s Chinoiserie Desk from Drexel Heritage
Located in Hartville, OH
Extraordinary vintage chinoiserie desk from Drexel is extremely rare and fresh from a Palm Beach estate. Gold faux bamboo legs and trim detail...
Category

1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Giltwood, Lacquer

Black Lacquered Hand Painted / Decorated Chinoiserie Desk
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Gorgeous black lacquered hand painted and decorated wood desk in the Carlton House / Georgian style. The desk features an heavily hand painted / decorated floral and birds design de...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Paint

Chinoiserie Slant Front Writing Desk / Cabinet, Chinese Motif, Slant Front
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinoiserie Slant Front Writing Desk / Cabinet, Chinese Motif A Decorative Slat Front Desk in the Chinoiserie Style on Queen Anne Legs which s...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Wood

Vintage Oriental Bureau Inlaid Chinoiserie Hand Painted Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Vintage Oriental Bureau Inlaid Chinoiserie Hand Painted Mahogany Writing Desk Well made and solid bureau, and ...
Category

20th Century British Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Walnut

Chinoiserie Hand Carved Rosewood 3-Piece Set Desk Credenza & Chair from Thailand
Located in Topeka, KS
Magnificent vintage Chinoiserie hand carved Rosewood 3-piece office set including credenza, desk, & desk chair with casters from Bangkok, Thail...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Bronze

Vintage Chinoiserie Hand Carved Rosewood Desk from Bangkok Thailand
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Chinoiserie hand carved Rosewood desk from Bangkok Thailand. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. Reglued some loose joints, used a scotch brite on desktop, then gave the whole a fresh coat of Danish oil but leaving some of the natural patina including nicks and dings. One drop pull has been replicated. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Mid-20th Century. NOTE: If you love this hand carved Rosewood desk from Bangkok we have a matching credenza and desk chair and additional interesting pieces form Bangkok if they are still available. We have also listed the three-piece set of desk, credenza, and desk chair into one listing in case you are interested in this as a set. What a Dapper, Dashing, Delightful Desk!! This is a magnificent hand carved desk from Bangkok, Thailand comprised of fantastic Rosewood featuring two large front doors...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Sligh Chinese Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Kneehole Writing Desk MCM
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Sligh Furniture black lacquered knee hole writing desk featuring Chinoiserie styling with seven drawers, a tooled red leather top, and floral landscape motif that features bi...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Desks

Materials

Leather, Hardwood, Lacquer

Chinoiserie desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinoiserie desks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, paint and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinoiserie desks made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks, popular names associated with this style include Karges Furniture, and Thomasville. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,800 and tops out at $32,104 while the average work can sell for $3,950.

Recently Viewed

View All