Chinese Chippendale Dressers
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.
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Wood
1970s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Mirror, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Mirror, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Mahogany
1940s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Brass
1950s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Lucite, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Walnut
1960s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Brass
1940s Swedish Vintage Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Elm
1980s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Brass
1960s Unknown Vintage Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Walnut
1970s Danish Vintage Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Teak
1960s North American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Walnut
Late 18th Century American Antique Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Cherry
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Brass
1960s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Teak
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Metal
Mid-20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Brass
Early 20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Mahogany
Early 20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Glass, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Brass
Early 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Dressers
Mahogany