Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
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.
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
20th Century Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Faux Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer
1950s Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
20th Century American Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze, Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century Thai Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Bronze
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Faux Bamboo, Wood, Wicker
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 1900s Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Ash, Cherry
1930s Dutch Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1930s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine, Plywood, Lacquer
Early 19th Century Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Paint
Late 18th Century German Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Paint
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 20th Century Belgian Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Walnut, Glass, Oak
20th Century British Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Gold
Early 20th Century Hungarian Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Pine
1950s Unknown Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Metal
20th Century British Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Faux Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Fabric, Bamboo, Wood
1980s American Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Gold Leaf, Metal
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Mirror, Oak, Cherry, Pine
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Faux Bamboo, Hardwood
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Birdseye Maple, Cherry, Pine
1980s American Vintage Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass