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.
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Pair of Engraved Vases
Located in VALENZA, IT
Pair of vases in 800 solid silver. The shape of the vases is round, pot-bellied and has been made with a smooth and glossy finish. The vases were embellished with a hand engraving ...
Silver
$3,204Sale Price / item|20% Off
20th Century Italian Solid 800 Silver Vase Chinese Replica
Located in VALENZA, IT
Vase in solid silver 800 with enamelled Phoenix, replica of a vase of the Ching Dynasty 1644 - 1911 Chia Ching period 1796 - 1821 Vase from the "Antica Cina collection" produced by ...
Silver
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Engraved Vase
Located in VALENZA, IT
Vase in 800 solid silver. The shape of the vase is round, pot-bellied and has been made with a smooth and glossy finish. The vason was embellished with a hand engraving depicting a...
Silver
$2,827
H 10.24 in W 4.14 in D 4.14 in
Early 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Silver Urn Vase Milan by Emanuele Caber
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A very decorative neoclassical silver urn stamped by the Italian silversmith Emanuele Caber, dating from around 1825. It has the Milan warranty stamp, and stamp of the silver finenes...
Silver
Victorian Pair of Sterling Silver-Mounted Cut Crystal Vases
Located in New York, NY
Victorian pair of sterling silver-mounted cut crystal vases, England, circa 1895. Each heavy vase stands 7" high x 3 1/4" diameter at widest point. Crystal "twists" near the base of ...
Silver
Pair of Hawkes Crystal and Sterling Vases
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Presenting a pair of Hawkes vases; crystal with sterling silver bases. The crystal is in the "diamond cut" pattern with slight curves alon...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
20th Century Italian Murano Glass Vase
Located in Antwerp, BE
An Italian Murano glass vase manufactured in the 1960s.
Glass, Murano Glass
19th Century Sterling Silver Decorative Vase
Located in Tarry Town, NY
19th Century Italian sterling silver decorative vase with two side handles and exterior design details. The vase features a finely chase body with applied foliate motifs and semi pre...
Sterling Silver
$122Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 3.75 in Dm 1.5 in
Pair of 20th Century Footed Danish Silver Plate Caster, 3 Pairs Available
Located in Sheffield, MA
Each of the neoclassical pair of 20th century Danish silver plated salt shakers stand on four acanthus-leafed feet. The surfaces are embellished with undulating ribbing. The bottoms ...
Silver Plate
$2,500
H 5.25 in W 5.5 in D 3.75 in
Chinese Export Silver Tankard by Luen Hing, Early 20th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A wonderful Chinese export silver bamboo motif tankard by Luen Hing, circa 1920, Shanghai, China. The large tankard with a slightly bulgi...
Silver
Wonderful Pair of European Baroque 800 Sterling Silver Bud Vases
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of European Baroque style 800 sterling silver bud vases.
Sterling Silver
$2,174
H 14.18 in Dm 7.88 in
Antique Silver Vase, Art Nouveau Green Glass Vase with Silver Overlay, Early 20C
Located in Wembley, GB
Art Nouveau Green Glass Vase with Silver Overlay, Early 20th Century An exceptional Art Nouveau decorative vase, featuring a luminous green art glass body encased in an exquisitely ...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,500 / set
H 11 in W 11.5 in D 3.75 in
NEWPORT - Pair of Sterling Silver Candelabra - Weighted - U.S.A. - 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
NEWPORT - Vintage pair of sterling silver candelabra - pattern number 16218 - weighted - classic traditional design - signed on the base - United States - mid 20th century. Good vin...
Sterling Silver
Pair of 20th Century Silver Pheasants
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 800 silver pheasants. Gold vermeil. European (probably Austria).
Silver
$695 / set
H 7.68 in Dm 1.97 in
Pair of Vintage Silver Metal Vases attr. to Fritz August Breuhaus de Groot
By Fritz August Breuhaus de Groot 1
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of Silver Vases is an original artwork realized in Germany in the 1930s. Original silver metal. Design attributed to Fritz August Breuhau...
Silver