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.
Antique Chinoiserie Jacobean Green Lacquered Hand Painted Bookcase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Chinoiserie Jacobean style bookcase, dining cabinet, or bar cabinet In the manner of Berkey & Gay USA, Circa 1920s Green lacquered carved walnut, with hand ...
Brass
English 19th Century Japanned Chinoiserie Bookcase Cabinet
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English 19th-century japanned bookcase cabinet, decorated with gilt chinoiserie scenes on a black lacquered ground. The tall, narrow form features an...
Glass, Wood
Red Japanned Bureau Bookcase
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a highly decorative and stylish Chinese red painted bureau bookcase decorated overall with gilt chinoiseries. The top section contains a broken arched pediment over two confo...
Wood
Wonderful Pair Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Arch Shape Glass Etagere Bookshelf
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Arch Shape With Glass Insert Etagere / Bookshelf's Painted White
Metal
The Chinoiserie Pagoda Open Bookcase
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A fine paint and gilt decorated pagoda cabinet on stand. Can be painted to the clients specified colour. Please note we are currently working to a 30-36 week lead time and that thi...
Mahogany
The Chinoiserie Pagoda Waterfall Bookcase
Located in Sturminster Marshall, Dorset
A fine paint and gilt decorated two tier pagoda topped waterfall bookcase with cupboard base. Can be painted to the clients specified colour. Please note we are currently working to...
Marble
Antique Georgian Style Chinoiserie Breakfront Bookcase
By Drexel
Located in London, GB
A stunning and very decorative antique Georgian style chinoiserie breakfront bookcase / china cabinet. This was made in the USA by Drexel, it dates from around the 1960’s. It is of ...
Glass, Wood
$3,596Sale Price / set|20% Off
1970s Bernhardt Chinoiserie 3-Piece Modular Bookcase Wall Unit
By Bernhardt
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Extraordinary 3-piece Chinoiserie wall-unit by Bernhardt. This captivating Asian inspired system is comprised of three individual cabinets. The cabinets are stand alone and can be us...
Brass
English 19th Century Black and Gold Secretary Bookcase with Chinoiserie Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English black lacquer secretary bookcase from the 19th century, with glass doors, drop-front desk and gold Chinoiserie décor. Created in England during the 19th century, this secr...
Glass, Wood
Chinoiserie Japanned English Pagoda Bamboo Standing Corner Shelf or Etagere
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An antique English 3 tier corner etagere of burnt bamboo and black Japanned panels. Each shelf is fan-shaped and Japanned In black, with a red chinoiserie design of birds and flowers...
Metal
Lacquered Breakfront Bookcase Chinoiserie
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Eye cathching lacquered breakfront bookcase Features a plethora of hand painted Chinoiserie on all surfaces Designs include pagodas, rustic Chinese ...
Glass
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Bookcase Etagere Vitrine circa 1950s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Bookcase, probably Chinese, circa 1950s. Sculptural lattice shelves offer lots of display space. It is a versatile size and can be used as a bookcase, etage...
Wood
1970's Bohemian Bamboo and Rattan Bookcase
Located in Alhambra, CA
Vintage 1970's oblong ribbed rattan etagere shelving unit. Unique "rib-like" side structure and 4 extra wide shelves. Lightweight and easy to move. Holes have been discreetly drilled...
Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Black Lacquer Bookcase Display Cabinet
Located in North York, ON
This stunning piece is expertly crafted and made in the USA, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. Drawing inspiration from iconic Chinoiserie style, this bookcase ex...
Metal
Pair Baker Far East Collection Michael Taylor Natural Elmwood Colonnade Cabinets
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor, Baker Far East Collection
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Asian Style chinoiserie Baker Furniture Far East Collection by Michael Taylor pair of cabinets. Comprised of natural ...
Brass
19th Century English Black and Gold Chinoiserie Bookcase with Glass Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English black and gold bookcase from the 19th century with Chinoiserie décor and glass doors. This exquisite English black and gold bookcase from the ...
Glass, Wood
Wonderful Gold Gilt Bamboo Chinoiserie Pagoda Glass Shelf Palm Beach Etagere
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Tall Gold Gilt Faux Bamboo Chinoiserie Pagoda Glass Shelf Palm Beach Etagere
Metal
Chinoiserie Bookcase or Etagere
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinoiserie Bookcase or Etagere, probably American, circa 1950s. It is a versatile size and can be used as a bookcase, etagere, or display case. The collection of Japanese bronzes se...
Brass
Italian Painted and Giltwood Chinoiserie Cabinet
By Ico Parisi, Guglielmo Ulrich, Vittorio Dassi, Paolo Buffa, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Houston, TX
Italian painted and giltwood chinoiserie cabinet. Stunning versatile Italian painted and gilt wood chinoiserie 2-door cabinet, bookcase, bar or cu...
Wood
$2,550
Tortoise Bamboo Etagere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking vintage tortoise bamboo etagere is an exceptional example of Chinoiserie-inspired design, perfectly capturing the high-end tropical modernism of the late 20th century. ...
Bamboo, Rattan, Paint
Davis Cabinet Co Teakwood Chinoiserie Library Bookcase Cabinet Shelf Commode
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Davis Cabinet Company bookcase commode. Made of teakwood featuring Asian styling with upper book shelves and lower cabinet. Circa late 20th century, Nashville Tennessee. #151...
Teak
Vintage Wrought Iron Pagoda Etagere
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage wrought iron pagoda étagère is a whimsical yet sophisticated celebration of Chinoiserie and Hollywood Regency design. The piece features a dramatic architectural pagoda-...
Wrought Iron
Antique Golden Tortoise Bamboo and Woven Wicker Etagere Bookshelf
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique tortoise bamboo and Woven Wicker Etagere bookshelf. Bamboo rods and woven wicker shelves make this etagere shelving unique. This Boho c...
Bamboo, Wicker, Plywood
Small Asian Etagere With Lower Cabinet in Fresh White Lacquer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful small etagere with two door lower cabinets. Freshly lacquered in white.
Wood
$3,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Unusual Baker Chinoiserie Modular Chest Bookcase Shelf Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Unusual Baker Chinoiserie style 2-piece modular bookcase chest. The top shelving unit sits on top of a Tansu-style 4 drawer chest. We love the blackened iron hardware along with th...
Iron
Pair Regency Open Bookcases in Walnut Open Front Bookcase
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous pair of Regency Sheraton style open front bookcase in burl walnut Tall and thin so elegant design to this piece We can also split the pair up if you are looking for a single...
Walnut
$1,200
H 46.25 in W 22.75 in D 15.5 in
Chinoiserie Japanned English Pagoda Bamboo Standing Corner Shelf or Etagere
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An antique English 3 tier corner etagere of burnt bamboo and black Japanned panels. Each shelf is fan-shaped and Japanned In black, with a red chinoiserie design of birds and flowers...
Metal
Small 18th Century Mahogany Secretaire Bookcase
Located in Lymington, GB
A rare, diminutive, late-18th century secretaire bookcase / cabinet. George III-period, circa 1790. Mahogany of very good rich color and well patinated. Inlaid and crossbanded throu...
Mahogany
Italian Painted and Giltwood Chinoiserie Cabinet
By Ico Parisi, Guglielmo Ulrich, Vittorio Dassi, Paolo Buffa, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Houston, TX
Italian painted and giltwood chinoiserie cabinet. Stunning versatile Italian painted and gilt wood chinoiserie 2-door cabinet, bookcase, bar or cu...
Wood
George III Mahogany Secretary Bookcase
Located in Westwood, NJ
Elegant Georgian style cabinet with classical pediment, geometric glazing bars over the twin doors with three adjustable shelves within, the lower section with a fall front, fully li...
Mahogany
19th Century Country English Fruitwood Library Bookcase Cabinet
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Unique 19th century country English library bookcase or cabinet crafted from fruitwood. The tall two-part case has a six shelf bookcase on the top featuring glazed doors. The bookcas...
Brass
Chinoiserie Bookcase or Etagere
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinoiserie Bookcase or Etagere, probably American, circa 1950s. It is a versatile size and can be used as a bookcase, etagere, or display case. The collection of Japanese bronzes se...
Brass
English 19th Century Mahogany Revolving Bookcase
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A very practical and fun design, this square revolving bookcase would have been made in England circa 1870 using mahogany decorated with an inlaid satinwood medallion on top and fine...
Mahogany, Satinwood
$3,900
H 67.5 in W 40.5 in D 13.5 in
Victorian Burl Walnut Glass-Door Display Cabinet 19th Century English Bookcase
Located in High Point, NC
This stunning 19th-century Victorian burl walnut display cabinet features beautifully figured veneers, rounded corners, and two tall glass-panel doors that open to reveal shelving. T...
Wood
$4,332
H 61.03 in W 51.97 in D 11.42 in
Antique English Regency Rosewood Waterfall Bookcase with Drawers
Located in Glasgow, GB
Furnish your home with timeless elegance – introducing our antique Regency rosewood waterfall bookcase, made in England circa 1820. Crafted with exq...
Rosewood
$3,182Sale Price|36% Off
H 86.62 in W 47.25 in D 17.33 in
19th Century English Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet, circa 1885
Located in Sofia, BG
Late 19th century two-door mahogany breakfront bookcase cabinet, the moulded cornice above two astragal glazed doors opening to reveal four adjustable shelves, the bottom section hav...
Mahogany
Antique open bookcase
Located in BEEKBERGEN, NL
Beautiful antique bookcase from the Victorian era. Made of burr walnut with beautiful wood grain and the warm, typical burr walnut colour. Featuring 5 adjustable shelves on both side...
Walnut
Sold
H 45.5 in W 21.75 in D 12.25 in
Petite Victorian Style Chinoiserie Bookcases W/ Hand Painted Bird Doors -Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of diminutive Victorian style hand painted bookcases. They are painted in a distressed butter yellow. The door fronts open to open space, and I do have one key. They h...
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Mahogany Book Trough
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Presenting a fabulous and rare early 20th century American Nouveau book/ magazine trough/ console. Made of mahogany with a lacquer finish.. It is based upon the earlier concept of a ...
Wood
Sold
H 83.5 in W 72 in D 17 in
Century Furniture Co Chin Hua Burl Wood Chinese Display China Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Century Furniture Co Chin Hua Burl Wood Chinese Display China Cabinet Bookcase. Item features a solid wood construction, beautiful wood grain, 2 part construction, 4 glass sw...
Glass, Wood
Sold
H 83 in W 26.5 in D 18.5 in
Verdigris Woven Iron Pagoda Form Etagere Wall Rack Shelf Plant Stand Vintage 83"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century pagoda form etagere. Made from Verdigris iron with a scrolled pagoda form top over woven shelves, and a base with brack feet. A charming addition to any space. D...
Iron
Rose Tarlow Melrose House Black & Gold Chinoiserie Etagere
By Rose Tarlow
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Rose Tarlow Melrose House Black & Gold Chinoiserie Etagere
Wood
Sold
H 80.5 in W 35 in D 15.75 in
Georgian Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Hand-Painted Drop Front Secretary Desk
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk and lighted bookcase hutch top In the manner of Baker Furniture By Jasper Cabinet ...
Brass
Sold
H 84 in W 49.63 in D 23 in
John Widdicomb Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie Red Lacquered Armoire or Cabinet
By Mario Buatta, John Widdicomb
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie armoire, linen press, media cabinet, or bar cabinet By Mario Buatta for John Widdicomb USA, Late 20th Century Red lacquered cherry woo...
Brass
Sold
H 81 in W 72 in D 18 in
Karges Furniture Style Chinoiserie Silver Gilt Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian Chinoiserie style breakfront bookcase or dining cabinet with hand-painted Chinoiserie scenes In the manner of Karges Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Silver gilt mah...
Brass
Sold
H 44 in W 21 in D 13 in
Pair of Vintage English Chinoiserie Gold and Black Painted Small Bookcases
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Vintage English Chinoiserie-style black bookcases with two shelves each over a solid cabinet base painted with gold pastoral scenes of figures fishing next to a lake. (PRICED...
Wood
Antique Scorched Bamboo Library Bookshelf Bookcase Etagere Shelf 52"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique foldable knockdown library bookcase / etagere stand. Made of bamboo featuring a scorched / tortoise shell finish with four shelves, columns, and slatted design Dimensions: 2...
Bamboo
Chinoiserie Style Faux Bamboo Gilt Iron Bookshelf Étagère
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Elaborate faux bamboo gilt iron fretwork étagère having heavy gold finish, glamorous chinoiserie style and super heavy .5" thick glass shelves. Wonderful deep detail in bamoo design....
Iron
Hand painted Faux Bamboo Breakfront Bookcase
Located in Norwalk, CT
A lovely cabinet with hand painted decoration in gold over a very dark green, detailed with faux bamboo trimming. The upper section behind mullioned glass doors has glass shelves and...
Wood