Chinese Chippendale Furniture
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.
Mid-20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Iron
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Chenille
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo, Rattan
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Teak
1910s Chinese Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool, Cotton
Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Cane, Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Fruitwood
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Giltwood, Mirror
Mid-20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Pine
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Jade
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Giltwood
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood, Upholstery
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Metal, Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood, Mirror, Glass
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century Unknown Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Composition
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Velvet, Beech
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo, Cane
Late 20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Wood
1990s North American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Leather, Wood
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Burl
1960s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Metal, Aluminum
1950s English Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Beech
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wool
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mirror, Giltwood
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo, Cane, Reed, Paint
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Hardwood
1980s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Leather, Bamboo, Cane
20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo, Rattan, Cane
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Textile, Cane, Rattan, Wood
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Linen, Walnut
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo, Rattan
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Rosewood
Early 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Silk
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Cane, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo, Rattan
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Brass
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Bamboo, Rattan
1930s Danish Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Mahogany
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Wood, Paint, Faux Bamboo, Lacquer
1970s French Vintage Chinese Chippendale Furniture
Metal, Bronze