Chinoiserie Cupboards
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.
Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Cupboards
Mother-of-Pearl, Fruitwood
Early 1900s British Antique Chinoiserie Cupboards
Lacquer
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Cupboards
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Cupboards
Elm
Early 1900s European Antique Chinoiserie Cupboards
Lacquer
20th Century American Chinoiserie Cupboards
Bronze, Gold Leaf
19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Cupboards
Wood
Late 18th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Cupboards
Walnut
Early 20th Century English Chinoiserie Cupboards
Wood
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Cupboards
Wood
1930s French Vintage Chinoiserie Cupboards
Brass
1930s French Vintage Chinoiserie Cupboards
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Cupboards
Glass, Wood
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Cupboards
Faux Bamboo, Wood, Lacquer
1950s Indian Vintage Chinoiserie Cupboards
Aluminum
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Cupboards
Wood
1950s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Cupboards
Brass
1860s British Antique Chinoiserie Cupboards
Brass
1950s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Cupboards
Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Cupboards
Brass
1990s English Chinoiserie Cupboards
Brass
1860s English Antique Chinoiserie Cupboards
Pine
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Cupboards
Wood
1830s Austrian Antique Chinoiserie Cupboards
Pine
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Cupboards
Fabric, Faux Bamboo, Wood
Early 20th Century Swedish Chinoiserie Cupboards
Pine, Lacquer
1860s Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Cupboards
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Cupboards
Glass, Hardwood, Lacquer, Paint
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Cupboards
Glass, Hardwood, Lacquer
1960s French Vintage Chinoiserie Cupboards
Paint
1960s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Cupboards
Wood, Lacquer
Early 20th Century English Chinoiserie Cupboards
Bamboo, Mirror, Wood
Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Cupboards
Wood
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Cupboards
Glass, Hardwood, Lacquer
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Cupboards
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Cupboards
Plywood