Chinoiserie Vitrines
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.
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Vitrines
Glass, Wood
Mid-20th Century English Chinoiserie Vitrines
Brass
1880s Antique Chinoiserie Vitrines
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Lacquer, Paint
1950s European Vintage Chinoiserie Vitrines
Brass
20th Century Chinoiserie Vitrines
Wood
19th Century Italian Antique Chinoiserie Vitrines
Giltwood, Lacquer, Paint
20th Century English Chinoiserie Vitrines
Glass, Giltwood, Lacquer
1890s English Antique Chinoiserie Vitrines
Wood, Giltwood
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Vitrines
Metal
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Vitrines
Glass, Wood
2010s Chinoiserie Vitrines
Natural Fiber
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Chinoiserie Vitrines
Bronze
1930s French Vintage Chinoiserie Vitrines
Rosewood
19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Vitrines
Ormolu
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Vitrines
Bronze
Mid-20th Century English Chinoiserie Vitrines
Glass, Walnut, Plywood, Bentwood
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Vitrines
Brass
20th Century French Chinoiserie Vitrines
Lacquer
20th Century Chinoiserie Vitrines
Brass
2010s Finnish Chinoiserie Vitrines
Oak
Early 1900s British Antique Chinoiserie Vitrines
Glass, Wood
20th Century French Chinoiserie Vitrines
Tôle
20th Century American Chinoiserie Vitrines
Brass
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Vitrines
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Vitrines
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Chinoiserie Vitrines
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Vitrines
Rosewood
1910s British Vintage Chinoiserie Vitrines
Glass, Wood
1960s Vintage Chinoiserie Vitrines
Bamboo, Rattan, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century East Asian Chinoiserie Vitrines
Brass
1960s Italian Vintage Chinoiserie Vitrines
Brass
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Vitrines
Brass