Chinoiserie Benches
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.
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Benches
Wood
1960s Asian Vintage Chinoiserie Benches
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Chinoiserie Benches
Softwood
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinoiserie Benches
Wood
Early 20th Century English Chinoiserie Benches
Beech
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Benches
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Benches
Elm, Lacquer
Mid-18th Century European Antique Chinoiserie Benches
Wood, Lacquer
19th Century Indian Antique Chinoiserie Benches
Wood
1980s American Vintage Chinoiserie Benches
Wood, Velvet
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Benches
Upholstery, Rattan, Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Benches
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Benches
Porcelain
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Benches
Walnut
20th Century French Chinoiserie Benches
Gold Leaf
Early 1800s Chinese Antique Chinoiserie Benches
Elm
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinoiserie Benches
Lead
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Benches
Sheepskin, Walnut
1960s American Vintage Chinoiserie Benches
Wood
1950s Vintage Chinoiserie Benches
Ceramic
19th Century English Antique Chinoiserie Benches
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Chinoiserie Benches
Cement
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Benches
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Benches
Steel, Chrome
1970s European Vintage Chinoiserie Benches
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Benches
Fabric, Wood
1970s American Vintage Chinoiserie Benches
Wood, Lacquer
Late 20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Benches
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Benches
Porcelain
1940s Unknown Vintage Chinoiserie Benches
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century English Chinoiserie Benches
Bamboo, Cane, Wood
20th Century Chinoiserie Benches
Rattan, Bamboo
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Benches
Wood, Hardwood
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Benches
Wood, Elm
1970s Vintage Chinoiserie Benches
Bamboo
Late 20th Century Spanish Chinoiserie Benches
Upholstery, Wood