Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
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 American Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Wood, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Fabric, Faux Bamboo, Wood, Rattan
1960s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Iron
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Rosewood
1960s Unknown Vintage Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Wood
1930s French Vintage Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Oak
Early 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Fabric, Faux Bamboo, Cane, Wood
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Mahogany
1960s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Metal
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Faux Bamboo, Cane, Lacquer
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Velvet, Mahogany
Mid-18th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Brass
20th Century Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Wood, Giltwood
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Mohair, Nylon, Faux Bamboo
Mid-20th Century British Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Velvet, Faux Bamboo
Early 20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Bamboo, Rattan, Wicker
20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Mahogany
Late 20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Faux Bamboo
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Faux Bamboo, Fabric
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
20th Century Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Aluminum
Mid-18th Century Antique Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Bamboo, Cane
1950s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Wood