Chinese Chippendale Wingback 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.
Late 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Cotton, Wood
1820s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
1960s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Wood
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Linen, Cotton
1780s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Aluminum, Iron
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Iron, Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Iron, Wrought Iron
20th Century Swedish Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century British Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Wood
1950s Italian Vintage Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Wicker
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Rattan
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Wrought Iron
1950s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Iron
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Chenille, Mahogany
2010s Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Mahogany
1960s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Cotton, Wood, Paint
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Damask, Mahogany
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Fabric, Wood
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Wood