Chinese Chippendale Desks
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.
Early 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Desks
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Desks
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Glass
Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Chippendale Desks
Bamboo, Birdseye Maple, Satinwood
19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Desks
Bamboo, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chinese Chippendale Desks
Wood
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Desks
Mahogany
Early 19th Century English Antique Chinese Chippendale Desks
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Desks
Pine
Late 20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Desks
Brass
1950s Norwegian Vintage Chinese Chippendale Desks
Birch, Teak
Early 1900s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Desks
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century French Chinese Chippendale Desks
Bronze
1970s Vintage Chinese Chippendale Desks
Oak
20th Century Unknown Chinese Chippendale Desks
Upholstery, Bamboo, Rattan
19th Century British Antique Chinese Chippendale Desks
Mahogany
1770s American Antique Chinese Chippendale Desks
Brass
1970s North American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Desks
Oak
Early 19th Century German Antique Chinese Chippendale Desks
Wood
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Desks
Brass
20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Desks
Brass
20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Desks
Wood, Mahogany, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary European Chinese Chippendale Desks
Wood
1980s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Desks
Mahogany
Early 20th Century English Chinese Chippendale Desks
Wood
20th Century Chinese Chippendale Desks
Brass
1910s English Vintage Chinese Chippendale Desks
Mahogany
1760s English Antique Chinese Chippendale Desks
Mahogany
Early 19th Century British Antique Chinese Chippendale Desks
1970s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Desks
1960s American Vintage Chinese Chippendale Desks
Brass