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Fine early 1800s Era English Georgian Chinoiserie Paint Decorated Secretary Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a rare and unique form of Chinese Chippendale two piece secretary desk. The desk was made
Category
Antique 1820s English Chinese Chippendale Secretaires
Materials
Mahogany
Late 19th-Early 20th Century George II Style Chinoiserie Drop Front Secretary
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th-early 20th century George II style chinoiserie drop front secretary, circa 1900
An
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Louis XVI -Style Asian Chinoiserie Desk/Secretary with Verni Martin Decorating
Located in Houston, TX
This piece is in the manner of Jacques Dubois , the shaped, rectangular top
Has a pierced three quarter pierced brass gallery above a slant front opening
To a storage well and draw...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
18th Century Swedish Chinoserie Secretary
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Late 18th Century Swedish Chinoserie secretary of elegant scale and proportions.
With decorative
Category
Antique 18th Century Swedish Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Chinese Red Lacquered Secretary Desk
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Experience the allure of the Red Lacquered Chinese Secretary Desk. Meticulously crafted with
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Lacquer
Vintage Chinese Hand Carved Cherry Finished Secretary Desk
Located in Delray Beach, FL
The Vintage Chinese Hand Carved Cherry Finished Secretary Desk is a masterpiece of traditional
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Italian Painted Secretary Desk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful hand painted Chippendale style chinoiserie painted Secretary. Worn paint to be expected
Category
Vintage 1930s English Chippendale Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Chinese Hand Painted/Black Lacquered and Brass Secretary Desk
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Lacquered and Brass Secretary Desk. Featuring intricate hand-painted scenes on a rich black lacquer finish
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
18th Century Northern Italian Japanned Secretary Bookcase, 18th Century
Located in Bridgeport, CT
In red paint with overall gilt decoration in relief on three sides. With a tall broken crest with small inset mirror, over double doors with mirrors in two parts opening to shelves, ...
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Fireplace Mantel Bookcase Secretary 70"
Located in Dayton, OH
fireplace has a hidden secret compartment. The central panel flips down like a secretary to an illuminated
Category
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Fireplaces and Mantels
Materials
Mahogany
Mid Century Faux Bamboo and Rattan Highboy Wardrobe with Secretary Desk
By Drexel
Located in West Hartford, CT
Mid century vintage faux bamboo and rattan highboy wardrobe with built in secretary desk. There is
Category
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Faux Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
Michael Taylor for Baker Far East Collection Walnut Drop Front Secretary Desk
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie drop front secretary desk
By Michael
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Brass
Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chinoiserie secretary desk. Books and accessories not included.
Measurements open: 84 inches H x
Category
Early 20th Century English Secretaires
Materials
Wood
$8,200
Red Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1990s red chinoiserie secretary. Eight feet high. Hand painted. From a celebrity’s Southampton, NY
Category
1990s Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Red Chinoiserie Secretary/Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Striking chinoiserie secretary with exquisite hand-painted surfaces by the Isabel O'Neil Studio.
Category
20th Century Chinoiserie Secretaires
A Spectacular English Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
This impressive and grand Chinoiserie Secretary having an intricate detailed decoration both on
Category
Antique Late 19th Century British Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Giltwood, Lacquer, Paint
20th C. French Style Painted Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely French style chinoiserie Secretary with a multitude of storage options. It is
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Baker "Chinoiserie" Secretary, 20th Century
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Hamburg, PA
A decorative and beautiful Chinoiserie Secretary with meticulous design by Baker Furniture Company
Category
20th Century American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer
Queen Anne Style Red Japanned Chinoiserie Secretary Cabinet
Located in Cypress, CA
Fine Queen Anne style red Japanned chinoiserie secretary cabinet. The double domed top with three
Category
20th Century English Queen Anne Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk by Maitland Smith
By Maitland Smith
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Fabulous lacquered chinoiserie secretary made for Maitland Smith. The interior has many individual
Category
Vintage 1980s Asian Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Hardwood
Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
An exquisite orange / red (or red / orange) with gilt chinoiserie pattern design secretary, two
Category
20th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Wood
$13,750
19th C. Bamboo Chinoiserie Secretary or Cabinet
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant 19th Century Bamboo Chinoiserie Secretary or Cabinet, England, circa late 19th century
Category
Antique 19th Century British Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Leather, Bamboo, Glass, Wood
18th Century English Lacquer and Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
A good quality English 18th century George II lacquer and gilt chinoiserie secretary bookcase
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Bookcases
Materials
Mahogany
18th Century George III Lacquer and Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality George III chinoiserie secretary bookcase. Having a double dome top
Category
Antique Late 18th Century European George III Bookcases
Materials
Oak, Giltwood, Lacquer
English George III Style Lacquered Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stunning Italian Chinoiserie secretary bookcase crafted in the English George III taste
Category
20th Century Italian George III Secretaires
Materials
Brass
20th Century Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality chinoiserie 20th century Bureau bookcase in good condition with detailed
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Bookcases
Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive secretary bookcase made in the Chinese taste featuring a decorative gilt faux bamboo
Category
20th Century American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Hand Painted Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
Magnificent decorated black with raised gilt chinoiserie broken arch bonnet top secretary desk with
Category
Mid-20th Century Queen Anne Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Queen Anne Style Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This elegant chinoiserie oxblood Queen Anne style secretary is richly decorated with gilt embossed
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Queen Anne Bookcases
Materials
Wood, Paint
1960s Jasper Jr Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
By Jasper Furniture Company
Located in Hartville, OH
The sweetest Jr Secretary by Jasper Cabinet Co. is 60s chinoiserie in design and nearly perfect in
Category
Vintage 1960s American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Lacquer and Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality 19th century and later decorated chinoiserie Bureau bookcase. The top of
Category
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Bookcases
Materials
Oak
Gilt and Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality 19th century, chinoiserie and gilt decorated 20th century Bureau
Category
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Bookcases
Materials
Oak
English Georgian Black Lacquer with Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in San Francisco, CA
English Georgian black lacquer and chinoiserie decorated slant front secretary cabinet on bracket
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century English George III Secretaires
Materials
Oak
18th Century English Red Lacquer chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Essex, MA
A William and Mary Chinoiserie decorated secretary 18th century, the superstructure with two
Category
Antique 18th Century Secretaires
Materials
Oak, Lacquer
18th Century George III Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a large 18th century and later chinoiserie Bureau bookcase. The top of the bureau has
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Bookcases
Materials
Oak
John Widdicomb Signed Red Chinoiserie Secretary Secretaire Desk
By John Widdicomb
Located in West Hartford, CT
Rare signed John Widdicomb red chinoiserie midcentury secretary desk that comes in two pieces, a
Category
Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Wood
English George III Style Lacquered Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
By Lewis Mittman
Located in Sheffield, MA
The two piece Chinoiserie Secretaire by Maitland-Smith features multiple drawers and compartments
Category
20th Century Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
English George III Style Lacquered Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stunning Italian chinoiserie decorated secretaire bookcase crafted in the English George III taste
Category
20th Century Italian George III Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Italian Venetian Style Off White Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase Trumeau
Located in Dayton, OH
A beautiful Venetian style secretary desk, circa 1970s. Features classic Italian form with an off
Category
20th Century French Provincial Secretaires
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Rococo Chinoiserie Secretary, Swedish, 18th Century, Origin Sweden, circa 1750
Located in New York, NY
Rococo 18th century secretary in two parts, 19th century chinoiserie painting with the original
Category
Antique 18th Century Swedish Rococo Secretaires
Materials
Paint
18th Century English George III Lacquer and Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a fine quality 18th century chinoiserie Bureau. The exterior of the bureau is profusely
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English George III Desks
Materials
Oak
Late 19th/Early 20th Century Lacquer and Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality Antique chinoiserie Bureau Bookcase. The bookcase has a nicely shaped
Category
Antique 1890s English Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Oak
Late 20th Century Vintage Asian Black Lacquered Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular vintage Asian secretary desk. A chic black lacquered cabinet with hand painted gilt
Category
Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Desks
Materials
Metal
Black and Gold Chinoiserie Directoire Secretary Desk and Chair
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elegant chinoiserie secretary desk with chair. Great scale to the desk, not too big and will fit
Category
Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Asian Chinoiserie Black Lacquer and Gold Secretary Desk Hand Painted Secretaire
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning, one of a kind, vintage Asian black and gold lacquer chinoiserie secretary desk. What
Category
Vintage 1920s Chinese Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Vintage Maitland-Smith Emerald Green Lacquered Chinoiserie Broken Pediment Secre
By Maitland Smith
Located in Hartville, OH
Magnificent early 1970’s Chinoiserie Secretary Desk in a decadent Emerald Green Lacquer from famed
Category
Vintage 1970s American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Lacquer
English George III Style Chinoiserie Lacquered Secretaire
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Late 19th century English chinoiserie secretary bookcase made in the George III taste. Two part
Category
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Lovely Chinoiserie Style Secretary
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Black and gold hand-painted chinoiserie style secretary having aged paned mirror front on single
Category
Vintage 1950s American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Chinoiserie Style Secretary
Located in East Hampton, NY
Large early 20th century secretary, hand decorated.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Secretaires
Chinoiserie Carved Black Lacquer Secretary Desk
Located in Manhasset, NY
Chinoiserie carved black lacquer secretary desk having a black lacquer and gilt slant top and
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Yellow Lacquer Chinoiserie Style Decorated Secretary Desk
Located in Manhasset, NY
A stunning one of a kind yellow lacquer chinoiserie style decorated secretary desk. Supported on
Category
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Secretaires
Baker Chinoiserie Ebony Secretary Chippendale Style, 1950s
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Hamburg, PA
A Baker two-piece chinoiserie black secretary in the Chippendale Style.
Category
Vintage 1950s American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Lacquer, Wood
Chinoiserie Hand-Painted English Secretary
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1930's hand-painted chinoiserie English Secretary out of a Park Avenue Estate in New York City
Category
Vintage 1930s English Secretaires
English Georgian Style Chinoiserie Lacquered Secretary Bookcase
Located in Rio Vista, CA
finish. The two-part case is decorated in the Chinoiserie revival style with idyllic Asian scenes of
Category
20th Century American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Chinoiserie Black and Gold Hand Painted Secretary Desk
Located in West Hartford, CT
Magnificent Chinoiserie decorated black secretary desk with exquisite hand painted landscape
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Wood
Georgian Style Chinoiserie Decorated Secretary Bookcase by Baker
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rio Vista, CA
secretary features a dark green lacquered case embellished with parcel gilt Chinoiserie reserves. The top
Category
20th Century American Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Brass
Chinoiserie Decorated Ebonized, Gilt,
Red Lacquered Secretary Desk
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Chinoiserie decorated secretary offers black lacquered wood construction with upper having a
Category
20th Century Chinoiserie Secretaires
Materials
Wood
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Chinoiserie Secretary For Sale on 1stDibs
At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal chinoiserie secretary for your home. A chinoiserie secretary — often made from wood, lacquer and metal — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the chinoiserie secretary you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Each chinoiserie secretary bearing Georgian, Rococo or Mid-Century Modern hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made chinoiserie secretary over the years, but those crafted by Baker Furniture Company, John Widdicomb and Karges Furniture are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much is a Chinoiserie Secretary?
Prices for a chinoiserie secretary start at $1,080 and top out at $50,000 with the average selling for $8,500.
Finding the Right Secretaires for You
Your antique, new or vintage secretary desk has become the (chic) saving grace of the "new normal" at home.
Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments — pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers — are revealed.
Traditionally, a secretary is composed of two parts — a chest of drawers on the bottom and a cabinet with shelves on the top. Taking its name from the French word for the piece, secrétaire, the secretary desk dates back to the 18th century, when Paris-based cabinetmaker Jean-François Oeben, known for his exquisite marquetry and clever mechanical desks, is thought to have invented the secrétaire à abbattant, or drop-leaf desk.
While the defining drop-down feature of the secretary desk has remained constant, the materials used, as well as its configuration, size and style have evolved over time.
At first, secretaries were typically made from exotic woods, like rosewood, tulipwood and kingwood; later, hardwoods like cherry, maple, oak and mahogany were more common. The desks also became lighter, with space carved out of the lower half for the writer’s feet or with drawers replaced by legs — making them more table-like.
When open, the secretary is a dynamic, versatile Wunderkammer. When closed, it’s a sophisticated, space-saving piece of furniture.
“A fine secretary with a good provenance adds stature and credence to its owner — it is a cornerstone piece,” says antiques dealer Stanley Weiss, who specializes in 18th- and 19th-century English and American furniture. “In this disposable world, fine furniture is always passed on and speaks to who its owner is.”
No matter what style or period you choose, and no matter how you decide to use it, the timeless, flexible secretary desk is bound to become an indispensable part of your daily routine.
Browse a range of antique and vintage secretary desks on 1stDibs, including mid-century modern secretaires, Georgian secretaires and others.
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