Chinoiserie Architectural Models
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.
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Gesso, Shell, Wood
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Rattan
19th Century Asian Antique Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Canvas
21st Century and Contemporary Pacific Islands Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Other
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Metal
Early 20th Century Indian Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Silver
2010s Danish Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Beech, Mahogany, Walnut
Early 20th Century Indian Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Silver
1920s Austrian Vintage Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Bentwood
Early 20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Silver Plate
1960s Vintage Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Hardwood, Feathers
Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Walnut
Late 20th Century French Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Wicker, Rattan
20th Century Italian Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Mirror
20th Century English Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Iron
Early 20th Century British Chinoiserie Architectural Models
Giltwood
