eBay Primer: Chinoiserie
Interior designer Mary McDonald's collection of blanc de chine and Quan Yin figurines
(photo credit: Melanie Acevedo)
Mary McDonald’s fantastic fretwork bed is based on a cabinet she saw in a book on Thomas Chippendale (photo credit: Migues Flores-Vianna)
In the mid-17th century, decorative styles inspired by Chinese design motifs came into vogue as Europeans became fascinated with the Far East, with the look—seen in Chinese architecture, furniture, decorative arts and interior design trends — peaking in the rococo era of Louis XV. Fast forward to the 20th century, to old-school lady decorators like Elsie de Wolfe and later, interior designers from Hollywood's Golden Age, like Dorothy Draper, and you'll recognize similar design elements in their rooms.
Fast forward again to today, when gilded mirrors, faux bamboo chairs, pagoda chandeliers and other Chinois style elements are making yet another comeback: The look can be found in the work of contemporary interior designers, whose style is characterized by a traditional Palm Beach vibe. Celebresigner Kelly Wearstler, who is responsible for the current craze for Hollywood Regency revival styles, also incorporates glam Chinois style into her work, as do other well-known interior designers, including Mary McDonald, who collects bone pagodas, and San Franciscan Joe Nye, who boasts an insane collection of chinoiserie style dishes. And of course, not many can resist Jonathan Adler’s lacquered furniture pieces, especially the faux bamboo chair in the perfect shade of apple green.
The eBay community is all over this interior design trend, too: Listings for the term "chinoiserie" are up 32 percent and sales are up 11 percent in the past 30 days vs. a 30 day period approximately one year ago. Try the following search terms for chinoiserie styles: chinoiserie, faux bamboo, pavilion, pagoda, Hollywood Regency, screen, Foo dogs, dragon, Chinese tiger, Fu lion, Chinese Chippendale, fretwork. Or get started using the ideas below.
Chinoiserie Handpainted Silk Wallpaper Flowery Pavilion (buy it now price, $299)
Antique William & Mary Red Lacquer Chinoiserie Chest (buy it now price, $12,000)
Japanese Antique folding screen BYOBU Painting (buy it now price, $3,600)
New 6' Iron Bamboo Asian Japanese Garden Gate Black Metal (buy it now price, $329)
New China Red Pagoda Cookie Jar (buy it now price, $89.99)
Yellow Ceramic Foo Dog Ginger Jar (buy it now price, $249)
New Hollywood Regency Faux Gold Iron Bamboo Mirror (buy it now price, $399)
Pair of Vintage X-Base Throne Cane Arm Chairs (buy it now price, $499)
Hollywood Regency Style Screen (buy it now price, $329)
Red Glossy Chinoiserie Hollywood Regency Style Table (buy it now price, $329)
Aqua Garden Stool (buy it now price, $199)
Vintage Hollywood Regency Occasional Dining Table Base (buy it now price, $495)
Brass Bamboo Side or End Table (buy it now price, $795)
Vintage Chinese Cloisonne Plate with Dragon (buy it now price, $75)
Oriental Wall Fan/Feng Shui Wall Fan 20" Dragons (buy it now price, $9.95)
Thomas Paul 18" Silk Botanical Throw Pillow Case (buy it now price, $9.95)
"Monkey on Branch" Art Print by Koson (buy it now price, $79.99)
New 20" Black and White Asian Pagoda Throw Pillow (buy it now price, $40)
Vintage Blue Glazed Foo Dogs (buy it now price, $59)



















