Chinese whispers: 10 Oriental home accessories

From delicate embroidery to lacquer work, bring an oriental influence to you home with our pick of the best Chinese-inspired home accessories.

1. Chinese blossom quilt, Pip Studio

Chinese blossom quilt from Pip Studio

Give your bedroom a fresh, springlike feel with this quilted Chinese Garden quilt in blue, patterned with full blooms, branches and birds. It look equally lovely folded across a sofa. The edges have a complementary border and gingham edging, and the reverse has a green floral print. £160 from Daisy Park.

2. Rose chinese lanterns, Tittlemouse Gifts

Rose patterned Chinese paper lanterns

This set of five pretty paper concertina lanterns, white with a rose design, would look lovely adorning the branches of a tree or hanging from the conservatory ceiling. They’re strictly for decoration though, so keep aware from naked flames. £5 for the set from Tittlemouse Gifts.

3. Chinoiserie mug, Marks & Spencer

Chinoiserie mug from Marks & Spencers

This pretty mug is perfect for sipping delicate china tea, and it’s also dishwasher and microwave safe so it’s tougher than it looks. Perfect for adding a little Chinese charm to your kitchen, it costs £8 from Marks & Spencer.

4. Blue and white side plate, Tuppen

Chinese patterned blue and white side plate

This pretty plate is part of a range, reproductions of a blue and white design originally imported by the ‘Svenska Ostindiska Companiet’ (Swedish East Indian Company) during the 18th century. It was a company set up in Gothenburg with the aim of importing goods from East Asia, mainly China. These modern porcelain versions will add a fresh note to your kitchen table. £17, available from Skandihome.

5. Purple jewellery box, Orchid Furniture

Chinese purple jewellery box

An ornate Chinese rectangular jewellery box finished in purple faux leather and hand painted with golden peacocks, this would make a lovely addition to an dressing table. It’s lined with Chinese paper and black velvet and has two compartments; a larger area for necklaces, bracelets and watches and a second compartment for rings or earrings. In China the golden peacocks incorporated into the hand painted design symbolise dignity and beauty, which is a perfect design for a jewellery box. £59, available from Orchid Furniture.

6. Ginger jar, Artisanti

Chinese style ginger or storage jar

This Chinese influenced display jar, with its collared lid and rounded shoulders, will look lovely in any home. Use it to store anything from teabags and sweets to …er…. ginger! The striking red coral artwork is intricately hand-painted to evoke oriental charm. Also available in a smaller size. £41 from Artisanti.

7. Chinese butterfly cabinet, 4Living

Chinese lacquer butterfly cabinet

A real investment piece is this beautiful Chinese cabinet, decorated in a finely painted gold-leaf butterfly design and enhanced by classic, teal blue Chinese lacquer. Made from poplar wood, it has two removable shelves and comes fully assembled. £450 from 4Living.

8. Antique style Tang Dynasty Chinese ladies, The Farthing

Trio of Tang Dynasty style ladies

With their rustic rough clay texture which is intrinsic to the design, this limited edition trio of ladies look like they have been beautifully preserved from the 8th century. £130 for the set from The Farthing.

9. Large blue metal lanterns, Puji

Pair of blue painted metal garden lanterns

These pretty painted blue lanterns are full of character, with a distressed exterior and metal roofing with intricate lattice work. The largest lantern stands 90cm tall, so will really make a statement. Each has a latched door encasing the candles which you can reach easily and safely. Perfect indoors or out, they cost £125 for the set of two from Puji.

10. Chinese rice bucket, Must Have Bins

Antique Chinese rice bucket for storage or display

This antique original Chinese rice bucket originates from the rice fields of China and is thought to be around 80 to 100 years old. Add a touch of the East to your interiors and use this unique bucket as a planter, a magazine rack or a simple storage solution. £105, available from Must Have Bins.

 

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