Chinese Export Furniture
CHINESE EXPORT STYLE
Expanded trade between Europe and East Asia, starting in the 16th century, led to a booming market for exported goods, particularly furniture. This was bolstered by the establishment of the Dutch and English East India Companies at the beginning of the 17th century. From folding screens and chairs to lacquer tables and silver, Chinese Export furniture was in demand and regularly copied and imitated, leading to styles like chinoiserie and Chinese Chippendale.
The expansion of exporting that had strengthened the arts during the Ming dynasty continued into the Qing dynasty era — Chinese designers made many furniture pieces specifically for export, resulting in distinctive designs that mixed traditional techniques with forms appealing to foreign buyers. For instance, cabinetmakers in Canton (modern-day Guangzhou) were prolific in crafting hardwood furniture for export in European styles that involved the expert joinery techniques of Chinese furniture. Designs for Chinese Export porcelain, cabinets, decorative objects and other furniture were often more ornately adorned than they would be for a local audience, such as with mother-of-pearl overlays or surfaces featuring lavish pictorial scenes or gold on black motifs. Some were even commissioned by wealthy European families to be adorned with their coat of arms.
Because lacquer furniture was especially prized, and the resin used to create it was difficult to import as it would harden during the long voyage, artisans in China and Japan exported numerous lacquer pieces. Long before lacquer made its way to Japan, the Chinese treated the material differently. They used it to create smooth, glossy surfaces, but also for carving, an art that began in the 12th century and is exclusively Chinese. These pieces are called cinnabar lacquer after the powdered mercury sulfide (cinnabar) employed to produce their characteristic red hue. A popular form for export was a compact cabinet with drawers, usually displayed on a small table. Undecorated furniture built in Europe was also shipped to China to be lacquered. The international exchange of design would influence furniture into the 19th century and later, informing styles such as Art Deco and Art Nouveau.
Find a collection of antique Chinese Export tables, beds, cupboards, table lamps and more furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Chinese Export
19th Century Chinese Antique Carved Shan XI 5 Drawers Cabinet/Side Table
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 43"H x 38 1/2"W x 22"D
Drawer: top: 4"H x 8 1/2"W x 16"D
bottom: 3 1/2"H x 14 1/2"W x 17"D
Door opening: 19"H x 24 1/2"W
Origin: ShanXI, ‚China
Circa: 1850 - 1900
Material: elm wood
Condition: Original finished, well balanced. solid wood construction, very heavy, sturdy, normal age wear.
This beautiful Chinese Antique Cabinet...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Open Carved Red Lacquered Wash Basin Stand
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful antique wash basin stand has lot of open carving works with red lacquer finished and highlighted by gilt on the back. There are...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
20 Century Chinese Marble Top Hardwood Carved Round Dinning Table Set
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous antique Chinese marble top hardwood round dinning table set were made of solid hardwood. It features hand carved wood works of traditional Chinese folks art...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Marble
Vintage Shanxi Province 6 Seat Elm Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Shanxi Province 6 Seat Elm Dining Table
This vintage elm dining table is from the south of China. It can seat up to 6 people. It has ...
Category
1990s Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Pair of pedestals - vase holders of Chinese manufacture, early 20th century
Located in Vicenza, VI
Pair of Chinese-made pedestals/pot stands, datable to the early 20th century.
The two pieces of furniture are made of carved ebonized oak, and are thus presented in a deep black col...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Oak
Lovely Vintage Chinese Wine Side Table Cabinet with Bottle & Glass Storage
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely decorative wine / drinks chest with top space for glasses.
A very nice and decorative piece, it seems to...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Red Lacquer Console Table / Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful antique Chinese console table has beautiful traditional detailed deep/raised carving works on the front drawer panels and legs. This console table features 2 small dra...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Tall Elm Round Accent Table with Animal Carvings
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province tall elm round accent table with animal carvings on Apron
This elm, tall, round table with carved apron with animals and car...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
19th Century Chinese Carved 5 Drawers Shan XI Console Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful antique carved console table has beautiful traditional detailed deep/raised carving works on the front drawer panel and leg...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm Side / Dining Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm Side / Dining Chair
This beautiful red elm side chair from the Shanxi Province of China can be used as a statement...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Elm and Bamboo Small Tea Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm and bamboo small tea table.
This antique elm and bamboo small tea table has its original color and patina. Can be used ...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Wood, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Square Side Table, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province elm square side table - pair
These rare side tables are from the Shanxi Province of China. They are made of elm and have their original color and patina.
...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Kang Style Black Linen Wrapped Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Kang style black linen wrapped elm coffee table
This antique elm wood coffee table has black lacquer applied in several layers over hand woven linen...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Linen, Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Hand Carved Elm Child Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province hand carved elm child chair.
This elm child's chair from the Shanxi Province of China is hand carved and an extremely rare piece. All natural patina.
C...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Elm
19th Century Antique Chinese Ming Style Cabinet/Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 33.5in H x 34.5in W x 22in D
Drawer: 4.5in H x 12in W x 17in D
Door opening: 18in H x 29in W
Origin: China
Circa: 1850 - 1900
Material: Wood
Condition: Solid wood construction, Well balance, sturdy, normal age wear.
Description: This beautiful antique cabinet...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
19th Century Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Carved Coffer Table/Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful antique Chinese coffer table has beautiful traditional Qing style carving works on the front with antique hardware. It features two drawers...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique 1880 Heavily Carved Chinese Dragon Carver Armchair Must See Pictures
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original 19th century Chinese Dragon heavily carved carver armchair
This chair is a pi...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Chinese Elm Coffee Table with Original Color and Patina
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Chinese Elm coffee table with original color and patina
This antique Chinese coffee table is hand carved and has all its original c...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Elm
Pair of Chinese Yoke Back Official's Hat Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic pair of Chinese yoke back official's hat chairs featuring a Shuangxi emblem on the backsplat. These carved chairs have a lacquer finish with...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Lacquer, Wood
19th Century Two-Tone Patinated Chinese Brass & Copper Garden Barrel Drum Stool
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Rare two-tone Copper and Brass hand tooled Chinese garden stool. Versatile and exuding character to be used indoors, on the porch or exposed to the elements. The hollow centre can be...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Copper, Brass
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Small Side Table with Carved Apron
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm small side table with Carved Apron
This antique side table from the Shanxi Province of China has its origin...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Tall 2 Drawer Elmwood Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province tall 2 drawer Elmwood cabinet
This tall cabinet has 2 drawers located at the bottom apron and 2 shelves. The cabinet also h...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Elm and Black Lacquer Nightstand / Side Table with Stora
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm and Black Lacquer Nightstand / Side Table with Storage
This antique elm wood and black lacquer tall side table from the Shanxi Province has its original ...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Vintage Chinese Elm Display Cabinet / Bookcase, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese elm display cabinet/bookcase - pair.
These pair of vintage Chinese elm display cabinets have 10 square cubbies that double as shelves. Great display cabinets and can...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Rare Oriental Chinese Export Vintage Cabinet Lots of Drawers for Fine Teas
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1930's hand painted and lacquered Chinese collectors tea cabinet with lots of drawers.
...
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Ming Style Console Table/Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful antique console table has beautiful traditional Ming style simple plain design on the front drawer panel and legs. It fe...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Tea Table with Display Shelf
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm tea table with display shelf.
This antique elm tea table from the Shanxi Province of China has a display shelf and its original color and patina.
C...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Rare Oriental Chinese Export Vintage Pagoda Top Red Cabinet Very Decorative
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely large vintage circa 1930's hand painted and lacquered Chinese Pagoda top cabinet
A very good look...
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Chinese Export Camphor Wood Military Secretaire Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare original Camphor wood, brass inlaid, Chinese export, military campaign chest with sliding Secrataire desk and writing slope
A ve...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Shanxi Province Winged Red Lacquer Painted Small Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Winged Red Lacquer Painted Small Cabinet
Circa: 1900
Dimensions:
W: 35"
D: 17"
H: 33.5"
The Antique Shanxi Province Winged Red Lacquer Painted Small Cabi...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Seat
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Seat
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Seat with Original Color and Patina
Circa 1950
H 24"
W 17.5"
D 8.5"
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Elm
Vintage Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Carved Apron
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Shanxi Province Elm coffee table with Carved Apron
This Vintage elm coffee table is from the Shanxi Province of China. It has a han...
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Intricately Carved Antique Asian Two-Piece Cabinet
Located in West Hartford, CT
A stunning turn of the century two piece Chinese cabinet featuring a top and bottom. The carvings are throughout and richly detailed. There are...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique, Chinese Beech Wood Writing Desk, Vanity
Located in Pomona, CA
This unique writing desk has a multitude of drawers in the front and both sides and back are nicely finished. This writing desk was made at about 1...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Beech
Early 20th C Tall Narrow Chinese Cabinet with Painted Opera Scenes
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1910 tall Chinese cabinet features a top two door cabinet with a single internal shelf over two small drawers. The lower cabinet has two doors...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Elm coffee table
This antique Shanxi Province coffee table has been cut down from a bed. It has a stunning finish of its original color and ...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Linen, Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Circa 1900 Antique Chinese Carved Altar Table / Entry Console
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 42in H x 88in W x 18in D
Drawer: 5.5in H x 8in W x 29in D each
Origin: Zhejiang, China
circa: 1890 - 1910
Material: Wood
Condition: Solid wood construction, very heavy and sturdy, deep carved spandrels. Minor blemishes due to age
Look at this Antique long Altar table...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Vintage Chinese Natural Elm Tall Tea / Side Table with Decorative Feet
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese Natural Elm Tall Tea / side table with Decorative Feet
This Vintage tall tea table/side table ia made of elm and has unique decorative feet. This table has its ori...
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
20th Century Chinese Rorsewood Carved Armchairs Set
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous set of Vintage Chinese Horseshoe Back Armchairs with center tea table are made from solid rosewood. Very solid and sturdy. It features a beautiful carving works on the ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Vintage Chinese Elm Tall Tea / Side Table with Decorative Feet
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese Elm tall tea / side table with Decorative Feet
This Vintage tall tea table/side table ia made of elm and has unique decorative feet. This table has its original co...
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Lacquer, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Hand Carved Elm Top Hat Official Chair, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province hand carved elm top hat official chair - pair
This pair of rare antique Shanxi Province top hat official chairs have all its original red color and patina....
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Tall 19th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood and Marble Plant Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
A stunning 19th century Chinese Rosewood and inset Marble plant stand.
Wonderful carved flower design on it's skirt, and on the outside of it's leg...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Natural Patina Square Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Natural Patina Square Side Table
This square side table from the Shanxi Province of China has natural patina and color.
Circa: 1900
Dimensions:
W: 20...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Low Bed Bench / Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province elm low bed bench / coffee table.
This antique elm low bed bench can also be used as a coffee table or a display table. It has a ric...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Early 20th C Chinese Don Yang Elmwood Bench
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1900 Chinese elmwood bench from Don Yang City, China with carved details on stretcher and side supports. Great color and patina. Sturdy.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Open Shelf Display Bookcase with Original Brown
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood open shelf display bookcase with original brown lacquer
This bookcase has 3 shelves and 4 drawers at the ...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Chinoiserie Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Chinoiserie Cabinet
Circa: 1900
Dimensions:
W: 26.5"
D: 16.5"
H: 39.5"
The Antique Shanxi Pro...
Category
1910s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Lacquer Painted Altar Cabinet, Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 37.5in H x 59in W x 19in D
Drawer: 3.5in H x 15.5in W x 14in D
Door opening: 20.5in H x 33in W
Origin: China
Circa: 1900 - 1940
Material: Wood, lacquer painting
Condition: Original finished, solid wood construction, sturdy, normal age wear.
This Chinese Altar Cabinet...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Shanxi Province Rare Top Hat Court Official Elm Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Rare Top Hat Court Official Elm Bench
Circa: 1800
Dimensions:
W 75”
D 14”
H 41”
The Antique Shanxi Province Rare Top Hat Court Off...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm, Lacquer, Wood
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquered Elm Dining / Office Chairs, Set of 3
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquered Elm dining / office chairs - Set of 3
These Antique Elm Red Lacquers Dining Chairs are from the Shanxi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Winged Elmwood Sideboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province winged elmwood sideboard
This elmwood winged sideboard with original brown lacquer and patina has 4 drawers, 4 shelves, an...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Red Lacquered Altar Table/Console
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 45in H x 59 1/2in W x 14in D
Drawer: 2 1/2in H x 9 1/2in W x 10in D
Origin: Fujian, China
Circa: 1850 - 1900
Material: Fir wood
Condition: Original finish, solid wood construction, hand carved, sturdy, normal age wear.
Very well constructed with beautiful open/raise carved works on the Altar Table with red lacquered finished..
Take look at this Antique Carved Altar table from Fujian, China. It was made in about 1860's and still maintained very good condition. It shows the traditional style of southern China's cultural. This Chinese antique altar table...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Fir
Antique Shanxi Province Geometric Frieze Elm Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province geometric frieze elm side table.
This antique elm side table from the Shanxi Province of China has a unique geometric...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Square Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm square side table.
This antique Shanxi Province elm square side table from China, has its original color and patina.
Circa 1900
D 17.5”
W 17”
...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Elm
Pair of Early 20th Century Carved Rosewood Chinese Center Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Chinese carved rosewood center tables that could be used for dining as well. They are part of a suite of dining furniture made Europeans living in China in the early 20th c...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Accent Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Accent side table
This antique elm side table from the Shanxi Province of China has its original color and p...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquered Elm Storage Cabinet with Drawers
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province red lacquered elm storage cabinet with drawers
This Elmwood Storage Cabinet has 2 doors, 2 shelves, and 9 drawe...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Elm, Lacquer, Paint
Antique Shanxi Province Pierced Apron Elm Side Table - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province pierced apron elm side table - pair.
A rare pair of elm side tables from the Shanxi Province of China. These side tables have ...
Category
1850s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Elm
Chinese Export furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export furniture made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include George Zee, Kittinger Furniture Company , and Susanne Hollis. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $308 and tops out at $145,000 while the average work can sell for $2,835.
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