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
Large Chinese Wooden Alter Table Mid 20th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered here is a wonderful wooden Chinese Alter table, from the mid 20th century.
Carved on all sides of it's apron, flowers/plants, symbols and words, with some light carving on i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
19 Century Antique Camphor Wood Chinese Southern Official's Hat Armchairs set
Located in Pomona, CA
Very well constructed Ming dynasty style Southern Official's Hat Armchairs set with beautiful carved design on it.This matching Set of Ming dynasty style southern official's hat Armchair are made by camphor wood with natural finished. It features detailed carving works on the side and back. You can see it on the picture, very smooth to touch and full of patina. The carving works are very detailed. the chairs are solid and well balanced It is truly stunning antique chairs...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Style Official's Hat Armchairs
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this matching pair of Qing Dynasty Style Official's Hat Armchairs. The members of this chair are delicate and slender. The back splat is made up of three connected sections. It have some openwork medallion carved with Chinese traditional folks arts. Below the seat is an ornamental opening with an arch-shaped inner frame. This kind of armchairs with four protruding ends were extremely common in the Qing dynasty, and this type of chair was most oftener seen in the reception room, studio or bedroom. Please see the pictures on the left, It is truly an antique and collectible...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Chinese Hardwood 'Hungmu' Tea Table, Late 19th Century / Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Chinese hardwood (Hungmu) tea table, late 19th century / early 20th century
Top above carved panels with lower shelf.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Exquiste Hand Painted Oriental Chinese Linen Trunk or Chest Very Decorative
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage beautifully decorated hand painted and lacquered Oriental trunk
A very good looking and well m...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Antique Wooden Handled Bucket Originally Used to Carry and Measure Rice
Located in London, GB
Chinese Antique wooden rice bucket with through pegged joints to the handle uniting the carrying straps which were bent into place when the ...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Early 20th Century Set of Chinese Barrel Form Table with Stools
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A Chinese table and stool set early 20th century in original condition. The set with a round table and matching round benches. The table and three benched in a Hongmu wood...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Lovely Vintage Signed Hand Painted Chinese Oriental Coffee Cocktail Side Table
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this lovely vintage hand painted and signed Chinese coffee table
A very good looking and well made piece, the top is in some kind of hardwood, its signed...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Chinese Republic Circa 1930's Hardwood Mother of Pearl Inlaid Table & Stools
Located in GB
A very good looking and well made suite, the table is rosewood with mother of pearl inlay, the central section has peacocks which symbolised dignity and beauty and was favoured throughout the Republic period. The peacocks are surrounded by hearts and then on the outer edge flowers.
We are delighted to offer this lovely suite of Chinese Republic circa 1930's rosewood with mother of pearl inlay dining...
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood
Vintage Oriental Hand Painted Trunk or Chest Depicting Immortals and Buildings
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this stunning oriental hand painted trunk or chest with painting depicting immortals amongst buildings
A very finely de...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Looking Chinese Style Aquarium or Terrarium, 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A fine looking Chinese style aquarium or terrarium 20th century, A parcel gilt and green stained pine, custom built fish tank, in two parts. The upper section enclosing a 20 gallon...
Category
Late 20th Century American Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export Gilt Lacquer Decorated Demi-lune Console Table Early 19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Chinese-export gilt lacquer decorated
Demi-lune console table
First half 19th century.
Black lacquered demilune table, top decorated with pavilions
set within rocky and...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Antique Chinese Three-Legged Occasional Table with Inset Marble Top & Carving
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This round antique occasional table shows no maker's markings, but is presumed to have originated from China and dates to approximately ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique circa 1900 Chinese Export Burr Elm & Brass Engraved Sideboard Butterfly
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely circa 1900 Chinese Export burr elm sideboard
A very good looking and well made decorative antique ...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Tall Chinese Carved Rosewood Two Tiered Flower Stands Marble-Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A 19th century antique Chinese carved rosewood two tiered flower stand table with rouge griotte marble top insert, the inset marble top over carved ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century Carved Chinese Etagere
Located in Norwood, NJ
Finest quality Chinese hardwood etagere with multiple levels, door and draw. Carved with all bamboo elements.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Folding Floor Screen with Stone Insets
Located in Atlanta, GA
A six panel hinged folding floor screen from China circa end of the 19th- early 20th century. Each panel features three sections of black lacquere...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Stone
Chinese Elm Coffee Table
Located in Pasadena, CA
One of a pair of newly made elm tables, re-imagined from salvaged pieces of an antique bed. Could be paired with a similar piece (PB2186), though not an exact pair.
Category
1990s Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
'Kang' Coffee Table, Susanne Hollis Collection
Located in Pasadena, CA
Our take on a 19th century Chinese kang table. Clean, simple stretchers on four straight legs. Even in patina and surface. Lead time 4-6 weeks.
Custom sizes available.
Category
2010s American Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Chinese Carved Wood Robe Rack
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large garment or robe rack from Northern China, circa first half of the 20th century. Made of elm wood with pronounced black wood grains, the rack was trad...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Altar Tables, 19th C. Lacquer
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an unusual pair of Late Ching Chinese cinnabar-toned coromandel lacquer small altar or side tables. The tops of the tables feature complementary incised and painted scenes from Chinese every day life. Both tables are in very good condition considering their 100+ years of use. It is unusual to find a pair of coromandel incised lacquer...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Chinese Carved Wooden Stand with 8 Sides Marble Top
Located in Brea, CA
Antique Chinese hardwood carved flowers stands with 8 sides octagonal marble top insert, 19th century. Measures: H 18.625”, D 16.5”.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century Tall Chinese Carved Hardwood Flower Stands Table Marble-Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A 19th century antique tall Chinese heavily carved hardwood circular stand table with rouge marble top insert, the inset marble top over carved hardwood apron with beaded trim, fancy...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Flower Stands Marble-Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A antique Chinese heavily carved hardwood circular stand table with rouge marble top insert and dark wood carved with abundant floral motif , the inset marble top over carved hardwoo...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Nest of Four circa 1900 Chinese Chinoiserie Lacqurered Tables Hand Painted
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of four original Chinese Chinoiserie black lacquered tables
A good looking, d...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Antique Chinese Carved Rosewood Flower Stands Marble-Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A pair of antique Chinese hardwood stands 6 sides marble top insert, 2 pieces, the inset marble top over carved rosewood apron with dogw...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
XX°Century Chinese Decorative Screen Lacquered whit Landscape and Sails
Located in Brescia, IT
Chinese screen in black lacquered wood decorated with gilded paintings, very sturdy with excellent wooden base.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Giltwood, Lacquer, Wood
Antique Chinese Export circa 1900 Redwood Lacquered Inlaid Wash Stand Sideboard
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely circa 1900 Chinese Export redwood & inlaid wash stand sideboard with glass top
A very good looking and well made decorative antique...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Teak
Lovely Chinese Burr & Burl Elm Apothecary Chest of Drawers with Cupboard Base
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely small Apothecary Burl Elm Chinese chest of drawers with cupboard base
A good looking and decorative piece, it’s the right size as a ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Pair of Stunning circa 1800 Chinese Bamboo Primitive Occasional Chairs His & Her
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this lovely original pair of circa 1800 primitive Chinese bamboo framed occasional chairs
A very rare and highly decorative pair of bamboo framed chairs,...
Category
Early 1800s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Chinese Altar Coffer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome Chinese altar table coffer fronted by a single drawer with a large metal brass lock plate. Features mortise and tenon joinery with straight legs...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century 23.5'' Chinese Carved Rosewood Flower Stands Marble-Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A 19th century antique Chinese heavily carved hardwood circular two tiered tables with rouge marble top insert, the inset marble top over carved rosewood apron with dogwood design an...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
XX. th Century Chinese Silk Embroidered Whit Two Dragons and the Fireball
Located in Brescia, IT
Chinese yellow silk panel, embroidered with great quality.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Silk
Very Rare 19th Century Chinese Mother of Pearl Inlaid Cabinet Cupboard Drawers
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning exceptionally rare original circa 1820 Chinese Mother of Pearl inlaid cabinet
A ver...
Category
1820s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
19th Century Tall Chinese Caved Hardwood Flower Stand Marble Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A 19th century antique Chinese heavily carved hardwood octagon stand table with marble top insert, the inset marble top over carved hardwood apron with...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Lovely circa 1900 Oriental Hand Painted Side Cupboard Bookcase Metal Strap Work
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely circa 1900 eastern hand painted with floral details side pot cupboard with original metal strapwork door supports
A very well made a...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Metal
19th Century Chinese Box, Black Lacquered Rectangular Double Handled Box
Located in Buchanan, MI
A 19th century Chinese box. Black lacquered rectangular double handled box with gilt decoration throughout 7" x 25" x 21". Would make a great ...
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese circa 1900-1920 Export Folding Occasional Chair Nice Carvings
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture
Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely original Chinese red lacquered fret work carved folding chair with woven seat
Please note...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
19th Century Chinese Carved Hardwood Flower Stands Marble-Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A 19th century antique Chinese heavily carved hardwood circular stand table with rouge marble top insert, the inset marble top over carved hardwood apron with mother of pear inlay pl...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Sublim Nest of 4 circa 1880 Chinese Export Brown Lacqurered Tables Hand Painted
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this sublime nest of four original Chinese brown lacquered tables with dragon carved feet and gold leaf detailing
A good looking, decorative and...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Side Table
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Chinese side table
Dimensions: 18" W x 18" D x 20" H.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Chinese Ming Style Altar Table
Located in Pasadena, CA
A 19th century Chinese Ming-style altar table made of elm. From Hebei.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Late 19th Century Chinese Petit Taboret, Birds, Branches, Blossoms Motif
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th century Chinese petite taboret. Birds, branches, blossoms motif. Jewelry like fine details.
Dark hardwood with mother of pearl shell blossoms. Openwork carved branches motif with finely carved birds throughout. Fine incised / engraved details on the mother of pearl birds...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Marble
Pair of Antique Chinese Hardwood Flower Stands Rouge Marble Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
Pair of antique Chinese hardwood flower stands rouge marble top insert, 20th century. Measures: H 18”, D 20”.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Pair of Chinese Hardwood Chairs with Fretwork Designs and High Relief Panels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Chinese hardwood chairs with Fretwork designs and high relief panels. Each chair is beautifully hand carved with exceptional d...
Category
1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century Hand Carved Stand with Marble Top
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautifully carved hardwood square stand with marble top. Carved rosewood with a figurative rouge marble top with lower shelf. Perfect accent piece or for use as a stand for sculpture...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Marble
Pair of 20th Century Chinese Black and Gold Lacquered Three-Tiered Cabinets
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese black lacquered three-tiered glass and wooden cabinets decorated with landscape scenes and carved borders with brass hardware and detailed interior ( Early 20th Centu...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Chinese Marbel Topped Tea or Coffee Table Using Vintage Carved Giltwood Panels
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage marble topped Chinese tea table constructed with vintage circa 1940 hand carved giltwood panels
A very good looking and well...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Marble
Pair of Chinese Elm Yoke Back Officials Hat Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Highly carved pair of Chinese elm yoke back officials hat chairs. Featuring a decorative back splat with figural scenes. The arms have a whimsical serpentine form and the spandrels on the crest and front apron have finely carved detail. Constructed with a mortise and tenon joinery and supported by square legs with a foot rest in the front. Also known as pagoda chairs...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty Hardwood Armoires
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Asian Chinese (Qing Dynasty) hardwood cupboard cabinets with carved relief on 2 front doors over 2 drawers with a carved apron on base (Priced as pair).
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Chinese Hardwood Stand with Inset Famille Verte Plate
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An unusual 19th century Chinese hardwood stand with hand carved foliate decoration, a Famille Verte porcelain plate inset to the center, depicting a mythical dragon, with a green gro...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Hardwood
19th Century Chinese Bamboo Horseshoe Armchair
Located in Pasadena, CA
A 19th century Chinese horseshoe back armchair. Made from sturdy bamboo with a black lacquered seat and back splat details.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
18th Century Pair of Side Cabinets
Located in Pasadena, CA
One of a kind elm side cabinets with “key design carving” and calligraphy from Shanshi, circa 18th century.
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Chinese Black Lacquer Pedestal Table or Stool
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming black lacquer pedestal table or Chinese stool decorated with gilt floral embellishments and butterflies. Supported by round legs ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
18th Century Ming Style Altar Table
Located in Pasadena, CA
A 17th-18th century Ming-style small altar table. Elmwood with scroll ends from Shanshi.
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Vintage Hong Kong Camphor Seamans Trunk with Brass Inlay by George Zee and Co.
Located in Hanover, MA
Most unusual large camphor lined teak wood trunk extravagantly adorned with decorative brass & copper decorations and inlay depicting Hong Kong harbor junk in full sail with water fl...
Category
1950s Hong Kong Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass, Copper
Chinese Wooden Screen with Reverse Glass Painted Panels
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Chinese folding screen has been crafted from wood, and fitted with Fine reverse glass paintings. The screen is composed of six wooden panels. These panels are subdivid...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Glass
Set of Three Chinese Ebonized Nesting Tables
By George Zee
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Beautiful hand-carved nesting tables made in Hong Kong by George Zee. Featuring an ebonized finish with a grape and vine motif. Supported by square carved legs with hump-back stretch...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
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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