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
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
Antique Chinese Wedding Chest.
Located in Nantwich, GB
A Chinese Qing Dynasty Ningbo red lacquered four door wedding cabinet from 19th century, with a huge brass butterfly on the front inlaid with semi precious stones.
Created in Eastern...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Chinese Apothecary Cabinet with Drawers
Located in Pasadena, CA
A remarkable 19th century Chinese apothecary cabinet. With 24 drawers and 2 larger lower drawers. Each smaller drawer with Chinese script and brass pull handles.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Red Lacquered Wedding Armoire, Wardrobe With 100s Kids
Located in Pomona, CA
Very well constructed with two open doors and shelf, inside cabinet, wedding armoire with red lacquer 100's kids painting on the front and have coordinated antiqued hardware. This b...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
FOUR-LEAF SCREEN Chinese 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
FOUR-LEAF SEPARE
Chinese 19th Century
with hardwood carvings, gilt and bronze hinges.
Dim.: 186 x 164 cm
good condition
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Set of 4 ARMCHAIRS, 2 CANAPES AND 2 TABLES 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
SET of Chinese 4 ARMCHAIRS, 2 CANAPES AND 2 TABLES 19th Century
Chinese, in rosewood wood, with carvings, "dragons", from the beginning of the 19th century.
Dim.: (armchairs) 105 ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Antique 19th Century Chinese Red Cinnabar Lacquer Floral Pedestal c.1880
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An exquisite 19th Century Chinese red lacquer pedestal table. Crafted in a square shape with gracefully curved legs that merge seamlessly with the base, it captivates all who encount...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Antique Chinese Hand Painted Wood Trunk on Stand Early 20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20th Century Chinese Hand Painted Wood Trunk on Paint Decorated Stand. Overall Dimensions: 18" x 32" x 24" (45.7 x 81.3 x 61 cm.)
Provenance: From the Estate of Baroness Adel...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Camphor wood Hope Chest
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a traditional style of Chinese antique raise carved/relief Camphor chest/trunk from China. It was sailor's hope chest with all the sailor's best wishes and hopes in it. This ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
20th Century Antique Chinese Hand Carved 4 Panels Wooden Screen/Room Divider
Located in Pomona, CA
A set of four Chinese large carved wooden screen, with fretwork design, Created in China during mid 20th century, each of this set of four of large panels captures our attention with...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Display Cabinet
Located in Pomona, CA
Very well constructed with two removable open doors cabinet and have coordinated antiqued hardware.
This beautiful carved Display Cabinet/dresser has lot of detailed open carving w...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Carved Collector's Display Shelf/Room Divider
Located in Pomona, CA
This unique piece is a classical Chinese art deco display/room divider in the original condition, all hand carved and free standing shelving unite in dark mahogany finished. It fea...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Apothecary Cabinet with 28 Drawers in Elmwood, 20th Century
Located in Hamburg, PA
This unique 28-drawer Chinese Apothecary Cabinet has many functional attributes to this handsome piece. This Asian cabinet is designed in the Qing style was most likely made in the l...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Asian Apothecary Side Tables or End Tables, 20th Century
Located in Hamburg, PA
A unique pair of Chinese Apothecary Sidetables or Bedside Tables with multi-drawers made of Elmwood, Chinese paper, and brass medallion hardware or drawer pulls. The Asian cabinets o...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Dragon Camphor wood Hope Chest
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a traditional style of Chinese antique massive carved Camphor chest/trunk from China. It was sailor's hope chest with all the sailor's best wishes and hopes in it. This che...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Folding Screen/Room Divider with Cloisonne panels
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a set of 6 panels of Chinese vintage lacquered wooden screen which to be used as the room section panels in ancient China that are put ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
ANTIQUE CIRCA 1900 ORNATELY CARVED AND HEAViLY INLAID CHINESE OCCASIONAL TABLE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite hand carved and ornately inlaid centre occasional table made in China Circa 1900-1...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Country Rusty Style Wagon Wheel Dining Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous Massive Chinese Antique Country Style dining table was made in about 1940s. It has about 80 years history and still ha...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese flower table around 1900 made of rosewood with marble top
Located in Aachen, DE
Blumentisch China um 1900 aus Rosenholz mit Marmorplatte
Reich geschnitzt, unbeschädigt, in sehr gutem Zustand, max. Durchmesser ca. 67cm, Höhe 80cm.
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Marble
19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Secretary/Writing Desk
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful carved secretary/writing desk is traditional simply design with three drawers on the front and lattice foot rest on the bottom. Both si...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Chinese Massive Carved Rusty Style Country Bench, Love seat
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this gorgeous Chinese Antique Massive Carved Country Style Love-seat. It has about 150 years history and still has its original condition, very smooth to touch, full of patin...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Long Bench, Sofa
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous Antique Chinese Rosewood Carved Long Bench, Sofa was made in early 20th Century and still has its original condition, very smooth to touch, full of patina. It was hand ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
19th Century Chinese Red Lacquered Opium Canopy Bed
Located in Richmond, VA
Opt for drama with this late 19th century Chinese opium canopy bed, crafted of elmwood. The exterior is heavily decorated with gold leafing, carvings, ornate carved figurine pillars,...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Cane, Wood, Elm, Giltwood, Lacquer
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Pedestal Table/Plant Stand
Located in Pomona, CA
This Gorgeous Antique Chinese carved Rosewood Pedestal Table/Plant Stand was hand made from solid Rosewood with traditional carving works design of dragon symbols on the shoulder of ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Fine Chinese Qing Period Carved Giltwood and Lacquered Console Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fine Chinese Qing-period Carved Giltwood and Lacquered Console Table
China, 19th Century
A stunning example of the elegance of the Qing Period in Chinese furniture. Dating back to ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer
20th Century Antique Tibetan Hand Painted Credenza Storage Cabinet
Located in Pomona, CA
This Antique Tibetan Painted Cabinet is 100% hand made and hand painted using mineral painting which last the paint a much longer time. You can see some of the finish has already los...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Handmade Low Coffee Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This lovely Chinese carved low coffee table was hand made from elm wood with carving works and Hand painted lacquer painting of floral pattern on the table. Look at the pictures, the...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese reddish elm and bamboo scholar chairs
Located in London, GB
An attractive pair of reddish coloured bamboo and elm decorative scholar chairs.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Matching Red Lacquered Bedside Tables / Cabinets with Drawers
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Pair of 20th century Chinese Red Lacquered Bedside Tables with Drawers Finished With Exquisite Figural Decorative Scenes
Extra dimensions
Drawer height 5cm
Doored cabinet heig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Chinese Rosewood Carved Coffee Table with Dragon Motif
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese classic solid rosewood coffee table is laced with hand-carved dragon motif along the four sides of the apron. The curved legs ending on the tiger-paw feet give a grace...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
20th Century Chinese Carved Cabinet with Carved doors
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese vintage display cabinet from the early 20th century, with carved upper doors and four drawers. Created in China during the early 20th-century period, this display cabinet features a linear silhouette perfectly complimented by a beautiful honey brown patina. Two see through upper doors open in the front to reveal inner shelves, while the ensemble is adorned with slightly raised panels on the four drawers in the middle section. on the lower section, there are two panel doors with one shelf inside for your storage. This vintage Chinese display cabinet...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Beech
A Chinese huanghuali, wumu and mother-of-pearl watch holder
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Canton, 2nd half 19th century
H. 22.5 x W. 30 x D. 12.5 cm
The pocket watch, an antique Swiss triple calendar Moon phace pocket watch in gunmetal case, dating from around 1860-1900...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Living Room Chairs Set
Located in Pomona, CA
This set of gorgeous Chinese Rosewood Carved Living room Chairs and table were made during early 20th century and still maintained its original condition, very smooth to touch, full ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Rosewood
Four Antique Qing Dynasty Chinese Carved Rosewood Side Dining Dragon Chairs 1880
Located in Portland, OR
A fine set of four antique Chinese Qing dynasty carved rosewood dragon chairs, circa 1880.
Each chair is finely carved crest with two facing drag...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Altar Table/Sofa Table/Console More Views
Located in Pomona, CA
This Antique Carved Altar table from China was made in late 19th century and still maintained very good condition. It shows the traditional style of Northern China's cultural. This Chinese antique altar table was made from solid wood with raised carving works of traditional Chinese folks arts design of "Qin, Qi, Shu, Hua" and twig-wrapped patterns on the front and open carved Bats on the legs. Very heavy, solid and sturdy. From the pictures, you can see that there are some of the age wear but still shows your beautiful patina. It is truly a wonderful collection item. Don't miss it.
Size: 35in H x 86.5in W x 15.5in D
Origin: China
Circa: 1850 - 1900
Material: Wood
Condition: Original finish, solid wood construction, hand carved, very heavy, sturdy, normal age wear.
Disclaimer: Due to differences in monitor/screen settings, product colors may differ slightly between product photos...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid 20th Century Vintage Chinese Carved Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in Pomona, CA
This unique writing desk has two drawers each side and one bigger drawer at center of the front and both sides and back are nicely finished. This desk was made at about 1950's from s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
20th Century Antique Tibetan Hand Painted Tall Credenza Storage Cabinet
Located in Pomona, CA
This Antique Tibetan Painted Cabinet is 100% hand made and hand painted using mineral painting which last the paint a much longer time. You can see some of the finish has already los...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid 20th Century Vintage Chinese Carved Rosewood Living Room Chairs Set
Located in Pomona, CA
This set of gorgeous Chinese Rosewood Carved Living room Chairs have about 70 years history and still maintained its original condition, very smooth to touch, full of patina. They w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Chinese Painted Vintage Elm Hall Cabinet.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Chinese Painted Vintage Elm Hall Cabinet.
Wonderful vintage Chinese hand painted cabinet in solid Elmwood with original antique finish. With two front...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Mid 20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Long Bench, Sofa
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous Vintage Chinese Rosewood Carved Long Bench, Sofa has about 70 years history and still has its original condition, very smooth to touch, full of patina. It was hand made...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Bar Stool for Couple - a Pair
Located in Pomona, CA
This Gorgeous pair of Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Bar Stools has over 60 years history on it. It has wonderful carving works according to Human engin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese 19th Century Hardwood shelves
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality set of 19th Century Chinese hardwood shelves with open shelves, drawers and cupboards. Having wonderful quality hand carved and pierced folate decoration and myth...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
LARGE ANTIQUE CIRCA 1920 CHiNESE DRAGON CHINOISERIE EXPORT COFFEE TABLE DRAWERS
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Chinese Export Chinoiserie Dragon extra large coffee table for four full sized drawer...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Mid 20th Century Vintage Chinese Carved Rosewood Living Room Chairs Set
Located in Pomona, CA
This set of gorgeous Chinese Rosewood Carved Living room Chairs and table have about 70 years history and still has its original condition, very smooth to touch, full of patina. They...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Painted Red Wood Chinese Jewelry Chest of Drawers Storage
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Red Chinese upright jewelry chest with raised elements and beautiful gold hand painted scenes. Top opens up to vanity mirror and divided storage, six drawers down the center, each side opens up with hook...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Vintage Chinese Carved Plant Stand with Maroon Marble Top
Located in San Francisco, CA
This vintage Chinese-style plant stand features ornate dragon carvings, three gracefully curved legs, and an inset maroon marble top. Crafted with meticulous detail, it is timeless p...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Marble
FINE ANTIQUE 19TH CENTURY ORIENTAL CHiNESE OPIUM LOW PADOUK COFFEE & TEA TABLE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely ornately carved Antique Circa 1880 Oriental Chinese Opium low tea Padouk table
Please note the ...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Padouk
19th C. Monumental & Important Qing Dynasty Chinese Double Sided Sideboard
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Origin, 19th century or earlier.
An exceptional 19th century or earlier Qing Dynasty wooden buffet or sideboard likely made in possibly rosewood or elmwood. This piece is e...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm, Walnut
Vintage Chinese Hand Painted Lacquered Side Table Sized Cupboard with Drawer
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1920's hand painted and lacquered Chinese Wedding cupboard for folded linens etc.
A very good looking and well made pi...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Antique Chinese Wooden Rice Measure Bucket
Located in Pomona, CA
This primitive Antique Chinese Official Wooden Rice Measure Bucket "Dou" is 100 percent hand made and has about 140 years history. You can see the joints are secured by antique metal...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Antique Chinese Wooden Rice Measure Bucket, Dou
Located in Pomona, CA
This primitive Antique Chinese Official Wooden Rice Measure Bucket "Dou" is 100 percent hand made and has about 140 years history. You can see the joints are secured by antique metal...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Country Bench/Coffee Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese antique country bench that you can use it as a coffee table. This bench was a classic design and elegant with some simple carving ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Camphor Wood Hope Chest
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a traditional style of Chinese antique massive carved Camphor chest/trunk from China. Very well constructed with a lot of brass angle inside chest ...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Red Lacquered Altar Cabinet, Buffet Table, Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese Antique Altar Cabinet/Buffet Table was made from solid Elm wood with red lacquered finish and beautiful open carving works on both s...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Hardwood Coffee Table With Cloisonne Inlay on
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful Chinese Antique Carved Coffee Table was made from solid hardwood with some traditional carving works on the sides and three ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
20th century Chinese Export Porcelain Garden Seat
Located in Savannah, GA
Hexagonal shaped Chinese Nanking Style Export blue and white glazed porcelain garden seat. Features include a pierced top and sides, molded relief dots...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
FULL SIZED ViNTAGE CHINESE RED DRAGONS PAINTED PAGODA TOP WARDROBE WITH DRAWERS
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning Pagoda topped hand painted Chinese Wardrobe with drawers to the base
Please note the delivery...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Compound Wedding Armoire/Wardrobe
Located in Pomona, CA
Of rectangular form, the well-figured, matched door panels fitted flush within the solidly constructed frame, simple flat door panels with natural wood grain on the front. This weddi...
Category
Early 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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