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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
19 Century Antique Chinese Carved Shan Xi Console Table/Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful antique carved Shan Xi console table has beautiful traditional detailed deep/raised carving works on the front drawers panel and legs. This console table features 1 la...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Antique Chinese Open Carved Altar Table/Sofa Table/Console
Located in Pomona, CA
This Antique Open Carved Altar table from China was made in 19th century and still maintained very good condition. It shows the traditional style of...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid-20th Century Chinese Hardwood Carved Plant Stand
Located in Pomona, CA
This hardwood Chinese carved Plant Stand was made of solid hardwood with beautiful traditional design carving works around. Very neat, solid...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

STUNNiNG HAND CARVED CHINESE HARDWOOD PLANT STAND WITH DRAGONS & ROUND TOP
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning hand carved Chinese dragons theme hardwood plant stand round top. This solid and eye catching piec...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

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

Late 19th Century Chinese Hand Made Wooden Wash/Laundry Basin
Located in Pomona, CA
Up for sell is an Chinese Antique Wash Basin. If you are looking for a real Chinese antique, this is it. It's originally from China, and has over 100 years history. You can easily see from the pictures that it has some wears due to the long term usage. People use this kind of wooden wash basin to wash clothes by the river or the edge of well. Take a close look at the pictures, it is in the very good antique condition and truly an antique and collectible...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

A 19th Century Chinese Cinnabar Panel Inlaid Hardwood Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
A 19th Century Chinese Cinnabar Panel Inlaid Hardwood Cabinet. This marvelous piece showcases a harmonious fusion of artistry and craftsmanship, exuding timeless elegance and allure...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Lacquer

Pair, Bamboo Arm Chairs, China circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Bamboo arm chairs with curved arms and seats. These timeless armchairs sit low and firm; they are in solid/stable condition and are ready to be placed and used. Any scratches, crack...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Country Bench/Coffee Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese antique country long bench that you can use it as a coffee table. This bench was a classic design and elegant with some simple carving and solid construction. Smooth to ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Pair of Antique Japanese Imperial Meiji High Relief Carved Dragon Throne Armchai
Located in Pomona, CA
Up for sale are this stunning original Japanese Export 19th Century Meiji period hand carved Dragon Throne chair with intricate carving works of d...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

ANTiQUE CIRCA 1940'S HAND CARVED CHINESE BUREAU WRITING DESK & MATCHING ARMCHAIR
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning circa 1940's Chinese Export hand carved Bureau desk with matching...
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

1920's WALNUT & CHINOISERIE 3 PIECE BERGERE SOFA ARMCHAIR SUITE FOR RESTORATION
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Chinese Export Circa 1920's Chinoiserie Bergere suite with hand painted and lacquered...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Walnut

19th Century Chinese Carved Beech Wood Writing Desk
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 desk was made at about 1860's fr...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Beech

Chinese Elm Wood Chest
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Elm wood chest, of rectangular form with three short drawers above a two door cabinet front and locking lower chamber, the whole mounted with cast-iron fittings. Dimensions...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

CHARMING 20TH CENTURY HARDWOOD MiNG STYLE CHiNESE COFFEE TABLE ON HOOF FEET
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this charming Rosewood Ming style Chinese coffee table. This well made table features hoof feet and a natural colour that make it easy to combine...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

GORGEOUS JAPANESE CHiNESE HAND CARVED COFFEE TABLE WITH DRAGONS CLAW BALL FEET
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this gorgeous Japanese Chinese hand carved coffee table with dragons and claw ball feet. This attrac...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Teak

Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Wooden Painted Box
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a traditional style of Chinese antique painted chest/Box from Shan Xi, China. It has over 100 years old history. Normally it was used to...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Chinoiserie Bureau Desk for the Dutch Market
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An extremely rare, possibly unique, Chinese export lacquer bureau for the Dutch market Canton, circa 1737 H. 118 x W. 102.5 x D. 63 cm Provenance: - Private collection, The Netherlands - J.K. Driessen Antiques, Arnhem (Art Fair Breda, 1989) - Noble collection, Belgium Literature: - C.J.A. Jörg, ’De handel van de V.O.C. in Oosters lakwerk in de 18de eeuw’ in: Nederlands Kunsthistorisch Jaarboek , Jr. 31 (1980), pp. 355-363 (ill.) - Annigje Hofstede, Nederlandse meubelen van Barok tot Biedermeier, 1700-1830, Waanders, Zwolle 2004, pp. 35-37 (ill.) This lacquer bureau is one of the four writing desks purchased in Canton in 1737, and as far as is known, this is the only remaining bureau of its type from the period. As the VOC believed that large pieces of import took up too much valuable space in their trading ships...
Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Cypress, Lacquer

19th Century Antique Chinese Carved 3 Drawers Console Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful antique carved console table has beautiful traditional detailed deep/raised carving works on the front drawers panel and legs. It...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

19th or 20th Century Antique Asian Mirror Frame
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large 19th or 20th century Asian, possibly Chinese, carved mirror frame. Heavy Asian wood. The top with carving similar to a crest and two Foo dogs facing each other. Probably made...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Pair of Chinese Blue and White Garden Seats
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of mid century Chinese garden seats crafted in terra cotta in classic form and hand decorated with charming blue floral designs on a white glazed background.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Vintage Oriental Chinese Elm, Gold Leaf Painted Side Cabinets + Drawers
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of vintage oriental hand painted ebonized & gold leaf bedside table size cupboards with single base d...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Vintage Chinese Carved Rosewood Altar Table, Console, Sofa Table
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 39 1/2in H x 80 1/2in W x 20in D Origin: China Circa: 1960 Material: Rosewood Condition: Original finish, solid wood construction, hand carved, very heavy and sturdy, norma...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-20th Century Chinese Rosewood Open Carved Screen/Room Divider
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a set of 4 panels of Chinese antique open carved wooden screen which can be used as the room section panels in ancient China that are put together to make into a screen. Scre...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

19th Century Antique Chinese Open Carved Altar Table/Sofa Table/Console
Located in Pomona, CA
This Antique Open Carved Altar table from China was made in 19th century and still maintained very good condition. It shows the traditional style of Northern China's cultural. This Chinese antique altar...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Cypress

Late 19th Century Chinese Scrolled Sides Coffee Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This coffee table was made from solid elm wood with red lacquer finish. It has carved scrolled sides. All hand made and hand painted. It is heavy and sturdy, full of patina. Look at ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

LOVELY CHINESE EXPORT CIRCA 1920 ANTIQUE CHINOiSERIE BLACK LACQUER FLOOR LAMP
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare hand painted and lacquered Chinese Export circa 1920's Chinoiserie floor standing lamp Pleas...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid-20th Century Chinese Hardwood Folding Screen/Room Divider with Soapstone Inl
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a set of 4 panels of Chinese vintage open carved wooden screen which to be used as the room section panels in ancient China that are put together to make into a screen. Scree...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Heavily Carved Hardwood Center Table
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a Chinese heavily carved hardwood center table, with a bordered three board top surmounting a pierce carved frieze on all four sides featuring deer, flowers, and sc...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Chinese Dragon Tibetan Polychrome Painted Trunk Linen Chest Coffer
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, highly decorative, Antique Tibetan, Polychrome painted trunk depicting Dragons This is a very good looking and well m...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique Padauk & Mother of Pearl Reclined Plantation Armchairs & Table
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of antique Chinese Padauk wood with ornate Mother of Pearl inlay reclined plantation style armchairs with matching side table A very good looking and decorative pair of antique Chinese armchairs...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Padouk

Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Ming Dynasty Style Coffee Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This Massive Chinese Ming Dynasty style coffee table was made from solid elm wood with red lacquer finish. It has narrow carve...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Antique Chinese Deer & Flower Tibetan Polychrome Painted Altar Cabinet Sideboard
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, highly decorative, Antique Tibetan, Polychrome painted Altar cabinet with drawers depicting Deers & Potted plants This...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Late Qing Dynasty Bedside Wooden Cabinet with Period Painting Art Works
Located in Pomona, CA
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period painted wooden bedside cabinet from early 20th century, with two doors, carved apron and folks art painting. Created in China during the late Qing ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century Chinese Hand Made Wooden Wash/Laundry Basin
Located in Pomona, CA
Up for sell is an Chinese Antique wash basin. If you are looking for a real Chinese antique, this is it. It's originally from China, and has over 100 years history. You can easily see from the pictures that it has some wears due to the long term usage. People use this kind of wooden wash basin to wash clothes by the river or the edge of well. Take a close look at the pictures, it is in the very good antique condition and truly an antique and collectible...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Lovely Antique Chinese Export 1920 Qing Dynasty Carved Dragon Throne Armchair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Chinese Export circa 1920 hand carved Throne chair with oversized Dragon back rest A very good looking well-made and deco...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Hardwood Chinese Tea Table
Located in New York, NY
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Late Qing Dynasty Bedside Wooden Cabinet with Period Painting Art Works
Located in Pomona, CA
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period painted wooden bedside cabinet from early 20th century, with two doors, carved apron and folks art painting. Created in China during the late Qing ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Old Rough Chinese Chairs
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
The original finish has been worn away through generations of use, leaving a soft, natural organic feel to the chairs. Rear legs have a piece added years ago due to wear: but I didn'...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

FINE ORIENTAL ANTIQUE CHINESE HAND PAINTED LACQUERED LARGE SiDE TABLE CUPBOARD
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1920's hand painted and lacquered Chinese Wedding cupboard for folded linens etc ...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Export Coromandel Lacquer Cabinet on Stand, Mid-19th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A delightful Chinese coromandel brown lacquer cabinet on stand, made for the export market, early to mid-19th century, China, presented on an early 20th century custom fitted stand. The gem of a cabinet is fitted with doors and drawers, and decorated on all sides. The top, back and sides with lacquer painted scenes of birds and flowers. The front of the cabinet featuring a pair of stunning coromandel doors carved with a shanshui (mountain and water) landscape scene, complete with temples and pagodas, boats and bridges, and figures, all set against craggy mountains shrouded in clouds and rippling water. The cabinet mounted with brass hinges and lock plates (key included) and a pair of carrying handles. Opening the doors reveals eleven wondrous black lacquer drawers...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century Black Wood Foot Rest or Low Side Table with Turned Ming Feet
Located in Lomita, CA
This Chinese foot rest is special. It is hand carved from heavy wood, possibly Ironwood with a cylindrical roller, and raised on four stout legs. It is from the Mid-20th Century. The ironwood provides the stool with a stunning texture. Our appraiser says it originated in China's Hebei province. This is the same province as the great wall of China...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Yellow Lacquered Bed Foot Chest/Coffee Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a traditional style of yellow lacquered antique Chinese bed foot chest. Normally it was set on the bed and used to store clothes and jewelr...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Pair of Large Chinese Gilt and Black Ground Cloisonné Enamel Vases
Located in London, GB
A pair of large Chinese gilt and black ground cloisonné enamel vases Chinese, 20th Century Height 67cm, diameter 38cm These beautiful vases are exceptional examples of Chinese ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Antique Shanxi Province Black Lacquer Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province black lacquer coffee table. This antique Shanxi Province Black Coffee Table was made from a Chinese bed. The coffee table is made of elm and has been finis...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Antique Chinese Hand Carved circa 1880 Compound Cabinet Cupboard Campaign Handle
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very fine circa 1880 Antique Chinese hand carved stackable compound cupboard with military campaign style side handles A very rare, important and collectable piece of antique Chinese furniture...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century Chinese Natural Organic Tree Roots Plant Stand, Pedestal
Located in Pomona, CA
A vintage Chinese sculptural pedestal from the Mid-20th Century, made from the tree root with natural finish. Created in China during the Mid-century period, this pedestal attracts o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Shanxi Province Elm and Brown Lacquer Sideboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm and Brown Lacquer sideboard This Antique Sideboard from the Shanxi Province of China has 4 doors and 4 shelves. Circa: 1900 Dimensions: H: 34...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm, Lacquer

Set of Three Nested Chinese Ebonized Trunks
Located in Downingtown, PA
Set of three nested Chinese ebonized trunks, circa 1900 The China Trade trunks are each of rectangular form with gilt and polychrome painting of birds and flowers and landscape s...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Other

19th Century Antique Chinese Painted Cabinet/Side Table
Located in Pomona, CA
What a find! This is an unique Chinese antique cabinet. It features 2 removable open doors with antique copper hardware on the front and three ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Antique Chinese Hand Carved Half Moon Tables, Set of 2
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous pair of Chinese antique carved half moon tables are made from solid wood with beautiful traditional carving works of bats and hidden eight immortals design around table...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Chinese Square Stands of Tables
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of Classic Chinese hung mu wood square stands Circa mid 20th Century. Each 12 inches square, 25 inches tall.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Elm Rice Bucket
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is an outstanding Chinese dovetailed Elm bucket, used for carrying and measuring rice. The wedge-shaped slatted box has hammered iron reinforcements on the top corners and halfw...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Faux Bamboo Tray Table with Japanese Imari Porcelain Platter Top
Located in Bradenton, FL
Unique vintage square faux bamboo tray table with Japanese Imari porcelain tray insert. Table is brown with gold painted trim. Tray is in multi colors of red, blue and white florals.  
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Mongolia Cabinet/Buffet Table, Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 33in H x 47in W x 16.5in D Drawer: 3in H x 10.5in W x 10.5in D Door opening: 17.5in H x 39in W Origin: Mongolia, China Circa: 1850 - 1900 Material: Wood Condition: Original finished, solid wood construction, hand carved, antique hardware, heavy, sturdy, normal age wear. Look at this Chinese Antique Hand Painted Buffet Table. It has about 150 years history with Black lacquer on front and yellow lacquer on the top. It is made of solid wood with beautiful hand painted Chinese forks...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Mongolia Credenza, Sideboard, Buffet Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese Antique Hand Painted Credenza has about 150 years history with lacquer painting on front. It is made of solid wood with beautiful hand painted Chinese forks...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique Chinese Elm Horseshoe Tub Armchairs +Slideout Rolling Footrests
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of antique Chinese Elm Horseshoe chairs with slide out roller footrests. A very good looking and decorative pair of antique C...
Category

1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Mid Century Chinese Cabinet with Small Drawers
Located in Troy, MI
This circa 1950s small Chinese cabinet has four small drawers at the top, chow style feet and an open storage compartment with two hinged drawers. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

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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