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Chinese Export Metalwork

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
Antique Chinese Export Silver Battle Mug with Dragon Handle
Located in New York, NY
Chinese export silver mug, ca 1880. Straight and upward tapering sides with allover low-relief battle frieze depicting soldiers—spearmen, lancers, and swordsmen—with a few hapless me...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Beaker, circ 1890's
Located in Gainesville, FL
Chinese export repousse beaker, circ 1890. Wieght 3.3 oz., 4 3/8" tall
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Silver Repousse Dragon Handle Sauce Boat by Luen Wo
Located in Gainesville, FL
Chinese Export silver repousse sauce boat with dragon handles. Marked for Luen Wo.. Very fine decoration. 7 1/4" long, 4 " tall, 3 1/2", 7 oz weight.
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

19th century Chinese bronze cencer with Buddhist lion decoration circa 1860
Located in Central England, GB
This large Chinese bronze censer dates to circa 1860. It is made in three parts, stand, vessel, and lid. The lid has pierced decorative panels with pine trees and a bold Buddhist lion finial for lifting. The censer has lifting handles in the shape of bamboo to each side and again also has panels with pine forests with mythical beasts and side mounts in the form of Buddhist lion mastheads. It is raised on four shaped legs with a beast mask head at the top and sits on the raised and pierced stand. The decoration on this piece is all hand finished with chasing and engraving giving good detail. The censer has a green/brown patina. Circa 1860 Censers are a type of vessel for burning incense. In many cultures burning incense has spiritual and religious connotations which influence the design and decoration of the censer. The lion is one of Buddhism’s most potent symbols. Traditionally the lion is associated with regality, strength and power. It is therefore an appropriate symbol of Buddha who, tradition has it, was a regal prince. As Buddhist priests and monks from India, they brought with them stories of stone Asiatic lions...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Export Silver Tray
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export Silver Tray engraved with prunus on a matte background, with applied chrysanthemum decoration to the border, and with two b...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

3 Pc., Antique Chinese Export Wang Hing WH90 Sterling Silver Tea Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
Wang Hing (Chinese, 1854-1941), circa early 20th century. A 3 piece set of Chinese export silver tea service by renounced maker Wang ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of Five Graduated Hand Painted Brass Temple Bells Chinese 19th C.
Located in New York, NY
Set of five graduated hand painted brass temple bells, in good, original, vintage condition, We believe there charming bells are 19th C vintage, made in China, however we are not exp...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Brass

20th Century Chinese Elaborate Gilt Cloisonné Foo Dog Censor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
20th Century Chinese Elaborate Gilt Cloisonné Foo Dog Censor A stunning 20th Century Chinese Elaborate Gilt Cloisonné Foo Dog Censor, a masterwork of later craftsmanship. This exqu...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Metal

Pair, Chinese Export Cloisonne Enameled Dragon Figurines on Stands
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, 20th century. A pair of Chinese export style cloisonne dragon figurines on stands. Each dragon is detailed with brass wiring and hand enamel decorated across the surfaces. ...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Antique Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Round Lidded Box 19th Century CO#01
Located in Norton, MA
Antique Chinese cloisonné enamel round box with lid depicting floral patterns all around, blue, yellow, pink, yellow, and red flowers and leaves, cyan, green and yellow leaves, 19th ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Antique Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Round Lidded Box 19th Century CO#08
Located in Norton, MA
Antique Chinese cloisonné enamel round box with lid depicting floral patterns. A white base tone and colorful floral all around, from the 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Antique Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Round Lidded Box 19th Century CO#09
Located in Norton, MA
Antique Chinese cloisonné enamel round box with lid depicting floral patterns. A white base tone and colorful floral all around, from the 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Antique Chinese Dragon Cloisonné Enamel Round Lidded Box 19th Century CO#02
Located in Norton, MA
Antique Chinese cloisonné enamel round box with lid depicting flying dragons chasing fireballs. Yellow base and dark dragon color are applied, and 3 compartments are inside. From the...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

1900s Antique Korean Brass Fish Locks Set of Four
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1900s Antique Korean Brass Fish Locks Set of Four Fish Shaped Lock 7.13 h x 3.5 w x 1.13 d Unrestored original vintage condition See all images for condition.
Category

Early 20th Century Korean Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique Pair Thick & Heavy Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Bawls 19th Century CO#10
Located in Norton, MA
Antique pair of Thick and Heavy Chinese cloisonné enamel Bowls depicting floral patterns. A white base tone and colorful floral all around, from the 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Chinese Export Silver Repousse Dragon and Landscape Box
Located in Gainesville, FL
Chinese silver box with repousse, chasing and cast applied dragons. Very fine period work. Marked with French import hallmarks.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Repousse Chrythanthemum Cocktail Shaker circ 1900
Located in Gainesville, FL
Chinese export silver repousse cocktail shaker with chr.ythanthemum decoration. Marked for "sterling" and "ACJ & Co. Weight 13.25 t. oz.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Tole Tea Cannister With Lid
Located in Bradenton, FL
Late 20th Century Chinese Export toleware tea cannister with lid. This tea tin features Chinese characters and is hand painted gold, black and green on a red background. Can be used ...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Metal

Large Antique Chinese Cloisonné and Brass Urn
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large exceptional antique Chinese cloisonne pot or urn. Showing a very detailed hand crafted work of enameled art with flowers and animal desig...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Vintage Chinese Brass Bas-Relief Dragon Charger
Located in San Diego, CA
Superb vintage Chinese brass bas-relief dragon charger, circa 1940s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures a hefty 14"D x 2"H...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Brass

Pair Chinese Cloisonné Fu Dogs
Located in Houston, TX
Copper base cloisonné Fu Dogs made for Chinese export with gilded, mane, ears and accents. This pair from 1910s or earlier.
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Chinese Imperial Honorific Cloisonné Bowl Carved Jade Medallion & Ring Handles
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Imperial Honorific Cloisonné Bowl Carved Jade Medallion & Ring Handles China, 20th Century An exquisite Chinese Imperial honorific cloisonné bowl f...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Jade, Bronze

Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
A Chinese export silver goblet with prunus decoration on a matte background, and the base and stem formed as prunus tree branch root. The body has a single round cartouche engraved "...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
A Chinese export silver oval bowl or jardiniere, made by Tu Mao Xing, '涂茂興‘, circa 1890. There are two dragon handles, and four dragon feet. There is a beaded rim and two animal head...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

A vintage Russian Orthodox silver-tone priest's cross
Located in Norton, MA
A vintage Russian Orthodox silver-tone priest's cross. The front side is decorated with a relief depiction of Jesus Christ. Inscription in Church Slavonic on the backside: Image, be ...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Chinese Export Silver Biscuit Box
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export Silver Biscuit Box, round with a collet foot and profusely decorated with applied prunus. against a smooth plain background. The box has...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

6 Antique Chinese Cloisonne Teapots
Located in Brea, CA
Collection of 6 Chinese cloisonne teapots in varying shapes and designs of flora and fauna. The highest one is 5.5'' H x 2 W x 2.5'' D. the sm...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Chinese Modernist Red Cloisonné Ginger Jars and Stands, Circa 1960s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Modernist Red Cloisonné Ginger Jars and Stands, Circa 1960s China, 20th Century A stunning pair of Chinese Modernist red cloi...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Brass, Copper

Chinese "Giant" Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Flowers" with Wood Stand #Ja2
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a very large and beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg with intricated patterns made by hand seating on a wood stand, early 20 century. It's measured about 16.5" x 10" wi...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Lotus Form 'Water Dropper' - Enamel Decoration on Copper - China - Mid 20th C.
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage lotus form 'water dropper' - hand painted enamel decoration on copper form - unsigned - China - mid 20th century. Fair vintage condition - numerou...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export Silver Goblet of rare and unusual form. The bowl has four panels, two decorated with figural scenes; a third with mythical beasts; and the fourth, which also has a v...
Category

1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Yellow Floral Beijing Enamel Round Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Export Yellow Floral Beijing Enamel Round Box China, 20th Century A stunning example of 20th-century Beijing Enamel, this domed circular box ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Chinese Export Silver Centrepiece
Located in London, GB
This impressive Chinese Export Silver Centrepiece, consists of a large central dish, pierced with bamboo decoration, supported by five shoots of bamboo also with bamboo leaf decorat...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Vermeil Sterling, Enameled Peacocks & Flowers Motif Vase & Stand
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Vermeil Sterling, Enameled Peacocks & Flowers Motif Vase & Stand China, 20th Century A extraordinary piece of Chinese silversmithing, this Chinese vermeil (gilt) over sterling silver vase and stand is a true work of art. Dating to the mid -20th century, this stunning set showcases intricate pierced silver wirework and exquisite enameled motifs of peacocks and flowers. The hexagonal vessel is adorned with all-over pierced silver wirework, displaying the mastery of the silversmith. The fine alternating vignettes of peacocks and flowers add a touch of grace and beauty to the design. The vermeil finish, with its gilded surface, adds a luxurious touch and enhances the overall aesthetic. Stamped with 'Silver' on the inside bottom of the vase, this piece exemplifies the quality and authenticity of Chinese export silver. Its weight of 4.6 ounces speaks to the substantial nature of the silver used in its creation. The vase is raised on a conforming pedestal base, adding stability and enhancing the overall visual impact. Accompanying the vase is an associated Chinese carved hardwood stand, providing a complementary and elegant presentation. The Chinese export silver vase measures 4 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches in height. The carved Chinese hardwood stand...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Supper Large Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Hundred Birds" with Bronze Stand
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a supper large and beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg with intricated patterns of "hundred birds" made by hand seating on a tripod bronze stand, from the Mid-20th Cent...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Chinese "Giant" Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Flowers" with Wood Stand #Ja1
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a very large and beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg with intricated patterns made by hand seating on a wood stand, early 20 century. It's measured about 17" x 10" with...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Flying Drago" with Wood Stand, Early 20th Century
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg depicting a dragon flying in the cloud of the sky with a wood stand, early 20th century.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Vintage Chinese Seven Tier Brass Pagoda Incense Burner
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A good quality vintage, possibly antique, Chinese brass seven tier pagoda for incense dating from the early 20th century or earlier. The pagoda stands on ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Brass

Chinese Huge Pair Cloisonné Enamel Eggs "Hundred Butterflies" with Wood Stands
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a pair of huge and beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel eggs with intricated patterns of hundred butterflies made by hand seating on a wood stand, from the early 20 century....
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

19th Century Chinese Cloisonné Fu Dogs
Located in Houston, TX
An exceptional palatial quality pair of 19th century Chinese cloisonné Fu dogs featuring gold gilding over copper. Chinese cloisonné o...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Antique Chinese Two Tiered Brass Occasional Tray Table with Engraved Tops
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique tray table is unsigned, but presumed to have originate from China and date to approximately 1920 and done in a period Chinese Export s...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Brass

Two Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Eggs "Flowers" with Wood Stands #11
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting two beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel eggs depicting flowers with wood stands, early 20 century.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Flowers" with Wood Stand, Early 20th Century
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg depicting flora theme with a wood stand, early 20th century. #5
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Large Vintage Decorative Chinese Cloissone Vase with Imperial Dragon Handles
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large vintage cloissone vase is signed by an unknown maker, and originated from China dating to approximately 1980 and done in a Chinese Export st...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Brass

Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Flowers and Bird" with Wood Stand #7
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg depicting flowers and bird with a wood stand, early 20 century.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Chinese Large Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Flowers" with Wood Stand #12
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a large and beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg depicting flowers and bird with a wood stand, early 20 century.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Chinese Very Large Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Flowers" with Wood Stand #13
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a very large and beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg with intricated patterns made by hand seating on a wood stand, early 20 century. It's measured about 4 1/2" x 7", a...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Lot of Four Chinese Cloisonne Vases & Teapot, 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Lot of four chinese cloisonne vases and teapot 20th century. From left: Baluster-shaped black ground vase with flowering prunus emerging from a rock, ruyi band around flaring ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Metal

Two Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Eggs "Flowers and Animals" with Wood Stands #9
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting two beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel eggs depicting flowers and animals with wood stands, early 20th century.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Two Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Eggs "Flowers" with Wood Stands #10
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting two beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel eggs depicting flowers with wood stands, early 20th century.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Blue Bords" with Wood Stand, Early 20th Century #1
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a cute Chinese cloisonné enamel egg depicting two Blue Birds with a wood stand, early 20 century.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Pink & Green Antique Chinese Peking Enamel Cups and Dishes w. Floral Decoration
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th/20th c., Chinese enamelware, includes (2) cups and (2) small scalloped edge dishes, each with enameled floral design on a copper ground, unmarked. This type of enamelling is known by several names, including Beijing, Canton and Peking enamel...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Enamel

Two Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Flowers and Birds" with Wood Stands #8
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg depicting flowers and birds with wood stands, early 20 century.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Chinese Cloisonne Bowl
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Chinese Cloisonne Bowl Bronze and enamel materials made with Cloisonne technique Origin China Circa 1950 Floral decoration perfect condition cloisone te...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Flowers" with Wood Stand, Early 20 Century #6
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg depicting the faces of the Chinese traditional opera theme with a wood stand, early 20 century.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Vintage Chinese Cloisonne' Incense Burner - Censor - with Cover
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage Chinese cloisonné' enamel tripod incense burner and cover. Item is raised on three legs, each covered with lion mask. Beautiful lotus scroll in colors of rich blues, pinks, w...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Enamel

Chinese Pair of Large Cloisonné Elephants with Wood Stands
Located in Norton, MA
Large pair of standing elephants having fitted vases on their backs on wooden display stands Measures: Height: 15 inches, Length: 14 inches, Wid...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Antique Archaic Style Patinated Bronze Planter, China, Early 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Archaic style antique bronze planter - large size - featuring fine casting with over-all textured finish, decorative elements and Greek key bord...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Export metalwork for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export metalwork for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage metalwork created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export metalwork 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 metalwork, popular names associated with this style include Wang Hing & Co., Hung Chong & Co., Luen Wo, and Leeching. 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 metalwork differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $75 and tops out at $95,800 while the average work can sell for $2,950.

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