Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
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.
40
to
6
30
5
40
40
40
14
7
7
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
13
26
11
2
6
3
3
22
19
7
6
3
40
39
39
1
1
Style: Chinese Export
19th C. Chinese Lacquered and Polychrome Scholars Block/Paperweight
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th-C. Chinese Lacquered and Polychromed Scholars Block/Paperweight with Custom Box
China, 19th century, complete with later custom box
This 19th-century Chinese lacquered and polyc...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Carved Rose Quartz and Jade Immortal Figure
Located in Atlanta, GA
An immortal figure carved from rose quartz with a jade or nephrite base. Comes in export box. Unmarked.
Approx: 3.375" H x 2.25" W x .875" D.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Jade
Antique Chinese Famille Rose Double Fish Enameled Decorated Snuff Bottle
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, likely 19th century.
An unusual Famille Rose porcelain snuff bottle depicting two leaping fish. There is a rose quartz and silver collar.
Approx: 4" H x 1.875" W x...
An unusual Famille Rose porcelain snuff bottle depicting two leaping fish. There is a rose quartz and silver collar.
Approx: 4" H x 1.875" W x...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Porcelain, Rose Quartz
Chinese Taihu Scholar Stone on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant Taihu scholar rock balanced on a custom wood stand, in a mushroom cloud form and full of grottoes. The weather-smoothed surface is of grayish...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Antique Mongolian Snuff Bottle Swivel Stopper Late 19th Century
Located in Richmond, CA
An antique Mongolian horn snuff bottle, finely crafted with a swivel stopper
circa: 1900, Late 19th Century
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Organic Material
Antique Chinese Plique a Jour Covered Box with Stand Republic of China Early 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
This early 20th-century Republic of China Plique-à-Jour covered box is an exceptional example of Chinese artisanship. Plique-à-Jour, a technique akin to cloisonné but without a backi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Enamel
Chinese White Blue & Pink Lotus Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing vintage Chinese ceramic fish bowl vase. Features a hand painted blue and pink lotus design.
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Vintage Chinoiserie Hand Painted Porcelain Floor Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing vintage chinoiserie floor vase. Feature a hand painted design depicting Chinese situations through the body of the vase.
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Porcelain, Paint
Chinese Black Lacquered, Hand Painted & Adhered Figure Wall Accessories - a Pair
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing pair of vintage Chinese black lacquered wall accessories. Each feature a hand painted design with adhere faux stone figures.
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Yellow Floral Ginger Jar With Metal and Ceramic Plate - 2 Pieces
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this exceptional vintage Chinese yellow floral ginger jar set. Crafted with care, the ceramic jar and accompa...
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Metal
Vintage Chinese Hand Painted Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Amazing vintage Chinese hand painted vase. Features flared flowers with foliage through the exterior of the vase.
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Hand Painted Porcelain Chinese Ginger Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Exceptional vintage Chinese blue and white ginger jar. Features an ornate hand painted floral design throughout the jar.
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Museum Mounted 18th Century Chinese Sterling -Silver Mounted Buckle Fragment
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Museum Mounted 18th Century Chinese Sterling -Silver Mounted Buckle Fragment
A unique and rare find—an 18th-century or older Chinese hand-painted porcelain buckle fragment depictin...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Gilt Decorated Ink Sticks - Original Box - China - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage gilt decorated ink sticks for calligraphy - inscriptions to the back of each stick - China - mid 20th century.
Excellent vintage condition - pre-owned but not used - no loss...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Crayon
Chinese Scholar Rock Yellow Taihu Stone on Wood Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
On offer is a tall Taihu scholar rock in a mushroom-cloud form displayed on a custom carved wood stand. Wonderful and well-balanced, the stone is of an uncommon waxy deep yellow color with black and white mineral deposits mixed into the texture. Being exposed to the flowing water for millennium, the surface has been polished and weathered, and is now mostly smooth yet still maintains some slightly rugged edges and points at places. Many grottoes puncture and permeate the piece, interlinking and window-like, creating interesting positive and negative spaces for a meditative mind. A remarkable work of art created by mother nature.
Stones such as this from Taihu lake was among the four famous stones since ancient time in China. They have been collected and prized by Chinese scholars since Tang dynasty when using them in garden came in vogue. Later on, smaller pieces like this one were displayed in the scholar's private study serving as a mini form of nature for meditation. In China, they are also known as Gongshi ("worshipped stone") and in the west, known also as Spirit Stone...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Jadeite Pair of Brush Pots on Stands, Qing Dynasty
Located in Gainesville, FL
Pair of Chinese jadeite hand carved brush pots o the stands, mid 19th century.
Each brush pot 3 1/8" x 2 7/8" X 5/16" and comes on 1" wooden carved st...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Jade
Chinese Finley Moulded Ebonized Plaster Brush Pot Bitong Imitating Carved Zitan
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Chinese finely moulded ebonized plaster
Brush pot bitong imitating carved zitan
20th century
Of cylindrical form, decorated with complex designs
depicting Tang ladies entertain...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Plaster
Chinese Hand Carved Tigers Eye Stone Libation Cup with Dragon
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine antique/vintage Chinese carved tigers eye stone libation cup supported by a dragon and dating from the early 20th century or possibly earlier. The hard stone cup...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Green Serpentine Scholar Rock Diety Stone
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, probably late 19th to early 20th century.
Super heavy piece, great quality and carving to this antique scholar rock!.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Serpentine
Chinese Scholar Rock Yellow Taihu Stone on Wood Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
On offer is an upright tall Taihu scholar rock in a mushroom-cloud form displayed on a custom wood stand. Wonderful and well-balanced, the stone is of an uncommon waxy deep yellow color with black and white deposit marks nicely mixed into the texture. Being exposed to the flowing water for millennium, the surface has been polished and weathered, and is now mostly smooth yet still maintains some slightly rugged edges and points at places. Many grottoes puncture and permeate the piece, interlinking and window-like, creating interesting positive and negative spaces for a meditative mind. A remarkable work of art created by mother nature.
Stones such as this from Taihu lake was among the four famous stones since ancient time in China. They have been collected and prized by Chinese scholars since Tang dynasty when using them in garden came in vogue. Later on, smaller pieces like this one were displayed in the scholar's private study serving as a mini form...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Hetian Jade Archers Ring
Located in Bradenton, FL
Nicely colored jade Chinese archer ring that feel oh-so-soft, heavy and cold to the touch. Jade archer rings with very soft hand polished finish that ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Jade
Chinese Carved Lapis Lazuli Duck and Lotus Flower Figure
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A well carved Chinese Lapis Lazuli figure of a duck with a Lotus flower probably dating from the latter 19th or early 20th century. The figure is h...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Lapis Lazuli
Chinese Carved Lapis Lazuli Scholar Stone
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese scholar rock carved from a natural lapis stone and displayed on a brocade wrapped stand circa late 19th century Qing Dynasty. The brightly blue lapis was considered as am exotic gemstone in China and mostly imported from Persia through the silk road. While not a conventional rock types of materials for scholar stones, it is occasionally carved and polished into smaller Gongshi to be displayed and meditated upon in the scholar's study. Similar approaches were also done with jade, malachite and turquoise, even petrified wood, Chenxiang Agarwood, roots in spirited form, porcelain and even bronze in rock forms.
The lapis was carved into a mountain form with stacked rocks...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Chinese Scholar Stone Taihu Rock on Wood Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese scholar stone in an upright mushroom form displayed on a custom wood stand. Wonderful and well-balanced, the ocher and cream color ston...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Chinese Scholar Stone Mountain Form with Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small desk top Chinese scholar stones (also known as Gong Shi, meditation stone and spirit rock) on a fitted display wood stand circa 19th century. This is likely a grey Lingbi type stone with subtle arch mimics a horizontal mountain range. The wrinkles and folds on the greyish black surface were perfectly weathered by elements for millenniums. Smooth and rugged at the same time, the mountain range shows a poetic formation that was often depicted in the ink scroll...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Vietnamese Seal, in Wood and Metal, Brown Color, from Vietnam Cirace 1880
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Vietnamese wood seal, made of wood, and metal. It dates from the end of the 19th century around 1880 and is in good condition.
Category
1880s Vietnamese Antique Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Metal
Chinese Scholar Rock Wuling Stone on Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
An unusual Chinese scholar stone originated from Wuling Mountains, Huan Province in central China. A type of geological wonder, formed through wind erosion and polishing by the eleme...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Chinese Scholar Rock Chrysanthemum Stone
Located in Atlanta, GA
An extraordinary specimen created by nature millions of years ago, this large and stunning Chinese black chrysanthemum stone features white crystalline mineral (calcite and chalcedon...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Chinese Scholar Rock Wen Stone on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning upright Chinese scholar stones (also known as Gong Shi, meditation stone and spirit rock) of significant mass and volume is gracefully balanced on the wood display stand. ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Chinese Vintage Large Carved Soapstone Seal with Dog of Fo
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large and well carved Chinese soap stone seal of rectangular form carved with a large dog of Fo and puppy to the top. Carved in a brown and slight...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Soapstone
Large Chinese Export Carved Soapstone Foo Dog Scholars Seal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Chinese export carved soapstone foo dog scholars seal, nicely carved, in two color soapstone, with large seal at base.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Soapstone
Carved Chinese Inkstone with Longevity Symbols and Marks
Located in Atlanta, GA
A black carved Chinese inkstone with an conforming oval cover circa early 20th century (late Qing to Republic period). The inkstone appears to be slate stone and was likely a She type (SheYan), one of the four famous inkstones in China that comes from She County (Anhui Province) and Wuyuan County (Jiangxi Province). It features a slight scalloping edge with elaborate surface carving that depicts the Sanxings (three beloved gods): Fu, God of Fortune (top right), Lu, God of Prosperity (top center holding a Ruyi staff) and Shou, God of Longevity (center on the lid who is holding a magical peach and a staff with a gourd with a deer at the back) . A towering evergreen pine was placed on the left with scrolling clouds and bats (the sound of bat in Chinese is Fu, the fortune). A famous Chinese couplet...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Chinese Scholar Rock Kun Stone on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
This sublime Chinese scholar stone was collected from the Jade Peaks in the Kun Mountains, Jiangsu Province. Known sometimes as "the magic stone" in China due to its unique formation...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Large Chinese Huanghuali Wood Brush Pen Holder
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large Huanghuali brush pen holder, an object prized among Chinese scholars for centuries in Ming and Qing dynasties. The current cylindrical form was made from an impressive block ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Wood
Chinese Lingzhi Fungus Table Screen Qing Dynasty '1644-1912'
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A lingzhi fungus table screen
Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)
The unusual Chinese scholar’s object,
mounted natural dried and preserved lingzhi fungus.
Lobed asymmetrical outline with dee...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Other
Large Chinese Scholar Stone Taihu Rock on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large and dramatic Chinese Gongshi (known as meditation stone or spirit stone) from Taihu (Lake Tai) balanced on display stand. This scholar rock features a relatively red and poro...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Finely Carved Chinese Brush Holder Pot
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Rosewood brush holder (pen pot) circa late Qing dynasty. Finely carved on surface with a sitting Buddha on lotus throne holding his hands in Vitarka mu...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Wood
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 Scholar's Objects
Materials
Brass
Chinese Scholar Stone Rare Red Taihu Rock on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese Gongshi (known as meditation stone or spirit stone) from Taihu (Lake Tai) balanced on display stand. This scholar rock features a relatively rar...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Stone
Chinese Carved Soap Stone Figurines
Located in New York, NY
Chinese set of eight carved soap stone figurines, depicting an old man, a chicken, a rooster, a panda, two tall ziches signed in the front and one smaller z...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Scholar's Objects
Materials
Soapstone
Chinese Export scholar's objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export scholar's objects 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 scholar's objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export scholar's objects made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 scholar's objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $83 and tops out at $12,000 while the average work can sell for $1,225.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Jade Calligraphy Brush
Antique Chinese Brush Washer
Chinese Wood Carved Brush Pot
Large Taihu Stone
Bamboo Brush Pot
Chinese Bitong
Jade Archer
Antique Chinese Brush Holder
Celadon Horses
Soapstone Scholar
Chinese Brushpot
Jade Archer Ring
Antique Bamboo Brush Pots
3 Blue And White Scholars
Carved Bamboo Brush Pot
Antique Chinese Bamboo Brush Pot
Shou Lou
Asian Celadon Horses