Chinese Export Credenzas
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.
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Credenzas
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Credenzas
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Export Credenzas
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Export Credenzas
Oak, Rosewood
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Credenzas
Wood, Elm, Lacquer, Paint
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Export Credenzas
Brass
1960s American Vintage Chinese Export Credenzas
Walnut
Late 19th Century European Antique Chinese Export Credenzas
Oak
Early 20th Century Japanese Chinese Export Credenzas
Wood
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Chinese Export Credenzas
Metal
1950s Italian Vintage Chinese Export Credenzas
Wood
1960s Danish Vintage Chinese Export Credenzas
Teak
1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Credenzas
Wood
1980s American Vintage Chinese Export Credenzas
Brass
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Credenzas
Elm
20th Century American Chinese Export Credenzas
Brass
1950s American Vintage Chinese Export Credenzas
Chrome
1960s American Vintage Chinese Export Credenzas
Chrome
Late 20th Century American Chinese Export Credenzas
Brass
1950s Korean Vintage Chinese Export Credenzas
Brass
Early 20th Century Asian Chinese Export Credenzas
Brass
20th Century Asian Chinese Export Credenzas
Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Credenzas
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Credenzas
Felt, Rosewood
1860s French Antique Chinese Export Credenzas
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Credenzas
Glass, Rosewood
1960s Vintage Chinese Export Credenzas
Wood