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
Antique Tibetan Buddhist Conch Shell with Turquoise, Coral and DZI inlay
Located in Pomona, CA
This is handcrafted Tibetan Buddhist Natural Conch Shell made from 100% natural Conch shell with Tibetan silver, Turquoise, Coral and stones. Also, there are three Tibetan Dzi beats ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tibetan Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Shell
Rose medallion bowl, 19th Century, 15" diameter
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th Century Chinese Canton / Rose Medallion porcelain bowl, having the classical green ground, gilded decoration to the floral boarders with hand painted scenes ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Samson Chinese Export Style Porcelain Bianco Sopra Bianco Plate
By Samson & Cie
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique French porcelain plate.
Attributed to Samson.
In the Chinese Export porcelain style.
With a painted floral motif to ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Stoneware Famille Verte Planters or Fishbowls on Hardwood Stands
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pretty pair of Chinese export planters or fish bowls in the famille verte palette depicting robed men and women in a fantastic garden setting with animals, plants, flowers, fans an...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Mid-20th Century Chinese Rosewood Carved Coffee Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This classic solid rosewood coffee table has hand-carved imperial dragon cloud motif along the four sides. The Huge carved legs ending on the big cube feet give a graceful and also s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Chinese Export Black Leather Box On Stand
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular box with brass tacks and hinged lid set in a brass base.
Category
1850s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Three Antique Chinese Cinnabar Lacquer Vases with Gorgeous Chinese Carvings
Located in New York, NY
A Magnificent Set of Three Antique Chinese Cinnabar Lacquer Vases/cashepots/flower pots; with Gorgeous Chinese Carved Decoration. Thi...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Three Framed Chinese Export Watercolors
Located in Essex, MA
Nicely framed with water gilt and lacquer. Scenes depicting Chinese domestic life.
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Paper, Paint, Giltwood
Chinese "Seikai Karakusa" Handmade 40cm plate
By Arita
Located in Shibuya City, JP
Hand-drawn. The kiln name Jingdezhen refers to the top ceramic producing city in northeast Jiangxi Province, China.
The Seikai karausa (Qinghai tangcao), a motif featuring a creepin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Pair Chinese Export Porcelain Vases and Covers, c. 1775
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine pair of Chinese Export porcelain vases and covers. Dating from the third quarter of the 1700s, and originating in the Jingdezhen region of China, near the important China Trad...
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Early 19th Century Chinese Celadon vase/lamp
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality early 19th Century Chinese Celedon porcelain vase / lamp. Having a wonderful bellied form with classical embossed motif decoration around, shell like handles to e...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ormolu
Old Round Blue & White Canton Chinese Export Porcelain Covered Tureen/Vegetable
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese export porcelain covered tureen or vegetable dish.
In the Canton pattern.
Decorated in underglaze blue.
Depicting a mountainous Chinese village to the top o...
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Gianni Versace Silk Rug: Mandarin's Garden Collection by Atelier Versace
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This vintage Gianni Versace collection rug, titled "Mandarin's Garden Silk", was designed and manufactured by Atelier Versace circa 1980. Measuring 200 x 200, this luxurious silk rug is in good original condition, with minor wear that is consistent with its age and use.
This rug was manufactured in China, and combines the quality of ancient Chinese tradition with the creativity and love for Gianni Versace's Classic style. It is part of a collection of hand-knotted rugs made from the finest silks by master craftsmen whose artistry has been handed down through the generations.
As an extremely high-quality product, this rug is perfect for art lovers and collectors alike. Add a touch of luxury and elegance to any room with this stunning vintage rug from the iconic Italian fashion house.
______
Rug designed and manufactured by Atelier Versace
Mandarin's garden silk 200 x 200
In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use
A vintage Gianni Versace Home...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Silk
Chinese Blue and White Jar with Birds and Flowers
Located in Chicago, IL
Loosely brushed with cobalt blue pigments, this round blue-and-white storage jar is adorned with a ribbon-tailed bird perched on a cluster of rocks, a symbol for a long and happy lif...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Blue and White Four Flowers Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Loosely brushed with cobalt blue pigments, this round, blue-and-white storage jar is underglazed with lush garden scenery featuring the flowering plants of the four seasons. Tree peo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century, Blanc de gene figure of Guanyin / lamp
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A Classical Chinese Blanc de gene porcelain figure of Guanyin, in the 17th century style. Mounted on a carved hardwood stand and gilded ormolu base. Also included this classical pago...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Chinese Sino Floral All Over Persian Medallion Area Rug Carpet 5' x 8'
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Chinese Sino area rug or carpet. Made of 100% wool featuring a field of red with central medallion surrounded by flowers. Reds, beige, white, cream, tan, blues, pinks, gree...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wool
Blue and White Chinese Export Large Charger, Late Kangxi Period, circa 1700
Located in Kinderhook, NY
An exquisite Chinese late Kangxi period (1661 - 1722) blue and white porcelain charger of large size made for export to Europe, of circular form with raised convex central roundel pa...
Category
1690s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Round Mahogany Pedestal Table, 20th C
Located in New York, NY
Round Mahogany Pedestal Table, 20th century, with geometric motif on frieze over four spider legs.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Jin Zhai Mountain River Landscape Silk Watercolor Painting 60"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Chinese watercolor painting on silk showing a sweeping mountain landscape with cottages along a river. Wood frame with beveled grooved detail; off white mat.
1 煙雲出沒有無間 misty...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Silk, Paint
SUITE OF RARE COLLECTABLE ANTiQUE CHINESE MOTHER OF PEARL GAMES COUNTERS CHIPS
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of antique Chinese circa 1900 mother of pearl games counters
A truly lovely early suite, ...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
LOVELY CHiNESE ELM STORAGE TRUNK OR CHEST OF LINEN & CLOTHES, TOYS PART OF A SET
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Chinese Elm with brass strap work storage trunk
Please note the delivery fee listed is just a ...
Category
20th Century English Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Chinese 汪永嘉 Misty Mountain Landscape Watercolor Painting 42"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Chinese landscape watercolor painting on paper showing a lone figure walking among the trees towards a small cottage on the misty mountains at dusk. Beveled giltwood frame; l...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Paint, Paper
LOVELY CHiNESE ELM STORAGE TRUNK OR CHEST OF LINEN & CLOTHES, TOYS OR FOR A BIN
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Chinese Elm with brass strap work storage trunk or little chest
Please note the delivery fee l...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
EXQUISITE CIRCA 1880 QING DYNASTY CARVED HARDWOOD CHINESE DRAGON ARMCHAiR
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Chinese Export circa 1880-1900 hand carved Rosewood armchair with oversized curled Dr...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Blue and White Jar with Birds and Flowers
Located in Chicago, IL
Loosely brushed with cobalt blue pigments, this round blue-and-white storage jar is adorned with a ribbon-tailed bird perched on a cluster of rocks, a symbol for a long and happy lif...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
ANTIQUE SHENG YUAN SIGNED STERLING SILVER HAND HAMMERED CHiNESE COCKTAIL SHAKER
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, circa 1930 Chinese Sterling Silver Cocktail shaker made in Shanghai by He Ji and retailed thr...
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Sterling Silver
NEST OF THREE ANTIQUE CIRCA 1920 CHINESE CHINOISERIE SiDE TABLES HAND PAINTED
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of three original Chinese Chinoiserie green lacquered and hand painted nested tables
Pleas...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Antique Chinese 19th cent Turquoise Enameled Ceramic pot holder
Located in Miami, FL
A turquoise glazed pair of jardiniere with incised five clawed dragons design,
China 19th century.
Small chips to the mouth rim.
Category
Mid-19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artisanal koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. And b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Pine
Chinese Blue and White Four Flowers Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Loosely brushed with cobalt blue pigments, this round, blue-and-white storage jar is underglazed with lush garden scenery featuring the flowering plants of the four seasons. Tree peo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Blue and White Jar with Scholars' Objects
Located in Chicago, IL
This porcelain storage jar has a rounded, tapered form and is brightly glazed in the classic blue-and-white manner. The jar is decorated on three sides with cartouches enclosing stil...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artisanal koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. And b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Pine
Antique Chinese Ancestor Empress Portrait Watercolor Scroll Painting 57"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique watercolor on paper Chinese ancestor portrait, depicting a woman on a throne chair wearing intricate robes with cranes and dragons, and jeweled crown...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Paint, Paper
Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artisanal koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. And b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Pine
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Famille Rose Sweetmeat Dishes set with Wooden
Located in Pomona, CA
A set of antique Chinese famille rose porcelain nine-piece combined square dishes for sweetmeats or nuts, each dish decorated with floral patterns, smooth glazed bases, late Qing Dyn...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Pair Asian Pottery Floor Jardinieres Birds
By Dona & Co.
Located in Fulton, CA
A pair of ceramic floor jars by Dona, Vietman. Circa. 1970. Bird and branch design. (notice one has painted rim, one does not)
Height 24 in.
Category
Mid-20th Century Vietnamese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Pair Mid-Century Hieroglyphic Style Cast Metal Table Lamps
Located in Fulton, CA
A unique pair of cast metal table lamps. They are heavy cast metal with a bronze like patina. Each lamp is mounted to an Asian style wood base. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Metal
19th Century South East Asian Three-Tier Elmwood Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Centruy South East Asian, probably Chinese, Three-Tier Elmwood Side Table. Measures 15" in width, 15" in depth and stands 26.75" in height. Lower tier clearence is 10.75" and up...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
19th Century Asian Two-Tier Lacquered And Decorated Handled Basket
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century Asian Two-Tier Lacquered And Decorated Handled and covared Basket.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Tall Chinese Blue & White Porcelain Pagoda
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in, this pair of tall Blue and White porcelain pagoda towers each crafted with six hand decorated separate pieces.
These are in separated ...
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Blue and White Brush Pot with First Scholar
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush pot, or bitong, was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. This porcela...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Porcelain Bowl Hand Painted Blue and White, 17th Century Ming Export
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a hand painted Chinese Export porcelain bowl, which we date to the 17th century, Ming Dynasty.
The bowl is fairly thickly potted with a fairly high, slightly undercut foot and an everted rim.
The bowl is decorated inside and outside, in varying shades of under-glaze cobalt blue with various symbols and designs separated by curvy lined panels...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Export Wallpaper Six Panel Screen
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese export wallpaper six panel screen, each panel depicting Chinese decor. Screen includes blue and white painted vases, urns and furnishings in colors that include blue, burgund...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint, Paper
Chinese Export Famille Rose Porcelain Plates with Green Enamel, Set of Twelve
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Famille Rose Porcelain Plates with Green Enamel,
Set of Twelve,
Circa 1775
The Chinese Export porcelain plates had a wavy shaped rim which is decorated with a contin...
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Chinese Export Eggshell Porcelain Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Chinese Export porcelain vase.
In a baluster form.
Decorated with a painted scene of two men and two women in traditional Chinese garb. In the background are trees and a roc...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Set Of Two Diminutive Carved Chinese Jade Beads
Located in Bradenton, FL
Set Of two diminutive carved jade beads. Beautiful intricate carvings on both. Both have tiny hole in top and at bottom.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Jade
Set of 4 Chinese Export Porcelain Celadon Plates
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 4 antique Chinese porcelain celadon plates.
Each with a raised depictions of birds, bugs, and butterflies surrounded by pink, orange, and green foliage against a celad...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Celadon
Antique Chinese Export Porcelain Kangxi Blue Ginger Jar with Phoenix & Birds
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese export porcelain ginger jar.
With a white ground and blue decoration.
With a depiction of a Chinese phoenix (Fènghuáng, 鳳凰) amongst the clouds, along with de...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Large Antique Chinese Carved Nephrite White Jade Belt Buckle
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century hand-carved nephrite white jade waist buckle. Features a mythical bird with possible chilong creature on front. Unique Asian jade piece. Very fine and detailed carving.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Jade
Antique Chinese Cloisonne Elephant Ginger Jar
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and unusual antique Chinese ginger jar handcrafted in a cloisonne technique, decorated with fauna, flora, and tassels on an alluring blue background, featuring a removable head ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Metal
Antique Chinese Export Armorial Porcelain Saucer with Doves in a Bird Bath
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine late 18th or early 19th Century Chinese export armorial porcelain saucer.
With a white ground and cobalt blue and gilt geometric designs.
The center bears an armorial crest ...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Shanxi Red Lacquer Poplar Floral Painted Bentwood Hat Tea Box
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Chinese Shanxi Red Lacquer Poplar Hat / Tea Box. Features a floral decorated design over red lacquer finish.
Dimensions:
13" x 13" x 12.25"h
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Poplar, Lacquer
Lacquered Asian Trays from Vietnam, with circles Decor Pattern Set of 2
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This tray is an Asian tray. It has been made in Vietnam in the 1980's. It is made in black lacquered painted wood. Oranges fishes are the decor pattern.
Category
1970s Vietnamese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
MId-20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Siver Chest Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
An exceptional Mid-20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Siver Chest and Cabinet in great vintage condition.
Features a flip top that open to reveal two flatware storage trays all fel...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Felt, Rosewood
19th Century Chinese Silk Painting, Framed
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century Chinese silk painting. Framed and matted. Features scene of Chinese characters in a ceremony. Beautiful muted colors of green, red, ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Silk, Wood
Antique Chinese Tea Caddy Cloisonne Enamels on Copper 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Handcrafted using the Cloisonné technique, this tea caddy has an original shape, decorated with stylized bats and flowers, and signed at the bottom. Perfect for tea enthusiasts, it w...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Copper, Enamel
19th Century Chinese Cherrywood Occasional Table
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century Chinese Cherrywood occasional table featuring a carved water lily design to apron. With rounded edges, carved divet to top and three delicate stretchers.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Cherry
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, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain 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 Europa Antiques, Wang Hing & Co., Luen Wo, and Hung Chong & Co.. 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 $40 and tops out at $216,780 while the average work can sell for $1,998.
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