Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
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
Pair of Early 20thc Antique Bone Carved Elephant Sculpture
Located in Pasadena, CA
Pair of Early 20thc Oriental Antique Bone Carved Elephant sculpture.47w x 16w x 30h
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bone
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 Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pine
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 Animal Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Chinese Wicker Elephant Box from the Shanghai Collection
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Chinese elephant sculpture ambitiously hand crafted in woven wicker with rattan and wood highlights, having a removable head as a lid. From the famed Shanghai collection.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wicker
Massive Pair of Mid Century Silvered Bronze & Enameled Tang Style Horses
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Massive Pair of Mid Century Silvered Bronze and Enameled Tang Style Horses, Style of Tony Duquette
Late 20th Century
Presenting an exceptional find: a pair of Mid Century Silvered B...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Jade Foo Dogs, Set of Two
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Chinese Jade Foo Dogs. The jade, or stone resembling its pale green hue, beutifully exhibits shades that span from milky white to pale jade green.
The Foo Dogs possess a playful, li...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Chinese Multicolor Porcelain Pheasant Statue
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese (Mid 20th Century) glazed porcelain statue of a pheasant with colorful, gold-outlined plumes perched on a rocky formation of green and brown. (Smaller version availab...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
A Pair of Vintage Chinese Buffalo Horn Carved Eagle Sculptures
Located in Pomona, CA
This pair of vintage Chinese Buffalo horn carved eagle sculptures are 100 percent hand made and hand carved from Buffalo horn. In ancient China, The eagle represent bravery and Wisdo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Horn
Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Green Sancai Glazed Parrots
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Green Sancai Glazed Parrots
China, Early 20th Century
A Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Green Sancai Glazed Parrots, originating from China in the...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
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
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Pine
Chinese Polychrome Harmony Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this large koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. Much of t...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Pine
Chinese Polychrome Harmony Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this large koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. Much of t...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Pine
Chinese Polychrome Harmony Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this large koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. Much of t...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Pine
Chinese Export Famille Rose Pheasant With Ormolu Mounts, Late 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A gorgeous Chinese export famille rose enameled porcelain model of a pheasant mounted on an ormolu stand.
The elegant bird is portrayed perched on a ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ormolu
Vintage Asian Glazed Ceramic Foo Dogs - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Stunning pair of glazed ceramic foo dogs. A chic deep green color with flashes of deep blue. Lots of intricate detail on the face and body. Areas of wear from age add to the effect. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Large Scale Carved Stone Chinese Foo Dogs / Temple Lions
Located in Dallas, TX
a pair of large scale, well carved stone Chinese Foo Dogs / Temple Lions, these are carved out of stone and are traditional Chinese architectural ornaments, China, circa 1920
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Mid-Century Brass & Turquoise Glass Beads Cloisonné Style Rhinoceros -S/2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of two brass rhinos with a cloisonné style glass bead bodies. They are purported to be Tibetan. The horns are wood. The set has some lite age wear.
Category
Mid-20th Century Tibetan Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Vintage Chinese Cloisonne Hawk or Falcon
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout near life size Chinese cloisonne or enamel on copper bird of prey ambitiously decorated in a feather motif and presented on a wood base.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Pair Of Chinese Glazed Terracotta Foo Dogs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Chinese Glazed Terracotta Foo Dogs.
Stunning pair of antique Chinese hand decorated glazed terracotta foo dogs or foo lions. This beautiful pair of Chinese foo dogs are execu...
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
20th Century Chinese Gilt carved Wooden Tang Horse Sculpture
Located in Pomona, CA
Chinese Gilt Polychrome Wooden Carved Tang Dynasty Style Horse Sculpture. Featured nicely hand carved and hand painted with gilt highlighted on...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Wang Jida "Lion" Bronze Sculpture, 1988
Located in New York, NY
Wang Jida (Chinese, b. 1935), "Lion", Burnished and Patinated Bronze, signed "WJ" to rear left foot, and marked "c RFA 1988 / CRF / 41/300". Approx. 7.5" H x 9" L x 3.5" W.
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Petite Chinese Fu Dog Guardians
Located in Chicago, IL
With curly manes and playful expressions, these petite stone fu dogs are adorable companions and benevolent guardians of the home. Also known as shizi, the pair represents yin and ya...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Export White Porcelain Birds, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese Export porcelain bird sculptures.
Dealer: S138XX
Category
20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonne Roosters
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Stand out pair of antique Chinese roosters handcrafted in enamel on copper or cloisonne in the traditional technique with bold colors of fauna and flora ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Copper, Enamel
1980's Solid Brass Chinese Censer Pot Incense Burner
Located in Charlotte, NC
A vintage Chinese table top censer pot incense burner. Unsigned, artisan unknown. Solid brass of two pieces; round pot with serpent-like protrud...
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
1940s Antique Chinese Pair Foo Dog Figurines Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Pair of Antique Chinese Figurines Foo Dog Sculpture
Green Glaze Ceramic
8 tall x 3.75 w x 6.5 d
Preowned original vintage condition.
Refer to...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Petite Chinese Fu Dog Guardian
Located in Chicago, IL
With a curly mane and a lively expression, this petite stone fu dog is an adorable companion and a benevolent guardian of the home. Known as shizi, the mythical dog is thought to off...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
Petite Chinese Fu Dog Guardian
Located in Chicago, IL
With a curly mane and a lively expression, this petite stone fu dog is an adorable companion and a benevolent guardian of the home. Known as shizi, the mythical dog is thought to off...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
Vintage Mirrored Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Rooster Sculptures
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice vintage mirrored pair of Chinese cloisonné rooster sculptures, circa early 20th century. The sculptures are in very good condition with no d...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Petite Chinese Fu Dog Guardian
Located in Chicago, IL
With a curly mane and a lively expression, this petite stone fu dog is an adorable companion and a benevolent guardian of the home. Known as shizi, the mythical dog is thought to off...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Export Porcelain Models of White Doves
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain Models of White Doves,
Circa 1780
The pair of Chinese Export white doves face each other. The figures, all in white, stand on a tree stump base, their eyes...
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
20th Century Chinese Ceramic Tang San Cai (Tri Color)Horse
Located in Pomona, CA
A large vintage Tang style Sancai glazed terracotta horse. This exquisite piece features a striking green and brown color glazed finish, infusing it with ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Striking Turquoise Pair of Chinese Porcelain Bluebirds
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Pair of Chinese porcelain bluebirds having turquoise bodies and aubergine bases.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Polychrome Khmer Guardian Lions, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Grand and imposing, these monumental lion sculptures offer protection to all those who stand before them. Dated to the mid-19th century, the ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Southeast Asian Antique Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Crystal
19th Century Pair of Chinese Guardian Lions in Red and Gold Lacquer
Located in NICE, FR
We present you with this stunning pair of statues representing Chinese guardian lions, also known as lions of Fo, made in red and gold lacquer and painted wood. Their origins date ba...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Mid-Century Large Scale Chinese Export Reclining Exotic Cat Pottery Figurine
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This a a large scale Chinese reclining exotic cat figurine. It is in very good condition. The figurine is unmarked and believed to be a mid-century pi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Antique Chinese Silver Gilt and Enamel Peacock
Located in Riverdale, NY
Antique Chinese Silver Gilt and Enamel Peacock from the 1940's on hand carved wood stand. Delicately constructed of vermeil sterling with colorf...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Vintage Chinese Metal Gilt Filigree and Enamel Cranes Figures on Wooden Stand
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Chinese Gilt Metal Filigree and Enamel Cranes Figures on Wooden Stand.
Mid 20th century circa 1950s Asian fine jeweled sculptures.
Two Orient...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Pair of Large Antique Chinese Porcelain Roosters
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Pair of 1920’s Chinese Porcelain Roosters. Vibrantly painted and decorated in polychrome application. The roosters are shown in their typical...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Mini Pair of Vintage Turquoise Glazed Ceramic Foo Dogs, China, circa 1980's
Located in Chatham, ON
Miniature pair of vintage turquoise glazed ceramic Foo Dogs - molded forms - hand painted glossy glaze - unsigned - China - circa 1980's.
Excellent vintage condition - minor glaze...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Chinese Cloisonné War Horse Sculptures on Mahogany Base - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese Cloisonné War Horse Sculptures on Mahogany Base - Pair
Exquisite Set of 2 vintage Chinese Cloisonne' war horse sculptures on maho...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Pair, Ming Dynasty Gilt Bronze Diminutive Chinese Foo Dogs / Guardian Lions
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, Ming Dynasty.
Pair, Ming Dynasty Gilt Bronze Diminutive Chinese Foo Dogs or Guardian Lions of extraordinary quality and casting. Procured from an important New York Collect...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Chinese Glazed Terracotta Foo Dogs or Foo Lions
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Chinese Glazed Terracotta Foo Dogs or Foo Lions.
Stunning nice scale pair of 20th century Chinese foo dogs or foo lions. This great pair of...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain, Terracotta
Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Parrots on Stands 1st half of 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A PAIR OF CHINESE CLOISONNE ENAMEL PARROTS ON STANDS
1st half of 20th century
Each multi-coloured parrot is naturalistically modelled.
The details of its feathers finely depicted, g...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Heavy Pair Of Vintage Horse Figures, Oriental Stone, Fireside Ornament, Bookends
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a heavy pair of vintage horse and groom figures. An Oriental, stone fireside ornament or bookends, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980.
Charming figures of substanti...
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Fine Antique Chinese White Jade Fish Sculpture Figurine 1950s
Located in Chula Vista, CA
an antique decorative fish sculpture
made in white stone jade.
unmarked
Preowned Very good vintage condition unrestored.
Refer to images.
5.13 D x 1 W x 2 H
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Puppies
Located in Essex, MA
Well modeled "lion dogs'" modeled after a Pekingese the companion pet of Chinese royalty. Cream colored ground with brown accents.
Category
1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Carved Bone Crab
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Remarkable crab sculpture crafted in carved bone with surprising accuracy and lots of moving parts.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bone
Large Scale Chinese Export Style Hand Painted Ceramic Ducks, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of large scale Chinese Export ducks in very good condition. They have vivid colors!
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Cloisonné Tang Style Horses
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage pair of Chinese cloisonné horses with a Tang dynasty form decorated with colorful symbolic references on an alluring blue back...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Pair of Vintage Blue Glazed Chinese Porcelain Cat Figurines- Signed
Located in Fort Washington, MD
Beautiful pair of turquoise blue ceramic cat figurines. This is a left and right matching pair of Asian blue art pottery cats, ceramic cat statues t...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
This small ceramic block is actually a form of Chinese headrest or neck pillow. Popular during the Qing dynasty, rigid headrests such as this were used by upper-class women to protect their elaborate hairstyles by elevating the head during slumber. This example dates to the mid-20th century and is glazed in the blue-and-white style with dark, cobalt-blue color.
Each side of the headrest has a quadrilobe cartouche framing two mythical fu lions playing with a brocade ball, a motif that evokes the idiom "may you and your descendant achieve high rank." A powerful and benevolent guardian, the fu lion (shizi) is the perfect force to protect against nightmares and bad energy. The playful scene is surrounded by a cracked ice pattern dotted with plum blossoms, symbols of winter and longevity. A geometric meander trims the corners and small bats frame coin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Pair Chinese Gilt Carved Wood Foo Dog / Guardian Lions Figurines
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered here are a pair vintage Chinese gilt and carved wood Foo Dog/Guardian Lions figurines
Wonderful craftsmanship with the hand carving that has gone...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Giltwood
19th Century Chinese Bronze Incense Vessel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully chased 19th century bronze. In three parts. Great as just a table sculpture.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Style Verdigris Copper Boar Objet D’Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Figurative decorated boar objet d’art. Made of verdigris copper. Attributed to being Chinese based on style and subject.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Pair of Mid Century Chinese Copper, Enamel & Gilt Horses
Located in London, GB
A fantastic pair of enamel, gilt and copper horses. Take a look at all our pictures to see the intricate detail and life like expressions - amazing colours too.
Made in China in th...
Category
1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Vintage Asian Chinese Brass Prosperity Dragon Wall Hanging
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Asian Chinese Brass Prosperity Dragon Wall Hanging.
As the embodiment of the masculine gender, the dragon has long been an auspicious symbol of power in Chinese culture.
Dragons chasing a ball is the auspicious scene of good luck, prosperity and wealth.
According to Chinese Feng Shui...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Chinese Tessellated Bone Horses
Located in Palm Beach, FL
With a reference to the Tang Dynasty an impressive pair of Chinese horses, hand crafted in a tessellated technique with carved bone as a symbol ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bone
Chinese Export animal sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export animal sculptures 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 animal sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export animal sculptures made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original animal sculptures, popular names associated with this style include and Europa Antiques. 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 animal sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $248 and tops out at $38,000 while the average work can sell for $2,098.
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