Chinese Export Seating
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
Chinese Hongmu Corner Chair, 19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Chinese Hongmu corner chair,
19th century.
The horseshoe-form back with molded crest above
a pair of open carved splats with fruiting and fl...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
Chinese Red Lacquered Wood Joint Stool
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Red lacquered square top stool on four legs joined by double box stretchers.
China, 19th century.
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Antique Chinese Square Bench Or Ottoman
Located in Houston, TX
Antique Chinese Square Bench or Ottoman.
This versatile antique Chinese Rosewood bench or ottoman is in good condition and perfect for extra sea...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Fantastic PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS Chinese, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS
Chinese, 19th Century
in hardwood,
with carvings and marble inserted.
Dim.: 88 x 64 x 46 cm
good conditions
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
Fantastic Four (4) ARMCHAIRS Chinese, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Four (4) ARMCHAIRS
Chinese, 19th Century,
in hardwood and marble.
Dim.: 96 x 59 x 44 cm
good conditions
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
Classic Vintage Bamboo Corner Chair, British Colonial Decor, Bohemian Seating
Located in Chicago, IL
Charming bamboo corner chair with ball finials. Could be English or Chinese made for export. Sides and bottom apron of the chair have decorative bamboo work and the seat is solid bam...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Bamboo
Pair of Chinese Export Hardwood Drum Stools or Drink Tables
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of Chinese export ming style drum tabouret form stools or drink tables. Hand-crafted from rich Hongnmu hardwood with a dark finish that showcases the lovely woodgrains....
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Pair, Chinese Famille Rose Enamel Decorated Porcelain Garden Stool
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, early to mid 20th century.
A pair of likely mid century Chinese porcelain garden stools. Each stool features enamel decorated surfaces of figural windows, landscapes and pr...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Enamel
Ceramic Handmade Chinese Garden Stool
Located in Vienna, AT
Midcentury chinese porcelain garden seat, partly pierced and decorated in colours and transfer printing with dragon,
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Low Chairs With Carved Back Panel, Late 19Th C., A-Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Classical 19th C. Low Chairs Backed with a carved back panel with armrest, in Burma Rosewood. These are called Opium chairs or meditation c...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Antique Carved Hongmu Side Chairs, 4
Located in New York, NY
Set of Four Chinese Antique Hand-Carved Hongmu Side Chairs, circa 19th century. Tallest: 43" H x 21" W x 16.5" D; seat: 20.25" H.
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
Mid 19th Century Chinese Ebonized Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
19th century Chinese bench with woven seat. Ebonized Jumu or southern elm wood. Hand carved details
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Cane, Elm
Set of 2 Vintage Handwoven & Crafted Chinoiserie Rattan Cane & Bamboo Armchairs
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Set of Two Cane, Bamboo and Wicker armchairs. These are handcrafted chairs with cane seats feature bamboo frames and Chinese inspired bamboo patterns. The backrests are desig...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Cane, Natural Fiber
Matching Pair of Chinese Export Elm Wedding Chairs with Wishbone Backs
Located in High Wycombe, GB
A Pair of Chinese Export Elm Wedding Chairs with Curving Back and Carved Rears
Price per chair
Would suit a period or modern property.
Would g...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Vintage Michael Taylor for Baker 'Far East' Collection Lounge Chairs
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Chinese Style lounge chairs by Baker Furniture and designed by Michael Taylor. Dark Brown wood with brass accents. Labeled on bottom. Horseshoe design.
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export Bamboo and Rattan Pair of Chairs and Stand
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive three piece set of Chinese Export furniture having a pair of armchairs and matching stand handcrafted with bamboo, bent bamboo and rattan, featuring bone finials, pegged c...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Bamboo
Vintage Hand Painted Porcelain Chinese Garden Stools, Pair
Located in Doylestown, PA
Pair of vintage hand painted porcelain Chinese garden stools, c. 1950's.
Gorgeous pair of Chinese Canton style rose medallion stools with hexagon...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Porcelain, Paint
Pair late 19th Century Chinese hardwood side chairs
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality pair of late 19th Century Chinese hardwood side chairs, each with hand carved panels the the backrest, inset panel seats, raised on square section legs, united by...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Export Oriental Hand Carved Rosewood Corner Chair
Located in Plainview, NY
A beautiful Chinese export oriental corner chair. The chair is finely hand-carved of quality rosewood with shiny lacquer finish and is made using...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Rosewood
Chinese Carved Wood Bench, Late 19th Early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Very beautiful Chinese bench in carved exotic wood: the backrest comes forward to form the armrests and ends in snails, the backrest is also composed of 2 vertical wooden panels carv...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair Of Vintage Barrel Stools, Chinese, Inlaid, Decorative Display Stand, C.1970
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of vintage barrel stools. A Chinese, mahogany and mother of pearl inlaid decorative display stand, dating to the late 20th century,...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
A 19th Century Antique Chinese Elm Horseshoe Armchair Late Qing
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A late 19th Century Chinese Horseshoe Armchair in Elm. Superb form with horseshoe back and sweeping arms that hug your wrists perfectly. A single vertical slat backrest with solid ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood, Elm
Pair of Chinese Marble Top Garden Seats or Stands
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout pair of mid century Chinese stands crafted with mahogany in classic form having an ebonized finish, featuring a marble top and mother of pearl inlaid in floral designs.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Marble
Antique Chinese Horseshoe Hongmu Late Qing Chair
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
An early 20th century Chinese Horseshoe Chair of late Qing / early Republic Era. Superb form with horseshoe back and sweeping arms, single vertical slat carved backrest with roundel,...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
Chinese Rosewood and White Marble Inlay Corner Chair - a Pair
Located in Pasadena, CA
These Chinese Rosewood and White Marble Inlay Corner Chairs are a beautiful representation of Oriental design and craftsmanship. With their intricat...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Marble
Vintage Chinese Carved Hardwood Corner Lounge Chair with Mother of Pearl Inlay
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Carved Hardwood Corner Lounge chair with Mother of Pearl Inlay. Item features Impressive mother of pearl inlay throughout,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Vintage Chinese Carved Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This extraordinary single vintage Chinese style chair is in great condition, is a beautiful hand-crafted out of teak wood & cane combination, and has been newly restored by our professional expert craftsmen team. This 1970s side accent chair features a barrel back design, a carved wood panel in the center, a solid framed seat with a caning insert in the center in good condition, and is ready to be used. The chairs are raised by stretched carved tapered legs accentuated with moldings, and engraved details all beautifully finished in natural color and only having been waxed & polished developing a beautiful patina finish. This fabulous 1960s cane chair...
Category
1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Teak, Wood, Cane
Lovely Antique Chinese Export 1920 Qing Dynasty Carved Dragon Throne Armchair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Chinese Export circa 1920 hand carved Throne chair with oversized Dragon back rest
A very good looking well-made and deco...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Vintage Rosewood Hand Carved Oriental Corner Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage rosewood hand carved oriental corner chair
Chic solid rosewood oriental corner chair hand carved in front and back. This charming piec...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Rosewood
Pair of Old Rough Chinese Chairs
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
The original finish has been worn away through generations of use, leaving a soft, natural organic feel to the chairs.
Rear legs have a piece added years ago due to wear: but I didn'...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Fruitwood
Pair of 19th Century Octagonal Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Garden Seats
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 19th Century Octagonal Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Garden Seats
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Porcelain
Midcentury Italian Terracotta Foo Dog Garden Seats, a Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a facing pair of midcentury Italian glazed terracotta foo dog garden seats in very good condition. They are a rare find! They are unmarked and i...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Majolica, Terracotta
Pair of Oriental Tables From the Early 20th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Pair of oriental tables from the early 20th century
Pair of black tables with tops decorated with genre scenes. Both pieces are circa the 1st of the 20th century. The arch-like le...
Category
Early 20th Century European Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
Chinese Hongmu Wood Quanyi Folding Chairs, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Chinese brass-mounted Hongmu wood Quanyi or horseshoe-back folding chairs, a pair, each with gilt brass mounts in the Ming taste. 40.5" H x 27" W x 24" D x...
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Set Six Chinese Chippendale Whitewashed Dining Chairs, Carved Dragons, Rosewood
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of 6 Chinese Carved Whitewashed Dining Chairs, Rosewood, Chippendale Style; Comprised of a pair of arm and four side chairs. Complete with s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Silk, Wood
Pair Chinese Qing Ceremonial Chairs 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair Chinese Qing ceremonial chairs 19th century
Each with a profusely carved and parcel-gilt back above a panelled seat,
raised on scroll legs t...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Chinese Elm Rustic Primitive Brutalist Stool
Located in Germantown, MD
Dated to mid-19th century, this rustic, farmhouse, primitive and brutalist stool has simple splayed-leg design and well-worn finish. Crafted of northern elm wood with mortise-and-ten...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Elm
19th Century Chinese Hardwood Sofa, circa 1860
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th Century Chinese hardwood three seater sofa, having wonderful classical hand carved and pierced scrolling foliate decoration with Dragons entwined. The seat w...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Rustic Antique Chinese Stool or Side Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
The antique Asian stool has a square top and a balanced form with timeless rustic appeal. Beautifully worn from a century of use, the aged wood pat...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
Rare Pair of 19th Century Chinese Hardwood Armchairs
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A rare pair of 19th century Chinese hardwood armchairs, each with inset blue and white porcelain panels, depicting a ferry crossing a lake. C...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Porcelain, Hardwood
Extraordinary Vintage 1970s Chinese Mahogany Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the exceptional allure of our vintage Chinese table, meticulously handcrafted from mahogany wood and completely restored by our expert t...
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood, Mahogany, Walnut, Lacquer
Gorgeous Pair of 19th, '1800's' Century Chinese Hardwood Arm Chairs
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Pair of 19th(1800's) century Chinese hardwood arm chairs.
Absolutely gorgeous pair of skillfully executed hand carved with their elegant lines and the beautiful Lacquer finish, th...
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Pair of Chinese Antique Export Cir 1900 Lacquered & Painted Ming Style Armchairs
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of highly decorative Chinese Export circa 1900-1920 hand painted and lacquered Ming style armchairs...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Chinese Elm Rustic Farmhouse Primitive Brutalist Stool
Located in Germantown, MD
Dated to mid 19th century, this rustic, farmhouse, primitive and brutalist stool has simple splayed-leg design and well-worn finish. Crafted of northern elm wood with mortise-and-ten...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Elm
20th-C. Chinese Export Imari Style Blue and Orange Garden Seats / Tables, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are lovely. They are a pair of late 20th century Imari or Chinese Export style garden seats or side tables. They have vibrant hand painted blue and Orange hues on a white backg...
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Ceramic
His and Hers Pair of 19th Century Chinese Hardwood Arm Chairs
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Pair of 19th century Chinese hardwood arm chairs
Absolutely gorgeous pair of skillfully executed hand carved with their elegant lines and the beautiful Lacquer finish, these 19th century Chinese chairs will bring a touch of exoticism to any home, whether placed in an office, living room or bedroom.
This a marriage of two similar Chinese 1800’s...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Shanxi Province Natural Color and Patina Elm Seat / Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Natural Color and Patina Elm Seat / Bench
One person Elm wood bench seat. For use at a hallway or as a dining seat. With original...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Yoke Back Official's Hat Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic pair of Chinese yoke back official's hat chairs featuring a Shuangxi emblem on the backsplat. These carved chairs have a lacquer finish with...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Lacquer, Wood
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Horseshoe Back Official Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province elm horseshoe back official chair
This Antique Shanxi Province Horseshoe back official chair is made from elm and has its original color and patina.
Ci...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood, Elm
Chinese Antique Export circa 1900 Lacquered & Painted Ming Style Armchair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning highly decorative Chinese Export circa 1900-1920 hand painted and lacquered Ming style armchair.
...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair 19th Century Chinese Elm Wood Horseshoe Chairs Qing Dynasty
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair 19th century Chinese Elm wood horseshoe style chairs from the Qing Dynasty era.
Horseshoe back and into arms, carved design on the center of their ba...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Elm
Antique Elm Wood Horse Shoe Armchair Chinese
Located in Den Haag, NL
Must love this Chinese armchair beautiful distressed painted finish.
Elm wood. Horseshoe shaped back. the construction is very good.
Lovely decorative chair. Superb patine.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Elm
19th Century Two-Tone Patinated Chinese Brass & Copper Garden Barrel Drum Stool
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Rare two-tone Copper and Brass hand tooled Chinese garden stool. Versatile and exuding character to be used indoors, on the porch or exposed to the elements. The hollow centre can be...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Copper, Brass
Antique 1880 Heavily Carved Chinese Dragon Carver Armchair Must See Pictures
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original 19th century Chinese Dragon heavily carved carver armchair
This chair is a pi...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Shanxi Province Hand Carved Elm Child Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province hand carved elm child chair.
This elm child's chair from the Shanxi Province of China is hand carved and an extremely rare piece. All natural patina.
C...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood, Elm
Chinese 19th Century Carved Horseshoe-Back Folding Chair
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese (19th Century) horseshoe-back wooden folding armchair with a rush seat, sloped, carved back and footrest.
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm Side / Dining Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm Side / Dining Chair
This beautiful red elm side chair from the Shanxi Province of China can be used as a statement...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Chinese Hardwood Side Chairs, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese hardwood side chairs with geometric details, probably late 19th / early 20th century. 36" H x 19.5" W x 15" D; seat height: 18.75" H.
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, asian art and furniture, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export seating 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 seating, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $22,298 while the average work can sell for $1,943.
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