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.
Asian Tea Set with Hand Woven Wicker Carrying Warmer Basket, Teapot and Mugs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Asian tea set with carrying basket. 1 porcelain teapot, 2 porcelain tea mugs and a wicker carrying basket. Perfect for a trip to the garden for tea time or pi...
Porcelain, Wicker
18th Century, Chinese Export Coral and Puce Porcelain Tea Service
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese export porcelain service spectacularly decorated with a smart coral scale ground with panels of puce flowers. The service com...
Porcelain
$896Sale Price / set|25% Off
Oriental Chinese Red & Gold Hand Painted Porcelain Tea Set Made in Japan
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous vintage Oriental Chinese red & gold hand painted porcelain tea set marked “Made in Japan.” Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will ha...
Porcelain
Early 19th Century Flow Blue Ironstone Handleless Tea Cups 5 with Saucers 2
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic set of 7 pcs of 19th century Flow Blue. 5 handleless tea cups and 2 saucers with blue decorations banding the pieces. Marked Ironstone a...
Clay, Ironstone
Antique Blue and White Chinese Teapot
Located in Sheffield, MA
The antique fine bone porcelain blue and white Chinese teapot has a long spout with hand painted scenic design. Enjoy a cup of tea served in this an...
Porcelain
$450 / item
Antique Chinese Covered Teacups, Sold Singly
Located in Sheffield, MA
Treat yourself and your guests to a cup of tea in the the traditional Chinese way, a teacup with a lid so your tea will not get cold. The 4 antique Chiense-export blue and white porcelain tea cups...
Porcelain
Circa 1891-1911 Chinese Brass Tea Kettle
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1891-1911 Chinese brass tea kettle, made for export. Copper spout; ratten wrapped handle. Hand raising & sheet metal construction. Marked China on one side. Various dings & den...
Brass, Copper
Chinese Export Silver Tea and Coffee Service
By Yu Chang
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stunning and complete seven-piece Chinese export silver tea and coffee service was crafted by Yu Chang of Shanghai and Hong Kong, a firm re...
Sterling Silver
Chinese Export Silver Three Piece Tea Service
By Luen Wo
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese export silver three piece tea service; an addition to our diverse silver teaware collection This exceptional antique Chinese silver tea service...
Silver
$269Sale Price|30% Off
20th-Century Chinese Jade Tea Set- 9 Pieces
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this magnificent Vintage Chinese Jade tea set. It was hand made and hand carved with beautiful Chinese traditional carving works on it. It has 6 cups together with on teapot ...
Jade
Antique Chinese Export Silver Three Piece Tea Service
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Chinese Export Silver Three Piece Tea Service - Antique Circa 1920 An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese export silver three piece tea service; an addition to our diverse silver teaware collection This exceptional antique Chinese silver tea set...
Silver
Set of Six Small Antique Traditional Chinese Teacups
Located in Sheffield, MA
Drink tea in the traditional Chinese custom or add to your blue and white collection. This set of 6 blue and white cups are made of fine Chinese po...
Porcelain
Chinese Export Silver Tea Set with Original Box Zee Wo
By Zee Wo
Located in Atlanta, GA
A four piece Chinese export silver tea service set consists of a lidded teapot, a creamer with lid, an open sugar and a tongs. The se...
Silver
Set of Six Cantonese Blue & White Teacups with Saucers 19thC Early 20thC
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous blue & white Cantonese teacups with Saucers. Late 19thC to early 20thC is the time period. In excellent antique condition with minimal wear. No cracks or chips. Priced and s...
Porcelain
Circa 1891-1911 Chinese Export Rose Medallion Porcelain Tea Service
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1891-1911 Chinese export Rose Medallion porcelain tea service. Service for 6: cups & saucers, teapot, covered sugar & cream jug; each piece marked "China". C-scroll bamboo hand...
Porcelain
1900s Chinese Export Silver Three-Piece Tea Service
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese export silver three-piece tea service; an addition to our diverse silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique Chinese silver tea set...
Silver
Silver Chinese Export Tea and Coffee Service, by Tuck Chang & Co., Shanghai
Located in London, GB
Silver Chinese Export tea and coffee service, by Tuck Chang & Co., Shanghai Chinese, Late 19th century Measures: Milk jug: height 8cm, width 14cm, depth 10cm Coffee pot: height 25...
Silver
Red on White Chinese Teacup
Located in Chicago, IL
Tea drinking has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries, resulting in a wide range of social customs and material traditions both practical and decorative. This fine ...
Porcelain
$495Sale Price|55% Off
Chinese porcelain tea pot with lid & strap handle, c. 1760-80
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Chinese export porcelain globe tea pot with lid and twisted strap handle. The pot is decorated in underglaze blue with the willow tea house landscape, bordered with an intricate draw...
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver Tea Set with Dragon & Bamboo Decoration
By Luen Hing
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique handcrafted sterling silver tea set was made in China in circa 1880 in the period Chinese export style. The set is composed of a teapot, creamer and lidded sugar bowl an...
Sterling Silver
Yixing Zisha Teapot, Bamboo Handle & Flower Finial, Signed, China, 20th C
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage Yixing Zisha teapot - featuring a bamboo form handle and spout with a chrysanthemum flower finial to the lid - impressed seal marks to the base an...
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Chinese Hand-Painted Porcelain Milk Pitcher
Located in Sheffield, MA
Chinese export blue and white porcelain milk pitcher.
Porcelain
Chinese Cadogan 'Foo Dog' Teapot, Guangxu Tea / Coffee
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Chinese turquoise and Aubergine glazed Cadogan wine or tea pot A finely molded and glazed "Cadogan" wine or tea pot. The body is glazed in a rich turquoise color. China, Guangxu peri...
Ceramic
Chinese Gilt Green Glazed Teapot, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Tea drinking has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries, resulting in a wide range of social customs and material traditions. In addition to tea leaves, water, and he...
Porcelain
Rare Chinese Tonkin Ware Cup-and-Saucer, Early 18th Century
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A Chinese made tonkin ware gilt- and lacquer cup and saucer China or Japan, Chinese artisans, early 18th century The black-lacquered cup with gilt handles in the shape of sculptured chrysanthemums and a lobbed edge decorated with gilt engraved border, with a gilt foot-ring that fits into the saucer ring, with two cartouches showing partly undercut gilt relief trees and birds on a gilt granulated background, black lacquered bracket-lobed edge, depicting gilt engraved peony scrolls and three cartouches decorated with high relief gilt trees and birds on a gilt granulated background, the centre with engraved chrysanthemum, enclosed by a raised ring upon which the cup fits, around which a circular panel decorated with high gilt relief trees, flowers, birds and a butterfly on a gilt granulated background. Measures: Cup: H. 5.7 x W. 8.5 cm Saucer: Diameter 13 cm Provenance: Collection Felix Schäfer Note: The decoration of the cup and saucer is identical to the slightly smaller cup and saucer...
Other
$675
H 2.38 in Dm 4.5 in
Royal Doulton White Blue Gold Coffee or Tea Demitasse Cup & Saucer, circa 19th C
By Royal Daulton, Davis Collamore & Co Ltd. 1
Located in New York, NY
A very special English Royal Doulton for luxury retailer Davis Collamore & Co LTD, espresso coffee or tea demitasse cup and saucer set, ci...
Gold
Antique Chinese Porcelain Tea Set, 3 Person, Early 20th C., Hand-Painted
Located in Bastogne, BE
This charming antique porcelain tea set, crafted in China at the dawn of the 20th century. Hand-painted with exquisite detail and accented ...
Porcelain
$1,781Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 5.12 in Dm 4.73 in
Hand Painted Porcelain Tea Set from Central Asia in Kobalt Blue & Gold
Located in Vienna, Austria
Porcelain tea set from Central Asia, that consist of 6 small tea bowls, a tea pot and one plate for cookies. The traditional floral pattern is in cobalt blue glaze, the hand painted...
Porcelain
Chinese Blue and White Shizi Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Images of shizi, a lion-dog symbol of power and strength of character, cavort among the stylized clouds of heaven on this hand-painted covered jar. Original...
Ceramic
Chinese Export Silver Bamboo Pattern Tea Service, circa 1880s
By Cumwo
Located in Sarasota, FL
Chinese export bamboo pattern silver 5-piece tea service, circa 1860-1880. The teapot, covered sugar, creamer and waste bowl marked "GW" for Gemwo maker of Hong Kong. The tray is mar...
Silver
$1,758 / set
H 6.7 in W 7.49 in D 4.73 in
19th Century Satsuma Japanese Hand Painted Porcelain Tea or Coffee Set 15 Pieces
By Satsuma
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful hand painted and gold porcelain tea or coffee set Satsuma Japanese 15 pieces, 1880s. The service is complete to serve six people at the table includes: 1 teapot, 1 sugar bo...
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Blue and White Vase
Located in East Hampton, NY
Very nice antique Chinese blue and white vase.
Ceramic
Japanese Porcelain, Satsuma Tea Set, 23 Pieces
Located in Milano, IT
...
Porcelain
1930s Wedgwood Lustreware Tea Cups & Saucers, Set of 6
By Wedgwood
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of six 1930s Wedgwood lusterware tea cups and saucers. Overall silver floral motif on bone China background. Set includes 6 tea cups and 6 saucers, 12 pieces total. Each piece i...
Porcelain
Early 19th Century Paris Porcelain Tea Service with Rich Gilt Decoration
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This refined Paris porcelain tea service dates from the early 19th-century and beautifully reflects the elegance and technical mastery of F...
Porcelain, Paint
$2,000 / set
H 1.97 in Dm 3.55 in
19th Century Set of 7 English Porcelain Tea Cups & Saucers, 6 Signed Minton
By Minton
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This charming set comprises seven finely decorated teacups with matching saucers, six of which are signed Minton, one of the most celebrated English porcelain manufacturers of the 19...
Porcelain, Paint
Japanese Contemporary Gilded Green Blue Porcelain Cup, 5
Located in Takarazuka, JP
Attractive contemporary Japanese Ko-Imari (old Imari) porcelain short stem cup, in bright red, blue and green colors and generous gold application that are characteristics of Ko-Imar...
Gold
Circa 1860-80 Rose Medallion Chinese Export Porcelain Tea Pot
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860-80 Rose Medallion Chinese Export Porcelain Tea Pot. With original cover; raffia wrapped handle. Well decorated. 5.5" over spout x 4 1/8" x 5" h. We are a family business...
Porcelain, Raffia
Sold
H 10.25 in W 10 in D 7 in
Blue and White Porcelain Teapot with Mythical Qilin and Auspicious Cloud Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
Blue and white Chinese Export porcelain teapot with mythical Qilin and auspicious cloud motifs. Exquisite and rich in cultural artistry, this early 20th-century Chinese export porcelain teapot showcases captivating hand-painted blue-and-white designs featuring mythical Qilin and auspicious cloud motifs. The striking brass handle and rim add a sophisticated metallic accent, highlighting its dual craftsmanship of ceramic artistry and metalwork. The Qilin, a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, dances amidst a swirling backdrop of clouds, creating a timeless design that resonates with both tradition and elegance. Perfect as a statement decorative object, this teapot brings a touch of refined vintage charm to any home. Whether displayed on a kitchen shelf, styled on a living room console, or incorporated into a curated vignette, it effortlessly blends with a variety of aesthetics, from traditional and transitional to eclectic interiors. Its historical allure and intricate craftsmanship make it a remarkable collector's item or conversation piece. Imbued with artistry and history, this Chinese export teapot...
Brass
Sold
H 5.91 in W 8.86 in D 4.73 in
19th Century Chinese Solid Silver Cherry Blossom Tea Set, Wang Hing c.1890
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique late 19th Century Chinese export solid silver exquisite three piece tea set, comprising of a teapot, sugar bowl and milk jug, each spherical body applied with blooming cherry...
Silver
Chinese Monumental Nephrite Jade Teapot
Located in Astoria, NY
Monumental Chinese Nephrite Teapot, carved from hardstone in the Zhoupan Hu or compass form. Dealer: S138XX
Stone
Antique 20thC Chinese Solid Silver 3 Piece Tea Set On Tray c.1910
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early-20th Century rare Chinese solid silver impressive tea service on tray, comprising of a teapot, covered sugar bowl, milk jug and tray, each body is hand engraved with ex...
Silver
Chinese Export Porcelain Ship Decorated Tea Bowl & Saucer
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain Ship Decorated Tea Bowl & Saucer, circa 1790 The Chinese Export porcelain famille rose tea bowl each are painted with a three-masted British ship. The...
Porcelain
Set of 5 18th Century Style Mottahedeh Tobacco Leaf Place Setting
By Mottahedeh
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Mottahedeh Tobacco leaf 5 piece place setting. It includes the dinner plate, salad plate, bread plate, espresso cup and saucer. This listing is...
Porcelain
Very Fine Handmade Yixing Wear Tea Set With Blossom Motif
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Daintily hand crafted Yixing wear tea set with beautiful shapes and blossom motif. The set comprises of four teacups and a single kettle and platter. The platter is not original to the set but comes with it. The kettle is stamped at the base. Yixing clay...
Clay
Sold
H 5.5 in Dm 3.75 in
Chinese Export Armorial Porcelain Tea Caddy, Arms of Prince Willem IV of Orange
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese export Armorial Porcelain teapoy or tea caddy, Royal Coat of Arms, Arms of Prince Willem IV of Orange (1711-51), Prince of Nassau-Dietz and Orange Circa 1748 The Chinese Export armorial tea caddy is painted in iron-red, gilt and green enamels. The coat of arms for the Prince of Orange supported by gilt lions and surmounted by a coronet, all resting on a gilt pediment...
Porcelain
Chinese Export Armorial Porcelain Teapot Stand, Prince Willem IV of Orange
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Armorial Porcelain Hexagonal Teapot Stand, Royal Coat of Arms, Arms of Prince Willem IV of Orange (1711-51), Prince o...
Porcelain
Sold
H 5 in W 9 in D 5 in
8 Antique 18th Century Chinese Export Qianlong Famille Rose Floral Porcelain
Located in Dayton, OH
Lot of eight late 18th to early 19th century Chinese Export (Qianlong Period, circa 1780) porcelain serving pieces with hand painted floral and swags. Features teapot, tea / coffee c...
Porcelain
Vintage Chinese Teapots in Hand Painted Ceramic
Located in Milano, IT
Beatiful vintage Chinese teapots in white ceramic from the early 1900's, original of the time. The teapots are hand-painted and depict flowers,...
Ceramic