Large Early Chinese Red and Gold Melon
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
, as is all the gold found on Katherine Houston's pieces. This piece would make a great centerpiece
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Melon with Lady's Mantle, Porcelain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
, or display cabinets. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique
Ceramic, Porcelain
Blooming Artichoke Porcelain Centerpiece Display
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
Greenwich, CT, Winterthur, DE and Philadelphia, PA. The decorative porcelain art work of Katherine Houston
Ceramic, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Porcelain Autumn Cabbage Botanical Objet d'Art for Display
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the techniques and
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Large Asparagus in Pale Yellow, Porcelain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the techniques and
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Giverny Melon, Porcelain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
gardens at Giverny. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Dancing Asparagus in Pink Petals, Poreclain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
table of display cabinet. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Dancing Asparagus with Pale Blue Petals, Porcelain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
dancers. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Large Cabbage Porcelain Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the techniques and
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Fall Radicchio Porcelain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the techniques and
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Botanical Porcelain, Double Zucchini Objet d'Art for Display
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
Two zucchinis with blossoms. This is a one of a kind handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Flame Sunflower Botanical Porcelain Objet d'Art for Display
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the techniques and
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Harvest Pumpkin Handcrafted Porcelain Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Pair of Standing Porcelain Sunflowers
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Asparagus Porcelain Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the techniques and
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Pair of Melons, Porcelain Objets d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Rubrium Lily Handcrafted Porcelain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Porcelain Melon Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the techniques and
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Cavaillon Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the techniques
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Purple Cabbage Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
Greenwich, CT, Winterthur, DE and Philadelphia, PA. The decorative porcelain art work of Katherine Houston
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Peaches in a Wind
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the techniques and
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Etruscan Colored Melon Sculpture
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
a one of a kind handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
"Charlotte's Melon" Porcelain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
rich, deep colored berries. this item is a one of a kind handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Thanksgiving Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
centerpiece for the whole fall season. This is a one of a kind, handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Marina Melon
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
display Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Centerpiece of Lemons
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
. this is a one of a kind handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Boston Magnolia Garlands
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
Greenwich, CT, Winterthur, DE and Philadelphia, PA. The decorative porcelain art work of Katherine Houston
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Raised Artichoke Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
artichokes. this is a one of a kind handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Bowl of Persimmons, Porcelain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
piece for a dining table as well as side tables and display cabinets. Katherine Houston is a living
Ceramic, Porcelain
Pair of Porcelain Fruits Objets d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
embellished with pink blossoms, 4Hx4W This is a one of a kind handcrafted piece . Katherine Houston is a
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Baby Boy Peapod Botanical Porcelain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the techniques and
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Baby Girl Peapod Botancal Porcelain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
with the name and birth date of a new born baby girl as a gift or birth keepsake. Katherine Houston
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Porcelain Cabbage Leaves Pin Dish
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
a kind handcrafted piece Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Ode d'Export Pear, Porcelain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
Greenwich, CT, Winterthur, DE and Philadelphia, PA. The decorative porcelain art work of Katherine Houston
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Ode d'Export Peach, Porcelain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
Greenwich, CT, Winterthur, DE and Philadelphia, PA. The decorative porcelain art work of Katherine Houston
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Ode d'Export Melon, Porcelain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
subtle blue grey background is in reference to the coloring found in Chinese export. Katherine Houston
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Small Bowl of Raspberries and Apricots, Porcelain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
, side table, display cabinet or low shelf. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Small Magnolia Centerpiece, Porcelain Objet d'Art
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
, side table, or display cabinet. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Chelsea Porcelain Red Anchor Period Inspired Melon Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
is a one of a kind handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Porcelain Fruitcake Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
kind handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Standing Pair of Porcelain Tulips for Display
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
kind handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Porcelain Melon Centerpiece with 24-Karat Gold Design
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
a one of a kind handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th
Ceramic, Clay, Meissen, Porcelain, Paste
Grand Dionysus Fruit Bowl Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
the center of an arrangement of brightly colored fruits and grapes. Katherine Houston is a living
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Amber Melon with Greek Medallions
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
the Greek goddesses. This is a one of a kind hand made piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Early Autumn Harvest Triptych Mantelpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
place next to the main center panel. This is a one of a kind handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Multi-Fruit and Vegetable Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
. This is a one of a kind hand crafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Fall Melon with Grapes
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
one of a kind, handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Late Summer Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
one of a kind handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Bittersweet Melon Sculpture
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
kind handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
De Heem Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
one of kind handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Hubbard Squash and Fall Cabbage Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
topped with a realistic Hubbard squash. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Summer Fruit Bowl
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
kind hand crafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Provencal Market Bowl
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
famous Cavaillon melon. This is a one of a kind hand crafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Purple Harvest Fantasy Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
. This is a one of a kind hand crafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Red Poppy
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
, table, or display cabinet. This is a one of a kind handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Large Cabbage Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
and vibrant edging to the leaves. This is a one of a kind hand crafted piece. Katherine Houston is a
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
Bosc Pear Centerpiece
By Katherine Houston
Located in Boston, MA
handcrafted piece. Katherine Houston is a living artist working in an 18th century technique, adapting the
Ceramic, Clay, Porcelain
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.
Your dining room table is a place where stories are shared and personalities shine — why not treat yourself and your guests to the finest antique and vintage glass, silver, ceramics and serveware for your meals?
Just like the people who sit around your table, your serveware has its own stories and will help you create new memories with your friends and loved ones. From ceramic pottery to glass vases, set your table with serving pieces that add even more personality, color and texture to your dining experience.
Invite serveware from around the world to join your table settings. For special occasions, dress up your plates with a striking Imari charger from 19th-century Japan or incorporate Richard Ginori’s Italian porcelain plates into your dining experience. Celebrate the English ritual of afternoon tea with a Japanese tea set and an antique Victorian kettle. No matter how big or small your dining area is, there is room for the stories of many cultures and varied histories, and there are plenty of ways to add pizzazz to your meals.
Add different textures and colors to your table with dinner plates and pitchers of ceramic and silver or a porcelain lidded tureen, a serving dish with side handles that is often used for soups. Although porcelain and ceramic are both made in a kiln, porcelain is made with more refined clay and is more durable than ceramic because it is denser. The latter is ideal for statement pieces — your tall mid-century modern ceramic vase is a guaranteed conversation starter. And while your earthenware or stoneware is maybe better suited to everyday lunches as opposed to the fine bone china you’ve reserved for a holiday meal, handcrafted studio pottery coffee mugs can still be a rich expression of your personal style.
“My motto is ‘Have fun with it,’” says author and celebrated hostess Stephanie Booth Shafran. “It’s yin and yang, high and low, Crate & Barrel with Christofle silver. I like to mix it up — sometimes in the dining room, sometimes on the kitchen banquette, sometimes in the loggia. It transports your guests and makes them feel more comfortable and relaxed.”
Introduce elegance at supper with silver, such as a platter from celebrated Massachusetts silversmith manufacturer Reed and Barton or a regal copper-finish flatware set designed by International Silver Company, another New England company that was incorporated in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1898. By then, Meriden had already earned the nickname “Silver City” for its position as a major hub of silver manufacturing.
At the bar, try a vintage wine cooler to keep bottles cool before serving or an Art Deco decanter and whiskey set for after-dinner drinks — there are many possibilities and no wrong answers for tableware, barware and serveware. Explore an expansive collection of antique and vintage glass, ceramics, silver and serveware today on 1stDibs.