Chinese Export Antiquities
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 Chinese Cloisonné Fu Dogs
Located in Houston, TX
Copper base cloisonné Fu Dogs made for Chinese export with gilded, mane, ears and accents. This pair from 1910s or earlier.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Copper
Vintage Chinese Tole and Iron Potted Flower Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese tole and iron decorative potted flower sculpture with white flowers connected to a green multi-leaf stalk, mounted in a circular white and blue metal base pot. (Simil...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Iron
Vintage Chinese Tole and Iron Potted Flower Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese tole and iron decorative potted flower sculpture with white flowers connected to a green multi-leaf stalk, mounted in a square yellow and blue metal base pot with sca...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Iron
Cloisonné vase with lid Flower and butterfly decoration China circa 1950s
Located in Milano, MI
Cloisonné vase with lid with rich floral decoration, peonies and butterflies, light blue background of the mid-twentieth century, of Chinese origin. Belly-shaped, of remarkable qu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Metal, Enamel
1960s Chinese Cloisonné Egg Black Enamel Inlay Chrysanthemum & Butterflies
Located in Andernach, DE
Intricately detailed Cloisonné egg of ''regular'' size in black, pink, golden yellow & greens.
The metal filigree in brass: beautifully detailed with a b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Chinese Stone Bi Discs on Wooden Stands
Located in Queens, NY
Set of Chinese Jade discs on later wooden stands, of varying sizes, can be sold individually or in groups.
Measurement represents the largest disc
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Chinese Qin Dynasty Style Life-Size Terracotta Soldier Statue
Located in Queens, NY
"Chinese Qin Dynasty-style (20th Century) life-size terracotta soldier statue standing with hands clasped on a rectangular base. (Head is removable)...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Terracotta
Antique Traditional Indonesian Gong and bonang
Located in Milano, IT
This extraordinary piece of art from Southeast Asia exudes an ancient charm that transcends time, telling stories of distant traditions and cultures. Dating back to the late 19th century, this work is a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans of that era, who infused life and soul into every detail.
The gong, the undisputed protagonist of this composition, is made of copper and features a dark patina that accentuates its antique and mystical character. This aged surface, which softens its original shine, adds depth and mystery, almost whispering the stories and rituals for which it was used.
Supporting the gong is a solid wooden structure, painted in a lacquered red that, despite the marks of time, retains a timeless beauty. The traces of wear reveal layers of underlying color, giving the piece a lived-in and authentic charm, as if it had witnessed countless ceremonies and sacred moments.
Alongside the main gong, two small gongs...
Category
Early 19th Century Indonesian Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Metal, Copper
FOUR PERSON ANTIQUE MAHJONG SUITE CIRCA 1920's CHINESE EXPORT PERIOD WITH STAND
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this highly collectable Chinese export Circa 1920's Mahjong set with the original box and additional dice, t...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
Rare Spectacular Hand-Embroidered Silk Japanese Kimono
Located in Brea, CA
This highly collectable spectacular rare kimono has detailed hand-embroidery throughout accented . This ceremonial Japanese kimono is hand sewn and hand-quilted throughout.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Silk
Rare Yue Celadon-Glazed Two Haitai Statues, Western Jin dynasty (265-420)
Located in seoul, KR
The statue seems to be a mythical beast standing in a poised and alert stance, with its mouth open as if roaring or breathing fire. Its body is covered in detailed carvings that resemble scales and feathers, indicative of the high level of craftsmanship during the Jin Dynasty. The creature’s presence is both regal and intimidating, suggesting it might have been believed to possess protective properties.
Period : Western Jin Dynasty (266 - 316 AD)
Type : Haitai Statue
Medium : Yue celadon...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Celadon
EXQUISITE INLAID ANTiQUE FOUR PERSON MAHJONG SUITE CIRCA 1900'S CHINESE EXPORT
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this highly collectable Chinese export Circa 1900's Mahjong set with the original heavily inlaid and super d...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
EXQUISITE COMPLETE FOUR PERSON MAHJONG SUITE CIRCA 1920's CHINESE EXPORT PERIOD
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this highly collectable Chinese export Circa 1920's Mahjong set with the original box and additional dice & ...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Bamboo
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Hand Decorated Porcelain Scholar Figures
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th century Chinese hand decorated porcelain scholar figures.
Stunning pair of well executed hand decorated Chinese porcelain figures...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Large Bowl with Colour Emamels
Located in Brea, CA
an antique important fine gold Chinese famille rose porcelain 12'' bowl with very beautiful colour enamels, hand painted, mark DaQingQianLongNianZhi, excellent condition, Measures: 1...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Porcelain
Qingbai Bowl with carving of crane, Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The crane, a traditional symbol of longevity and auspiciousness, is prominently placed at the center, creating a harmonious and aesthetically balanced effect. The border of the dish ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century antique Chinese Tea Table Lacquered with Porcelain inclusions
Located in BILBAO, ES
Chinese black lacquerd tea table with gilt highlights, circa 1930's.
Needs restauration in left side, but the design and style is precious because it reunites black lacquered with a...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Bentwood
Chinese Red Lacquered 4-Fold Screen with Carved Floral Frame
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese style (19th/20th century ) red and gold lacquered 4 fold screen featuring a carved floral frame and a Chinoiserie design.
Antique Condition prior repairs
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Lacquer
2 Pairs of Antique Chinese Orange and White Design Porcelain Ginger Jars
Located in Queens, NY
2 PAIRS of Antique Chinese (late 19th-early 20th Century) porcelain ginger jars with intricate orange and white designs and matching lids. (PRICED PER PAIR)
Condition: Good; Wear co...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Overlaid Peking Glass Snuff Bottle with Scoop
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese Overlaid Peking Glass Master Snuff Bottle was hand made with beautiful carved lotus plants on each sides. The shaped spherical pale body overlaid and cut on each side wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Art Glass
Chinese Qin Dynasty Style Life-Size Kneeling Terracotta Soldier Statue
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese Qin Dynasty-style (20th Century) life-size terracotta soldier statue kneeling on a rectangular base. (Head is removable)(Companion piece: NW...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Terracotta
Chinese Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum-Style Terracotta Warrior
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese terracotta warrior figure modeled after one of the 7,000 warriors that form the Terracotta Army in the Mausoleum of the Fir...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Terracotta
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Table Gong With Dragon Stand
Located in Pomona, CA
This antique Chinese table gong is hanging on a carved wood stand. It features beautiful carved fretwork on the bottom and detailed carving work of decorated dragons on the top of th...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Chinese Decorated Lacquered Cabinets
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Asian Chinese (19th Century) decorated lacquered small 2 door cabinets with scenes and figures on rectangular stands with filigree corners and shelf (PRICED AS PAIR).
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Lacquer
STUNNING CHINESE EXPORT HAND CARVED WOOD DRAGON MANTLE CLOCK & CANDLESTiCKS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning circa 1880-1920 Chinese Export hand carved dragon mantle clock with matching candlesticks
A good looking and expertly carved suite...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Chinese Emperor of Qin Mausoleum-Style Terracotta Warrior Statue
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese terracotta warrior figure modeled after one of the 7,000 warriors that form the Terracotta Army in the Mausoleum of the Fir...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Brass
Chinese White and Blue Octagonal Porcelain Pot
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese white and blue porcelain octagonal pot painted with a unique figurative vignette in each panel beneath a floral design leading up to the opening.
Condition: Good; Wear consi...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Elmwood Console China Export
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant elmwood console is handcrafted and so the beautiful details under the top and to the corners, both the sides. This is a piece of glamorous timeless
The top is in solid...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Elm
Late 19th-Early 20th Century Chinese Hand Decorated Porcelain Figure
Located in Houston, TX
Late 19th-early 20th century Chinese hand decorated porcelain figure.
Beautifully hand decorated Chinese porcelain figure. This stunning colorful finely detailed figurine or sculptur...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Tibetan Buddhist Handcrafted handheld Spinning Prayer wheel
Located in Pomona, CA
This is handcrafted Tibetan handheld spinning Prayer Wheel. This spinning prayer wheel was made from Sky Iron and has detailed handcrafted Tibetan traditional design with Copper wire...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Metal
Late 19th Century Bronze Chinese Buddha Sculpture
Located in Catania, Sicilia
An high quality bronze sculpture of Buddha hand-crafted in China in late 19th century. It has normal signs of use and age.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Three-drawer box of Chinese scope, late 19th century with floral decoration
Located in Vicenza, VI
hree-drawer box with closing panel of Chinese ambit, datable to the late 1800s.
The box is made of lacquered wood, on all sides there are plant and floral decorations, having as sub...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Mid 20th Century Chinese Cloisonne Snuff Bottle with Scoop
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese Cloisonne Master Snuff Bottle was hand crafted with beautiful phoenix motifs on both sides of the snuff bottle. A snuff bottle is a snuff container that can be easily ha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Copper
Set of Five Petite Chinese Cloisonné Process Vases
Located in Chicago, IL
A decorative technique first adopted in China in the early Ming dynasty (1368-1644), cloisonné is achieved by outlining intricate patterns with thin strips of metal, which are then f...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Chinese black green enamel flowers small water pipe opium pipe
By Dynasty Transorient
Located in Valladolid, ES
Amazing and beautiful Chinese cloisonné opium pipe, enamelled with loto flowers, character marks to the base, 28cm high
Astonishing opium pipe with mot...
Category
1890s Hong Kong Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Early 20th Century Chinese Faux Ivory Carved Earthquake Detector, Seismograph
Located in Pomona, CA
Chinese seismograph was invented by Zhang Heng in about Eastern Han Dynasty. According to the history, The seismograph has eight directions, which are east, south, west, north, south...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Bone
Chinese Overlaid Peking Glass Snuff Bottle with Scoop
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese Overlaid Peking Glass Master Snuff Bottle was hand made with beautiful carved lotus plants on each sides. The shaped spherical pale body overlaid and cut on each side wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Glass
Chinese Coromandel 4-Fold Screens
Located in Queens, NY
2 Asian Chinese style (20th Century) red coromandel 4 fold screens. (PRICED EACH).
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Wood
19th Century Pair of Chinese Carved Rosewood Flower Stands Marble-Top
Located in Brea, CA
19th century a pair of antique 31.5” large Chinese rosewood flower stands marble top insert, 2 pieces, the inset marble-top over carved rosewoo...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Bone and Metal Dagger
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese-style (19th Century) dagger with a bone and silver-plate handle and sheath.
Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Bone
Early 20th Century Chinese Raincoat and Hat set
Located in Pomona, CA
A very rare and pristine condition traditional Chinese raincoat consisting of both an apron skirt, cape and hat made entirely from palm tree and coconut fibers several layers thick. ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Palmwood
Tibetan Buddhist Handcrafted handheld Spinning Prayer wheel
Located in Pomona, CA
This is handcrafted Tibetan copper handheld spinning Prayer Wheel. It has detailed handcrafted Tibetan traditional design with Coral inlay. Was used in daily pray. Look at the pictur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Copper
19th Century Pair of Chinese Porcelain Fruit Dishes
Located in Brea, CA
19th century a pair of large Chinese porcelain fruit dishes with beautiful hand painted. Measures: 8.5 x 6.25 x 2 inch.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Porcelain
20th Century Tibetan Leather, Brass Ghau Prayer Bag
Located in Pomona, CA
Ghau is a small prayer box/bag worn as pendant by Buddhists as portable shrines which can be pray by prayer during their travel. This Ghau prayer bag (travel Buddha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Brass
Chinese Coromandel 4-Fold Screen with Graduated Tiered Panels
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese style (20th Century) black coromandel 4 fold screen with heron design and 4 graduated tier panels.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Gilt Sterling Silver Cloisonne Phoenix
Located in Brea, CA
A antique unique incredible Chinese gilt sterling silver cloisonne phoenix on wood base, statue features beautiful emamel in blues, greens with jewel...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Silver
Magnificent Cloisonné Enamel & Gilt Bronze Tripod 'Cranes' Incense Burner & Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Magnificent Cloisonne Enamel & Gilt Bronze Tripod 'Cranes' Incense Burner & Cover. In the Qianlong style, impressively cast and supported on the shoulders of three cranes. The globul...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Chinese Decorative Wall Plate with Birds
Located in Milano, IT
Round plate made of bronze and cloisonné enamel designed in China in the 20th century.
This plate is made of bronze and cloisonné enamel, a goldsmith technique originally applied to...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Antique Chinese Floral and Bird Patterned Porcelain Lidded Ginger Jars
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Antique Chinese (late 19th-early 20th Century) porcelain lidded ginger jars with a pattern featuring sprawling tree branches and foliage in greens, oranges, and browns, and ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Republic Era Stacking Lacquered Box Set with Dragons, 1920s
Located in Palermo, PA
Pair of lacquered stacking boxes. Sold as a pair.
Originated from China during the Early Republic period of approximately 1920 and done in a period Chinese Export style.
Each s...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Wood
25 Vintage Chinese Style Blue and White Ceramic Decorative Balls
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 25 vintage Chinese style blue and white ceramic decorative balls with floral designs, varies with each. (PRICED AS Set)
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Tibetan Brass Dharma Instrument
Located in Pomona, CA
This is handcrafted Tibetan Brass Dharma Instrument. It is all hand made and used in practice Tibetan religious law. Look at the pictures, fine craftsmanship and sturdy construction ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Brass
EXQUISiTE ANTIQUE 18TH CENTURY CHINESE BUTTERFLY CINNABAR LACQUER BOWL & COVER
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this rather exceptional Chinese cinnabar lacquer box and cover circa 18th century with a top depicting Butte...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Pair of Asian Chinese (19th Cent) Red & Gilt Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Asian Chinese (19th Cent) red and gilt lacquered side chairs with filigree sides and back (PRICED PER Pair) (matching table #032840)
ONLY 3 available
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Porcelain Vase of Ladies in the Garden
Located in Milano, IT
Antique Chinese porcelain vase from the period of the rose family. On the surface there is a scene of everyday life with four elegant women as protagonists who spend their time in th...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Tibetan Buddhist Conch Shell with Turquoise, Coral inlay
Located in Pomona, CA
This is handcrafted Tibetan Buddhist Natural Conch Shell made from 100% natural Conch shell with Tibetan ogled, Turquoise, Coral and stones. Conch Shell are used in Buddhist worship ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Shell
Chinese Qing porcelain plate, tray, Fitzhugh pattern, British East India Company
By Margaret Fitzhugh Browne
Located in Valladolid, ES
Technical data
Materials: Porcelain tray, wooden legs
Period: Qing Dynasty
Country of origin: China
Good condition for its age and use, with some flaws in the wooden structure
Overal...
Category
1790s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Porcelain, Wood
Chinese Black and White Porcelain Pot
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese-style (19/20th Century) black & white jardiniere (fishbowl) with 4 scenes with figures and decorated on inside.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Export antiquities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export antiquities 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 antiquities 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 metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export antiquities 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 antiquities, popular names associated with this style include Wang Hing & Co., Europa Antiques, Luen Wo, and Wing Fat. 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 antiquities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $292 and tops out at $24,500 while the average work can sell for $1,790.