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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

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

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

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

Antique Bronze & Hand Carved Wood Chinese Floor or Table Gong w. Bird Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare, striking (no pun intended) and top quality workmanship, antique Chinese gong with hammer. This hand-crafted Chinese gong from the early 190...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chinese Export Silver Dragon Bowl on Stand
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Chinese export silver bowl. Decorated in a bold repoussè dragon motif with two dragons contending for a center flaming pearl of wisdom amongst clouds and chased ground. Marked on the underside KHL. Carved wooden stand...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities

Materials

Silver

Pair of Chinese Blue/White Porcelain Ginger Jars
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Asian Chinese (20th Century) blue and white porcelain temple / ginger jars with round lids, and hexagonal bases, featuring figures and a floral pattern (PRICED AS PAIR)
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Burgundy and White Floral Motif Pots
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Chinese ceramic burgundy pots decorated with white floral motifs capturing the silhouette of florals, vines and leaves surrounding central medalli...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities

Materials

Porcelain

STUNNiNG EARLY 20TH CENTURY HAND CARVED SOAPSTONE DOUBLE VASE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely early 20th century Chinese hand carved flowers soapstone double vase. This is a good example of a Chinese hand carved vase...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities

Materials

Soapstone

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

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

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

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

China Republic 1912-1960 Inside Paint Carved Rock Crystal Vase Silver & Enamel
Located in Miami, FL
An impressive China inside-painted vase in rock crystal. Beautiful and one-of-a-kind art-piece. created in China during the first years of the China-republic, circa 1912-1949. Thi...
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Antiquities

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Rock Crystal, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

6 Antique Chinese Cloisonne Teapots
Located in Brea, CA
Collection of 6 Chinese cloisonne teapots in varying shapes and designs of flora and fauna. The highest one is 5.5'' H x 2 W x 2.5'' D. the sm...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities

Materials

Bronze

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

Rare Cream Glazed Ding yao Ewer and Cover, Song Dynasty (960~1279)
Located in seoul, KR
This is a Song Dynasty ceramic ewer, exhibiting the characteristic simplicity and elegance of the period. The ewer's form is sturdy with a full-bodied base that tapers gently to a na...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Chinese Export Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

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

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

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

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

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

Rare Chinese Ningxia Saddle Cover Rug, produced for Tibetan around 1850/70
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare Ningxia saddle cover with pure natural colors, as well as with the original undyed beige yack wool. The two saddle holes still with the original red leather edging. Like all antique covers, made in two parts. Possibly an export product for Tibet. These covers were always used as a saddle pad...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities

Materials

Wool

Rare Yue Celadon-Glazed Two Haitai Statues, Western Jin dynasty (265-420)
Located in seoul, KR
* Set item(Two statues) The statue on the left 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. The statue on the right presents a more stoic and solid stance, with a broad chest and a upright head. Its facial expression is stern, with deep-carved eyes and an open mouth that reveals its teeth, adding to its majestic and formidable appearance. The mane and other body features are intricately detailed, suggesting a high level of artistic skill in its creation. 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

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

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

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

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

19th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Chair with Lotus
Located in Brea, CA
A 19th century antique Chinese heavily carved rosewood chair with lotus, rosewood apron with design, see more pictures. Measures: 37.5" height x 21” x 17".
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Handpainted Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Bowl
Located in Brea, CA
an antique handpainted red Chinese porcelain big bowl, there is a pattern in the bottom of the bowl, mark hand painted. , Measures: 10” x 4.5 ''bow...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antiquities

Materials

Porcelain

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

1920s Chinese Export Silver Box
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese Export silver box; an addition to our collection of boxes and cases. This exceptional an...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Antiquities

Materials

Silver

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

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

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

Antique Chinese Han Dynasty-Style Lidded Bronze Ritual Wine Vessel
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Han Dynasty-style verdigis bronze ritual wine vessel with raised archaistic patterns, accented with two rings and topped with a lid bearing three bird-form finials.
Category

20th Century Chinese 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

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

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 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

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.

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