Chinese Export Ceramics
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 Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
This small ceramic block is actually a form of Chinese headrest or neck pillow. Popular during the Qing dynasty, rigid headrests such as this were used by upper-class women to protect their elaborate hairstyles by elevating the head during slumber. This example dates to the late 20th century and is glazed in the blue-and-white style with a stencil-transfer design.
Each side of the headrest has a quadrilobe cartouche framing two mythical fu lions playing with a brocade ball, a motif that evokes the idiom "may you and your descendant achieve high rank." A powerful and benevolent guardian, the fu lion (shizi) is the perfect force to protect against nightmares and bad energy.
The playful scene is surrounded by a cracked ice pattern dotted with plum blossoms, symbols of winter and longevity. A geometric meander trims the corners and small bats frame coin...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Set of 4 18th Century Chinese Export Imari Porcelain Chargers in 2 Sizes
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of 4 18th Century Chinese Export Imari Porcelain Chargers in 2 sizes. (smaller pair has some repairs) 15? Diameter / 12.5? Diameter.
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Sancai Mingqi Spirit Attendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Molded of earthenware, this petite sculpture is a type of centuries-old burial figurine known as míngqì. Such model figures were placed in tombs of individuals with high status to ensure a safe journey to the afterlife. Meant to depict the pleasures of daily life, common burial figures...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Instant Chinese Export Collection - 15 Pc Armorial Blue & White Grouping 18th C.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, late 18th to early 19th century for the English and American markets.
An instant collection for any admirer of Chinese export porcelain!!!! This grouping would fill a shelf for display in any home.
This stunning collection encompasses a variety of objects including:
1) Vase with spider web style armorial decoration (rubbed) - 10" h x 5" w
2) Pair, scalloped edge armorial plates - 7.5" w
3 & 4) Armorial coffee pot with gold armorial detailing (chipped spout, replaced lid and stable spider crack to bottom) - 8.625" h x 8.5" d x 5" w.
5) Tea Caddy (chunk missing from neck rim) - 5.75" h x 3.125" w x 1.375" d
6, 7, 8 & 9) Coffee & tea cups - 2.5" h lg and 2" small
10 & 11) Pair, small syrup jugs...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
$1,516 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Chinese Famille Rose Bowl with Pheasant and Chrysanthemums, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
During the 18th century, Europeans provided an eager market for Chinese export porcelain, especially the colorful and fanciful ware known as “famille rose.” Named for a palette of op...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
A 20th Century Chinese Porcelain Table Lantern (SINGLE ITEM)
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of very fine Chinese butterfly decorated table lanterns, 20th century.
In the tradition of marriage lanterns.
Composed of four parts each. Finely enameled decorated borders wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Enamel
$565 Sale Price / set
67% Off
Antique Zhou Dynasty Funeral Vace
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This Ahou Dynasty Funeral Vase will be a valuable addition to your collection. It features delicately painted animal characters and tiger handles. It h...
Category
16th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
$1,960 Sale Price
20% Off
Magnificent Antique Chinese Porcelain Porcelain Flambe Glazed Elephants - Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, 19th century or earlier.
A PAIR OF CHINESE PORCELAIN FLAMBE-GLAZED ELEPHANTS.
Each elephant is a modeled mirror image - with an arched back and curling trunk. The entire ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
$7,196 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Antique Chinese Enameled Ceramic Platter, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
19th century Chinese enameled ceramic platter.
Beautifully hand painted with superb detail throughout.
Very good condition.
Dimensions 18" diameter x 2" high.
No chips. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Vintage Chinese Export Turquoise-Glazed Porcelain Foo Dogs 13"
Located in Atlanta, GA
This finely modeled pair of porcelain guardian lions—commonly referred to as “Foo Dogs”—is rendered in a brilliant turquoise glaze, a hallmark of Chinese decorative ceramics popular ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese export blue & white plate, ‘precious objects’, c.1780
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, circa 1780.
Chinese export blue & white plate, painted with a ‘precious objects’, pattern, with scrolls, censors & teawares, within a border of fish and moths on a scale gr...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
$476 Sale Price
20% Off
Chinese Export Famille Rose Pheasant With Ormolu Mounts, Late 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A gorgeous Chinese export famille rose enameled porcelain model of a pheasant mounted on an ormolu stand.
The elegant bird is portrayed perched on a ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Ormolu
Chinese Peacock and Peonies Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
This square ceramic block is actually a form of Chinese headrest or neck pillow. Popular during the Qing dynasty, rigid headrests such as this were used by upper-class women to prote...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Export Famille Rose Porcelain Ewer
Located in Astoria, NY
Chinese Export Famille Rose Porcelain Silver Mounted Ewer, circa 1760, with floral decoration and gilt embellishments. Silver tested. 7.75" H x 4.75" W x 4" D. Provenance: From a Pal...
Category
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Silver
Pair, 19th Century Chinese Clobbered Rose Medallion Bottle Vases
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a pair of finely enameled Chinese porcelain vases, likely produced in the late Qing Dynasty, circa late 19th century, in the famille rose palette with additional gilt embelli...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Large Chinese Famille Verte Headrest with Courtyard Scenes
Located in Chicago, IL
This large porcelain block is an oversized version of the headrests once used by well-to-do women to keep their elaborate hairstyles intact while sleeping. Its exaggerated scale and ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Blue and White Mythical Bowl with Deer
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful to behold yet liable to dart away at any moment, the deer is an apt symbol of wealth and prosperity. On this bowl, the artist used rapid and free-flowing brushwork to depic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
9 Pc, Chinese Export Porcelain Instant Starter Collection Including Armorial
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, mostly 18th century.
A grouping of 9 Chinese porcelain objects including a blue and white floral bowl, a Famille rose bowl heavily enamel decorated with figural scenes, a "thousand...
A grouping of 9 Chinese porcelain objects including a blue and white floral bowl, a Famille rose bowl heavily enamel decorated with figural scenes, a "thousand...
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
Chinese Enamelware Teapot with Mythical Qilin, c. 1920s
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Persian Market Chinese Export Floral Motif Punch Bowls, a Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of 18th century Chinese export porcelain serving bowls or wash bowls. Each with floral and cobalt decoration to rim and interior. Decoration showcases Persian market affiliation.
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Enamel
$680 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Early 19th Century Chinese Export Porcelain Pistol Handle Urn, wired as a Lamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
Early 19th Century Chinese Export Porcelain Pistol Handle Urn, wired as a lamp.
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Large 18th Century Chinese Imari Porcelain Plate, Kangxi Period
Located in Bilzen, BE
18th century Chinese porcelain plate, Kangxi period with Imari decoration in good condition.
Apocryphal Kangxi mark, 18th century period.
Perfect condition
Diameter 35.3 cm, height 4...
Category
Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Blue and White Porcelain Pots with Pagodas
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese blue and white porcelain lidded pots with cat handles, hand decorated all around with pagoda motifs on the front and back.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese blue and white “Rotterdam Riots” plate, Kangxi period with silver medal
Located in UTRECHT, UT
A Chinese blue and white “Rotterdam Riots” plate. Kangxi period (1662-1722), ca. 1690-1695, with original Dutch silver medal 1690
Plate:
Painted in underglaze blue, the center wit...
Category
1690s Dutch Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Silver
Antique Japanese Ceramic Vases Early 20th Century
Located in BILBAO, ES
Chinese Ceramic vases early XX century
Beautiful pieces for central decor of living room or main reception area.
Beautiful blue and ocre colors with dragons and mytholgical birds.
S...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
China, 18th Century, Blue-and-White Decorated Dish, circa 1760
Located in PARIS, FR
This porcelain plate, dated around 1760, features an exquisite design showcasing a basket adorned with delicately rendered flowers. Its smooth surface and refined brushwork attest to...
Category
1760s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
A pair of colourful hand painted Chinese ginger jars with covers circa 1930
Located in Central England, GB
This most vibrant and highly decorative pair of Chinese porcelain ginger jars and covers have a wonderful bright yellow and blue ground which is hand painted in a variety of rich col...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Large Pair of Chinese Export Vases in the Rockefeller Palette
Located in Montreal, QC
This pair of baluster vases, painted in the manner of the Export ware of the 18th century, combine a highly decorative gilt and painted ground with large and playful scenes in reserv...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Canton Porcelain Boxes, 1900 Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of rectangular Canton porcelain boxes. Polychromic and gold enameled decoration in the green and pink shades and composed of flowers and foliages with bouquets and scenes.
The ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
$1,512 / set
Chinese Celadon-Glazed Molded 'Fish' Brush Pot
Located in New York, NY
The cylindrical body molded with overlapping waves and applied with leaping carp; the underside bearing a molded apocryphal Daoguang seal mark.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Celadon, Porcelain
Associated Pair of 19th Century Chinese Porcelain Mirror Black Lamps
Located in San Francisco, CA
Associated pair of 19th century Chinese porcelain mirror black lamps, circa 1880
Baluster Classic form. Both on old hardwood bases.
Two similar age...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain, Hardwood
Vintage Asian Ceramic Hexagonal Dish Catchall Bowl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Famille Rose Asian Chinese hexagonal dish, catchall or jardiniere tray.
Large vintage ornamental hand crafted Asian ceramic tray catchall with clipped scalloped edges.
Hand c...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Fine Pair of Chinese Porcelain Bottle Shaped Vases, Daoguang period (1821-1850)
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of Chinese porcelain bottle-shaped vases, painted in the Islamic style, Daoguang period (1821-1850). Each vase finely handpainted in Henn...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Export Lamp
Located in Stockton, NJ
A blue and white motif Chinese export vase, now as lamp. Interesting raised dragon detail. Distress painted base. Two sockets. Shade for display purposes only. Vase measures 19"H.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
$2,200
Large Chinese Export Famille Rose Round Plate
Located in Dallas, TX
Large Chinese export famille rose plate, painted in famille rose enamels. In the center is a chrysanthemum and peony growing from a weathered rock.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Tang Dynasty Dignatory
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Highly decorated Tang Dynasty Chinese Magristrate figure. This large 25" H ceramic sculpture is an impressive piece with a serious expression. It is in excellent condition. The me...
Category
1680s Asian Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Antique large circular Chinese Republican period hand painted framed panel
Located in Central England, GB
This superb very large Chinese Republican period porcelain panel depicts a detailed underwater aquatic scene which is illuminated with golden sunlight. It shows numerous shubunkin go...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Enamel
Gilt Bronze Mounted Chinese Canton Famille Rose Porcelain Lamps
Located in London, GB
These elegant lamps are crafted from Chinese Canton famille rose porcelain and mounted with French gilt bronze (ormolu). The lamps featur...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze
Chinese Porcelain Peach Altar Tribute Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese porcelain sculpture of ripe, red peaches - symbolizing immortality - each crafted with great detail, stacked high in a green dish as an abundant tri...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Export Footed Dishes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
No breaks, cracks or fractures. Beautifully detailed.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
$1,295 / set
19th Century Pair of Imari Porcelaine Lamp Mounted Gilt Bronze
Located in Marseille, FR
19th century pair of porcelain lamp from Imari. Frame gilt bronze decorations of metal polychrome flowers.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Export Dishes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully painted. The second dish is 10" x 7.5" x 2" No breaks, cracks or fractures.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain, Paint
$695 / set
Pair of Hand-Painted Chinese Export Flower Vases
Located in Westwood, NJ
A fine pair of Chinese blue and white wide mouth hand-painted flower decorated flared top vases.
Dimensions: 10" W x 10" D x 21.5" H.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of 1900 Chinese Blanc de Chine Roosters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Could be late 19th Century. No cracks, repairs or damage to these.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
$3,250 / set
18th Century Chinese Export Famille Rose Vases, circa 1750
Located in London, GB
A pair of 18th century famille rose vases painted and applied decoration of squirrels flowers and leaves.
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Export ceramics for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export ceramics for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage ceramics 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 ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export ceramics 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 ceramics, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Imari Porcelain, Meissen Porcelain, and Samson & Cie. 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 ceramics differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $100 and tops out at $76,572 while the average work can sell for $1,495.
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