Chinese Export Furniture
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 OF ANTIQUE CIRCA 1900 CHINESE EXPORT CHINOISERIE DRAGON FOLDING SHELVEs
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of original Chinese Export gilt and lacquered folding shelves with Chinoiserie Dragon pai...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
EXQUISITE CIRCA 1880 QING DYNASTY CARVED HARDWOOD CHINESE DRAGON ARMCHAiR
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Chinese Export circa 1880-1900 hand carved Rosewood armchair with oversized curled Dr...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
ANTIQUE CIRCA 1900 ORNATELY CARVED AND HEAViLY INLAID CHINESE OCCASIONAL TABLE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite hand carved and ornately inlaid centre occasional table made in China Circa 1900-1...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese reddish elm and bamboo scholar chairs
Located in London, GB
An attractive pair of reddish coloured bamboo and elm decorative scholar chairs.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid 20th Century Vintage Chinese Carved Rosewood Living Room Chairs Set
Located in Pomona, CA
This set of gorgeous Chinese Rosewood Carved Living room Chairs and table have about 70 years history and still has its original condition, very smooth to touch, full of patina. They...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Bar Stool for Couple - a Pair
Located in Pomona, CA
This Gorgeous pair of Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Bar Stools has over 60 years history on it. It has wonderful carving works according to Human engin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
LARGE ANTIQUE CIRCA 1920 CHiNESE DRAGON CHINOISERIE EXPORT COFFEE TABLE DRAWERS
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Chinese Export Chinoiserie Dragon extra large coffee table for four full sized drawer...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Painted Red Wood Chinese Jewelry Chest of Drawers Storage
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Red Chinese upright jewelry chest with raised elements and beautiful gold hand painted scenes. Top opens up to vanity mirror and divided storage, six drawers down the center, each side opens up with hook...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
FINE ANTIQUE 19TH CENTURY ORIENTAL CHiNESE OPIUM LOW PADOUK COFFEE & TEA TABLE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely ornately carved Antique Circa 1880 Oriental Chinese Opium low tea Padouk table
Please note the ...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Padouk
FULL SIZED ViNTAGE CHINESE RED DRAGONS PAINTED PAGODA TOP WARDROBE WITH DRAWERS
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning Pagoda topped hand painted Chinese Wardrobe with drawers to the base
Please note the delivery...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Antique Chinese Open Carved Altar Table/Sofa Table/Console
Located in Pomona, CA
This Antique Open Carved Altar table from China was made in 19th century and still maintained very good condition. It shows the traditional style of...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
STUNNiNG HAND CARVED CHINESE HARDWOOD PLANT STAND WITH DRAGONS & ROUND TOP
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning hand carved Chinese dragons theme hardwood plant stand round top.
This solid and eye catching piec...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Pair of Antique Japanese Imperial Meiji High Relief Carved Dragon Throne Armchai
Located in Pomona, CA
Up for sale are this stunning original Japanese Export 19th Century Meiji period hand carved Dragon Throne chair with intricate carving works of d...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
1920's WALNUT & CHINOISERIE 3 PIECE BERGERE SOFA ARMCHAIR SUITE FOR RESTORATION
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Chinese Export Circa 1920's Chinoiserie Bergere suite with hand painted and lacquered...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Chinese Hardwood Carved Plant Stand
Located in Pomona, CA
This hardwood Chinese carved Plant Stand was made of solid hardwood with beautiful traditional design carving works around. Very neat, solid...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
GORGEOUS JAPANESE CHiNESE HAND CARVED COFFEE TABLE WITH DRAGONS CLAW BALL FEET
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this gorgeous Japanese Chinese hand carved coffee table with dragons and claw ball feet.
This attrac...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Teak
Pair of Matching Red Lacquered Bedside Tables / Cabinets with Drawers
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Pair of 20th century Chinese Red Lacquered Bedside Tables with Drawers Finished With Exquisite Figural Decorative Scenes
Extra dimensions
Drawer height 5cm
Doored cabinet heig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Vintage Oriental Chinese Elm, Gold Leaf Painted Side Cabinets + Drawers
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of vintage oriental hand painted ebonized & gold leaf bedside table size cupboards with single base d...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Mid-20th Century Chinese Rosewood Open Carved Screen/Room Divider
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a set of 4 panels of Chinese antique open carved wooden screen which can be used as the room section panels in ancient China that are put together to make into a screen. Scre...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Hardwood Folding Screen/Room Divider with Soapstone Inl
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a set of 4 panels of Chinese vintage open carved wooden screen which to be used as the room section panels in ancient China that are put together to make into a screen. Scree...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
ANTiQUE CIRCA 1940'S HAND CARVED CHINESE BUREAU WRITING DESK & MATCHING ARMCHAIR
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning circa 1940's Chinese Export hand carved Bureau desk with matching...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Chinese Dragon Tibetan Polychrome Painted Trunk Linen Chest Coffer
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, highly decorative, Antique Tibetan, Polychrome painted trunk depicting Dragons
This is a very good looking and well m...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair, Bamboo Arm Chairs, China circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Bamboo arm chairs with curved arms and seats.
These timeless armchairs sit low and firm; they are in solid/stable condition and are ready to be placed and used.
Any scratches, crack...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Lovely Antique Chinese Export 1920 Qing Dynasty Carved Dragon Throne Armchair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Chinese Export circa 1920 hand carved Throne chair with oversized Dragon back rest
A very good looking well-made and deco...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Chinese Deer & Flower Tibetan Polychrome Painted Altar Cabinet Sideboard
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, highly decorative, Antique Tibetan, Polychrome painted Altar cabinet with drawers depicting Deers & Potted plants
This...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century, Antique Chinese Massive Red Lacquered Carved Altar Table / Console
Located in Pomona, CA
This massive antique red lacquered altar table from Shan Xi, China was hand made during 1800 to 1900 and still maintained very good condition. It shows the traditional style of Northern China's furniture cultural. This Chinese altar table is hand made and hand carved from solid wood with deep/raise carved Chinese folks art...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Antique Padauk & Mother of Pearl Reclined Plantation Armchairs & Table
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of antique Chinese Padauk wood with ornate Mother of Pearl inlay reclined plantation style armchairs with matching side table
A very good looking and decorative pair of antique Chinese armchairs...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Padouk
LOVELY CHINESE EXPORT CIRCA 1920 ANTIQUE CHINOiSERIE BLACK LACQUER FLOOR LAMP
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare hand painted and lacquered Chinese Export circa 1920's Chinoiserie floor standing lamp
Pleas...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Square Stands of Tables
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A pair of Classic Chinese hung mu wood square stands Circa mid 20th Century. Each 12 inches square, 25 inches tall.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Ming Dynasty Style Coffee Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This Massive Chinese Ming Dynasty style coffee table was made from solid elm wood with red lacquer finish. It has narrow carve...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
20th Century Chinese Hand Carved Hardwood Book Shelf/Display Cabinet
Located in Pomona, CA
This wonderful Chinese Vintage hand carved Book Shelf was made from solid hardwood in about 1950's. You may easily see from the pictures that It is still in its original condition. I...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century Antique Chinese Painted Cabinet/Side Table
Located in Pomona, CA
What a find! This is an unique Chinese antique cabinet. It features 2 removable open doors with antique copper hardware on the front and three ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Hand Carved circa 1880 Compound Cabinet Cupboard Campaign Handle
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very fine circa 1880 Antique Chinese hand carved stackable compound cupboard with military campaign style side handles
A very rare, important and collectable piece of antique Chinese furniture...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Three Nested Chinese Ebonized Trunks
Located in Downingtown, PA
Set of three nested Chinese ebonized trunks,
circa 1900
The China Trade trunks are each of rectangular form with gilt and polychrome painting of birds and flowers and landscape s...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Other
20 Century Chinese Marble Top Hardwood Carved Round Dinning Table Set
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous antique Chinese marble top hardwood round dinning table set were made of solid hardwood. It features hand carved wood works of traditional Chinese folks art...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Marble
FINE ORIENTAL ANTIQUE CHINESE HAND PAINTED LACQUERED LARGE SiDE TABLE CUPBOARD
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1920's hand painted and lacquered Chinese Wedding cupboard for folded linens etc
...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Antique, Chinese Raise Carved Dresser with Mirror
Located in Pomona, CA
This antique raise carved dresser was made from solid Teak wood. It was very popular in Shanghai, China during 1920 to 1940's. There are lot of deep/rai...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Teak
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Teak Wood Nesting Table Set
Located in Pomona, CA
This set of gorgeous Chinese Antique Carved Teak wood Nesting Table were made from solid Teak wood with traditional carving works on all four sides and legs for each table. There are...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Teak
Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Mongolia Credenza, Sideboard, Buffet Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese Antique Hand Painted Credenza has about 150 years history with lacquer painting on front. It is made of solid wood with beautiful hand painted Chinese forks...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Redlacquered Half Moon Tables, Set
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous pair of Chinese Antique carved half moon table is made from solid wood with beautiful traditional carving works of bats and Ganoderma Lucidum design around table...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Open Carved Screen / Room Divider
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese antique open carved wooden panels screen with stand which used to be the door panels in ancient China that are put together to make into a screen. Screens have been know...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Color Painted Black Twin Cabinet, Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese antique color painted shan xi twin cabinet has about 130 years history. You can easily identify that on the pictures. This cabinet has beaut...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Open Carved Red Lacquered Wash Basin Stand
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful antique wash basin stand has lot of open carving works with red lacquer finished and highlighted by gilt on the back. There are...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
19th Century Chinese Carved Beech Wood Writing Desk
Located in Pomona, CA
This unique writing desk has a multitude of drawers in the front and both sides and back are nicely finished. This desk was made at about 1860's fr...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Beech
Late 19th Century Antique Chinese 2-Drawer Carved Side Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful carved Table has lot of detailed deep/raised carving works on the front and open carved works on the bottom. This table features two big drawers with antique hardware....
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Vintage Chinese Painted Dragon Night Stand/End Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful Night Stand is hand made and have beautiful Chinese traditional folks art painting of dragon on the front. Very sturdy. It has two open doors ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Mid-20th Century Chinese Red Lacquered Square Dining Table, "Ba Xian" Table
Located in Pomona, CA
Up for your consideration is a gorgeous Chinese square dining table, also know as "Ba Xian" - 8 immortals table in folks China. It is made from solid wood ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique, Chinese Beech Wood Writing Desk, Vanity
Located in Pomona, CA
This unique writing desk has a multitude of drawers in the front and both sides and back are nicely finished. This writing desk was made at about 1...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Beech
Pair of Antique Chinese Horseshoe Back Armchairs with Mother of Pearl Inlay
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous pair of Chinese antique Horseshoe Back Armchairs were made from solid rosewood with Mother of Pearl inlay around the armrest and back. Very solid and sturdy. It feature...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Early 20th Century Chinese Rosewood Dragon Altar Table/Entry Console
Located in Pomona, CA
his carved Altar table from China was made from solid Rosewood in about 1900 - 1940's and still maintained very good condition. This table has beautiful open carving works of two dragons playing fire balls...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
19th Century Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Carved Coffer Table/Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful antique Chinese coffer table has beautiful traditional Qing style carving works on the front with antique hardware. It features two drawers...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
19th Century Antique Chinese Entry Console Table, /Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
This Antique Chinese Entry Console/Side Table has about 150 years history with natural finish. It is made from solid elm wood with beautiful antique hard...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Red Lacquer Console Table / Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful antique Chinese console table has beautiful traditional detailed deep/raised carving works on the front drawer panels and legs. This console table features 2 small dra...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Pair of Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Style Official's Hat Armchairs
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this matching pair of Qing Dynasty Style Official's Hat Armchairs. The members of this chair are delicate and slender. The back splat is made up of three connected sections. It have some openwork medallion carved with Chinese traditional folks arts. Below the seat is an ornamental opening with an arch-shaped inner frame. This kind of armchairs with four protruding ends were extremely common in the Qing dynasty, and this type of chair was most oftener seen in the reception room, studio or bedroom. Please see the pictures on the left, It is truly an antique and collectible...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
19th Century Antique Chinese Red Lacquered Console Table, Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful antique console table, sideboard has beautiful traditional Ming style simple plain design on the front with red lacquer ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Decorative Vintage Chinese Gold Leaf Floral Painted and Lacquered Sideboard
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very nicely made, Chinese floral gold leaf painted and lacquered sideboard cupboard
This is a very good-loo...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
20th Century Vintage Chinese Country Style Console Table/Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful vintage console table has beautiful traditional Ming style simple country design. It features double open doors compartm...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Lovely Vintage Chinese Wine Side Table Cabinet with Bottle & Glass Storage
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely decorative wine / drinks chest with top space for glasses.
A very nice and decorative piece, it seems to...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include George Zee, Kittinger Furniture Company , and Susanne Hollis. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $308 and tops out at $145,000 while the average work can sell for $2,835.
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