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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 Chinese Elm Horseshoe Tub Armchairs +Slideout Rolling Footrests
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of antique Chinese Elm Horseshoe chairs with slide out roller footrests. A very good looking and decorative pair of antique C...
Category

1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Fine Antique Chinese Butterfly Hand Painted Lacquered Large Side Table Cupboard
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1900's hand painted and lacquered Chinese Wedding cupboard decorated with gold leaf butterfly's to be used for folded lin...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Chinese Cabinet with Small Drawers
Located in Troy, MI
This circa 1950s small Chinese cabinet has four small drawers at the top, chow style feet and an open storage compartment with two hinged drawers. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Fine Antique Collectable Chinese Table Top Cabinet Jewellery Collectors Storage
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1920's hand painted and lacquered oriental Chinese table chest or jewellery box. A very good looking and well made pie...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

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 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

Antique Elm Woven Rattan Top Opium Bed Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Elm Woven Rattan Top Opium Bed / Coffee Table Circa: 1900 Dimensions: W: 96.5" D: 55.5" H: 21" Introducing our Elegant Antique Elm and Woven Rattan Top Opium Bed Coffee Table...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Scroller Leg Low Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province elm scroller leg low table Circa: 1900 Dimensions: H 11.5” W 64” D 15.5” The Antique Shanxi Province Elm Scroller Leg Low Table is a captivating vintage p...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm, Lacquer

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

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

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

Pair of Chinese Antique Export Cir 1900 Lacquered & Painted Ming Style Armchairs
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of highly decorative Chinese Export circa 1900-1920 hand painted and lacquered Ming style armchairs...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Fine Chinese Export Camphor Wood Military Secretaire Campaign Chest of Drawers
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare original Camphor wood, brass inlaid, Chinese export, military campaign chest with sliding Secrataire desk and writing slope A ve...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table Cut from Chinese Bed
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table Cut From Chinese Bed Circa 1880s H 13” W 58.5" D 20" Introducing our Exquisite Handcrafted Elm Wood Coffee Table - a remarkable piece repurposed from a traditional Chinese bed, embodying the rich history and artistry of Chinese craftsmanship. This coffee table is a testament to the ingenuity of repurposing, transforming a traditional bed...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Antique Chinese Carved Wooden Figural Pillow or Headrest, Qianlong?
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese wooden head rest. Carved in the form of a recumbent or resting man. Decorated in polychrome decoration. The body painted in a silver tone with his hair and eyes in black with red undertones. There is further scroll work painted in stylized clouds and sun to the red and green. There appears to be a carved ruyi in between the feet. Simply a wonderful carved Chinese head...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Chinese Altar Table, 19th Century
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a stunning and long Chinese altar table that measures a full 10 ft. in length with carved end pedestals featuring high relief buddhist...
Category

1850s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Mongolia Cabinet/Buffet Table, Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 35.5in H x 43.5in W x 16in D Drawer: side: 4in H x 9in W x 11in D center: 4in H x 13in W x 11in D Door opening: 15in H x 33in W Origin: Mongolia, China Circa: 1850 - 1900 Material: Wood Condition: Original finished, solid wood construction, hand carved, antique hardware, heavy, sturdy, normal age wear. Look at this Chinese...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Antique Chinese Gilt Black Twin Cabinet/Buffet Table, Siderboard
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 33 1/2in H x 50in W x 18in D? Door opening: 19in H x 16in W each Origin: China Circa: 1850 - 1900 Material: Wood Condition: Original finished, hand paint, solid wood construction, sturdy, heavy, normal age wear. ? Description: Look at This Chinese Antique Gilt Black Shan Xi Twin Cabinet...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique 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

Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Mongolia Credenza, Sideboard, Buffet Table
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 39 1/2in H x 84in W x 19 1/2in D. Door opening: 24in H x 21 1/2in W each. Drawer: 3in H 21 1/2"W x 13 1/2"D. Origin: Mongolia, China. Circa: 1850 - 1900. Material: Wood. Condition: Original finished, solid wood construction, hand painted, very heavy, sturdy, normal age wear. This Antique Chinese Hand Painted Credenza is from Mongolia, China. It has about 150 years history with lacquer painting on front. It is made of solid elm wood with beautiful hand painted Chinese forks...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Altar Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm altar table. This antique elm altar table has its original color and patina. It can be used as a sofa back table for lamps...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Rare Oriental Chinese Export Vintage Cabinet Lots of Drawers for Fine Teas
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1930's hand painted and lacquered Chinese collectors tea cabinet with lots of drawers. ...
Category

1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Chinese Antique Parcel-Gilt Black Altar Console Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
An early 20th century Chinese parcel-gilt altar console table with hand carved décor, This Chinese console table features parcel gilt reticulated skirt panels with figures in landscapes, thin gilded frieze...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Vintage Chinese Red Lacquer Elm Decorative Ladder
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese Red Lacquer Elm Decorative Ladder This vintage elm decorative ladder is from the south of China. With original color and patina. Used as a display for kitchen towels...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

19th Century Antique Chinese Ming Style Cabinet/Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 33.5in H x 34.5in W x 22in D Drawer: 4.5in H x 12in W x 17in D Door opening: 18in H x 29in W Origin: China Circa: 1850 - 1900 Material: Wood Condition: Solid wood construction, Well balance, sturdy, normal age wear. Description: This beautiful antique cabinet...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Chinese Antique Export circa 1900 Lacquered & Painted Ming Style Armchair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning highly decorative Chinese Export circa 1900-1920 hand painted and lacquered Ming style armchair. ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Chinese Black Elmwood Coffee Table with Carved Legs
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese black elmwood coffee table with carved legs. This vintage elm low coffee table has been lacquered with a unique slate / black...
Category

1990s Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Tall Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Tall Table This Antique Shanxi Province Tall Table is made out of elm and has its original color and patina. It has a stun...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm

19th Century Antique Chinese Square Dining Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous Chinese antique square dining table (called “Ba Xian” in Chinese, meaning eight immortals) is made from solid beech wood. Mad...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Beech

Pair of Antique Chinese Table Top Vanity Jewellery Box Cabinets Folding Mirrors
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of antique Chinese Export table top vanity mirror cabinets circa 1900 A good looking and well made pairing, most likely used ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Lacquered Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Lacquered Elm Coffee Table Circa: 1900 Dimensions: W: 55" D: 31.5" H: 17.5" The Antique Shanxi Province Linen W...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Linen, Elm, Lacquer

19th Century Antique Tibetan Hand Painted Tall Credenza Storage Cabinet
Located in Pomona, CA
This Antique Tibetan Painted Cabinet is 100% hand made and hand painted using mineral painting which last the paint a much longer time. You ca...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Shanxi Province Natural Color and Patina Elm Seat / Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Natural Color and Patina Elm Seat / Bench One person Elm wood bench seat. For use at a hallway or as a dining seat. With original...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

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

Antique Chinese Rosewood with Burl Wood Top Coffee Table and 4 Nesting stools
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful carved coffee table from the 1900s is made from solid rosewood and showcases the beautiful details of burl wood on its top surface. Traditional Chinese carvings flow a...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Enforced Rattan Top
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Enforced Rattan Top Circa: 1900 Dimensions: W: 82" D: 42" H: 19.5" The Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Reinforced Ratt...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Lacquered Elm Kang Style Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Lacquered Elm Kang Style Coffee Table Circa: 1900 Dimensions: W: 50" D: 36" H: 21" The Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Lacquered Elm K...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Linen, Elm, Lacquer

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

Antique Shanxi Province Elm 2 Door Cabinet with Original Patina and Lacquer
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm 2 door cabinet with original patina and clear lacquer Circa: 1900 Dimensions: W: 46" D: 21.5" H: 78.5".   
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Antique Chinese Elm Humpback Stretcher Altar Table with Original Color and Patin
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Chinese elm altar table with original color and patina. This is an antique Chinese elm wood alter table with original color...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Vintage Shanxi Province 6 Seat Elm Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Shanxi Province 6 Seat Elm Dining Table This vintage elm dining table is from the south of China. It can seat up to 6 people. It has ...
Category

1990s Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

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

Pair 19th Century Chinese Elm Wood Horseshoe Chairs Qing Dynasty
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair 19th century Chinese Elm wood horseshoe style chairs from the Qing Dynasty era. Horseshoe back and into arms, carved design on the center of their ba...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Rare Antique Shanxi Province Large Elm Calligraphy Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Antique Shanxi Province Large Elm Calligraphy Desk Rare calligraphy table in great antique condition, with original color and patina. Can be used as a large desk, a tall dining table...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm

Pair of pedestals - vase holders of Chinese manufacture, early 20th century
Located in Vicenza, VI
Pair of Chinese-made pedestals/pot stands, datable to the early 20th century. The two pieces of furniture are made of carved ebonized oak, and are thus presented in a deep black col...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Oak

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

Antique Shanxi Province Hand Woven Rattan Top Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province hand woven rattan top elm coffee table This elm wood round leghed coffee table and hand woven rattan top is backed with solid elm wood beneath for durabili...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Elm

Antique 1880 Heavily Carved Chinese Dragon Carver Armchair Must See Pictures
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original 19th century Chinese Dragon heavily carved carver armchair This chair is a pi...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Cabinet with Hand Carved Arpon
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm cabinet with hand carved arpon. This Elmwood cabinet with original color and patina and hardware is from the Shanxi Province of China. It has carving details at the bottom with original lacquer. The cabinet suitable to be used for an elegant storage for clothing, beddings, china and crystal...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

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

Antique Shanxi Province Natural Color and Patina Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Natural color and Patina Elm coffee table This Antique coffee table from the Shanxi Province of China is made of Elm and has all ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Antique Chinese Elm Coffee Table with Original Color and Patina
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Chinese Elm coffee table with original color and patina This antique Chinese coffee table is hand carved and has all its original c...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Small Side Table with Carved Apron
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm small side table with Carved Apron This antique side table from the Shanxi Province of China has its origin...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Vintage Kang Style Chinese Teakwood Red Lacquer Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Kang Style Chinese Teakwood Red Lacquer Coffee Table Circa 1999 H 16" W 49" D 34" The Vintage Kang Style Chinese Teakwood Red Lacquer Coffee Table is a stunning piece of f...
Category

1990s Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Teak, Lacquer

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Seat
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Seat Antique Shanxi Province Elm Seat with Original Color and Patina Circa 1950 H 24" W 17.5" D 8.5"
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm

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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