Chinese Export Lacquer
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
19th Century Lacquered Box Black Octogonal Chinese Export Gilded Floral
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Immerse yourself in the allure of the 19th century with our exquisite lacquered box, a stunning testament to Chinese export craftsmanship. Crafted in an elegant octagonal shape and a...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Giltwood
Lacquered Asian Trays from Vietnam, with circles Decor Pattern Set of 2
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This tray is an Asian tray. It has been made in Vietnam in the 1980's. It is made in black lacquered painted wood. Oranges fishes are the decor pattern.
Category
1970s Vietnamese Vintage Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Shanxi Red Lacquer Poplar Floral Painted Bentwood Hat Tea Box
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Chinese Shanxi Red Lacquer Poplar Hat / Tea Box. Features a floral decorated design over red lacquer finish.
Dimensions:
13" x 13" x 12.25"h
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Poplar, Lacquer
Exceptional Chinese Export Gilt Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Decorated Lap Desk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese export, circa 1820.
An exceptional quality and rare form. Featuring figural landscape decorations in gilt to the main black lacquer doors, which open to reveal 13 separated c...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Giltwood, Lacquer
19th Century, Chinese Export Gilt Black Lacquer Melon Form Tea Caddy Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, 19th century.
Chinese lacquer and gilt decorated melon form tea caddy chest or box. The piece is heavily decorated with chinoiserie windows and supported by three giltwood ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Giltwood, Lacquer
Chinese Coromandel Lacquer Six-Fold Screen with Gilded Background
Located in NICE, FR
This exquisite six-fold screen in Chinese coromandel lacquer from the early 20th century depicts vivid scenes of children playing in a traditional village landscape. The richness and...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
black lacquer wood chinoiserie travel Desk George III
Located in Valladolid, ES
Travel desk made of lacquered and gilded wood with drawers inside, reserved scenes with figures in palatial environments surrounded by flowers, birds and Taoist symbols.
Exquisite E...
Category
1790s English Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Metal
Antique Chinese Cloisonne Blue White General Jar Baluster Vase Garniture w Stand
Located in Richmond, CA
This exquisite matching pair of antique Chinese export blue and white cloisonné covered general jars is a fine example of the intricate artistry and craftsmanship of traditional Chin...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Copper, Enamel
19th Century Chinese Lacquer Table Cabinet or Jewelry Box
Located in Richmond, London
A superbly decorative Cantonese black lacquer table or jewellery cabinet, exquisitely ornamented with Oriental figures and pagodas throughout.
China, Canton, Qing dynasty, mid-19th c...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
19th Century Chinese Export Oval Cinnabar Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Chinese Export Oval Cinnabar Box
This 19th Century Chinese Export Oval Cinnabar Box is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and artistr...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Metal
Chinese Coromandel Red Lacquer 12-Panel Figural and Landscape Screen. Circa 1840
Located in Hollywood, SC
Chinese Coromandel figural red lacquer 12-panel screen depicting pagoda and landscape scenes, decorative gilt floral border panels, gilt carved lower panels, and reverse side depicti...
Category
1840s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer, Paint
Coromandel Black Lacquer Screen - Four Panels - Period: Early 20th Century
Located in CRÉTEIL, FR
Elegant folding screen painted in black Coromandel lacquer.
It consists of four panels, the front of which depicts a scene from imperial life.
We are in the playground of a school wh...
Category
20th Century Asian Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
Guangxu Chinese black gold Jewelry Box, yellow silk
Located in Valladolid, ES
Exquisite Chinese Jewelry Box, made for export, France. With a stamp inside of Joan of Arc, Domremy. End S XIX-PP S XX
Silk lined interior. Polylobed profile, the entire body covere...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century Chinese Hand Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Plate
Located in Pomona, CA
This stunning Chinese hand carved cinnabar lacquered plate has Intricate lacquer carving arts of Chinese traditional archetecture and landscape design. It named The Sense of Tough, a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Chinese Hand Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Plate
Located in Pomona, CA
This stunning Chinese hand carved cinnabar lacquered plate has Intricate lacquer carving arts of Chinese traditional Floral scene design, an original works of art in the tradition of...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Cinnabar Vase with Finely Carved Foo Dogs, 19th Century
Located in Gainesville, FL
Chinese cinnabar finely carved vase with depiction of the foo dogs, 19th century.
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Cinnabar Finely Carved Box and Cover, Late 18th-Early 19th Century
Located in Gainesville, FL
Chinese cinnabar very finely carved box circa late 18th or early 19th century. The multiple lacquered layers of red over black over amber, the cover carved with a scene of Kwan Yin i...
Category
1790s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
19th C. Chinese Figural Carved Wood Lacquer Scholars/ Offering / Opium Stand
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th C. Chinese Figural Carved Wood Lacquer Scholars/ Offering / Opium Stand
Chinese 19th Century
A truly unique and remarkable piece from 19th-century China, this figural carved w...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Shell, Wood, Lacquer
18th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Chinoiserie Bureau Desk for the Dutch Market
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An extremely rare, possibly unique, Chinese export lacquer bureau for the Dutch market
Canton, circa 1737
H. 118 x W. 102.5 x D. 63 cm
Provenance:
- Private collection, The Netherlands
- J.K. Driessen Antiques, Arnhem (Art Fair Breda, 1989)
- Noble collection, Belgium
Literature:
- C.J.A. Jörg, ’De handel van de V.O.C. in Oosters lakwerk in de 18de eeuw’ in: Nederlands Kunsthistorisch Jaarboek , Jr. 31 (1980), pp. 355-363 (ill.)
- Annigje Hofstede, Nederlandse meubelen van Barok tot Biedermeier, 1700-1830, Waanders, Zwolle 2004, pp. 35-37 (ill.)
This lacquer bureau is one of the four writing desks purchased in Canton in 1737, and as far as is known, this is the only remaining bureau of its type from the period. As the VOC believed that large pieces of import took up too much valuable space in their trading ships...
Category
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Wood, Cypress, Lacquer
Chinese Cinnabar Covered Jar, Late 19th Century
Located in Gainesville, FL
Chinese cinnabar covered jar. Decorated all over with scenes of figures, pavilions, pine trees and mountains. Marked "CHINA" on the bottom, circa 1890s.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
Early 20th Century Chinese Red Lacquer Decorated Box
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 20th century Chinese Red Lacquer decorated box. Relief carved top panel of an attendant and scholar. Fine finger joints on the box and lid. Inside top of the lid having Chinese...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
19th Century Chinese Red Lacquer Screen, 6 Panel Set
Located in Madrid, ES
Exceptionally decorative set of six 18th century Qing Dynasty Chinese red and gold lacquer panels, originally from a twelve panel screen. Fortunate...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Bone, Wood, Lacquer
Vintage Cinnabar Display Plate, Chinese, Decorative Serving Dish, Oriental Taste
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Cinnabar display plate. A Chinese, decorative serving dish, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980.
Striking carved detail and superb colour
Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order
Rich red hues profusely carved with relief Oriental scene
Attractive flared rim with chased foliate pattern
Japanned to the reverse with deep black finish
This is a fascinating vintage Cinnabar display plate, with superb relief scene...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Chinese Hand Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Plate
Located in Pomona, CA
This stunning Chinese hand carved cinnabar lacquered plate is a limited edition to 19,500 pieces total. This plate is numbered 3969. It named The Sense o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
Large Domed Chinese Cinnabar Box
Located in Miami, FL
A large vintage Chinese red cinnabar box with deep relief carved lid depicting peonies, trees and a landscape with a palace. The round box has...
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Brass
Post Qing Dynasty Cinnabar Ginger Jar & Stand
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Post Qing Dynasty Cinnabar ginger jar & stand
Exquisite high relief carved continuous landscape motif, complete with hardwood stand. Unmarked.
T...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Hardwood, Lacquer
Chinese Chinoiserie Decorated Lacquer Panels, a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of stylish Chinoiserie panels in a lacquer finish, painted in gold, red & black with landscapes with village and people. The frame also decorat...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Soapstone, Semiprecious Hardstone and Lacquer Folding Screen
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning Chinese screen is an exceptionally well-crafted piece, beautifully decorated with intricate semiprecious hardstone carvings. Measuring ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Wood, Precious Stone
Chinese Carved Cinnabar Lacquer and Enameled Bowl Deer and Chrysanthemum
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Classic Vintage Chinese Carved Cinnabar lacquer and enameled bowl with deer and chrysanthemum motif from a Palm Beach estate.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Enamel
Chinese Gilt Burgundy Lacquer Carrying Box, c. 1900
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautifully time worn gilt and burgundy lacquer Chinese carrying box. Gilding featuring roses and butterflies. Circa 1900. Very decorative.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Bamboo, Paper
Chinese Export Coromandel Lacquer and Gilt Six Fold Screen
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Chinese Export Coromandel lacquer and gilt six fold screen.
Exceptional and rare six panel intaglio lacquer carving from the mid-20th century. It depi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Wood
Antique Early Chinese Republic Era Stacking Lacquered Box Set with Dragon Motif
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique lacquered stacking box set is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from China during the Early Republic period of approximately 1920 and done in a period Chinese Ex...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Softwood
Chinese Export Lacquered and Mother-of-Pearl Chess Board from 19th with a Table
By Gold China
Located in Madrid, ES
Chinese Export lacquered and mother-of-pearl chess board from 19th with a table carved wood stand.
Size: 58 x 58cm and 73 cm high
Very good condition.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export Sewing Table with Removable Trays and Bone Sewing Tools/Spools
Located in Charleston, SC
Very good Chinese export sewing table with removable trays and bone sewing tools/spools. Remarkable condition original lacquer work chinoiserie table with...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Bone, Lacquer
Chinese Altar Tables, 19th C. Lacquer
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an unusual pair of Late Ching Chinese cinnabar-toned coromandel lacquer small altar or side tables. The tops of the tables feature complementary incised and painted scenes from Chinese every day life. Both tables are in very good condition considering their 100+ years of use. It is unusual to find a pair of coromandel incised lacquer...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Royal Lacquer Box for Poetry Slips
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese Royal court lacquer box made specifically to contain the poem slips composed by Qing Dynasty emperor Qianlong (1711-1799). Although we are pretty certain that the current b...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Pair of Asain Black Lacquer and Mother of Pearl Inlay Side Chairs 20th C.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of Asain black lacquer and mother of pearl inlay side chairs 20th c.
Measures: 19.5" wide x 18.5" deep x 19" high at the seat x 41.5" high at the back
The padded seats measure...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Chinese Six-Panel Decorative Folding Screen, Circa 1780
Located in Hollywood, SC
Chinese six-panel folding screen with decorative carved forest with standing and flying cranes, with reverse side depicting village and figures of people, terminating on brass square...
Category
1780s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
XX°Century Chinese Decorative Screen Lacquered whit Landscape and Sails
Located in Brescia, IT
Chinese screen in black lacquered wood decorated with gilded paintings, very sturdy with excellent wooden base.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Giltwood, Lacquer, Wood
Pair of Antique 19th Century Japanese Porcelain Multicolored Lacquered Vases
Located in New York, NY
A monumental and unusual pair of antique 19th century Japanese porcelain poly-chrome lacquered vases. Each is beautifully designed with...
Category
1870s Japanese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Porcelain
Four Chinese Lacquer Trays 19th Century Qing Dynasty
Located in Richmond, London
A set of four charming and decorative Chinese export black lacquer trays, exquisitely hand-decorated with playing cards motifs on gilt background within oriental foliate borders.
Chi...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
Four Small Chinese Export Lacquer Trays, 19th Century Qing Dynasty
Located in Richmond, London
A set of four charming and decorative Chinese export black lacquer trays, exquisitely hand-decorated with ruby lozenges on gilt background within oriental foliate borders.
China, Can...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Mother of Pearl Inlaid Lacquered Box
Located in New York, NY
Chinese mother of pearl inlaid lacquered rectangular box, depicting in landscape, circa late 19th-early 20th century. Measures: 3.5" H x 9.75" ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Large Chinese Export Red Lacquer Character Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Chinese Export red lacquer character box, sculptural, well executed Chinese two part lacquer table box.
Decorated with vines, symbols and bats. Unmarked.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lacquer
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Export lacquer for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export lacquer 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 lacquer created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with lacquer, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export lacquer made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 lacquer differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $266 and tops out at $83,216 while the average work can sell for $2,094.
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