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Chinese Export Metalwork

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 Chinese Bronze Urn as Lamp
Located in Norwood, NJ
19th century Chinese bronze urn as lamp. Decorated with florals and dragon in high relief. Surmounted by two handles depicting phoenix...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Antique Chinese Export Silver Box by Wang Hing
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese export silver dragon box; an addition to our collection of boxes and cases This fine antique C...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Antique Chinese Cloisonne Elephant Ginger Jar
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and unusual antique Chinese ginger jar handcrafted in a cloisonne technique, decorated with fauna, flora, and tassels on an alluring b...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Metal

Vintage Chinese Cloisonne' Incense Burner - Censor - with Cover
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage Chinese cloisonné' enamel tripod incense burner and cover. Item is raised on three legs, each covered with lion mask. Beautiful lotus scroll in colors of rich blues, pinks, whites, and greens. Inside is solid turquoise...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Enamel

Antique Bronze Champlevé Vase with Elephant Handles
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique bronze champlevé vase with double elephant handles, circa 1900s. The vase is in good vintage condition with a nice patina and measures 7"W x 6...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Chinese Silver Repousse Dragon Handle Sauce Boat by Luen Wo
Located in Sarasota, FL
Chinese Export silver repousse sauce boat with dragon handles. Marked for Luen Wo.. Very fine decoration. 7 1/4" long, 4 " tall, 3 1/2", 7 oz weight.
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Petite Famille Rose Canton Vase, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the 1920s during China's Republic Period, this petite vase is decorated in a style known as Canton enamel, so named for the long-standing industry of export enamels based in...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Petite Famille Verte Canton Vase, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the 1920s during China's Republic Period, this petite vase is decorated in a style known as Canton enamel, so named for the long-standing industry of export enamels based in...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Copper

Indonesian Goddess in Gilded Metal Holding a Lotus Flower, 1920-1940
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Indonesian goddess in gilded metal holding a lotus flower, 1920-1940. Measures: H 61cm, W 15cm, W 15cm.
Category

1920s Asian Vintage Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Metal

19th Century Chinese Archaic Style Cloisonné & Lacquer Elephant Motif Censor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century Chinese Archaic style Cloisonné & Lacquer Elephant Motif Censor With Associated later lacquer & bronze pagoda lid, resting on a gilt bronze Cloisonné elephant motif th...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Export Silver Tea Caddy
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export Silver Tea Caddy of shaped oval form, with applied prunus and chrysanthemum decoration and a plain, pull-off lid. The retailer is sho...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Goblet, with prunus decoration. The goblet weighs 258g and dates from around 1885. Marked WH for Wang Hing '宏兴‘ whi...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Small Chinese Export Silver Dessert Fork, Marked KH, Early 20th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A charming, small Chinese export silver dessert fork marked KH and Bai Xi, early 20th century, China. The small dessert fork with three tines. The ha...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Pair of Chinese Mahogany and Tin Hinged Painted Figural Tea Bins, Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Chinese mahogany and tin hinged painted tea bins with gilt figural stenciling and decorative landscape scenes with bird motif, Mid-19th century.
Category

1840s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Metal

Pair of Diminutive Chinese Pewter Lidded Urns
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming pair of diminutive Chinese pewter lidded urns or vases featuring a turned finish with bell finials. Great for decoration, storage, or both. Minor...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Pewter

Tall Asian Vases with Oriental Enamel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of tall tapered cylindrical vases presented on carved hardwood bases. Enamel decorated with dragons in a floral field of a deep red background.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Enamel

Chinese Export Silver Openwork Bowl by Wan Hing & Co, Hong Kong, 1890
Located in Sarasota, FL
Chinese silver repousse and openwork bowl, decorated with dragons and flaming pearl. The bowl is marked on the bottom with a Chinese character, "90" for silver purity, and " WH" for ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Goblet With Dragon Stem
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export Silver Goblet with dragon stem, engraved foliage to the bowl, and a gilded interior. The maker is FengzhaoJi (冯朝记), and it was retailed by the firm of Leeching, circ...
Category

1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
A Chinese silver goblet profusely decorated with chased, richly defined chrysanthemum against a matte background and is supported by two intertwi...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Antique Brass Chinese Brazier
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique brass Chinese brazier. Filled with burning coals, this exquisitely crafted brass brazier used to warmed the hands of a wealthy Chinese on a cold...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Brass

Pink & Green Antique Chinese Peking Enamel Cups and Dishes w. Floral Decoration
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th/20th c., Chinese enamelware, includes (2) cups and (2) small scalloped edge dishes, each with enameled floral design on a copper ground, unmarked. This type of enamelling is known by several names, including Beijing, Canton and Peking enamel...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Enamel

Chinese Export Silver Dragon Repousse Centerpiece
Located in Sarasota, FL
Chinese Export Silver Centerpiece with dragon decoration. The centerpiece bowl has two repousse dragons with attached dragon handles. The bowl rests on...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Mug with Dragon Handle
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export silver mug with dragon handle, decorated with five birds among bamboo against a matte background. There is a round vacant cartouche to t...
Category

1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
A Chinese export silver bowl with blue glass liner. The bowl is pierced and has wonderfully detailed chrysanthemum decoration. The bowl has ...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
A Chinese export silver oval bowl or jardiniere, made by Tu Mao Xing, '涂茂興‘, circa 1890. There are two dragon handles, and four dragon feet. There is a beaded rim and two animal head...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Antique Chinese Export Silver Walking Stick Handle
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Chinese Export silver walking stick handle; an addition to our diverse range of Chinese dragon ornamented s...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Pair of Mid 20th Century Enameled Copper Vases with Floral & Geisha Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of vases on stands are unsigned, but presumed to have originated from China and dating to approximately 1960 and done in a period Chinese Export style. The vases are compos...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Brass, Copper

Pair of Chinese Export Silver Dragon Candelabra
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Chinese Export Silver Dragon Candelabra, circa 1890. Each finely detailed dragon is coiled on an original wood stand, carved with cloud pat...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export silver bowl decorated with chrysanthemum against a matte background. Made by the firm of Lian xiang sheng of Shanghai and Ca...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
A Chinese export silver goblet with prunus decoration on a matte background, and the base and stem formed as prunus tree branch root. The body has a single round cartouche engraved "...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Silver Card Holder Artist Lee Ching
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Leeching Chinese silver card holder. Solid silver card holder. Origin China (Canton) Circa 1840 1870. Signed on its base (stamp). Canton manners...
Category

1850s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
A lovely Chinese silver bowl, embossed and chased with three birds and chrysanthemum against a textured matte background. Made by the firm of Shao Ji'绍记’, and retailed by Luen Hing '...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Set of Chinese Export Silver Overlay Bottle with Five Cordials Tianjin Wuhua
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of Chinese Export silver drinking set consists of a pinch bottle and five cordials circa 1910s-1920s. Featuring matching elaborate chased relief dra...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Silver Dragon Repousse Tanakard
Located in Sarasota, FL
Chinese Export silver tankard with detailed repousse dragons and dragon handle. The tankard is 5 3/4" tall, 3 1/4' in diameter, 4 1/8" at the handle....
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Pair of Chinese Export Silver Tankards
Located in London, GB
A rare pair of Chinese export silver mugs/tankards, each with figural Court scenes, bamboo, and dragon handles. They have the mark for Hoaching of Canton, circa 1860, and the Chinese...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Ormolu and Cloisonné Enamel Vase for the Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Chinese Ormolu and Cloisonné enamel vase for the Islamic Market. Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 18cm, diameter 26cm Crafted in Chin...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Chinese Export Silver Mug
By Yatshing
Located in London, GB
An interesting and delightful Chinese export silver mug, of double-skin construction and decorated with bamboo leaves against a matte backgro...
Category

1840s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Biscuit Box
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export Silver Biscuit Box, round with a collet foot and profusely decorated with applied prunus. against a smooth plain background. The box has...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Antique Chinese Ormolu and Cloisonné Enamel Vase for the Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Antique Chinese ormolu and cloisonné enamel vase for the Islamic Market Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 10cm...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

19th century Chinese bronze cencer with Buddhist lion decoration circa 1860
Located in Central England, GB
This large Chinese bronze censer dates to circa 1860. It is made in three parts, stand, vessel, and lid. The lid has pierced decorative panels with pine trees and a bold Buddhist lion finial for lifting. The censer has lifting handles in the shape of bamboo to each side and again also has panels with pine forests with mythical beasts and side mounts in the form of Buddhist lion mastheads. It is raised on four shaped legs with a beast mask head at the top and sits on the raised and pierced stand. The decoration on this piece is all hand finished with chasing and engraving giving good detail. The censer has a green/brown patina. Circa 1860 Censers are a type of vessel for burning incense. In many cultures burning incense has spiritual and religious connotations which influence the design and decoration of the censer. The lion is one of Buddhism’s most potent symbols. Traditionally the lion is associated with regality, strength and power. It is therefore an appropriate symbol of Buddha who, tradition has it, was a regal prince. As Buddhist priests and monks from India, they brought with them stories of stone Asiatic lions...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Chinese Export Silver Vases
Located in London, GB
Pair of Chinese silver vases with all-over bamboo decoration and each with a wavy-edge flared rim. They were made by 涂茂兴, TuMaoXing, a retailer in JiuJiang (九江), next to the Yangtze ...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Beaker, circ 1890's
Located in Sarasota, FL
Chinese export repousse beaker, circ 1890. Wieght 3.3 oz., 4 3/8" tall
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Pair of Chinese Export Silver Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
Pair of Chinese Export silver candlesticks with the character for "Luck" on one and "Longevity" on the other. They are attached to round wood stands. Marked with SW, for Shing Wo, “...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Mug with Bamboo Decoration
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export silver mug with a bamboo handle, and decorated with a bird and moth amongst profuse bamboo decoration on a matte background. T...
Category

1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Pair of Chinese Export Silver Vases
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Chinese Export Silver Flower Vases of trumpet form, each with circular base and rising to a flared, shaped top. The vases, which are decorated with applied prunus, were ret...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Pair of Chinese Export Silver Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
A pair of Chinese Export silver candlesticks, marked with TC, for Tuck Chang, 德祥 公记(DeXiangGongJi), a Shanghai retailer from 1901-1934, and with the maker's mark of 培记 (PeiJi). 230gm...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Two Chinese Export Silver Vases
Located in London, GB
Two Chinese silver vases of cornucopia form, both decorated with applied bamboo and chrysanthemum and on a circular base. The vases are similar yet were made by different silversmith...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Floral Cloisonné Enamel and Ormolu Vase for Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Chinese floral Cloisonné enamel and ormolu vase for Islamic Market. Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 20cm, diameter 23cm This beaut...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Chinese Floral Islamic Style Cloisonné Enamel and Ormolu Vase
Located in London, GB
Chinese floral Islamic style cloisonné enamel and ormolu vase Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 13cm, diameter 13cm This beautiful bowl...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Chinese Export Silver Openwork Dragon Bowl by Wang Hing & Co, Hong Kong, 1890
Located in Sarasota, FL
Chinese silver repousse and openwork bowl, decorated with dragons and flaming pearl. The bowl is marked on the bottom with a Chinese character, "90" for silver purity, and "WH" for W...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Silver

Chinese Ormolu and Cloisonné Enamel Vase for the Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Chinese Ormolu and Cloisonné enamel vase for the Islamic Market Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 19cm, diameter 23cm Crafted in China...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Chinese Export metalwork for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export metalwork 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 metalwork created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export metalwork 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 metalwork, popular names associated with this style include Wang Hing & Co., Hung Chong & Co., Luen Wo, and Leeching. 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 metalwork differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $75 and tops out at $95,800 while the average work can sell for $2,950.

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