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
Antique Chinese Export Silver Octagonal Compact with Applied Rose Gold Monogram
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese Export silver compact.
Of an octagonal form with applied rose gold accents to each corner of the box and the edges of the hinge. There is also an applied 'TB'...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Gold, Silver
Chinese Export Brass Charger with Fretwork Border and Etched Decoration, Signed
Located in Stamford, CT
High quality Chinese Export brass tray or charger with incised decoration and openwork, or fretwork border. Heavy cast with a beautifully burnished surface. Circa 1900. Signed by mak...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Brass
6 Antique Chinese Cloisonne Teapots
Located in Brea, CA
Collection of 6 Chinese cloisonne teapots in varying shapes and designs of flora and fauna. The highest one is 5.5'' H x 2 W x 2.5'' D. the sm...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
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
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 Vermeil Sterling, Enameled Peacocks & Flowers Motif Vase & Stand
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Vermeil Sterling, Enameled Peacocks & Flowers Motif Vase & Stand
China, 20th Century
A extraordinary piece of Chinese silversmithing, this Chinese vermeil (gilt) over sterling silver vase and stand is a true work of art. Dating to the mid -20th century, this stunning set showcases intricate pierced silver wirework and exquisite enameled motifs of peacocks and flowers.
The hexagonal vessel is adorned with all-over pierced silver wirework, displaying the mastery of the silversmith. The fine alternating vignettes of peacocks and flowers add a touch of grace and beauty to the design. The vermeil finish, with its gilded surface, adds a luxurious touch and enhances the overall aesthetic.
Stamped with 'Silver' on the inside bottom of the vase, this piece exemplifies the quality and authenticity of Chinese export silver. Its weight of 4.6 ounces speaks to the substantial nature of the silver used in its creation.
The vase is raised on a conforming pedestal base, adding stability and enhancing the overall visual impact. Accompanying the vase is an associated Chinese carved hardwood stand, providing a complementary and elegant presentation.
The Chinese export silver vase measures 4 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches in height. The carved Chinese hardwood stand...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Sterling Silver
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
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 Export Silver Card Case
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Case embossed and chased with a dragon playing with a fireball on one side, and decorated on the other side with a poem — “亲向罗浮伴月痕，至怜花尽冷霜根” (Qin Xiang Luo Fu Ba...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Card Case
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Card Case, circa 1890, embossed and chased with a dragon among clouds on one side, featuring a single vacant shield-shaped cartouche; the reverse decorated with...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Silver
Chinese Silver Card Holder Artist Lee Ching
By Leeching
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
Antique Chinese Export Silver Mug with Dragon Handle
Located in New York, NY
Chinese export silver mug, ca 1860. Straight and upward tapering sides with applied pictorial frieze on engraved and stippled ground: Scenes of social life with contemplative sages and chaste maidens amongst palm trees and pagodas. Pastoral exoticism enlivened with scaly, slithering dragon handle...
Category
Mid-19th Century 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
Antique Chinese Silver Hung Chong Co. Beaker Set Figural Salamanders & Spiders
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Set of four sterling silver antique Chinese export beakers or drinking cups made by the Hung Chong Co. of Shanghai with detailed applied figu...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Sterling Silver
19 Century Chinese Export silver Dragon-Handled Mug / Tankard
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
19th Century Chinese Export Silver Mug / Tankard, the sides are beautifully decorated in relief with a scene of warriors in combat, very crisp and detailed, centering a shaped cartou...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique 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
Chinese Export Silver Bowl
By Tu Mao Xing
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
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 Hexagonal Cast Brass Tea Caddy
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Chinese hexagonal cast brass tea caddy, early 20th century. Each rectangular side with a shou symbol surrounded by five stylized bats on blue enamel ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Brass
Very Decorative Chinese Champlevé Enamel Plate in a Japanese Style
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very decorative Chinese champlevé enamel plate in a Japanese style, vividly enameled with a peacock amidst flowering prunus branches and endless kno...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Enamel
Chinese Export Silver Bowl
By Luen Hing
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
Antique Chinese Export Silver Battle Mug with Dragon Handle
Located in New York, NY
Chinese export silver mug, ca 1880. Straight and upward tapering sides with allover low-relief battle frieze depicting soldiers—spearmen, lancers, and swordsmen—with a few hapless me...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Dragon Spoon by Wang Hing & Co., Late 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A very fine and charming Chinese export silver spoon in the form of a dragon, by Wang Hing & Co., Qing Dynasty, late 19th century, China.
...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Silver
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
Two Chinese Export Silver Place Card Holders by Wang Hing, Early 20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
Two delightful Chinese export silver place card holders in the form of fans, by Wang Hing & Co., early 20th century, Canton, China.
The place card holders crafted of silver in the...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export Silver Goblet of rare and unusual form. The bowl has four panels, two decorated with figural scenes; a third with mythical beasts; and the fourth, which also has a v...
Category
1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Silver
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
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
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
Rare Chinese Export Sterling Silver Tea Set with Dragon Design Tianjing Wuhua
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese export sterling silver tea set comprised of 13 pieces including tea pot, sugar, creamer, four tea bowls and six tea spoons, circa 1910s-1920s. Featuring matching chased rel...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Chinese Export Silver Goblet, circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese Export Silver goblet; an addition to our wine and drinks related silverware collection
This exceptional antique Chinese Export Silver (CES) goblet has a circular bell shaped form, to a shaped stem and plain circular stepped foot.
The drinking vessel of this antique silver goblet is embellished with chased iconic Chinese dragon designs accented with stylised flame and cloud decoration, all on a matte background.
The decoration to the body incorporates a vacant shield shaped cartouche.
The upper rim of this antique Chinese goblet is encompassed with an applied moulded border.
The impressive shaped pedestal is realistically modelled in the form of three rooted and swept bamboo stalks, accented with applied leaves in junction with the drinking vessel.
The impressive domed circular foot is embellished with further chased decoration replicating the details of the bamboo's terrain and environment.
This impressive Chinese silver goblet...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Silver
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 Plique-a-jour Archaic Style Bowl
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small Chinese cloisonné enamel bowl made with the technique of Plique-a-jour (means "letting in daylight" in French), a challenging method similar to small scale stained windows or...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Chinese Export Silver Goblet
By Luen Wo
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
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
Chinese Export Silver & Enamel Bowl
Located in London, GB
A rare and exquisite Chinese Export silver & enamel bowl, made in Shanghai around 1895 by Huang Qui Ji, and retailed by the firm of Woshing.
The bowl feat...
Category
1890s 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 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
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
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
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 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 Centrepiece
Located in London, GB
This impressive Chinese Export Silver Centrepiece, consists of a large central dish, pierced with bamboo decoration, supported by five shoots of bamboo also with bamboo leaf decorat...
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 18cm, diameter 26cm
Crafted in Chin...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
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
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
Chinese Export Silver Goblet With Dragon Stem
By Leeching
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 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 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
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 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 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
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
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 Dragon Repousse Centerpiece
By Zee Sung
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 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
Chinese Silver Repousse Dragon Handle Sauce Boat by Luen Wo
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
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
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.