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Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

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
Color:  Black
Beautiful Chinese fan of Canton of the 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Beautiful Chinese fan of Canton of the 19th century in Bone, Paper and Silk. Dimensions: H: 49cm, W: 28cm, D: 2cm.  
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bone, Silk

Pair of Mid Century Chinese Copper, Enamel & Gilt Horses
Located in London, GB
A fantastic pair of enamel, gilt and copper horses. Take a look at all our pictures to see the intricate detail and life like expressions - amazing colours too. Made in China in th...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Taoist Yixing Zisha Clay 'Scholar' Figure, Cold Painted, China, 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Taoist Yixing Zisha clay 'priest or scholar' figure - cold painted - good detail - unsigned - China - 20th century. Good vintage condition - chips and ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Clay, Paint

Pair Chinese Export Green Parrots
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a late 19th century pair of the iconic Chinese "Green Parrots". The pair is in good condition considering its more than 100 years of use. This pai...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Clay

Vintage Figure Set of Miniature Terracotta Chinese Xian Warriors
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful set of Terracotta sculptures representing Xian Warriors. This set of figures is incredibly detailed and presents 4 warriors and a horse. Intrica...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Clay

Pair of Chinese Export Hardstone Horses and Stands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese export hardstone horses and stands, each one finely carved of a standing horse with one leg up, facing left and right. Removable from the associated lacquered stands....
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Precious Stone, Lacquer

Hand Carved Green Stone Small Chinese Foo-Dogs Sculptures/Figurines
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a pair of hand carved green stone Chinese Foo-Dog sculptures/figurines. They depict a pair of foo-dogs seated in a rectangular shaped base with a carpet. They are supported b...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Carved Chinese Inkstone with Longevity Symbols and Marks
Located in Atlanta, GA
A black carved Chinese inkstone with an conforming oval cover circa early 20th century (late Qing to Republic period). The inkstone appears to be slate stone and was likely a She type (SheYan), one of the four famous inkstones in China that comes from She County (Anhui Province) and Wuyuan County (Jiangxi Province). It features a slight scalloping edge with elaborate surface carving that depicts the Sanxings (three beloved gods): Fu, God of Fortune (top right), Lu, God of Prosperity (top center holding a Ruyi staff) and Shou, God of Longevity (center on the lid who is holding a magical peach and a staff with a gourd with a deer at the back) . A towering evergreen pine was placed on the left with scrolling clouds and bats (the sound of bat in Chinese is Fu, the fortune). A famous Chinese couplet...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Spherical Vase Forming Planter Cloisonné Decorated with Polychrome Floral Motifs
Located in Madrid, ES
Spherical vase forming planter cloisonné decorated with polychrome floral motifs, Top without base 40 cm, diameter 46 cm 19th century Good condition.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Ceramic

Massive Chinese Guanyin Statue in Jade-Like Green Hardstone
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Massive 37 1/2"- inch high Chinese Guanyin statue in Green Jade-like hardstone Late 20th century, The reclining deity adorned with a crown emulating ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Other

Large Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Lanterns
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Lanterns such as these were widely produced during the Shang Dynasty. They were mainly used for various ceremonial purposes and featured high quality craftsmanship and ornate details...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Enamel

Brass and Enamel Foo Dog Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A lovely and vibrant pair of brass bookends with Foo Dog repousse in brilliant enamel colors - well suited for any room and lovely for the Childs room
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Brass

One-of-a-kind Carved Chinese Style Tableaux, 19th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Gorgeous and unusual pair of wood carvings in the Chinese taste, set in beautiful, gold-colored, faux-bamboo frames.
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

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Antique, Rare & Decorative Pair of Hand Carved and Hand Painted Horse Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and unique pair of matching horse sculptures. With a combined experience of almost 30 years in the antiques trade, we were thrilled to once again find beautifully hand-crafted and decorative antiques that we had never seen before. From the density and the weight we can see and feel that these highly decorative horse sculptures are made of a tropical hardwood. Like, for example, with antique mirror frames or church sculptures these horses too were first covered with a mixture of chalk and glue so that the paint would hold longer. And, as so often is the case with antiques, the colors that were used for painting these horses are so much more beautiful than anything you find in this day and age that they truly are an absolute joy to look at. From the colors, the wear, the materials and the techniques that were used to create these horses we can see that these are 19th century antiques. However and unfortunately we lack the knowledge to be able to tell you from which country these highly decorative and sizeable works of art originate. We just can't find matching style horse sculptures anywhere on the worldwide web. They could be Chinese or Nepalese, but they could also be Persian or Arabian. We just have not been able to find out. What we do know is that they are definitely antique, they are in beautiful condition (with some wear, consistent with their age), they are highly decorative, probably unique and they have a look and feel that will instantly change the atmosphere of the room they are in. Mind you, our sharp price for this wonderful pair of horse sculptures...
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Pair of Chinese Bronze Deity Figures, 20th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Pair of Chinese bronze figures of deities standing on dragons. The two sculptures were made in the 20th century. They represent the Tao gods Lu Xing and Fu Xin...
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Chinese Carved Boxwood Figure of Guanyin, Mid-Qing Dynasty
Located in Austin, TX
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Chinese Glazed Ceramic Pottery Guardian Ancestor Roof Tile Qing Figure on Horse
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic piece. Wonderfully glazed and colored work of a seated man with brightly colored robes riding a mythical galloping horse. We believe this is Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) ...
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Pair Early 20th Century Chinese Ceramic Foo Dogs
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Low fired ceramic Chinese "Ming" style pair matching Foo Dogs with beautiful cracked and dripped glazed four color finish. This beautiful couple Foo Dogs is visibly handmade because the prints of the fingers the artist are visible in the earthenware. These Foo Dogs makes displayed in your place a great...
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Chinese Yixing Red Clay Teapot Poems & Bamboo Leaves Seal Mark, C 1930
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
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20th Chinese Export Platter
Located in Miami, FL
20th Chinese Export platter.
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20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Ceramic

20th Chinese Export Platter
H 1 in W 9 in D 9 in
Larger Than Life Terracotta Buddha Bust of Guanyin, Early 20th Century, China
Located in Antwerp, BE
A massive larger than life terracotta buddha bust of Guan Yin, China, early 20th century. Broken and restored with wear and tear from enduring exposure to the elements. Size: 75 cm high. Weight: 40 kg. Guanyin, Kwanyin, Guanshiyin or Guanyin Pusa is the Chinese interpretation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara (the goddess of comfort and mercy). In addition, she is seen in Taoism as an immortal. The scripture dedicated to her is Dabeizhou. Guanyin is the goddess of compassion and the sea. She is one of the three saints of the western paradise, along with Mahasthamaprapta and Amitabha Buddha; they are worshiped to save departed loved ones from hell and grant them entrance to the western paradise. Guanyin Chinese name Traditional Chinese 觀音 Simplified Chinese 观音 Transcriptions Full Chinese name Traditional Chinese 觀世音 Simplified Chinese 观世音 Literal meaning "[The One Who] Perceives the Sounds of the World" Transcriptions Second alternative Chinese name Traditional Chinese 觀自在 Simplified Chinese 观自在 Literal meaning "Lord who Gazes down on the World" Transcriptions Burmese name Burmese ကွမ်ယင် IPA [kwàɴ jɪ̀ɴ] Tibetan name Tibetan སྤྱན་རས་གཟིགས Vietnamese name Vietnamese alphabet Quan Âm (Quán Âm) Quán Thế Âm (Quan Thế Âm) Quán Tự Tại Chữ Hán 觀音 觀世音 觀自在 Thai name Thai กวนอิม, พระอวโลกิเตศวรโพธิสัตว์ RTGS Kuan Im, Phra Avalokitesuan Korean name Hangul 관음, 관세음, 관자재 Hanja 觀音, 觀世音, 觀自在 Transcriptions Mongolian name Mongolian script ᠨᠢᠳᠦ ᠪᠡᠷ ᠦᠵᠡᠭᠴᠢ Japanese name Kanji 観音, 観世音, 観自在 Hiragana かんのん, かんぜおん, かんじざい Transcriptions Indonesian name Indonesian Kwan Im, Kwan She Im, Awalokiteswara Filipino name Tagalog Guanyin (ᜄᜓᜀᜈᜌᜒᜈ) Sanskrit name Sanskrit अवलोकितेश्वर (Avalokiteśvara) Khmer name Khmer អវលោកិតេស្វរៈ (Avalokitesvarak), អវលោកេស្វរៈ (Avalokesvarak), លោកេស្វរៈ (Lokesvarak) Hmong name Hmong Kabyeeb, Niam-Txiv Kabyeeb, Dabpog, Niam-Txiv Dabpog Guanyin (traditional Chinese: 觀音; simplified Chinese: 观音; pinyin: Guānyīn) is a Bodhisattva associated with compassion. She is the East Asian representation of Avalokiteśvara (Sanskrit: अवलोकितेश्वर) and has been adopted by other Eastern religions, including Chinese folk religion.[note 1] She was first given the appellation "Goddess of Mercy" or "Mercy Goddess" by Jesuit missionaries in China.[1] Guanyin is short for Guanshiyin, which means "[The One Who] Perceives the Sounds of the World."[2] On the 19th day of the sixth lunar month, Guanyin's attainment of Buddhahood is celebrated.[3] Some Buddhists believe that when one of their adherents departs from this world, they are placed by Guanyin in the heart of a lotus, and then sent to the western pure land of Sukhāvatī.[4] Guanyin is often referred to as the "most widely beloved Buddhist Divinity"[5] with miraculous powers to assist all those who pray to her, as is mentioned in the Pumen chapter of Lotus Sutra and Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra. Several large temples in East Asia are dedicated to Guanyin, including Shaolin Monastery, Longxing Temple, Puning Temple, Nanhai Guanyin Temple, Dharma Drum Mountain, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, Shitennō-ji, Sensō-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjūsangen-dō, and many others. Guanyin's abode and bodhimaṇḍa in India is recorded as being on Mount Potalaka. With the localization of the belief in Guanyin, each area adopted their own Potalaka. In Chinese Buddhism, Mount Putuo is considered the bodhimaṇḍa of Guanyin. Naksansa is considered to be the Potalaka of Guanyin in Korea. Japan's Potalaka is located at Fudarakusan-ji. Tibet's Potalaka is the Potala Palace. Vietnam's Potalaka is the Hương Temple. There are several pilgrimage centers for Guanyin in East Asia. Putuoshan is the main pilgrimage site in China. There is a 33 temple Guanyin pilgrimage in Korea which includes Naksansa. In Japan, there are several pilgrimages associated with Guanyin. The oldest one of them is the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, a pilgrimage through 33 temples with Guanyin shrines. Guanyin is beloved by most Buddhist traditions in a nondenominational way and found in most Tibetan temples under the name Chenrézik (Wylie: Spyan ras gzigs). Guanyin is also beloved and worshipped in the temples in Nepal. The Hiranya Varna Mahavihar located in Patan is one example. Guanyin is also found in some influential Theravada temples such as Gangaramaya Temple, Kelaniya and Natha Devale nearby Temple of the Tooth...
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Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

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Terracotta

Vintage Pair Chinese Gilt Carved Wood Foo Dog / Guardian Lions Figurines
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered here are a pair vintage Chinese gilt and carved wood Foo Dog/Guardian Lions figurines Wonderful craftsmanship with the hand carving that has gone...
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1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

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Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Green Sancai Glazed Parrots
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Green Sancai Glazed Parrots China, Early 20th Century A Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Green Sancai Glazed Parrots, originating from China in the...
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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

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Fine Pair of Chinese Export Marble Seated Foo Dogs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fine pair of Chinese Export marble seated foo dogs, well carved, the male standing 26-inches high, the female 25.5-inches high, beautiful weathered patina....
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20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

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Marble

20th Century, Chinese Porcelain Plates
Located in Miami, FL
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Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

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Ceramic

20th Century, Chinese Porcelain Plates
20th Century, Chinese Porcelain Plates
H 1 in W 10.23 in D 10.23 in
Previously Available Items
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Ox Horn Carved Crane Sculpture
Located in Pomona, CA
This Antique Chinese Ox horn statue is 100 percent hand made and hand carved from Ox horn. In ancient China, Crane represent healthy and longevity. Look at the...
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Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Horn

Chinese Soapstone Carving from the 19th Century
Located in Hamburg, DE
Chinese soapstone carving from the 19th century. Beautiful decorative object with strong symbolism. Depicted is a fire-breathing dragon swimm...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Soapstone

Hand Carved Green Pine Color Jade Small Chinese Wise Man Sculpture/Figurine
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a green pine color jade small Chinese wise man hand carved sculpture/figurine. It depicts an old Chinese wise man with a very long beard s...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

Large Heavy Hand Carved Chinese Jade Ruyi
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a large, heavy and hand carved Chinese light green jade Ruyi. It is decorated at the top by the carving of a large peony flower surrounded by two pea...
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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

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Jade

Chinese Lingbi Scholar Stone on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large Chinese scholar stone on display wood stand. The stone is of Lingbi type and it features an elegant vertical mushroom cloud shape and a rugged surface. Its winged form rises ...
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Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Antique Paper Mache Mother of Pearl Chinese Dragon Lacquer Trinket Box
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely decorative circa 1860-1880 Chinese mother of pearl inlaid with dragon paper mâché trinket box A good loo...
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Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

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Lacquer

Pair of Large Lively Buddha’s Lions / Foo Dogs Ceramic Sculptures
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a pair of shiny colorful hand painted ceramic heavy Foo Dogs sculptures. One of them has a ball (male) and the other (female) shares the ball with a puppy foo dog. They have...
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Pair of Large Floral Spring Chinese Cloisonné Vases on Carved Stands
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
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1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

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Brass

Buddha in Meditation on a Lotus-Shaped Bass, China, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Buddha in meditation on a lotus-shaped bass, China, 19th century, finely chiseled cast iron. Measures: H 16.5cm, W 8cm, D 10cm.
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19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

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Iron

Magnificent Silver Large Dragon Chinese Qing Bowl Precious Stones
Located in Sofia, BG
Silver large dragon metal Chinese bowl.
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1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

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Metal

19th Century Chinese Carved Amethyst Snuff Bottle
Located in Savannah, GA
This Chinese snuff bottle is intricately carved from the amethyst variety of quartz and is decorated with a floral motif of lotus blossoms and other water plants in relief. It retains its carved amethyst decorated stopper with tiny bone spoon...
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1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

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Amethyst

Chinese Forged and Wrought Iron Framed Chrysanthemums, Branches and Birds
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chinese forged and wrought iron frame with chrysanthemums, branches and birds. All deeply hammered with riveted construction. The frame is integral to the subject and is decorated w...
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1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

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Chinese Export sculptures and carvings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export sculptures and carvings 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 sculptures and carvings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export sculptures and carvings 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 sculptures and carvings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $38,000 while the average work can sell for $1,500.

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