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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
Antique Amber Guanyin Sculpture
Located in Mérida, YU
Vitntage Cherry Amber Resin Sculpture. Very good condition. Beautiful glowing red color. Amazing detailed work.
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Resin

Vintage Pair Chinese Pewter Guardian Foo Lions Hong Kong NG AN Signed Mid 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
Pair of vintage Chinese pewter guardian lions, in fierce sitting pose, with copper accents for sharp claws, and each topped with an adjustable height brass ball attached by a threade...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Brass, Pewter

Chinese Small Carved Dragons And Phoenix Jade Plaque
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Chinese small jade plaque. It depicts an almost square carved jade plaque with several dragons and phoenixes.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

Vintage Gilt Famille Verte Chinese Porcelain Seated Buddha/Luohan Ex-Lorin Marsh
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage Chinese porcelain statue. In the form of a Luohan or Arhat with a famille verte robe and gilt body. The reverse ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Carved Wood Door Lintel Framed in Shadow Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese carved wood door lintel presented in a deep shadow frame circa late Qing dynasty (late 19th century). The piece features a long panel with ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

A 19th century Chinese miniature carved giltwood figure group circa 1890
Located in Central England, GB
This remarkable miniature Chinese/Cantonese carved hardwood and gold leaf figure group depicts a group of five scholars, two of them holding a large object while the other three are ...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Giltwood

Rare Large Chinese Export circa 1900 Shoushan Stone Sculpture Pandas Crane Birds
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and very rare original Chinese Export circa 1900 Shoushan stone carving of mountain lions on rocks I h...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Chinese White Jade Open Late Qing Dynasty Plaque
By Alba China
Located in Sarasota, FL
Chinese white jade openwork plaque late Qing Dynasty depicting birds and flowers. Very fine and detailed work. Small loss on the back side of the pl...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

Antique Cherry Amber Resin Guanyin Sculpture
Located in Mérida, YU
Vitntage Cherry Amber Resin Sculpture. Very good condition. Beautiful glowing red color. Amazing detailed work.
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Resin

20C Chinese Soapstone Polished Bowl
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a lovely 20C Chinese soapstone polished bowl. Made in China in the early 20th century circa 1930. This is a medium sized jade green an...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Soapstone

Bronze Chinese Foo Dogs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Asian Bronze and Inlaid Glass Foo Dogs or Kylin Dragon, probably Chinese, circa 1950s or earlier. They retain their warm original patina. These were purchased from the Manhattan estate of a Japanese American that traveled extensively through Asia in the 1940s-1960s purchasing antiques in China...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

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

Antique Chinese Carved Soapstone Gentleman Figure
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An impressive and quite rare Hand Carved Soapstone Standing Asian Figure of a Chinese Gentleman standing on one foot, carrying a circular disk type object on his back, ending on a sq...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Soapstone, Brass, Bronze

Chinese Scholar Stone Taihu Rock on Wood Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese scholar stone in an upright mushroom form displayed on a custom wood stand. Wonderful and well-balanced, the ocher and cream color ston...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Pair 19th Century Bronze Fu Dogs
Located in Dublin 8, IE
These guardian statues were traditionally found standing sentry in front of palaces, temples, and homes of the elite across many parts of Asia. These ...
Category

19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Antique Chinese Carved Gilt Wood & Polychrome Decorated Figure
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite antique Chinese figure, carved from wood and adorned with gilding and polychrome decoration, showcases the exceptional artistry of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. L...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Giltwood

Chinese Scholar Stone Mountain Form with Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small desk top Chinese scholar stones (also known as Gong Shi, meditation stone and spirit rock) on a fitted display wood stand circa 19th century. This is likely a grey Lingbi type stone with subtle arch mimics a horizontal mountain range. The wrinkles and folds on the greyish black surface were perfectly weathered by elements for millenniums. Smooth and rugged at the same time, the mountain range shows a poetic formation that was often depicted in the ink scroll...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Chinese Gilt Guan Yin Buddha Bronze Sculpture
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Gilt Guan Yin Buddha Bronze Sculpture. This piece features delicate facial features, serene expression, and flowing robes, embodying the peaceful and compassionate nature of ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Carved Chinese Rubber Wood Panel with Double Dragon Motif – 20th Century
Located in Hamburg, DE
This round carved panel from China, made of rubber wood, features a traditional double dragon motif in openwork relief. The two dragons are depicted in motion, their sinuous bodies i...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Rubber

19th Chinese Carved Hardwood Figure of an Immortal Holding a Bat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite late 19th-century Chinese carved hardwood figure depicts an immortal holding a bat, symbolizing happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture. The workmanship is exemp...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bone, Hardwood

Large Chinese Carved White Stone Temple Stele Sculpture of a Guan Yin
Located in Bradenton, FL
Carved white stone temple sculpture of a Bodhisattva featuring exquisite craftmanship and attention to detail. Bodhisattvas were enlightened beings who chose to remain in the cycles ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

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

Materials

Beech

Jade vase with rings. China, 19th century
Located in Catania, IT
Jade Vase with Rings. China, Qing Dynasty, 19th century. A Chinese jade vase dating back to the 19th century, Qing Dynasty era. It is a refined art object, entirely carved in natural...
Category

Early 1800s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

19th Century Sculpture of Guan Yu '关羽'
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century sculpture of Guan Yu (??), a guardian deity. Guan Yu (d. A.D. 219), a warrior of the late Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 220) renowned for his valo...
Category

19th Century Irish Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Metal

Pair of 18th/19th Century Solid Teak Foo Dogs, Opposing, Statuary
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair of 19th century / 1930s solid teak foo dogs, statuary. A pair of finely carved from one sold piece of wood ancient opposing foo dogs. The dogs have uniquely expressive faces ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Chinese Export Hardwood Carved Plaque of Quan Yin in Landscape
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Export Hardwood Carved Plaque of Quan Yin in Landscape China, circa 1920s Expertly hand carved landscape plaque of Quan Yin the Buddhist goddess of compassion, mercy, and healing and the eternal protector of women and children. Mounted with symbolic brass hook. Overall measurements : 15-Inches high to the the top of the hook/ 14-Inches high to the top of the hand carved wood plaque...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Brass

Highly Unusual Qing Dynasty Chinese Carved Toad & Gold Thread Table Screen
Located in Atlanta, GA
This finely crafted piece combines traditional Chinese textile artistry with intricate woodcarving. The central element is a circular silk embroidery, depicting a serene scene with f...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Silk, Wood, Lacquer

Vintage Chinese Turtle & Koi Fish Relief Green Glass Snuff Bottle
Located in San Diego, CA
A vintage Chinese turtle and koi fish relief green glass snuff bottle, circa 1940s. The bottle is in very good vintage condition and measures 2"W x 1.25...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Glass

Vintage Burl Mahogany Tansu Chest with Paper Antique Calligraphy Lining
Located in Lomita, CA
This is a unique Japanese Tansu chest that presents beautifully and also offers a glimpse into history through its design. The inside of the cabinet and the back side are covered in ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Brass

Chinese Polychrome Harmony Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this large koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. Much of t...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Pine

Chinese Moss-in-Snow Jadeite Pendant of Bat & Citrons
Located in Chicago, IL
Valued for its rarity and lustrous appearance, jade (yù) has long been a symbol of excellence, longevity and purity of virtue. Worn as jewelry or as a protective charm, the stone was...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

Burmese Mandalay Style Gilt Lacquered Buddha & Red Lacquer Covered Baluster Vase
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Burmese Mandalay style gilt lacquered wood standing figure of Buddha and together with an unusual Burmese red lacquer covered baluster offering vas...
Category

20th Century Burmese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Early 20th Century Bronze Buddha Sculpture, Japan, around 1920
Located in Berlin, DE
This captivating bronze Buddha sculpture, originating from Thailand around 1920, embodies the spiritual serenity of the early 20th century. The standing figure is meticulously crafte...
Category

1920s Japanese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Antique Amber Resin Confucius Sculpture
Located in Mérida, YU
Vitntage Cherry Amber resin Sculpture. Very good condition. Beautiful glowing red color.
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Resin

Chinese Scholar Stone Wuling Rock on Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese scholar stone originated from Wuling Mountains, Hunan Province in central China. A type of geological wonder, formed through wind erosion and polishing by the elements of t...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

19th Century Chinese Guardian Lions in Original Condition
Located in Kramfors, SE
Chinese guardian lions in original condition. The lions are made from wood and were handmade sometime during the 19th century in China. The guard...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Chinese Hand Carved Tigers Eye Stone Libation Cup with Dragon
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine antique/vintage Chinese carved tigers eye stone libation cup supported by a dragon and dating from the early 20th century or possibly earlier. The hard stone cup...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Mid-20th Century Chinese Wood Carved God of Martial Wealth Status
Located in Pomona, CA
According to folklore, Zhao Gongming, also known as Zhao Xuantan, is the God of Wealth believed in by Taoism. It is said that he can control thunder and lightning, eliminate plague a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Boxwood

Vintage Chinese Ceramic Bust of Guanyin Kwan Yin Buddha On Wood Stand mid-20c
Located in Richmond, CA
This Chinese ceramic bust of Kwan Yin (Guanyin), the revered bodhisattva of compassion in Buddhist tradition, is a beautifully crafted representation of spiritual serenity and grace....
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Jadeite Longevity Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Valued for its rarity and lustrous appearance, jade (yù) has long been a symbol of excellence, longevity and purity of virtue. Worn as jewelry or as a protective charm, the stone was...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

Chinese Foo Dog or Lion in Pink and Gray Hardstone mounted on a Pedestal
Located in Lomita, CA
Foo dogs normally travel in pairs, but this fellow is a lone wolf or dog and no less charming for it. This is beautiful Chinese hardstone in the deepest rose or pink tone with gray a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Quartz

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 Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Large Jade-Inset Wood Ruyi Scepter, 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A large Jade-Inset wood Ruyi scepter, 20th century, The dark wood scepter is inset with three shaped gray and russet jade plaques the largest carved in hi...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

ANTIQUE CIRCA 1880 CHINESE BURR / BURL ROOT WOOD CARViNGS OF WISEMEN ON PLATFORM
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely hand carved antique Burr or Burl Root wood statue of the two wisemen on a platform Please note...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Mid-20th Century Chinese Stone Horse and Chariot Sculpture
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a beautiful and serene way to accent your indoor art space or outdoor garden space with this lovely stone treasure from China. This hard to find 21" long carved limestone cha...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Limestone

Bronze Sculpture Japanese Scholar Scroll Fukurokuju Inlay
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Well done, very sharp detailed cast bronze figure with inlay of silver metal on scroll, 1920s- 1930s. Beautiful golden patina on head and bottom from years of handling. 8.3 lbs.   
Category

1920s Japanese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bronze

Set of 3 Small Chinese Carved Soapstone Sculptures
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a lovely set of 3 small Chinese carved soapstone sculptures. Made in China in the early 20th Century circa 1930. This set comprises of: 1. A Medium/Tall mottled b...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Soapstone

Chinese Hand Carved and Lacquered Gilt Panel
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a small rectangular hand carved and lacquered panel. It depicts a scene where a Chinese man is seated and holding a cup while a Chinese woman is observing from the top. The w...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Chinese Bloodstone Carved Seal
Located in Norwood, NJ
Nicely carved red/orange Chinese hardstone seal. Bloodstone or "chicken blood" soapstone hand carved village scene with figures and trees. Signed.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Soapstone

Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Pale Green Jade Carved Dragon Belt Hook w/ Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite antique Chinese Qing Dynasty belt hook showcases the fine craftsmanship and intricate artistry typical of the period. Carved from pale green jade, the piece features a...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade, Brass

Chinese Parcel Gilt, Ebonized and Decorated Wood Wall Hanging Plaque
Located in Germantown, MD
Chinese Parcel Gilt, Ebonized and Decorated Wood Wall Hanging Plaque. Measures 15" in width and 35" in height.
Category

20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Hardwood, Giltwood, Paint

20C Chinese Soapstone Polished Ring Dish
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a lovely 20C Chinese soapstone polished ring dish. Made in China in the early 20th century circa 1930. This is a polished mottled gray soa...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Soapstone

Chinese Cast Iron Figure Buddhist Monk with Original Paint & Gilt, c. 1880's
Located in Ross, CA
Cast iron Buddhist monk, cast around 1880, likely in Guangdong, China. The monk has original paint and some some remaining gilt. The monk stands snugly on a hand made mid 20th centu...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron, Gold Leaf

Chinese Chicken Blood Stone Carving of Bodhidharma on Wood Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small chicken blood stone carving from China circa early 20th century, possibly early (late Qing to early Republic period). It depicts an aged Bo...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Stone

Chinese Antique Hand Carved Stump Buddha Statuary
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Antique Carved stump Happy Buddha Statuary is 100% hand made and hand carved in about 1850 - 1900 from the tree stump. Following ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Chinese Immortal Deity Carved Foo Dog Sculpture Buddha Carved
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an intricately carved wood sculpture Chinese immortal longevity Buddha deity figure crafted with gold -gilt and a black finish...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Giltwood, Wood

20th Sculpture of an Asiatic Man with Birds and Harlequin Motifs, Spain
Located in Miami, FL
This alluring statue will elevate any interior decor. Nimble and flexible yet astute and clever, this statue is here portrayed in the midst of a traditional dance. The masterful de...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Chinese Carved Cinnabar & Enamelled Box with Imperial Dragon Top
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique decorative box is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from China, and date to approximately 1920 and done in a period Chinese...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Brass

Chinese Moss-in-Snow Jadeite Pendant of Peaches
Located in Chicago, IL
Valued for its rarity and lustrous appearance, jade (yù) has long been a symbol of excellence, longevity and purity of virtue. Worn as jewelry or as a protective charm, the stone was...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Jade

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artisanal koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. And b...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood, Pine

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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