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.
1
157
to
38
106
28
157
157
157
76
67
54
18
13
12
9
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
31
124
49
26
6
1
1
3
3
1
1
2
66
54
31
19
14
152
145
140
4
3
Style: Chinese Export
Returnable Items Only
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 typ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
Pair of Carved Stone Foo Dog Chop Seals
Located in Norwood, NJ
Pair of hard stone chop seals decorated with foo dogs. Two lines of calligraphy across the front. Incised seal on the bottoms.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
Large Ceramic Buddha Head or Bust with Real Gold Leaf, Asian Circa 1920s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good large head or bust statue or sculpture of Buddha, possibly Chinese or Japanese, which we date to the first half of the 20th century, circa 1920s.
The large hea...
Category
Early 20th Century East Asian Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Ceramic
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
Large Chinoiserie Plaster Sculpture Chinese Figure under a Pine Tree
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A large chinoiserie plaster sculpture
Chinese figure under a pine tree
Probably early 20th century.
Large, possibly unique sculpture of figure under a pine tree with a rock
for...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Plaster
Chinese Rust Agate Carved Teapot with Stand
Located in New York, NY
Asian Chinese rust agate tea pot with filigree handle and carved relief with a floral and scroll design. Damages to ring top-all pieces accounted.(modern base 1¬O" high).
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone, Marble
Pair of 20C Chinese Soapstone Carved Bookends
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a lovely pair of 20C Chinese Soapstone carved bookends.
Made in China in the early 20th Century circa 1930.
This is a matching and reverse facing pair of mottled bro...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
Antique Carved Chinese Boxwood Plaque or Insert
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese carved boxwood plaque or insert.
Depicting a Chinese monastery scene.
The border is decorated with small repeating ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Boxwood
Intricate Chinese Immortal Deity Foo Dog Sculpture Carved Wood Gold Gilt & Black
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Intricately carved wood sculpture Chinese Immortal Longevity Buddha Deity figure crafted with gold gilt and a black finish with foo dog at base.
Meas...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Chinese Export Finely Carved Soapstone Scholars/ Tea Pot
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Export finely carved soapstone scholars/ tea pot
With deeply carved floral and vine relief, unmarked
With hardwood stand.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
19th Chinese Carved Hardwood Figure of an Immortal Holding a Bat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Chinese carved hardwood figure of an immortal holding a bat, well carved with inlaid bone eyes and teeth.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bone, Hardwood
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
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 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 Cinnabar Elephant
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful decorative elephant figure in red cinnabar. We believe this item is Chinese export, circa 1970s, the elephant shows some loss to the red finish on the top of the hind end, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Lacquer
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
Small Carved Lavender Opaline Jade Guan Yin Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a small carved lavender “opaline” jade Guan Yin sculpture. The sculpture has some russet jade spots in the upper back. The back of her head is adorned with a reticulated mand...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
Spherical Vase Forming Planter Cloisonné Decorated with Polychrome Floral Motifs
By Gold China
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
Silvered Metal Manjushri, Sino, Tibetan Buddhist Deity
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A silvered figure of Manjusri seated in dhyanasana on a Pala style Indian base, wearing an ornate crown and wearing body jewelry,
Manjushri holds the sword of wisdom in his right hand and above his left shoulder is a lotus flower upon which rests a volume of the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras.
Manjushri - Tibetan Buddhist Deity...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tibetan Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Metal
Chinese Lapis Lazuli Carved Group of Figures Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a large heavy Chinese lapis lazuli well carved in details group of figures sculpture.`It depicts two young ladies very well dressed in southern and northern dynasty clothes with traditional Chinese hair...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Lapis Lazuli
Votive Plaque with Walking Buddha in Sukhothai Style and Silvered Seated Buddha
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Votive Plaque with Walking Buddha in Sukhothai Style, Thailand, 18th or 19th century, cast in relief from a metal alloy of tin and lead with an iron lik...
Category
Early 19th Century Thai Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Metal
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 Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Metal
Chinese Carved Wood Wall Art from a Hunting Tiger
Located in Antwerp, BE
A large 19th century Chinese carved wall plaque in wood features a hunting tiger on rocks with bamboo trees and the sun in the background.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
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
Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Tigers
Located in Houston, TX
A stunning pair of late 20th century life-size Chinese cloisonné tigers from the Baron Estate.
In Chinese symbolism, these tigers represents the ma...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Brass
Chinese Concrete Male Foo Dog Guardian Lion Statue Sculpture Fu Feng Shui
Located in Dayton, OH
32" Chinese concrete male foo dog Guardian lion statue sculpture Fu Feng Shui
The perfect compliment to any doorway or garden setting. This ma...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Concrete
Chinese Scholar Rock Kun Stone on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
This sublime Chinese scholar stone was collected from the Jade Peaks in the Kun Mountains, Jiangsu Province. Known sometimes as "the magic stone" in China due to its unique formation...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
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
Bronze Sculpture, Late 19th Century, Asia
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bronze sculpture, late 19th century, Asia
Measures: H 19cm, W 15cm, W 8cm.
Category
1880s Asian Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Rare Large Chinese Export circa 1900 Shoushan Stone Sculpture Pandas Crane Birds
Located in GB
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
Antique Chinese Carved Wood Trade Sign
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Unique hand carved wood trade sign from China, 1890s. The sign with hand carved Chinese lettering with gilt highlights. The black background with a gilt border.
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Large Chinese Scholar Stone Taihu Rock on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large and dramatic Chinese Gongshi (known as meditation stone or spirit stone) from Taihu (Lake Tai) balanced on display stand. This scholar rock features a relatively red and poro...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
Large Bronze Statue of Bodhisattva on Double Lotus Throne
Located in Atlanta, GA
The most beloved subject in the Mahayana Buddhism, Bodhisattva, the one whom driven by great compassion, delayed his/her own Buddhahood to help the others to attain enlightenment.
...
Category
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Gold, Bronze
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
China Mid-18th Century Wood Hand-Carved Architectural Sculpture
Located in Brescia, IT
This charming Mid-19th Century fragment of wood, is a detail of an hand-carved wood column and it has its country of origin in the Oriental part of Indo-China.
This is an elegant object that can be used as a paperweight or it can be a decorative object simply, to appreciate for its charming shape and for the beauty of the detailed engraving in the wood. It is only a little piece, but trought it, is possible to understand the beauty and quality of design of the building from which it is coming out.
This beautiful piece can be useful as bookend also.
The photos shown this antique wood fragment...
Category
Late 18th Century Indonesian Antique Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
Vintage Chinese Carved Stone Ruyi
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese stone Ruyi is hand carved from a whole piece of solid stone. It shows very detailed hand craft works Azure Dragon and Vermilion Bird on each end. Also, there...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
Chinese Honan Jade Censer
Located in Lomita, CA
This is a special honan jade temple carving censer with a small Buddha figure visible from inside the carving in white. The color is cool with hints of whi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
20th Century Hand Carved Chinese Jade Incense Burner
Located in Pomona, CA
Up for sale is one of our finest Chinese jade collections, an exquisitely carved Chinese jade incense burner after the archaic loyal style ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Metal Box Japan
Japanese Buddhist Carving
Japanese Metal Box
Asia Hat
Buddhist Bronze
Temple Shrine
Japanese Hand Warmer
Asian Deity
Shipping Container Art
Antique Japanese Stone Garden Lantern
Retro Chinese Lanterns
Retro Chinese Lantern
Chinese Stone Basin
Chinese Carving Figure
Chinese Water Color
Buddhist Lanterns
Chi Vintage
Stone Carving Head