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
Period: Mid-20th Century
Large Italian A.Santini Faux Ivory Tusk Carving God of Longevity Chinoiserie 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
A huge Italian A.Santini faux ivory resin sculpture in a curved tusk form, standing 25" tall, of a detailed Chinese god of Longevity standing with a child, mounted upon a stand with ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Resin
Model of Chinese Beauty Pink Rose Quartz Goddess Quan Yin Hand Carved Figurine
Located in Tustin, CA
Exquisitely hand made and hand carved pink rose quartz figurine of the goddess Quan Yin. She is depicted holding a festoon of lotus blossoms and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Rose Quartz
Vintage Chinese Relief Amber Snuff Bottle
Located in San Diego, CA
A vintage Chinese relief amber snuff bottle, circa 1970s. Amber is fossilized tree resin that has been appreciated for its color and natural beauty since Neolithic times. Much valu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese 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
Mid 20th Century Chinese Wooden Carved Pagoda/Nine Dragons Wall
Located in Pomona, CA
The original Nine Dragon Wall was built during the reconstruction of Ningshou Palace in 1772. It is 29.4 meters long, 3.5 meters high and 0.45 meters thick. It is a single-sided glazed screen wall built against the palace wall. Very famous in Chinese history. Up for your consideration is a reproduction of wooden carved nine dragon wall for decoration only. It has very delicate carving works of nine dragons on the front and nine phoenixes on the back. Also, there are four dragon posts to support the roof. Look at the detailed photos, there are some minor wears due to the age. but it still maintained its very good condition.
Size: 17in H x 22in W x 3.75in D
Origin: China
Circa: 1950s
Material: Wood
Condition: Original finish, detailed hand carving works, normal age wear.
Disclaimer: Due to differences in monitor/screen settings, product colors may differ slightly between product photos...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Year of the Dragon Elaborate Hand Carved Stone Dragon Sculpture on Rosewood Base
Located in Tustin, CA
Intricately hand carved from a single block of richly variegated stone, this incredibly detailed and elaborate, Chinese sculpture is a true work of art. It features a dragon on a car...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone, Carnelian
Colorful Pair of Asian Foo Dogs Believed to be Chinese circa 1960s or Earlier
Located in Atlanta, GA
Colorful Pair of Asian Foo Dogs, believed to be Chinese, circa 1960s or earlier.
Category
1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Ceramic
An early 20th century Chinese cloisonne sculpture of a five clawed dragon c 1930
Located in Central England, GB
An early 20th century Chinese decorative cloisonne sculpture of a five clawed dragon gripping a ball.
This bright and unusual dragon is a Chinese ...
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Copper
Chinese Hardstone Trees in Cloisonne Pots, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese hardstone tree sculptures comprised of amethyst, rock crystal, greenstone, turquoise, and coral, housed in cloisonne jardinieres with sc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Coral, Rock Crystal
Vintage Chinese Jade Hand Carved Stone Amulet with Acanthus Flowers and Leaves
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Chinese green jade hand carved stone amulet with acanthus flowers and leaves circa 1950's.
Vintage Asian Chinese Jade hand carved s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone, Jade
Chinese Censer Mid-Century Bronze with Asiatic Lion and Gilt
Located in Lomita, CA
Bronze and gilt detailing combine to make this Chinese censer a beautiful decorative cast bronze accent. The bowl and cover are cast with various object...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Carved Chinese Window Panel in Mahogany with Chinese Tea Symbol
Located in Lomita, CA
The detailed carving and deep mahogany patina make this large square carved Chinese window panel stand out. The wooden panel can hang on a wall, b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Chinese Huge 3 Tiers Carved Serpentine/Jade Dragon Tower
Located in Pomona, CA
This huge Chinese Serpentine/Jade tower was Intricately and elaborately open carved dragons with a lot of free rings and chains works and details. I...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
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...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Giltwood
Chinese Old Pair Symbolic Longevity Effigy Lighting Lanterns
Located in South Burlington, VT
Rare Pair -first we have seen
Unusual find.
One pair (2) "Longevity" calligraphy lanterns in the form of human effigies
A fine and rare matching pair (2) of large 12 inch tall Chinese export hand cast lanterns with attractive longevity and mystical "human effigy...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Iron
Soapstone Seal, Carved and Polished, China 1930, Republic Period, China 1930
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This Seal is in Soapstone, in white color. This has been made in China.
The Period is the Republic Period, circa 1930.
It is Hand-carved, and polished.
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
Large Domed Chinese Cinnabar Box
Located in Miami, FL
A large vintage Chinese red cinnabar box with deep relief carved lid depicting peonies, trees and a landscape with a palace. The round box has...
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Brass
Vintage Pair of 'Blanc De Chine' Porcelain Guanyin Statues, China, circa 1950
Located in Chatham, ON
Fine vintage pair of 'Blanc de Chine' porcelain Guanyin statues - each figure holding an applied flower and standing on a lotus leaf and decorative stan...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Porcelain
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
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
Pair of 18th/19th Century Solid Teak Foo Dogs, Opposing, Statuary
Located in Stamford, CT
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
Large Asian Bronze Foo Dogs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Large Asian Bronze Foo Dogs or Kylin Dragon, probably Chinese, circa 1950s or earlier. They retain their warm original patina. These were purch...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
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
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
Pair of Carved Wood and Gilt Finished Chinese Foo Dog Figurines or Sculptures
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of intricately hand carved and hand painted Foo dogs are believed to have made in the mid-20th century in the Imperial style. The dogs are composed of a softwood which have...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Softwood
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
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
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
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
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
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 Carved Soap Stone Figurines
Located in New York, NY
Chinese set of eight carved soap stone figurines, depicting an old man, a chicken, a rooster, a panda, two tall ziches signed in the front and one smaller z...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
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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