Chinese Export Architectural Elements
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.
9
to
2
9
9
9
9
209
201
156
145
144
117
114
108
106
98
91
74
60
46
43
13
10
7
7
2
1
Height
to
Width
to
7
2
1
1
1
9
9
9
Style: Chinese Export
Wood Sculpture Container from Old Water Mill Gear, China 1800-40
Located in Round Top, TX
This wood accent piece originally served as a section of gear work from a water mill in China. The deep worn patina of the rich hard wood is warm and inviting. May be used as a conta...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Emerald Green Glazed Architectural Tile, circa 1900 Set of 2
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Chinese emerald Green Glazed Breezeway Tile, circa 1900 Set of 2.
Early 20th century Chinese jade, emerald green ceramic garden tiles - S...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Chinese 3d Carving Wood Panels Hanging Architectural Element, Set
Located in Pomona, CA
These set of three antique Chinese wood carving panels has very deep 3D carving works of Chinese folks art - Chinese Opera with gilt. These ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
19th Century Chinese Temple Architectural Corbel Carved Sculpture Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A majestic pair of antique architectural salvaged Chinese temple corbels, now mounted as one-of-a-kind wooden sculptures on custom floor standing display pedestal stands.
Originally commissioned for an important religious temple in China, the impressive large scale wall bracket corbels were notoriously difficult as they had to serve as both highly decorative temple ornaments and structural building elements used to support the weight of a wall.
Hand-crafted in the early 19th century, smilarly styled design, each exceptionally hand carved, sculpted, and painted by highly trained artisans. Profusely carved and decorated, featuring very fine quality high relief work throughout, extensive bas relief, pierced openwork, rich carvings and intricate incised detailing, depicting various Chinese folk religion figures and imagery.
Rising on bespoke handmade stands, consistenting of sturdy rectangular shaped thick plank plinth base embellished with foliate carvings, held upright by turned column single support.
Rich in culture and history, interesting, unusual, highly decorative, whimsical and artistic, sure to add sophisticated elegance, rustic character, color, space, texture and lots of visual interest.
Dimensions, largest (approx):
Each: 32.5" H, 19" W, 7.25" D.
Please note, the objects were sourced and transported both legally and ethically, retaining partial original red wax export seal to top.
Display the three Sanxing, in their iconic representation as three, old, bearded, wise men, which dates back to the Ming dynasty, when the Gods of the three stars were represented in human form for the first time. One panel having two monumental smiling figures with hand painted eyes and tongue, the other fragment depicting four figures, seated and standing, likely Immortals, Gods, Shen deity, and other characters from ancient Chinese mythology and folklore. Both pieces with elaborate lotus and pine tree motif, a powerful symbol of wisdom and longevity.
Sanxing figures are an important part of Asian culture. Statues of these three Gods...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood, Paint
19th-C. Monumental Chinese Carved Food Dog Corbels / Architectural Fragments, 2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
Wow! This is a pair or set of monumental Chinese corbels with heavily carved hanging food dogs and pups. The detail is incredible. The slightly smaller...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Rosewood
Antique Chinese Glazed Guardian Lion Foo Dogs, a Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent pair of large antique Chinese porcelain temple Guardian Lions - Foo Dogs. The near matching male and female pair of handcrafted arc...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Geometric Lattice Window Panels
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Near pair of wood Chinese window panels or grates featuring a geometric lattice design. Mortise and tenon joinery with parcel painted finish and C...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
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 Architectural Elements
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century Chinese 3d Carving Wood Panel Hanging Architectural Element
Located in Pomona, CA
This antique Chinese wood carving panel has very deep 3D carving works of Chinese folks art - Chinese Opera with gilt. Very detailed carving...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Related Items
19th Century Asian Architectural Fragment
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A 19th century Asian stone architectural fragment. This intriguing sculpture probably had a utilitarian function as a water deposit. As often in China prac...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Stone
Pair of Chinese Black Marble Contemporary Facing Foo Dogs Guardian Lions
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of contemporary Chinese black marble left and right facing foo dogs guardian lions on rectangular bases. Created in China during the 21st century, this pair of black marble gu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Marble
Large Antique, Industrial Factory Wooden Foundry Form, Wheel, Cog, Gear
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large antique, Industrial factory wooden foundry form mold, wheel, cog, gear, very unusual and rare size measuring 52" in diameter, retains original facto...
Category
1910s American Vintage Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Pair of Antique Qing Dynasty Chinese Sancai Roof Tiles
Located in Forney, TX
A pair of Qing dynasty (1636–1912) Sancai glazed ceramic figural roof tiles with rich beautifully aged patina!
Dating to the 19th century, wonderfully hand-crafted and painted, sculptural form depicting stylized fish, rising on terracotta clay arched imbrex barrel roof tile.
Dimensions: (approx)
Each; 13" High, 4.5" Wide, 9" Deep; 8.6lbs total
Condition:
Great original antique condition with heavy patina over the whole. Significant crazing - craquelure throughout that can only be acquired over long periods of time. Wear consistent with age. We have not cleaned them, leaving them as original, and retaining as much antique character as possible. If you would like them cleaned and polished please let us know after ordering them.
History:
The Fish, ? (yú) figure is believed to be a symbol of good fortune and longevity.
The Fish is one of the several natural or mythical creatures such as Foo Dogs - Guardian Lions that adorn roof edges of Chinese religious temples, official buildings and important structures. Brightly hand painted and glazed ceramic roof tiles...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic, Clay, Paint
Monumental Arched Wood Architectural Fragment with Carvings from France
Located in Houston, TX
Monumental Arched Wood Architectural Fragment with Carvings from France. The wood has a bleached appearance. This piece could be used as a head board or to add architectural detail t...
Category
20th Century French Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
19th Century Moorish Revival Bronze Architectural Model Panel
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique Moorish architectural model thin bronze plaque from the late 19th century.
This architectural model features a symmetrical design, the bronze frame having three sections, each panel with large traditional Moorish architecture rounded horseshoe - keyhole arch, flanked by xa pair of smaller pierced arches, finely detailed, decorated in intricate relief work, with light arabesque motif, Islamic calligraphy inscriptions, two large Star of David hexagrams, and notched saw toothed edge ornamentation.
Provenance:
From the highly curated contents of well regarded professional antique dealers, Ed and Jane Grant, who retired after four decades in the industry. The couple supplied both their Washington metro based antique shop, Grant Antiques, and their very fine quality Connecticut showcase, E.J. Grant Antiques, with domestic and imported pieces. World travelers who especially loved European antiques, sourced their merchandise during their frequent buying trips to Europe and Asia and included purchases originating in France, the British Isles, Italy, Spain, and beyond.
"We have never been content with our established route. England is our first and favorite country and furniture. Then we discovered France. Then Holland and Belgium. On to Italy, Spain, then Scandinavia and later China. As always, bits and pieces from the U.S.," explains Jane in her memoirs of their 40 years as antiques dealers.
Upon closing their antiques businesses (which were considered prominent sources for quality, diversity, and condition), the contents were carefully moved to a storage facility in Trumbull, CT awaiting the auction. It's always sad to see such a fine couple shut their doors after so many years in the industry, but we were honored to have the opportunity to find some truly beautiful pieces from such a respected and trusted source.
Acquisition:
Reputable auction house, Blackrock Galleries...
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Bronze
Large Number of Antique Glazed Relief Tiles, Belgium
By OTHR
Located in Rijssen, NL
Amazing set of handmade tiles in rich green colors. Each tile is divided into six faces. Manufactured early 20th century, Belgium.
These tiles would be charming displayed on easels,...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Wooden Cog or Gear Part
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wooden piece of a gear or a wooden Cog. An old architectural Element. These pieces are wonderful filler on a side table or console table that is telling an interesting story. Th...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Set of Ten Art Nouveau Floral Glazed Tiles
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Beautiful 10 ceramic tiles in Art Nouveau style. With a great floral ornament in the form of an embossed relief with glaze coating. The tiles are similarly handcrafted as around 1900...
Category
Late 20th Century German Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Carved Wood Panel
Located in New York, NY
19th Century carved wood panel with lotus bud motive. An Architectural Element from a Buddhist Monastery in Northen Thailand. A Lotus Bud representi...
Category
Early 1800s Thai Antique Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Teak
Set of 9 Glazed Art Deco Relief Tiles, Muster, 1930s
Located in Rijssen, NL
Recently lifted from its original home, this unique and antique set of Art Deco handmade tiles. A beautiful relief and color. With stylized design. These tiles would be charming disp...
Category
1930s European Vintage Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
1 of the 20 Antique Glazed Art Nouveau Tiles, circa 1920
Located in Rijssen, NL
This is an amazing set of original Art Nouveau handmade tiles. A beautiful relief and color. With a stylish flower design. These tiles would be cha...
Category
1920s European Vintage Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Previously Available Items
Wood Sculpture from Old Water Mill Gear, China circa 1890
Located in Round Top, TX
This wood accent piece originally served as a section of gear work from a water mill in China. Note the upper section that created the "gearworks."
The deep worn patina and grain of ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
19th Century Chinese 3d Carving Wood Panel Hanging Architectural Element
Located in Pomona, CA
This antique Chinese wood carving panel has very deep 3D carving works of Chinese folks art - Chinese Opera with gilt. Very detailed carving...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Set of 4 Antique Chinese Figural Architectural Tiles, 19th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Chinese Figural Architectural tiles - set of 4. 19th century, Beautifully worn.
Additional information:
Materials: Sculpture Materials...
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Iron
19th Century Chinese Wooden Doors, Set of Four
Located in High Point, NC
A set of 19th century decorative wooden doors from China. These tall sculptural panels rest with a pensive, contemplative aura. Beautifully carved floral motifs are framed above a mandala pattern...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Architectural Carved Chinese Dragon and Phoenix Gold-Tone Archway
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Architectural carved Chinese Dagon and phoenix archway featuring a large 99" tall square archway with a round opening. The archway features decorative scrolling pattern with the risi...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Wooden Element of Chinese Presentation Peice
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wooden Element of Chinese presentation peice from the 20th Century. Comes apart in 14 pieces
h: 164cm, l: 75cm, p: 45cm
Category
1950s Asian Vintage Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Wooden Chinese Element Hand-Painted Wood
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Wooden Chinese Element hand painted wood.
h:178cm, l: 102cm, p: 60cm
Category
1950s Asian Vintage Chinese Export Architectural Elements
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export architectural elements for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export architectural elements for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage architectural elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export architectural elements made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia 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 architectural elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $650 and tops out at $6,500 while the average work can sell for $1,120.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Iron Balcony Railing
Garden Windmill
Louis Sullivan Chicago
Shutter Hinge
Large Antique Wood Corbels
Iron Garden Trellis
Antique Iron Trellis
Arched Trellis
Retro Architectural Salvage
Terracotta Roof Tiles
Arch Trellis
Art Nouveau Relief Tiles
Gothic Salvage
Large Door Push And Pull Handles
Rock Crystal Knobs
Facade Fragment
Iron Window Grills
Newel Post Carved