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Chinese Export Building and Garden 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.

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Style: Chinese Export
Elegant Pair of Blue & White Planters on Teak Stands
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely pair of blue and white Chinese planters on curvy carved teak stands. For indoor display.
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

Pair of Vintage Chinese Terracotta Garden Seats
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Mid Century Chinese garden seats handcrafted in terracotta in classic form with a unique two tone drip and speckle glaze.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Terracotta

Burgundy Glazed Chinese Pottery Jardiniere with Ram's Horns
Located in Chicago, IL
Burgundy Glazed Chinese Pottery Jardiniere with Ram's Horns, 20th Century. opening 14 3/4" diam
Category

20th Century Asian Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Chinese Hongmu Stands Pedestals / Plant Stands
Located in Germantown, MD
A Stunning slender Pair of mid 20th century Chinese Hongmu Stands Pedestals / Plant Stands. Measures 12.5" in width, 12.5" in depth and stand 36...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Rosewood

Chinese Vintage Glazed Stoneware Pottery Planter Jardinaire
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely cream colored Chinese glazed ceramic planter with raised decoration.
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Carved Rosewood And Marble Inset Pedestal Plant Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
A mid century Chinese Carved Hardwood And Marble Inset Tabourette. Stands 36.5" tall. Great Condition
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Rosewood

Pair Of Chinese Lacquered And Dragon Decorated Jardinières On Stands
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair Of Chinese Lacquered And Dragon Decorated Jardinières On Stands. Measures 20"W x 20"W x 25.75"H 14.75"H without stand Inside top is 18" x 18", inside bottom is 14"x 14"
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Antique Chinese Emperor and Empress Wooden Statues
Located in Pomona, CA
This pair of Antique Chinese Emperor and Empress Statues are 100% hand made and hand carved with paint and gilt on them. Some of the paint and gilt has been worn off but overall they are in good condition. Look at the pictures, you can see that they are in many years history with some age wear. Now you can have them on your collection shelf. Size: 6in H x 2 3/4in W x 2in D each Origin: China Circa: Late Qing era Material: Wood Condition: Hand made, hand painted, normal age wear. Disclaimer: Due to differences in monitor/screen settings, product colors may differ slightly between product photos...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

1900s Chinese Garden Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully detailed paint work. Unusual turquoise color. Mint condition. Probably 1920s to 1930s.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Vintage Carved Teak Wood Fretwork Figural Cornucopia Chinese Plant Stand Planter
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Carved Teak Wood Fretwork Figural Cornucopia Chinese Plant Stand Planter with Zinc Metal Liner. Circa Mid to Late 20th Century. Measurements: 35.5" H x 20" W x 16" D.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Chinese 3d Carving Wood Panel Hanging Architectural Element
Located in Pomona, CA
These pair of 2 antique Chinese wood carving panels have very deep 3D carving works of Chinese folks art - Chinese Opera with gilt. Very det...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Vintage Chinese Hand Chiseled Stone Trough, Planter
Located in Pomona, CA
This stone planter is retrieved from the village in northern part of China. It is hand chiseled out of one piece of stone and hand carved by the local stone master. It's originally f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

Large 20th Century Chinese Brown and Gold Glazed Earthenware Planter
Located in Dallas, TX
A large Chinese earthenware planter jardiniere with a brown and gold glaze. This late 20th century large planter is every decorative and has a bat motif.
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Earthenware

Pair of Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Painted Porcelain Panels -Wall Hangin
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a set of 2 panels Chinese antique Painted Porcelain Panels. They were hand made and hand painted. It features beautiful detailed open carved Ch...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

18th Century Large Delft Garden Urn
Located in Maidstone, GB
18th Century Large Delft Garden Urn, of octagonal form with mask handles painted in blue with river landscapes within foliate and leaf borders. A good e...
Category

Mid-18th Century Dutch Antique Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pottery

20th century Chinese Export Porcelain Garden Seat
Located in Savannah, GA
Hexagonal shaped Chinese Nanking Style Export blue and white glazed porcelain garden seat. Features include a pierced top and sides, molded relief dots...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Porcelain Painted Garden Seats w/ Dragons & Exotic Birds, C 1820
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Chinese porcelain decorative painted foliage garden seats with flanking dragons, exotic birds, exterior bead work, and circular fret work, Early 19th century. Each seat measu...
Category

1820s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Porcelain, Paint, Pottery

Mid-20th Century Vintage Chinese Carved Marble Stone Lion/Foo Dog
Located in Pomona, CA
A pair of magnificent Chinese Stone Lion Statuary. They are hand carved from marble stone. According to historical books, lions were introduced into Main...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

Late 19th Century Chinese Etched Brass Jardiniere with Lion Heads
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 19th Century Chinese Etched Brass Jardiniere with lion heads and measuring 14" in width, 11" in depth and 10" tall.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

19th Century Antique Chinese Hand Chiseled Stone Trough, Planter
Located in Pomona, CA
This stone trough is retrieved from the village in northern China. It is hand carved out one piece of stone and hand chiseled by the local stone master. It's originally for feeding h...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

Vintage Chinese Brown Glazed Ceramic Dragon Cachepot Planter Pot - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Brown Glazed Ceramic Dragon Cachepot Planter Pot - a Pair. Item featured has raised/relief designed dragons, brown glazed finish, very ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-20th Century Carved Wooden Gilt Standing Thai Buddha Statues, Set of 4
Located in Pomona, CA
Set of 4 Thai hand carved wooden standing Buddha set on display stands. Beautifully carved and gilt in details. Dated Mid-20th Century. Great addition to any collection or eye-catchi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Chinese Etched Brass Jardiniere
Located in Germantown, MD
An Early 20th Century Chinese Etched Brass Jardiniere measuring 14" in width, 11" in depth and 10" tall.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Asian Jardinière, Planter, Cachepot or Fish Bowl, Tony Duquette
Located in Stamford, CT
Asian Jardinière, Planter, Cachepot or Fish Bowl, Tony Duquette A finely crafted Cachepot or Fish Bowl in the manner of Tony Duquette having double Dragons in a pleasing Silhouette...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Clay, Pottery

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 Building and Garden 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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Hand Carved 6 Panels Wooden Screen/Room Divide
Located in Pomona, CA
A set of six Chinese Qing Dynasty period large carved wood interior door panels from the late 19th century, with fretwork design, Created in China during the Qing Dynasty in the late...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Pair 19th Century Chinese Rose medallion porcelain garden seats.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A wonderful quality pair of 19th Century Chinese Rose medallion / Cantonese porcelain garden seats. Each with beautiful bold classical green and pink colouring. Depicting scenes of v...
Category

1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Hand Chiseled Stone Planter
Located in Pomona, CA
This stone planter is retrieved from the village in northern part of China. It is hand chiseled out of solid stone and hand carved by the local stone master. It come with 2 pieces an...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

Pair of Blue & White Porcelain Chinese Oriental Drum Garden Seat Pedestal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Blue & White Pierced Porcelain Chinese Drum Garden Seats. item features a porcelain construction, pierced decoration, white and blue paint glazed decoration, great style form...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Antique Chinese Large Court Yard Door Panels-Pair
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a pair of Chinese antique massive Court Yard Door panels. They were made of Elm wood, very heavy, solid and sturdy. It features metal armored around the edges forming unique ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Chinese Import Style Wooden Plant Stand
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Chinese import style wooden plant stand, circa first half of 20th century. The stand is in very good vintage condition and measures 18"D...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Hardwood

Early 20th Century Chinese Vintage Carved Stone Horse Statue/Sculpture
Located in Pomona, CA
This vintage Chinese noble steed horse sculpture is hand craft with exquisite detail which was very common in horse sculptures crafted during the Tang Dynasty. Especially for imperia...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

Early 19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Stone Buddha Head Statue
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this magnificent Chinese antique carved stone Shakyamuni Buddha Head. It shows very detailed hand carving works on it. With closed eyes and a gentle expression, this large stone Buddha...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stone

20th Century Chinese Bronze God of Warrior Guan Gong Statuary
Located in Pomona, CA
Take look at this magnificent Chinese Antique carved bronze guan gong statuary. It shows very detailed carving works on it. It is all hand made and hand carv...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

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....
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

19th Century Antique Chinese Large Court Yard Door Panels-Pair
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a pair of Chinese antique massive Court Yard Door panels. They were made of Elm wood, very heavy, solid and sturdy. It features metal armored around the edges forming unique ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Elm

Lovely Pair of Blue and White Ceramic Chinese Garden Seats End Tables
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely blue and white Chinese cylindrical garden seats. Makes a great pair of side or drinks tables.
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Large Heavy Chinese Cast Gilt Bronze Planter
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large and heavy Chinese gilt bronze squat form jardiniere / planter. Amazing details with foo lion handles with rings, center band of relief chrysanthemums and other floral decoratio...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Pair of Massive 20th Century Oriental Ceramic Foo Dogs or Temple Lions
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A large pair of unique and very decorative 20th century ceramic Imperial Guardian Lions, commonly known as Foo Dogs. Decorated in the Majolica style bright green and yellow toned ove...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery, Paint

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 Building and Garden 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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Rosewood

Early 19th Century Antique Chinese Huge Colored Glaze Ceramic Foo Dog
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese antique colored glaze ceramic lion statuary are hand made and hand carved in Museum quality. According to historical books, lion...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

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 Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Antique Chinese Handcraft 5 Panels Wooden Screen / Room Divider
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 115 1/2"H x 19 1/2"W x 2"D each All together: 97 in W Origin: Shan Xi, China Circa: 1850 Material: Elm wood Condition: Original finished, very good condition. hand made, hand ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Elm

Chinese Green Glazed Porcelain Parrot Statue
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Chinese glazed porcelain statue of a green parrot with a gray beak and talons perched atop matching green grasses.  
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Porcelain Filigree Garden Seat
Located in New York, NY
Asian Chinese style (19/20th Cent) beige and aqua porcelain filigree garden seat / pedestal.  
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Fire Screen Made of Burlwood with a Silk Inset
Located in New York, NY
Asian Chinese-style (19th Century) root fire screen with beige silk embroidered panel.  
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Silk

Chinese Black Painted Faux Bamboo and Gold Florals Fireplace Screen
Located in New York, NY
Chinese painted black fireplace screen with a faux bamboo frame, accented in gold botanical designs centered on each side of the panel.    
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Four Terra Cotta Garden Seats with a Blue Glaze, Priced Per Pair
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking group of four large scale garden seats crafted in terra cotta in a traditional form, featuring a glorious blue glaze with a crackle finish. One with an old repair, as seen i...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Pots with Stands
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Asian Chinese (19/20th century) blue and multi-colored cloisonnv small rectangular cachepots. (priced as pair).       
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Pair of Chinese Celadon Scalloped Pots
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese celadon colored pots with scalloped tops and detached base trays framing tonal, raised carvings of cranes in natural settings (priced as pair).   
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Rosewood Pot Stand
Located in New York, NY
Asian Chinese-style rosewood jardiniere stand with a fluted lotus design over a carved filigree round base with 4 feet.        
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood, Rosewood

Pair Early 20th Century Chinese Sancai Terra Cotta Pedestals or Stands
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is an outstanding near pair of Chinese Sancai terra cotta pedestals or stands. This pair dates to the early 20th c. and has acquired a rich ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Terracotta

Carved Marble Lotus Bowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Craved marble lotus bowl with foliate designed rim. Delicately craved beautiful accent piece for your garden.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Glazed Terra Cotta Pedestals or Stands
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of early 20th century Chinese glazed terra cotta pedestals or stands. These stunning antique Chinese pedestals are executed in an interestin...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Export building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export building and garden elements 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 building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, asian art and furniture, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include Castilian Trading, and Delft. 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 building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $325 and tops out at $70,400 while the average work can sell for $2,240.

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