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Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

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
Asian Brass Mounted Rosewood Jewelry Box with Lock and Key
Located in Germantown, MD
This is a Chinese jewelry box that is made out of rosewood with beautiful Chinoiserie brass trim. It is a nice heavy box that measures 13”W x 8”L x 5 1/2”H. The top layer inside hold...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass

Large Rond Jewelry Box, Color with with Internal Compartments, Japan 19th
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is an rond large box. It has been decorated with gilted drawing. It has been made in Japan, during the 19th Century. In red and gold color. It is a jelwery box.
Category

19th Century French Antique Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Wood

Chinese Box, with Flower Pattern Decor, Lacquered 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Small lacquered painted box, with floral decorations in yellow, red and green, it was made in China in the 19th century.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique Chinese Table Top Vanity Jewellery Box Cabinets Folding Mirrors
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of antique Chinese Export table top vanity mirror cabinets circa 1900 A good looking and well made pairing, most likely used ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass

19th Century Chinese Hand Carved Meal Delivery and Lunch Box
Located in Pomona, CA
This Antique lacquered lunch box from Shan Xi, China has over 140 years history and still maintained very good condition. There are some traditional carving works on the two sides handle and shows the traditional style of Northern China's cultural. This antique lunch box...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Wood

Large Jewellery Box, with a Mirror Inside, Vietnam from the End of 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Large box from Vietnam. Manufactured at the end of the 19th century. Red in color slightly pinkish, with magnificent fish decorations in white and yellow colors. This box locks, the ...
Category

Late 19th Century Vietnamese Antique Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Antique Chinese Cinnabar Lacquered Rectangular Box and Cover, China, circa 1880,
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Red lacquer box with the lid representing a scholar and children playing in a mountainous garden, the outer sides covered with repeated geometric patterns. This box was made in China...
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Late 19th Century Engraved Chinese Brass Box with Carved Nephrite White Jade Lid
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Antique carved nephrite white jade from a ruyi, mounted to the hinged lid of a conforming brass box. The inside of the lid and outer surfaces are engraved with propitious symbols. C...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Jade, Brass

1950s Mid-Century Chinese Rosewood+Brass Turtle Hinged Jewelry Box Chinoiserie
Located in Hyattsville, MD
An older mid-century Chinese export/souvenir Jewelry Box. Inside it has two removable separators, outside is has brass decorations, hinges, and a w...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass

Rattan Split Chair Wood Confortable Modern Asian Modern Kalma Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Rattan frame accented with wood and open rattan split weave on its sides and backrest. Modern and confortable chair. Modern chair stamped for Kalma in Bamboo Wood, 20th century. ...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Leather, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Wood

Antique Chinese Wooden Jewelry Box or Vanity Dresser Chest with Intricate Inlay
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This very elaborate jewelry box or vanity dresser makeup chest is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in China in approximately 1850 in the period Chinese Export style. The box ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Metal

Armchair Bamboo Rattan Wood Handmade Ramon Castellano Leather Kalma Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Modern armchair designed by Ramon Castellano (spanish designer), stamped for Kalma in Bamboo Wood, 20th Century. Collapsible rattan base reinforced with wrought iron. Seat is framed ...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Iron

Rattan Chair Wood Cane Color Leather Patchwork Movable Backrest Kalma Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Rattan frame chair with movable backrest, seat in upholstered woven cane, backrest in mixed colored leather in patchwork design. Modern reclin...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Iron

Wood Handmade Table Iron Woven Medieval Design Italian Traditional Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Italian wood handmade cofee table with a unique iron woven and vaneers design. Inspired in the medieval time with a traditional and vintage focus. Made in Italy, 20th century. Hig...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Iron

Woven Black Leathe Handmade Duyan Argao Lounge Ramon Castellano Kalma Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Duyan Argao lounge - woven black leather chair. Collapsible rattan base reinforced with wrought iron. Chair framed in rattan and crown is in wood. Bindings in leather. UNESCO award a...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Iron

Handmade Indoors Outdoors Big Leather Wood Bamboo Rattan Sofa Kalma Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Modern straight and big sofa (4 seats) designed by Ramon Castellano (spanish designer), stamped for Kalma in Bamboo Wood, 20th Century. Collapsible rattan base reinforced with wrough...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Iron

Bamboo Rattan Carved Color Leather Curve Sofa Ramon Castellano Kalma Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Modern curve sofa (3 seats) designed by Ramon Castellano (spanish designer), stamped for Kalma in Bamboo Wood, 20th Century. Collapsible rattan ba...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Iron

Bamboo Rattan Carved Color Leather Curve Sofa Ramon Castellano Kalma Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Modern curve sofa (3 seats) designed by Ramon Castellano (spanish designer), stamped for Kalma in Bamboo Wood, 20th Century. Collapsible rattan base reinforced with wrought iron. Sea...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Iron

Sofa Bamboo Rattan Wood Painted Leather Ramon Castellano Spanish Kalma Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Modern curve sofa (2 seats) designed by Ramon Castellano (spanish designer), stamped for Kalma in Bamboo Wood, 20th Century. Collapsible rattan base reinforced with wrought iron. Sea...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Leather, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Wood

Rattan Handmade Woven Cane Kalma Coffee Bow Table Modern Footrest Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
''Mesa Café Lazo''. Two piece coffee table base in rattan and woven cane, shaped like a bow. Stamped Kalma Ramon Castellano in Bamboo Wood, 20th Century. High quality bamboo and ratt...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Sofa Bamboo Rattan Wood Painted Leather Ramon Castellano Spanish Kalma Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Modern curve sofa (2 seats) designed by Ramon Castellano (spanish designer), stamped for Kalma in Bamboo Wood, 20th Century. Collapsible rattan ba...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Iron

Bamboo Rattan Handmade Ramon Castellano Painted Wicker Seat Sofa Kalma Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Modern straight sofa (2 seats) designed by Ramon Castellano (spanish designer), stamped for Kalma in Bamboo Wood, 20th Century. Collapsible rattan base reinforced with wrought iron. ...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Iron

Bamboo Rattan Handmade Ramon Castellano Painted Leather Sofa Kalma Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Modern straight sofa (2 seats) designed by Ramon Castellano (spanish designer), stamped for Kalma in Bamboo Wood, 20th Century. Collapsible rattan...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Leather, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan

Rattan Handmade Ramon Castellano Leather Duyan Seat Patchwork Kalma Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Duyan Argao 2-seater - mixed color leather seat with patchwork design. Collapsible rattan base reinforced with wrought iron. Seat is framed in rattan and crown is in wood. Bindings in leather. Reclining Chair. UNESCO award at the bangkok furniture fair. Reclining Chair. Spanish sofa Stamped Kalma Ramon Castellano...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Iron

Bamboo Woven Cane Handmade Woven Cane Castellanos Coffee Table Kalma Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Ola coffee table, laminated bamboo with fronts accented with woven cane. Ramon Castellano spanish designer table stamped for Kalma brand in bamboo wood, ...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Bamboo, Cane

Painted Wood Jewelry Box Organizer Chinese Storage Mini Closet Asian Ornament
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Exceptional and unique mini closet entirely made in wood, perfect to serve as a stylish and design jewelry box organizer. Perfect as house o...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Iron

Asian Lacquered Mother of Pearl Biomorphic Jewelry Box
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning Asian biomorphic shaped jewelry box lacquered in black with mother of pearl throughout. Unusual to see the biomorphic shape. Great lines.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer

Chinese Jewelry Box with Drawers with Hand Carved Bird and Dragon Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare, colorful and highly decorative Chinese box. If you like the look and feel of Chinese antiques and ancient Asian symbolism then this handcrafted and hand carved box from the turn of the century could be perfect for you. Its unusual size (smaller than a cabinet, but larger than your average antique box) may have something to do with the content we purchased it with. In a number of the small compartments we found Chinese porcelain tea cups...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass

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Chinese Finely Woven Lacquered Trunk, c. 1800
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Jewelry Box in Marquetry of the 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
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19th Century French Antique Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

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Gilded Bronze Jewelry Box with Painting under Glass, 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
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Continental Rosewood Miniature Chest Jewelry Box
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Diminutive rosewood chest of drawers with dark silver mounts. The miniature chest with drawer front with two lower working drawers. The top section lifts to reveal storage. Perfect t...
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Early 1900s European Antique Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

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Dovetail Wood Box Lock and Key
Located in Long Island City, NY
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20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Wood

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  • Dovetail Wood Box Lock and Key
H 5.75 in. W 10.5 in. D 7.75 in.
Beautiful Moorish Syrian or Asian Inlaid Inlay Wood Box Storage Chest Trunk
Located in Studio City, CA
Stunning mosaic, geometric design, and gorgeous craftsmanship. This work is made of beautiful dark wood and shell (likely mother of pearl) and/or bone inlay. The iron handles are als...
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20th Century Asian Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Wooden Jewelry Box
Located in High Point, NC
A 19th century French jewelry stand made from wood and a glass top. A delightful patina has spread across the intricately carved time-touched wood that forms its base. A glass lid sw...
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19th Century French Antique Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

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H 30.9 in. W 18.9 in. D 18.9 in.
19th Century Rosewood Jewellery Box
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A charming mid 19th century rosewood jewellery box having attractive inlaid decoration to hinged lid enclosing lined interior with elegant original brass ring handles raised on origi...
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Mid-19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Rosewood

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H 4.25 in. W 9 in. D 7 in.
Brazilian Mid-Century Jacaranda Jewelry Box with Geometric Marquetry and Key
Located in Miami, FL
Brazilian Jacaranda jewelry box with geometric marquetry both outside and under the lid. Box retains key and lock is functioning. Brazil, 1960s.
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Mid-20th Century Brazilian Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Metal

Previously Available Items
Chinese Cosmetic Chest Makeup Box with Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chinese black lacquer makeup box / cosmetic chest with mirror. A lovely addition to the dressing table or ladies closet - the black lacquer box folds dow...
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18th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Chinoiserie Table Cabinet
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Depicting figurative scenes to all planes and opening on engraved strap hinges to a fitted interior of eight small drawers of varying size.       
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18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

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Wooden Antique Barley Twist Plant Pedestral Stand Wooden Side Table Furniture
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Located in Milano, IT
Extra large wooden antique barley twist plant stand, solid wooden side table, beautiful old pedestal Stand. Elegant extra large original b...
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1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

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Rattan Chair Movable Backrest Woven Cane Leather Reclining Kalma Furniture
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Rattan frame chair with movable backrest, seat in upholstered woven cane, backrest in mixed colored leather in patchwork design. Modern reclin...
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1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

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Iron

Painted Wood Jewelry Box Organizer Chinese Storage Mini Closet Asian Ornament
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Located in Milano, IT
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Iron

Antique Chinese Carved Red Lacquer Jewelry Collectibles Box
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique Early 20th Century carved red brown lacquered wood and iron hardware jewelry box. This small Chinese rectangular box features a large botto...
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Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Wood

Vintage Chinese Carved Cinnabar Red Lacquer Box, Republic Period
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Vintage Chinese carved cinnabar red lacquer box. Republic period Pumpkin shaped cinnabar lacquer box. Symmetrical six-lobed c...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Lacquer

Painted Wood Jewelry Box Organizer Chinese Storage Mini Closet Asian Ornament
By Eastern Artisans
Located in Milano, IT
Exceptional and unique mini closet entirely made in wood, perfect to serve as a stylish and design jewelry box organizer. Perfect as house o...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Iron

Chinese Jade and Gilt Metal Vanity Box, Casket Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese jade and gilt metal vanity box, casket box. This sweet jade antique casket or vanity jewelry box is simply stunning with its bronze mounted a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Jade, Bronze

Antique Chinese Jewelry Box with Jade Inset
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique Chinese jewelry box with jade insets on the doors and sides with corner brass mounts. Three silk lined drawers with side compar...
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19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

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Rosewood

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H 8.25 in. W 5.75 in. D 4.63 in.
Antique Chinese Jewelry Box with Lid
Located in Sheffield, MA
Chinese 19th century antique brass mounted wooden jewelry box with metal mounts and inset carved jade piece on the lid. Silk lined center compartment with two side sections for ring storage.
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19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Rosewood

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  • Antique Chinese Jewelry Box with Lid
  • Antique Chinese Jewelry Box with Lid
H 2.75 in. W 6.50 in. D 4 in.
Vintage Chinese Export Hand-Painted Black and Green Ceramic Quail
Located in Oakland Park, FL
Vintage Chinese export hand-painted black and green ceramic quail Chinese export ceramic vintage quail in black and green. Ebonized base. This decora...
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1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Jewelry Boxes

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Porcelain, Wood

Chinese Export jewelry boxes for sale on 1stDibs

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export jewelry boxes 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 jewelry boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, Asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export jewelry boxes 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 jewelry boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $272 and tops out at $2,995 while the average work can sell for $1,340.

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