Chinese Export 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
Early 20th century lacquered vanity box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century lacquered vanity box circa 1910.
Good quality Chinese export table top vanity box. Hand painted in a plum and black colour scheme in a lacquered finish.
Cube sh...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Two Famille Rose Cosmetic Boxes, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Period
Located in seoul, KR
Circular form with flattened doomed covers, the covers with a medallion of flower with full bloom, the bowls with two round borders.
Period : Qing Dynasty, Kangxi-Yongzheng Period
P...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Asian Brass Mounted Rosewood and Felt Lined Jewelry Box
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 12”W x 8”L x 6”H. The top layer inside holds 5 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Brass
Antique Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Box or Desk Accessory
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A finely made and hand enameled box with its cover, possibly for a desk or dresser top. Divided on the inside and in very good shape. Lovely cartouches of classic Chinese scenes and ...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Enamel
Collectible Gilt Metal Tibetan Box with Turquoise 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Collectible Chinese Tibetan Gilt Brass Metal Filigree with Turquoise and Coral beads round Box Handcrafted round Tibetan, Nepalese decorative brass trinket wish box with pull-off lid...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nepalese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century Antique Tibetan Silver Turquoise Ghau Prayer Box
Located in Pomona, CA
Ghau is a small prayer box worn as pendant by Buddhists as portable shrines which can be pray by prayer during their travel. This Ghau prayer box (travel Buddha shrine) made from Tib...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Silver
Vintage solid brass and jade Chinese export trinket box
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a solid brass ornately decorated Chinese made trinket box. This trinket box has four medallions on each corner of the top with a center medallion that has a carved jade inset...
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Brass
Vintage leather clad hand painted Chinese dresser box.
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a vintage hand painted leather clad dresser box. This dresser box was handmade in Canton China. This box has two small drawers at the front and a lid that opens up and presen...
Category
1990s Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Leather
Vintage solid brass and enamel Chinese export trinket box.
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a vintage Chinese export solid brass and enamel trinket box. This solid brass box has four medallions on the top and medallions on each side of the box. The top of the box fe...
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Brass
Antique Tibetan Painted Leather And Iron Chest or Trunk
Located in Bradenton, FL
AntiqueTibetan chest, beautifully aged painted leather with original iron hardware. Chest has a spacious wooden interior, offering a large amount of storage. Outside features polychrome painted dragons and Asian...
Category
18th Century Tibetan Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Cloisonne Decorative Box w/ Jade Panel
Located in New York, NY
Chinese cloisonne decorative box with jade panel and floral motifs, unmarked.
Dealer: S138XX
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Jade
Mid 19th century Chinese export hand painted tea caddy
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid 19th century handpainted Chinese export tea caddy. This tea Caddy stands on four hand carved miniature foo dog sculpted feet. This tea caddy has its original pewter lin...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Silver Filagree Gold Washed & Enamel Bird Motif & Coral Pagoda Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Silver Filagree Gold Washed and Enamel Bird Motif and Coral Pagoda Box
China, circa 1900s, stamped 'Silver'
An exquisite Chinese Silver Filigree Gold Washed and Enamel Bird ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Sterling Silver
Hand Painted Leather Mounted Box with Metal Hardware
Located in Ross, CA
Wooden box covered in leather then hand painted with flowers and birds. The hardware is a black metal, the inside is leather lined and stitched.
Category
Early 2000s Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Leather
English 19th Century Leather Trunk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
We absolutely love this decorative trunk from England! Bound in perfectly worn dark leather and adorned with brass studs in swirling patterns. The lock is in working condition and in...
Category
19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century Antique Tibetan Silver Turquoise Ghau Prayer Box
Located in Pomona, CA
Ghau is a small prayer box worn as pendant by Buddhists as portable shrines which can be pray by prayer during their travel. This Ghau prayer box (travel Buddha...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Blue and White Porcelain Box
Located in New York, NY
Decorated in cobalt blue with pagodas in a riverscape; interior fitted with six compartments.
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Large Antique Tibetan Ghau Prayer Box With Three Buddha
Located in Pomona, CA
Ghau is a prayer box worn as pendant by Buddhists as portable shrines which can be pray by prayer during their travel. This large Ghau prayer box (travel Buddha...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Silver, Bronze
Chinese Red Lacquered Box With Brass Mounts, Mid 20th Century
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese red and black lacquered box with fine brass mounts in the Chinese Export style. Lovely color. A refined and classic decorative box, beautiful craftsmanship.
16 inches wide, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Brass
Vintage Chinese Black and Red Lacquer Floral Painted Lidded Wooden Basket Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Black and Red Lacquer Floral Painted Lidded Wooden Basket Box. Circa Early to Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 11" H x 12" W x 12" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Red Lacquered Box With Brass Mounts, Mid 20th Century
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese red and black lacquered box with fine brass mounts in the Chinese Export style. Lovely color. A refined and classic decorative box, beautiful craftsmanship.
20 wide 14 deep ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Brass
Qing Dynasty - 13 Antique Chinese Porcelain Enameled Salt Boxes
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century.
A grouping or instant collection of antique porcelain enameled salt boxes. Each box is decorated with immortal being riding the fabl...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
A Shapely 19th Century Chinese Export Black Lacquered Dressing Box
Located in San Francisco, CA
the scalloped top centering an oval medallion radiating coved reserves above a conforming body fitted with brass bale handles; finely decorated with gilded figures in a garden lands...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Wood
Large Oval Jewelry Box, Color with with Internal Compartments France 19th
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is an Ovale large box. It has been decorated with a sivered color metal plate and lid. It has been made in France, during the 19th Century. In brown color.
It is a jelwery box.
Category
19th Century French Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Metal
Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Wooden Jewelry Box, Cosmetic Box
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful antique Jewelry box was made from solid wood with original mirror and antique hardware on it. The top of the jewelry box c...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export Cloisonné Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Lovely Chinese export cloisonné box made of brass and enameled with a beautiful floral pattern on a green background. This decorative box was most likely a cigarette box or trinket b...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Brass, Enamel
19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Decorated Tea Caddy Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese for the English market, 19th century.
A fine quality antique Chinese export tea caddy decorated with beautiful gilding surfaces, a hinged lid which opens to reveal a tooled ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Pewter
Chinese Export Cloisonné Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Lovely Chinese export cloisonné box made of brass and enameled with a beautiful floral pattern in beautiful colors of red, green, blue and red. The box rests on ball feet. This chino...
Category
1910s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Mid 20th Century Chinese Hand Painted Sewing Box, Jewelry Box
Located in Pomona, CA
This unique vintage Chinese sewing box is 100 percent hand made and hand painted with traditional Chinese painting on the side and lid of the box. It was made from wood panels connec...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Cloisonné Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Antique Chinese Cloisonné Box with wood lined interior. The box rests on round brass ball feet. The interior appears to have had dividers...
Category
1920s Vintage Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Metal
19th Century Hand-Carved Mahogany Chinese Export Humidor
Located in Lomita, CA
A "remarkable" hand carved mahogany humidor box according to the appraiser has detailed carving of junk boats and temples, and recalls Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong where the piece wa...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Bronze Cloisonne Powder Box with Prunus - Unsigned - China - Mid-20th C
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage bronze cloisonne lacquer powder box featuring Prunus blossoms - removeable lid - unsigned - China - mid 20th century.
Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - n...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Antique Cleric's Swing Out Case, Chinese, Travelling Box, Qing, Victorian, 1890
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cleric's swing-out case. A Chinese, hardwood travelling box, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890.
Charmingly provincial box, presented in original tim...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Hardwood
Canton Chinese Porcelain Box
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Canton Chinese porcelain box.
Chinese export.
Circa 1920 origin China.
Rectangular format.
With internal divisions.
Family Rosse style.
Box...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Vietnamese Silver Treasure Box with Guardian Dragons
Located in New York, NY
Vietnamese silver box, late 19th century. Rectangular with straight sides. Cover flat and hinged. Box sides have embossed blossoming branches, bamboo...
Category
Late 19th Century Vietnamese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Silver
Chinese Silversmith, Lidded Jar / Box Richly Decorated in Relief, Approx. 1900
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Chinese silversmith. Lidded jar richly decorated in relief with flowers and ornaments.
China approx. 1900.
Stamped with Chinese characters.
In excellent condition with traces of u...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Silver
Chinese Wedding Ceremonial Hat Box, Zhijang Province, circa 1870s
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
circa 1870s Chinese wedding ceremonial hat box, Zhijang Province. Woven rattan & bamboo with brass hardware. The pedestal base has lost some of the molded floral decoration. Note the...
Category
1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Rattan
Chinese Teapot Caddy in Carved Wood
Located in New York, NY
Chinese carved wood teapot caddy. The front panel has a hole opening for the spout, with a shaped wood carrying handle inserted into the ears, the lid havi...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Foliage Painted & Brass Mounted Tacked Chest on Stand with Key, C. 1880
Located in Hollywood, SC
Chinese foliage painted and brass mounted tacked hinged chest on stand with flanking side handles and interior lock with key, Late 19th Century
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Brass
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 Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Chinese Carved Cinnabar & Enamelled Box with Imperial Dragon Top
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique decorative box is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from China, and date to approximately 1920 and done in a period Chinese...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Decorative or Jewelry Box, in Carved Wood, Trees and Birds Decor, China
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
It is a carved wooden box, brown and black. One part is hand carved, the other Painted lacquered. It was made in China during the 1930s and 1940s, so it is from the Republic period.
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Red Lacquer Decorated Box
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 20th century Chinese Red Lacquer decorated box. Relief carved top panel of an attendant and scholar. Fine finger joints on the box and lid. Inside top of the lid having Chinese...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Oriental Carved Camphor Wood Chest, Jewellery Casket
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Oriental carved camphor wood chest, jewellery casket.
This beautiful carved chest is made from camphor wood, for those of you who...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Wood
Wicker Elephant Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chinese elephant box ambitiously crafted in wicker with carved wood tusks, feet, and lid handle. From the noted Shanghai collection.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Wicker
Chinese Mother of Pearl Inlaid Lacquered Box
Located in New York, NY
Chinese mother of pearl inlaid lacquered rectangular box, depicting in landscape, circa late 19th-early 20th century. Measures: 3.5" H x 9.75" ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Antique, Chinese Hand Painted Meal Delivery and Lunch Box
Located in Pomona, CA
This Antique lacquered painted lunch box from China has about 100 years history and still maintained very good condition. There are some traditiona...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export 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 Boxes
Materials
Wood
Antique 1900s Chinese Silver Vinaigrette
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese silver vinaigrette in the form of a purse; an addition to our silver boxes collection
This excep...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Silver
Antique Chinese Export Silver Cigar Case
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese Export Silver cigar case; part of our diverse Asian silverware collection
This exceptional antique Chinese Export Silver (CES) ci...
Category
1910s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Silver
Fine Antique Collectable Chinese Table Top Cabinet Jewellery Collectors Storage
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1920's hand painted and lacquered oriental Chinese table chest or jewellery box.
A very good looking and well made pie...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Hardwood
19th C. Chinese Paper Machiere Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century lidded box made from paper-machiere.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Paper
Mid-Century Chinese Wicker Giraffe Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout vintage Chinese giraffe box ambitiously hand crafted in wicker and wood having a removable lid with a baby giraffe handle. From the famed Shangha...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Wicker, Wood
19th Century Asian Wooden Decorative Storage Box
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid 19th Century Asian Wooden decorative storage box with lid.
Measures 13.5"W x 11"D x 11.5"H.
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Metal
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 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 Boxes
Materials
Wood
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 Boxes
Materials
Wood
Silver Trinket Box with Chinese Scene, Late 19th-Early 20th Century
Located in St. Catharines, ON
A heavy silver box with canted corners, the hinged cover in the style of an ancient traditional woodcut featuring a Chinese traveling figure or salesman w...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export boxes 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 boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with enamel, lacquer and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export 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 boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $500 and tops out at $840 while the average work can sell for $750.
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