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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
Antique Cleric's Swing Out Case, Chinese, Travelling Box, Qing, Victorian, 1890
Antique Cleric's Swing Out Case, Chinese, Travelling Box, Qing, Victorian, 1890

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

Early 19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Tea Caddy
Early 19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Tea Caddy

Early 19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Tea Caddy

Located in Charlottesville, VA

A large octagonal form Chinese export tea caddy in black lacquer decorated throughout in gilt and red with figural garden scenes, pavilions, and dense scrolling foliage. The lid pane...

Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Paint

Box in Lacquered Wood, Vietnam 20th Century, Black and Orange -Red Color
Box in Lacquered Wood, Vietnam 20th Century, Black and Orange -Red Color

Box in Lacquered Wood, Vietnam 20th Century, Black and Orange -Red Color

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Beautiful Lacquered Wooden Box, Vietnam, 20th Century This exquisite lacquered wooden box from Vietnam, crafted in the 20th century, is a stunning example of traditional Vietnames...

Category

20th Century Vietnamese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Wood

Chinese Decorative or Jewelry Box, in Carved Wood, Trees and Birds Decor, China
Chinese Decorative or Jewelry Box, in Carved Wood, Trees and Birds Decor, China

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

Vintage Famille Rose Decorative Box, Chinese Export, Mid-20th Century
Vintage Famille Rose Decorative Box, Chinese Export, Mid-20th Century

Vintage Famille Rose Decorative Box, Chinese Export, Mid-20th Century

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful vintage decorated Famille Rose porcelain decorative box, Chinese Export/Chinoiserie desig style, circa mid-20th century. Box and lid are beautiful decorated with figures ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Large Rond Jewelry Box, Color with with Internal Compartments, Japan 19th
Large Rond Jewelry Box, Color with with Internal Compartments, Japan 19th

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

Large Oval Jewelry Box, Color with with Internal Compartments France 19th
Large Oval Jewelry Box, Color with with Internal Compartments France 19th

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

Mid-Century Chinese Black & Gold Cloisonné 'Good Luck' Circular Table Box
Mid-Century Chinese Black & Gold Cloisonné 'Good Luck' Circular Table Box

Mid-Century Chinese Black & Gold Cloisonné 'Good Luck' Circular Table Box

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Mid-Century Chinese black & gold cloisonné 'good luck' circular table box. The tall circular box of exceptional quality, The conforming removable lid enameled with the Chinese character for 'Happiness' A stately piece, its an unusual example in black cloisonné fish...

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Brass

Antique Vietnamese Silver Treasure Box with Guardian Dragons
Antique Vietnamese Silver Treasure Box with Guardian Dragons

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

Antique Chinese Brass Box with Jade Medallion
Antique Chinese Brass Box with Jade Medallion

Antique Chinese Brass Box with Jade Medallion

Located in Houston, TX

Antique Chinese brass decorative box with Jade Medallion. This stunning Chinese export brass box features a beautiful etched bat design with a central c...

Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Jade, Brass

Chinese Export Porcelain oval Lidded Box Hand Painted, circa 1920
Chinese Export Porcelain oval Lidded Box Hand Painted, circa 1920

Chinese Export Porcelain oval Lidded Box Hand Painted, circa 1920

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

This is a Chinese Export porcelain Lidded Box, hand painted with a figural decoration, made in China, circa 1920 The box is well potted in an oval shape, the lid having a domed top...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Chinese Wooden Scenic Design Carved Hinge Top Box
Mid-Century Chinese Wooden Scenic Design Carved Hinge Top Box

Mid-Century Chinese Wooden Scenic Design Carved Hinge Top Box

Located in Queens, NY

Mid-century Chinese carved wooden box featuring an elaborate scenic design with a hinged top and brass closure hardware. (Stamped HUNG HOP CHEST CO. HONG...

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Metal, Brass

Rectangular Brass and Bronze Wood Jewelry Box, 1950's
Rectangular Brass and Bronze Wood Jewelry Box, 1950's

Rectangular Brass and Bronze Wood Jewelry Box, 1950's

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Sturdy rectangular hinged trinket box for display or functional for jewelry. Wonderful piece to add to existing collection. Marked on the bottom, China

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze

Mid-Century Chinese Wooden Scenic Design Carved Hinge Top Box
Mid-Century Chinese Wooden Scenic Design Carved Hinge Top Box

Mid-Century Chinese Wooden Scenic Design Carved Hinge Top Box

Located in Queens, NY

Mid-century Chinese carved wooden box featuring an elaborate scenic design with a hinged top and brass closure hardware. (Stamped HUNG HOP CHEST CO. HONG...

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique Chinese Cinnabar Lacquered Rectangular Box and Cover, China, circa 1880,
Antique Chinese Cinnabar Lacquered Rectangular Box and Cover, China, circa 1880,

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

Chinese Black Lacquered Box With Flowers
Chinese Black Lacquered Box With Flowers

Chinese Black Lacquered Box With Flowers

Located in Queens, NY

Asian Chinese-style rectangular black lacquered wood box, with raised lacquered red flowers

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Lacquer

Large Jewellery Box, with a Mirror Inside, Vietnam from the End of 19th Century
Large Jewellery Box, with a Mirror Inside, Vietnam from the End of 19th Century

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 Boxes

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Cylindrical Box, Brown Lacquer Paint with Flower Decoration, Japan, Early 20th
Cylindrical Box, Brown Lacquer Paint with Flower Decoration, Japan, Early 20th

Cylindrical Box, Brown Lacquer Paint with Flower Decoration, Japan, Early 20th

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

This is a very beautiful Japanese box dating from the beginning of the 20th century. It is lacquered in brown color, with flower patterns. It was made in Japan.

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Wood

Pair of Red Asian Cinnabar Boxes with Lid and Blue Lacquer Interior
Pair of Red Asian Cinnabar Boxes with Lid and Blue Lacquer Interior

Pair of Red Asian Cinnabar Boxes with Lid and Blue Lacquer Interior

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A pair of lovely Boxes in the style of Cinnabar. Intricately Carved small boxes with a removable lid, revealing a blue lacquer inside. Perfectly suited for decorative purposes or ...

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Wood

Mid 19th century Chinese export hand painted tea caddy
Mid 19th century Chinese export hand painted tea caddy

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 Wooden Small Rectangular Chest with Hand Painted Exotic Birds
Chinese Wooden Small Rectangular Chest with Hand Painted Exotic Birds

Chinese Wooden Small Rectangular Chest with Hand Painted Exotic Birds

Located in Queens, NY

Chinese Mid-Century small rectangular hinged chest with metal latch and two side ring handles, hand painted featuring two exotic birds (depicted on the top and front), pine, berries,...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Cinnabar Chinese Covered Jar
Early 20th Century Cinnabar Chinese Covered Jar

Early 20th Century Cinnabar Chinese Covered Jar

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hand carved. Early 1900s. Enameled.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Enamel

19th Century Chinese Hand Carved Meal Delivery and Lunch Box
19th Century Chinese Hand Carved Meal Delivery and Lunch Box

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 ha...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Wood

19th Century Handmade Wooden Chinese Hat Box
19th Century Handmade Wooden Chinese Hat Box

19th Century Handmade Wooden Chinese Hat Box

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A Chinese wooden hat box - handmade, with a chinoiserie image. The box is in very good condition with fitted top, the wood is a wonderful patinated colo...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Wood

Large Chinese Export Red Lacquer Character Box
Large Chinese Export Red Lacquer Character Box

Large Chinese Export Red Lacquer Character Box

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Large Chinese Export red lacquer character box, sculptural, well executed Chinese two part lacquer table box. Decorated with vines, symbols and bats. Unmarked.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Lacquer

Chinese Silversmith, Lidded Jar / Box Richly Decorated in Relief, Approx. 1900
Chinese Silversmith, Lidded Jar / Box Richly Decorated in Relief, Approx. 1900

Chinese Silversmith, Lidded Jar / Box Richly Decorated in Relief, Approx. 1900

Located in København, Copenhagen

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

Antique Chinese Carved Wooden Gold and Red Decorative Box
Antique Chinese Carved Wooden Gold and Red Decorative Box

Antique Chinese Carved Wooden Gold and Red Decorative Box

Located in Queens, NY

Antique Chinese circular wooden box with carved top character design and carved geometric foot, painted in gold and red with a fitted lid and fine black painted border pattern.    

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Wood

Large Chinese Tea Box Black Lacquered Gilt Hand Painted Octagonal Box 1940s
Large Chinese Tea Box Black Lacquered Gilt Hand Painted Octagonal Box 1940s

Large Chinese Tea Box Black Lacquered Gilt Hand Painted Octagonal Box 1940s

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Large Chinese Export Tea Box Octagonal Black Lacquered Gilt Painted Covered Box 1940s. Antique Chinoiserie black lacquer box with numerous figures and gilt detail. Asian Chinese blac...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Giltwood, Lacquer

Chinese Burgundy and Gold Vine Design Painted Decorative Box
Chinese Burgundy and Gold Vine Design Painted Decorative Box

Chinese Burgundy and Gold Vine Design Painted Decorative Box

Located in Queens, NY

Chinese wrapped decorative box with a burgundy base with muted metallic gold gourd and leaf pattern on vines with a large central character, bronze handles and latch, and an interior...

Category

20th Century Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Wood

Qing Dynasty - 13 Antique Chinese Porcelain Enameled Salt Boxes
Qing Dynasty - 13 Antique Chinese Porcelain Enameled Salt Boxes

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

Chinese Export Pigskin Box
Chinese Export Pigskin Box

Chinese Export Pigskin Box

$412Sale Price|54% Off

Chinese Export Pigskin Box

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Chinese export pigskin box now on custom made stand as a side table. Early 20th century. Foo dogs, birds, flower & auspicious symbols. 15 1/2" w., 9 1/2" d...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Animal Skin

Antique Chinese Hand Painted Jewelry Box, Red Lacquer, Circa 1900-1940
Antique Chinese Hand Painted Jewelry Box, Red Lacquer, Circa 1900-1940

Antique Chinese Hand Painted Jewelry Box, Red Lacquer, Circa 1900-1940

Located in Pomona, CA

Antique Chinese decorated Jewelry/fruit box. Beautiful decorated Chinoiserie box used to serve fruits and special treats or store Jewelry and valuable things. Hand painting over red ...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Wood

Pair of Vintage Chinese Wicker Foo Dogs From the Shanghai Collection
Pair of Vintage Chinese Wicker Foo Dogs From the Shanghai Collection

Pair of Vintage Chinese Wicker Foo Dogs From the Shanghai Collection

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Ultimate pair of mid century Chinese foo dogs with removable heads, ambitiously hand crafted in wicker, reed and rattan with carved wood and paint decorated highlights, set on wicker...

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Wicker, Rattan, Reed

Antique, Chinese Hand Painted Meal Delivery and Lunch Box
Antique, Chinese Hand Painted Meal Delivery and Lunch Box

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 Export Silver Vinaigrette by Canton Retailer Cutshing
Chinese Export Silver Vinaigrette by Canton Retailer Cutshing

Chinese Export Silver Vinaigrette by Canton Retailer Cutshing

By Cutshing

Located in New York, NY

Chinese export silver vinaigrette. Rectangular with hinged cover. Scenes of indigenous life in low relief. Interior gilt with hinged grill; engraved presentation on cover: “E. E. W. ...

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Silver

Magical Old Chinese Box in Faded Cinnabar
Magical Old Chinese Box in Faded Cinnabar

Magical Old Chinese Box in Faded Cinnabar

Located in Hopewell, NJ

If objects could talk, this box would have some interesting stories for all its wonderful aged patina, cracks and character. A faded cinnabar, the entire surface is meticulously hand...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Wood

Antique Early Chinese Republic Era Stacking Lacquered Box Set with Dragon Motif
Antique Early Chinese Republic Era Stacking Lacquered Box Set with Dragon Motif

Antique Early Chinese Republic Era Stacking Lacquered Box Set with Dragon Motif

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

This antique lacquered stacking box set is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from China during the Early Republic period of approximately 1920 and done in a period Chinese Ex...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Softwood

Chinese Foliage Painted & Brass Mounted Tacked Chest on Stand with Key, C. 1880
Chinese Foliage Painted & Brass Mounted Tacked Chest on Stand with Key, C. 1880

Chinese Foliage Painted & Brass Mounted Tacked Chest on Stand with Key, C. 1880

Located in Charleston, 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

Chinese Lacquer Box
Chinese Lacquer Box

Chinese Lacquer Box

$160Sale Price|20% Off

Chinese Lacquer Box

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A metal framed box with all-over lacquer decoration featuring multi-coloured flowers, leaves, ribbons. The inside of the box is veneered in a light wood. It is stamped China on the u...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Lacquer

Small Handcarved Chinese Chest
Small Handcarved Chinese Chest

Small Handcarved Chinese Chest

Located in Lambertville, NJ

A hand carved Chinese large table box with hinged lid. Intricately carved all-over with Asian carvings resting of four paw feet. Bronze lock plate on front.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Hardwood

Early 20th Century Chinese Red Lacquer Decorated Box
Early 20th Century Chinese Red Lacquer Decorated Box

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

Early 19th Century Export Chinoiserie Lacquer Box on Carved Feet
Early 19th Century Export Chinoiserie Lacquer Box on Carved Feet

Early 19th Century Export Chinoiserie Lacquer Box on Carved Feet

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This exquisite early 19th-century chinoiserie box, adorned with lacquered surfaces and ornate gold-toned detailing, showcases the superb craftsmanship of English artisans influenced ...

Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Boxes

Materials

Lacquer

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.