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.
Chinese Gilt Brass Cloisonné “Scroll and Floral” Nine‑Piece Desk Set, 20th C
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Gilt Brass Cloisonné “Scroll and Floral” Nine‑Piece Desk Set, 20th Century, Unmarked A rare and complete nine‑piece Chinese gilt brass cloisonné desk set...
Brass
Pair of Sing Fat Chinese Export Silver Dragon Placecard or Business Card Holders
By Sing Fat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique silver figural card holders. By Sing Fat, a highly regarded Chinese silversmith active in both Shanghai & Canton ca. 1880 - 1940. Each holder in the form of ...
Silver
Desk Card Holder, France, 1940s
Located in Palermo, IT
Desk card holder, France, 1940s Golden Spelter, one of the small studs on the front is missing. Lacks in the gilding, as evidenced by the descriptive photographs.
Spelter
$895
H 3.75 in W 3 in D 0.25 in
Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Calling/Business Card Case by George Unite
By George Unite
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic Movement, sterling silver calling card/business card case in original, velvet lined leather box, London, year-hallmarked for 1860, George ...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Leather Desk Complete Set, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Leather desk complete set is an original set of decorative set of objects realized in the mid-20th century. Mixed media: Leather, paper, plexiglass, brass and tissue. Made in ...
Leather, Glass, Plexiglass
$792 / item
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 9.06 in
20th Century Bronze / Brass Industrial Flame Proof Ceiling Light / Desk Lamp
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Solid bronze desk lamp with braided cable and dimmer switch. Comes with vintage Edison filament lamp E27. Made in the 1980s by Kokosha - Osaka, Japan. ...
Brass, Bronze
$1,795
H 6 in W 15 in D 7.5 in
Early 20th-C. French Gilt Bronze And Malachite Desk Pen Inkwell / Inkstand
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an early 20th century highly decorative French gilt bronze, malachite and faux malachite inkstand with dual inkwells. The base is a mix of faux malachite and malachite veneer...
Malachite, Bronze
$380Sale Price|20% Off
H 4.5 in W 1.5 in D 1.5 in
Large Chinese Export Carved Soapstone Foo Dog Scholars Seal
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Chinese export carved soapstone foo dog scholars seal, nicely carved, in two color soapstone, with large seal at base. The inscription reads: ...
Soapstone
Chinese Export Silver Dragon Bowl on Stand
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Chinese export silver bowl. Decorated in a bold repoussè dragon motif with two dragons contending for a center flaming pearl of wisdom amongst clouds and chased ground. Marked on the underside KHL. Carved wooden stand...
Silver
$422
H 13 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
Early 20th-Century Chinese Cloisonné Table Lamp, Floral Motifs, Brass Accents
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Early 20th-Century Chinese Cloisonné Table Lamp, Floral Motifs, Brass Accents This exquisite early 20th-century Chinese cloisonné table lamp is a stunning example of traditional enamel craftsmanship. Adorned with intricate floral motifs in vibrant shades of light blue, deep blue, red, and green, this lamp brings elegance and a touch of exotic charm to any interior. Its aged brass base and top further enhance its authenticity and refined character. Note: An electrical plug adapter for U.S. outlets is included. Lampshade not provided. Cloisonné Enamel Work: The lamp showcases classic Chinese cloisonné craftsmanship, with delicate floral designs set against a richly colored enamel background. Color Palette: The harmonious blend of blue hues, red, and green creates a visually striking piece, perfect for adding warmth and personality to any space. Brass Accents: The aged brass base and top feature a beautiful patina, adding to the lamp’s antique charm and timeless appeal. Versatile Elegance: Whether placed in a modern, traditional, or eclectic setting, this lamp enhances its surroundings with a touch of history and cultural artistry. Decorative and Functional: Beyond its decorative value, the lamp provides a soft, ambient glow, making it ideal for bedside tables, living rooms, or study areas. This early 20th-century Chinese cloisonné lamp is more than just a lighting fixture—it is a statement piece that brings heritage, artistry, and vibrant color into any home. A rare find for collectors and interior design enthusiasts alike. Chinese cloisonné lamp, early 20th-century enamel lamp, antique Chinese lighting, floral enamel table lamp, vintage brass and cloisonné decor, colorful Asian lamp, traditional Chinese craftsmanship, decorative cloisonné lighting.
Brass
Vintage French Brown Leather Desk Set, Mid-20th Century
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage French Brown Leather Desk Set Mid-20th Century A luxurious vintage French leather desk set, crafted in the mid-20th century and designed in the spirit of Jacques Adnet inspir...
Leather
Silver Business Card Holder
Located in Savannah, GA
Silver Business Card Holder. More of a decorative piece now as it is smaller than a regular business card
Silver
$700Sale Price|30% Off
H 4.14 in W 2.88 in D 0.4 in
Guilloche silver card holder with gold interior and two business card holders
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Guilloche silver card case with gold interior and two business card holders. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Javali II Title. Weight: 130.04 grams. Dimensions:...
Silver
Vintage onyx cardholder desk accessory, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A vintage onyx card holder, 1960s. Most likely from Italy, Mexico, or Pakistan. Tones of pistachio, rust, and toffee. Pick up in central west Los Angeles or we ship worldwide. 4” W ...
Onyx
Mid-Century Carved Amethyst Grape Cluster
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a charming example of a mid-century carved semi-precious grape cluster. The cluster is in overall very good condition. The cluster would make an outstanding paperweight or ce...
Amethyst
c. 1860 Chinese Lacquer on Wood Writing Slope
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860 Chinese lacquer on wood writing slope. Made for the English market. Fold over writing surface. Secret drawers. Losses & rubbing commensurate with age, use & delicacy of ma...
Lacquer
Late 19th Century Oriental Style Paper Tray with Lid
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Late 19th century paper tray with lid in the oriental style. The box is made from a light wood which has been hand-painted. It has a bright green backgro...
Softwood
Sold
H 3.5 in W 4 in D 2.75 in
Antique Chinese Qing Enamel Mille Fleur Cloisonné Desk Writing Set Inkwell, 1900
Located in Portland, OR
A good quality antique six piece Chinese cloisonne desk set, circa 1900. The desk set made of cloisonne (enamel on copper) and having a Miller Fleur (Thousand Flowers) design, the set comprises a hinged lidded flared inkwell, a rocking blotter...
Copper, Enamel
Napoleon III Chinese Lacquer Box and Tray Writing Kit, Circa 1870
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Nice Napoleon III period desk set, consisting of a mailbox, a box for pens and pencils and a matchbox, all on a tray. The set is decorated in Chinese lacquer, on the mailbox is repre...
Lacquer
1890s Antique Chinese Export Silver Inkstand and Pen Rack by Woshing
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese Export silver inkstand and pen stand made by Woshing - boxed; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection. This exceptional antique Chinese silver inkstand and pen rack has an incurved shaped form. The surface of the stand is embellished with engraved scale textures accented with fluctuating spine style ornamentation, all on a matte background; this ornamentation reflects the classic shapes and designs pertaining to oriental dragons. The surface of the stand incorporates an oval recess, composing a pen well. This inkstand features two embossed decorated dragon ornaments which duplicate as a secondary pen receiver. The rim of the body of the Chinese silver inkstand is ornamented with a paralleling applied moulded decorated border. This antique hallmarked silver inkstand is supported by four impressive ball style feet. The stand has a plain integrated receiver to accommodate the original hallmarked ink pot. The ink pot has a square cut cornered form accented with a cylindrical neck. The body of the ink pot is embellished with an applied floral design to each side, all on matte backgrounds and encompassed with plain chamfered borders. This exceptional antique ink pot...
Silver