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Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

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
Chinese Carved Marble Sitting Guanyin
Located in Bradenton, FL
Marble statue of carved statue of the Buddhist goddess known as Guanyin, sitting in the lotus position. The peaceful and serene expression on her face conveys calm. She ie also know...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

set of 3 Chinese Porcelain Qing Emperor Decorative Figurines
Located in Den Haag, NL
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Chinese porcelain figurines inspired by the illustrious Qing dynasty. Crafted in a stunning wucai style, the figurine depicts a distingui...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Tang Dynasty Pottery Camel
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese (Tang Dynasty) unglazed pottery camel with an open mouth and head turned with a double hump back.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Sancai Glazed Terra Cotta Horse Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta figure of a horse commonly used as a tomb figure for wealthy burials in the 7-8th centuries, and crafted with traditional tri-color gla...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Monumental Chinese Green Glazed Koi
Located in Chicago, IL
A visual pun for "abundance," this monumental ceramic fish sculpture brings an abundance of blessings, wealth and marital bliss. The terracotta statue depicts a large koi, or carp, j...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Antique De Hua Porcelain Kwan Yin Statuary
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a Chinese hand carved De Huang Porcelain Kwan Yin Bodhisattva statuary in off-white ivory color. It is all hand made and hand carved Kwan Yin seating on the lotus Seat with t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-20th Century, Chinese Large Wooden Carved Elaborate Imperial Dragon Ship
Located in Pomona, CA
This large model of imperial dragon ship was intricately and elaborately carved with brilliant lattice work and details on the display stand. It actual a royal palace built on the sh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Ethereal Terracotta Chinese Ancestor Sculpture on Lucite Base
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely terracotta sculpture of an Asian figure with beautiful weathered patina. Custom lucite base.
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Lapis Lazuli Carved Group of Figures Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a large heavy Chinese lapis lazuli well carved in details group of figures sculpture.`It depicts two young ladies very well dressed in southern and northern dynasty clothes with traditional Chinese hair...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

19th Century Architectural Model of a Chinese Temple
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Meticulously carved and gilded architectural model of a Chinese temple makes a fascinating work of art.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

18th-century Chinese Export Porcelain Pair of Court Maiden Lotus Candlesticks
Located in Downingtown, PA
A Transatlantic Glimmer: Chinese Export Porcelain Pair of Maiden Candlesticks, Circa 1760–75 This exceptional pair of Chinese Export porcelain can...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Bronze Deity Figures, 20th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Pair of Chinese bronze figures of deities standing on dragons. The two sculptures were made in the 20th century. They represent the Tao gods Lu Xing and Fu Xin...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Blanc-de-Chine Dehua Figures of Guanyin
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Pair Of Blanc - De - Chine Dehua  Figures Of Guanyin Early 20th century Each figure is modelled standing in flowing robes upon a lotus leaf decorated stand, holding a fl...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Hand-Carved Chinese Malachite Elder on Cloisonné-Inspired Wood Base
Located in Lomita, CA
Description: This exquisite hand-carved Chinese malachite sculpture depicts a wise elder seated in flowing robes, rendered in rich stria...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Malachite

A Grouping of Mid-Century Ceramic Polychrome Foo Dogs - A Set of 4
Located in Charleston, SC
Great grouping of four mid-century polychrome glazed ceramic foo dogs, circa 1960s. Great detail and a beautiful color combination of green, brown, cream and blue The largest measu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Terra Cotta Horse with Rider Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta tomb figure of a rider wearing robes and a red sash sitting on a horse that is painted in blue dots and a red bridle, with its head bow...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Early 20th Century Chinese Bronze Kwan Yin Sculpture
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Hand-crafted Bronze Kwan Yin Statuary. It is made of bronze with very detailed hand-crafting works on it. It is the statue of Kwan Yin sitting on a Dragon ab...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Sancai Glazed Tang Dynasty-Style Terra Cotta Horse Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta figure of a horse commonly used as a tomb figure for wealthy burials in the 7-8th centuries, crafted with traditional tri-color glaze, ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Early 19th Century Chinese Carved Polychrome Wooden Sculpture of Lucky God
Located in Pomona, CA
A very old Antique Chinese carved wood sculpture from the Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Handcrafted wood carving, exhibiting signs of aging and wear consistent with its potential...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

1892-1904 Chinese Elder Figure With Staff
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1892-1904 large Chinese mud man figure, an elder with staff in flowing green & yellow robe. Stamped "China". Apparent losses to feet, but possibly from kil...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Asian Hand Carved Wood Sculpture Star of Longevity Shòu Xīng
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an Asian Shòu Xīng hand carved wood sculpture star of longevity star of old age. Chinese original carving master deity with crane. Dimensions: 9.75 H x 2.7...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Vintage Figure Set of Miniature Terracotta Chinese Xian Warriors
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful set of Terracotta sculptures representing Xian Warriors. This set of figures is incredibly detailed and presents 4 warriors and a horse. Intrica...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Clay

Chinese Green and Orange Lu Xing Wealth and Prosperity Deific Porcelain Figurine
Located in Queens, NY
"Antique Chinese (Early 20th Century) glazed porcelain statue of Lu Xing, one of the deities of the three stars considered essential in Chinese astrology, each...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Taoist Han Elder Man Longevity God Porcelain Figurine
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese porcelain figurine with a long beard and raised forehead, clad in yellow and blue robes and holding a staff that symbolizes health ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Green and Red Lu Xing Wealth and Prosperity Deific Porcelain Figurine
Located in Queens, NY
"Antique Chinese (Early 20th Century) glazed porcelain statue of Lu Xing, one of the deities of the three stars considered essential in Chinese astrology, each...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

20th Sculpture of an Asiatic Man with Birds and Harlequin Motifs, Spain
Located in Miami, FL
This alluring statue will elevate any interior decor. Nimble and flexible yet astute and clever, this statue is here portrayed in the midst of a traditional dance. The masterful de...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Hand-Carved Sculpture of a Buddhist Monk, 21st Century
Located in Greding, DE
Sculpture of a Buddhist monk made of natural stone, masterfully hand-carved. The calm posture, finely folded robes, and engraved dedication give the figure a distinctive spiritual an...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Small Carved Lavender Opaline Jade Guan Yin Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a small carved lavender “opaline” jade Guan Yin sculpture. The sculpture has some russet jade spots in the upper back. The back of her head is...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Jade

Chinese Porcelain Qing Emperor Decorative Figure
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Chinese porcelain figurine inspired by the illustrious Qing dynasty. Crafted in a stunning wucai style, the figurine depicts a distinguish...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

20th Century Wooden Carved Eight Immortals Statues
Located in Pomona, CA
The Eight Immortals are the eight immortals in Taoism, representing eight different groups of people, men, women, old and young, poor, lowly, rich and noble. Since the Eight Immortals are mortals who have attained Taoism, their personalities are closer to those of the common people. Recently, they have become very important representatives of the immortals in Taoism. The Eight Immortals are Tieguai Li, Zhong Liquan, Lan Caihe, Zhang Guolao, He Xiangu, Lu Dongbin, Han Xiangzi, Cao Guojiu. They are well known in Chinese folks. Size: 11in H x 4in W x 3.5in D each Origin: China Circa: 1950's Material: Boxwood Condition: Original condition, hand made and hand carved, normal age wear. Disclaimer: Due to differences in monitor/screen settings, product colors may differ slightly between product photos...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Boxwood

Chinese Rose Quartz Toad
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese rose quartz figure of a toad standing on a teak base (20th Cent)
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Teak

Asian Gilt Guan Yin Buddha
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese Asian style gilt carved figure of seated Guan Yin Buddha on a lotus base (20th Cent)
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Giltwood

Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Carved Stone Buddha Head Sculpture
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this magnificent Chinese Antique Carved Stone Buddha Head. It was dated back to 1920s and shows very detailed hand carving works on it. You can see from the pictures that It ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Splendid Impressively Large Life Size Chinese Guan Yin Marble Figure
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Amazing life size beautiful white marble Guan Yin sculpture having meticulous detail and beautiful peaceful expression. Appropriate for display indoors or in the garden. In Chinese ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Chinese papier-mâché golden sphere
Located in LA CELLERA DE TER, ES
Exclusively handcrafted piece. This sphere is created using the ancient Chinese papier-mâché technique – a millennia-old craft that eventually spread worldwide. Traditionally employe...
Category

2010s Spanish Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Gold Leaf

Antique Chinese Painted Clay Buddha Statue with Red Robes
Located in Queens, NY
"Antique Chinese (early 20th Century, Republic of China) clay Buddha sculpture with painted details and red and green robes. (Similar sculptures: NWL2498, ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Clay

Chinese Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
This small ceramic block is actually a form of Chinese headrest or neck pillow. Popular during the Qing dynasty, rigid headrests such as this were used by upper-class women to protec...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Rose Quartz Reclining Lady
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese rose quartz carved reclining lady on an oval wood base (20th Cent)
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Old Japanese Kutani Hotei Colorful Laughing Buddha Porcelain
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an old Japanese Kutani Moriage hotei porcelain statue Charming and colorful laughing buddha figurine. Hand embellished. Stamped Japan. Dimensions: 5.25" W x...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Sancai Glazed Terra Cotta Woman Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta figure of a woman wearing robes bearing the Tang Dynasty's traditional tri-color glaze, or Sancai, utilizing brown, green and off-white...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Sancai Glazed Terra Cotta Camel Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta tomb figure of a Bactrian camel, the main form of transport over the Silk Road, with its head tilted back and mouth open to the sky, we...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Bactrian Camel Terra Cotta Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta tomb figure of a Bactrian camel, the main form of transport over the Silk Road, with its head tilted back and mouth open to the sky, we...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Rose Quartz Sculpture of a Chinese Man Holding a Ruyi Scepter
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a rose quartz heavy sculpture of a Chinese man holding a ruyi scepter. The sculpture is standing over an asymmetrical oval base adorned with some ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Rose Quartz

14.5" Jade 2 piece Sculpture of Grapes and Birds
Located in Pasadena, TX
This sculpture is carved from Jade. The carving is depicting a pair of birds, perching on a grapevine, perhaps eating fruit or singing and getting some much needed rest. The sculptur...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Jade

12" Vintage Soapstone Sculpture of a Woman
Located in Pasadena, TX
This sculpture is made of a jade color soapstone. It depicts a Guan Yin woman figure standing on a stone base. The woman is adorned and draped in a beautiful kimono.
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

15" Chinese Monk Stone Sculpture
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a stone sculpture depicting a pious Monk. The base is formed out of stone also.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Wooden Samourai Sculpture, Early 20th Century, Gold Color, China
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
We have a very nice wooden Samourai sculpture, With It's arms up. It dates from the early 20th century, and you can see the aging in its beautiful patina. . The work of sculpture is ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Chinese Porcelain Qing Emperor Decorative Figure
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Chinese porcelain figurine inspired by the illustrious Qing dynasty. Crafted in a stunning wucai style, the figurine depicts a distinguish...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Fine Chinese Carved Wood Statue of a Fisherman, , circa 1900, Republic period
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
We have a Chinese wooden sculpture. A fisherman who is carrying a fish. The teeth and the eyes are made of glass and, for the eyes, they are p...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Wood

Chinese Porcelain Qing Emperor Decorative Figure
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Chinese porcelain figurine inspired by the illustrious Qing dynasty. Crafted in a stunning wucai style, the figurine depicts a distinguish...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Early 20th-Century Antique Chinese Erotic Porcelain Figurine
Located in Pomona, CA
These "spring palace paintings" (春宫畫), Chinese erotic porcelain figurine were historically given to brides and young couples, sometimes as a form of "sex education" in a culture wher...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Chinese Antique Cloisonne Figurine with Musical Instrument
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this magnificent Chinese Antique Cloisonne Beauty Figurine. It was hand made from gold copper cloisonne. This stand Beauty has very d...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Antique Chinese Painted Clay Buddha Statue
Located in Queens, NY
"Antique Chinese (early 20th Century, Republic of China) clay Buddha sculpture with painted details in red, green, and blue. (Similar sculptures: NWL2497, ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Clay

Chinese Porcelain Traditional Figures
Located in Queens, NY
7 Asian Chinese (20th Cent) porcelain figures in blue and white patterns in traditional dress (PRICED EACH).
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Gilt Bronze Buddha Figure
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Gilt Bronze Buddha Figure 7 7/8 H X 3 3/8 D
Category

19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Gilt Famille Verte Chinese Porcelain Seated Buddha/Luohan Ex-Lorin Marsh
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage Chinese porcelain statue. In the form of a Luohan or Arhat with a famille verte robe and gilt body. The reverse ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Porcelain Group figurines of Journey to the West
Located in Pomona, CA
This ceramic figurine group depicts the main characters from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The figures are typically identified as the Tang Dynasty monk Tang Sanzang...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

19th Chinese Carved Hardwood Figure of an Immortal Holding a Bat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite late 19th-century Chinese carved hardwood figure depicts an immortal holding a bat, symbolizing happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture. The workmanship is exemp...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bone, Hardwood

Patinated Wooden Sculpture, Representing Buddha, China Early 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
We have a very nice wooden Buddha sculpture. It dates from the early 20th century, and you can see the aging in its beautiful patina. The work ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Fruitwood

Two Ming Style Chinese Pottery Dignitaries
Located in Bradenton, FL
Two Chinese Ming style sancai polychrome glaze terracotta pottery figures of Chinese dignitaries in glazed green and ocher terracotta on hexagonal bases and removable heads. The man ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Chinese Export figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export figurative sculptures 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 figurative sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export figurative sculptures made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original figurative sculptures, popular names associated with this style include and Europa Antiques. 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 figurative sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $195 and tops out at $98,000 while the average work can sell for $1,612.

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