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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
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 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

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

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

Chinese Blanc de Chine Porcelain Guanyin
Located in Astoria, NY
Chinese Blanc de Chine Dehua Porcelain Guanyin Sculpture, with acolyte seated on lotus flower. 10.5" H x 4.75" W x 3.75" D.
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

18th-century Chinese Export Porcelain Pair of Court Maiden Candlesticks
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain pair of maiden candlesticks, circa 1760-1775    A pair of large Chinese Export figures of standing maidens holding ...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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

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

Old Japanese Kutani Hotei Colorful Laughing Buddha Porcelain
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Old Japanese Kutani Moriage Hotei Porcelain Statue Charming and Colorful Laughing Buddha figurine Hand embellished Stamped Japan 5.25 w x 6.75 h x 5 d Preowned orig...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Porcelain Large Figures of Mythical Characters
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese export porcelain large mythical figures, Probably of Shouxing, God of Longevity Circa 1775 The two Chinese Export figures stand on green shaped bases and although they a...
Category

1770s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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

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

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

Early 20th Century Chinese Fu Lu Shou Feng Shui Trio Gods Figurines with Marks
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful set of three antique porcelain statues features the Chinese deities Fu, Lu, Shou, commonly known as the Fu Lu Shou gods in folks China. Each statue represents a diffe...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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

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

Pair of Chinese Rose Quartz Foo Dogs
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Asian Chinese rose quartz foo dogs with black eyes seated on teak bases (20th Cent)
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Teak

Tang Style Sancai-Glazed Figure of a Court Lady
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Tang style Sancai-glazed Figure of a Court Lady, 20th century. Standing figure with the long amber and green-glazed robe and green-glazed shoes, the delicate features ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

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

Pair of Chinese Porcelain Standing Figures
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Asian Chinese style blue and white porcelain standing figures (19/20th Cent)
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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

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

Ming Dynasty Porcelain Shou Lau Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese (Ming Dynasty-Circa 1500) blue & green porcelain Shou Lau seated figure with oversize head (symbolism of longevity & luck) on a base suppo...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique 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

Tibetan Bronze Standing Gilt Bronze Buddha Offering Protection
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tibetan bronze standing gilt bronze buddha offering protection China, 20th century A fine example, the Buddha standing on lotus base with the "no fear" abhaya mudra, the figure is ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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 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

Silver Figures of Eight Immortals Yangqinghe Jiuji Marks, Late Qing Dynasty
Located in New York, NY
Important and rare silver figures of eight immortals Yangqinghe Jiuji marks, Late Qing dynasty. Each hollow figure portraying one of the immortals in an animated pose, with highly detailed facial features, four pierced with apertures for the insertion of facial hair, clad in finely chased robes, all but two with their characteristic attributes, their bases bearing either two seal marks reading Yangqinghe Jiuji gongyibu and Zhe'ning Hu Qiusheng zao, or three marks in regular script reading Yangqinghe Jiuji gongyibu, Shang and Sheng zuo, original hand-carved wood stands. Measures: 11 1/4in (28.5cm) high (tallest one). The earliest records of the silver atelier known as Yangqinghe date to 1775 in Shanghai...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Silver

19th Century Bronze Buddha Hand Fragment on Walnut Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Buddha Hand Fragment on Walnut Stand from a 19th Century Bronze Buddha Statue
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Carved Vintage Tibetan or Thailand Polychromed and Giltwood Mandalay Statue
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Wood. Carved gold painted. Polychrome. Figural. 55 1/2" h x 23" w x 9" d. Condition Paint loss. Splits in wood. Some jewels missing. Surface scratches.
Category

1940s Asian Vintage Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Walnut

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

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

Pair of Chinese Porcelain Foo Dogs
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Asian Chinese (19/20th Cent) green and yellow small porcelain reclining foo dog figures
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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

Pair of Chinese Gilt Foo Dogs
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Asian Chinese style gilt carved foo dog figures holding a open design ball
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Giltwood

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 Export Buddha's Hand Citron Altar Fruit on Tazza, Blanc de Chine
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Export Buddha's Hand Citron Altar Fruit on Tazza, Blanc de Chine. A rare form, realistically modeled Chinese Buddha's Hand Citron, presented on a scalloped compote. This wo...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Tang Tri-Colored Glazed Tomb Ceramic Statue
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Vintage Chinese Tang tri color glazed ceramic beautify figure was hand made with famous tri-colored glaze on the ceramic. It has beautiful color and detailed carving...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Carved Soapstone Buddha
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a heavy carved light yellow-green soapstone Buddha seated over an oval stone base with bracket feet.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

Carved Soapstone Buddha
Carved Soapstone Buddha
$220 Sale Price
20% Off
Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Sancai Glazed Camels with Musicians Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta tomb figure of two camels carrying a band of five musicians - four seated with instruments, and one central figure standing to sing. Th...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

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

Pair of Soapstone Buddhist Lions
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A pair of soapstone Buddhist lions Each finely carved seated on its haunches with a fierce expression, modelled in mirror image seated on a rectangu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

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

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

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

Pair Chinese Export Famille Rose Figures of Immortals, 18th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A near pair of Chinese export porcelain figures of the Taoist immortal Li Tieguai, Qing Dynasty, late 18th century, China. The Daoist Immortal Li Tieguai, on of the Eight Immortals...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique 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 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

Pair Of Metal Asian Men Busts
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Pair of Patinated Metal Asian Men Busts. It depicts two large busts of an Asian men with long mustache and beards. Both of them are wearing what appears to be like a crown ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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

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

Guanyin in Carved Wood and Polichrome, China, Early 20th Century, Asian Art
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guanyin in carved wood and polichrome, China, early 20th century, Asian art Measures: H 56cm, W 16cm, W 15cm.
Category

1910s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Terra Cotta Horse and Rider Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terracotta tomb figure of a rider wearing robes sitting on a horse with a bowed head, on a square base.       
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

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

Chinese White Small Cabbage Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Chinese White Jade Small Cabbage Sculpture . It depicts a very well hand carved delicate white cabbage sculpture. It stands over an elongated wood base. In Chinese culture,...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Jade

Massive Chinese Guanyin Statue in Jade-Like Green Hardstone
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Massive 37 1/2"- inch high Chinese Guanyin statue in Green Jade-like hardstone Late 20th century, The reclining deity adorned with a crown emulating ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Other

Chinese Foo Dog Plaster Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice vintage plaster foo dog sculpture in faux bronze finish, circa 1970s.
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Plaster

Chinese Foo Dog Plaster Sculpture
Chinese Foo Dog Plaster Sculpture
$180 Sale Price
20% Off
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

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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