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.
Early 20th-C. Chinese Warrior Terracotta Roof Tile Mounted On Lucite
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an antique Chinese warrior roof tile that has been mounted on lucite. The composition appears to be glazed terracotta. The piece coul...
Terracotta, Lucite
Large Fantastic Wood 'Scholars Rock'
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A large fantastic wood 'scholar's rock' The formation of natural knots, gnarled and twisted projections Of the variety greyish brown-toned wood, imitating a vertical scholar’s rock. Much appreciated by Chinese scholars for contemplation, artistic and poetic inspiration. Also in the west these fantastic wood formations resembling organic microcosm habitat Never stopped to inspire some surrealist artists like Max Ernst or Frantisek Muzika. Measures: 27¾" in. (70.5cm.) high. Approx. 10" in. (25.5 cm.) wide, 7" in. (17.5 cm.) deep. On soft wood stand. For comparison see Christie’s sale NY, 19 Sep 2002, lot 104 “Fine Chinese Archaic bronzes...
Other
19th Century Chinese Jade Disc on Stand, Antique Decorative Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
Large 19th Century Chinese Jade Disc on Stand
Jade
$2,404Sale Price / set|35% Off
Early 20 Century Chinese Rosewood Panels, Wall Hanging with Jade Inlay Picture
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a set of 3 panels Chinese antique Rosewood with Jade inlay Panels. They were hand made and hand painted. It features beautiful detailed carved painting and jade inlay of Chinese traditional design - 8 immortals...
Rosewood
$744Sale Price|20% Off
Chinese Carved Soapstone Table Lamp, Early 20th Century, Floral Design
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A carved soapstone lamp base, unusual because of the color of the stone; reddish, brown and black. The carving is in the shape of a vase which i...
Sandstone
Brass Mounted Rock Crystal Sphere Large
Located in New York, NY
Rock crystal sphere mounted on a brass stand. Rock crystal, a form of quartz, has been used in jewelry and ornaments since antiquity, and is the purest form of quartz discovered. Mea...
Rock Crystal, Brass
$2,684
H 18.12 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in
A Miniati, Arab Warrior, Signed Orientalist Bronze, Early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Orientalist bronze with a brown patina, representing an Arab in motion, a rifle in his hand, hiding in the folds of his clothing. This sculpture is signed on the base Miniati and...
Bronze
$900Sale Price|42% Off
H 7.75 in W 5 in D 2.75 in
19th Century Antique Bronze Chinese Sculpture of Three Figures
Located in Miami, FL
Finely detailed antique bronze of three Chinese figures with a wonderful patina. A beautiful and bold conversation piece for any home. Measures: 7 3/4" H x 5" W x 2 3/4" D Delightfu...
Bronze
Malachite Rock on Display Stand Chinese Scholar Stone
Located in Atlanta, GA
A malachite rock specimen with intense green and black colors fitted on a wood stand and displayed as a Chinese scholar stone. The gemstone in t...
Stone
Early 20th Century Slag Glass Table Lamp
Located in Denton, TX
Intricate metal work with foliage detail and blue Slag glass panels. There are three settings for the lamp, you can light just the stem light or just the reading light or you can hav...
Metal
$408
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
Late 19th-Century French Decorative Marble Fragment Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This 19th-Century French marble fragment is a charming piece of history as well as a striking standalone decorative accent. As found in a flea market on the Belgium border to France,...
Marble
Late 19th/Early 20th Century Carved Jade Mythical Bird Carving
Located in Hudson, NY
This nicely carved bird figure is done in an 18th-century style but is from the very late 19th century to early republic period. The stone is a soft mellow celadon green with dark br...
Jade
Brutalist Table Lamp, Finland, Early 20th Century
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Brutalist table lamp, manufactured in Finland, Early 20th Century. Forged iron frame with yarn lampshade. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use.
Iron
$2,200
H 32.75 in W 35 in D 15 in
Early 20th Century Continental Carousel Galloping Horse Mounted on Metal Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exquisite continental foal baby horse from the early 20th century mounted on iron base. This joyful foal is caught in mid leap as it’s possibly just lear...
Metal
Vintage Chinese Serpentine Sculpture, China, Early 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Chinese serpentine sculpture is a traditional decorative object realized in china in the early 20th century. Serpentine m...
Marble, Serpentine
Rare Large Rock Crystal Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Rare large rock crystal sculpture with mountain peak and overhang, sophisticated crystal texture with translucent tone on the top. Antique brass custom stand.
Rock Crystal
Chinese Honan Jade Censer
Located in Lomita, CA
This is a special honan jade temple carving censer with a small Buddha figure visible from inside the carving in white. The color is cool with hints of whi...
Jade
19th Century Hand Carved Polychromed Chinese Temple Fragment
Located in Lomita, CA
A Chinese carved softwood architectural fragment from the late 19th century. is profusely carved with figures that include horses, birds and a pagoda that overlooks the events portr...
Teak
Chinese Scholar Rock in Metal Form on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
On offer is a Chinese scholar stone (Gongshi or Spirited stone) made of a metal alloy (likely a white bronze with copper, tin and zinc), circa Qing Dynasty. The small but condensed f...
Metal
Sold
H 87 in W 11.25 in D 11.25 in
20th Century Chinese Profusely Hand-Carved Faux Elephant Tusks, a Pair
Located in Dallas, TX
Before we start, you can relax, these are not real elephant tusks and are most definitely not made of ivory !!! These are 100% legal These are 'f...
Bone, Hardwood, Ebony, Paint
Magical Bronze Hand Fragment Sculpture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A lovely elegant bronze hand, a found remnant from an Asian antiquity, mounted on a custom base.
Bronze
Sold
H 36.03 in W 12.6 in D 12.6 in
Chinese Chen Leung Rosewood Plant Pot Jardiniere Stand Signed Fret Tiles
By Chen Leung
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Nice pair of solid Rosewood Chinese Chen Leung Jardiniere plant pot stands with hand signed fret work tiles Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, for an accurate quot...
Rosewood
Sold
H 28 in W 38 in L 28 in
Pair of Large Chinese Republic Period Hardstone Jade Mounted Reversible Screens
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of large Chinese Republic period hardstone jade mounted screans. Late Qing to Republic period 20th century heavy lacquered panels with carved ornate scrolling. Panels have intri...
Stone