Chinese Export Natural Specimens
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.
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Stone
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Jade
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Multi-gemstone
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Jade
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Quartz
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Stone
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Other
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Other
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Marble
20th Century American Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Stone
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Ceramic
2010s Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Metal
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Stoneware
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Wood
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Porcelain
1940s American Vintage Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Brass
2010s Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Metal
2010s Indonesian Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Driftwood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Coral
2010s Brazilian Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Agate, Amethyst, Crystal, Rock Crystal
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Jade
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Pottery
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Stone
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Stone
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Organic Material, Wood
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Rock Crystal
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Carnelian, Jade
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Stone
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Amethyst, Jade, Wire
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Natural Specimens
Jade, Wire