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Chinese Export 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 Export Style Rust Fishnet Porcelain Herend Foo Dogs -Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely set of Chinese Export style Herend rust fishnet foo dogs with 24K gold accents. They are marked and in very good condition. They date to t...
Category

Early 2000s Hungarian Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Gold

Vintage Chinese Export Porcelain Celadon Glazed Ducks, Set of 3, 1970's, China
Located in Austin, TX
An absolutely delightful vintage set of three Chinese export porcelain celadon glazed models of ducks, circa 1970's, China. The three ducks all portrayed in a similar fashion, stan...
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Tang Horse Sculpture by Austin Studios
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is an Austin Studios Production sculpture. It depicts a Tang period horse. It's cast in durastone.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Stone

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 Sculptures

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Vintage Chinese Bronze Horse Stepping on Flying Swallow Statue
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Horse stepping on swallow was made from Bronze with hand crafted accent Chinese pattern. Very unique and beautiful. It originally from eastern Han dynasty an...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Sancai Glazed Tang Dynasty-Style Horse 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 its traditional tri-color...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

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 Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Magical Aged Metal Chinese Horse with Bronze Patina
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Character rich aged gilded metal horse having a tribal Chinese vibe and wonderful patina.
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Antique Chinese Silver Gilt and Enamel Peacock
Located in Riverdale, NY
Antique Chinese Silver Gilt and Enamel Peacock from the 1940's on hand carved wood stand. Delicately constructed of vermeil sterling with colorf...
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

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 Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Large Asian Bronze Foo Dogs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Large Asian Bronze Foo Dogs or Kylin Dragon, probably Chinese, circa 1950s or earlier. They retain their warm original patina. These were purch...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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 Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Large Scale Chinese Export Style Hand Painted Ceramic Ducks, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of large scale Chinese Export ducks in very good condition. They have vivid colors!
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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 Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Chinese Gilt carved Wooden Tang Horse Sculpture
Located in Pomona, CA
Chinese Gilt Polychrome Wooden Carved Tang Dynasty Style Horse Sculpture. Featured nicely hand carved and hand painted with gilt highlighted on...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Tigers
Located in Houston, TX
A stunning pair of late 20th century life-size Chinese cloisonné tigers from the Baron Estate. In Chinese symbolism, these tigers represents the ma...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Brass

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 Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Striking Turquoise Pair of Chinese Porcelain Bluebirds
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Pair of Chinese porcelain bluebirds having turquoise bodies and aubergine bases.
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export 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 Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Vintage Chinese Carved Jade Kilim Statues - a Pair
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this pair of original hand carved Jade Kilim statue. They bring Happiness and Wealthiness to you in Chinese cultural. As you can see in the pictures, They are in very good co...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Jade

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 Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Mid-Century Chinese Tessellated Bone Horses
Located in Palm Beach, FL
With a reference to the Tang Dynasty an impressive pair of Chinese horses, hand crafted in a tessellated technique with carved bone as a symbol ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bone

Neolithic Chinese Red Soapstone Bi Disc Carving on Iron Base
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite red soapstone Bi disc is a remarkable artifact from Neolithic China, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. Set on a modern iron base, the disc reflects the timeless be...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone, Iron

Vintage Bronze Asian Horse Sculpture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Elevate your home decoration with this this Stunning of vintage Dynasty style horse. Standing as a testament to intricate craftsmanship, A superb piece of folk art, featuring elegant...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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 Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Pair of Chinese Famille Verte Foo Dogs on Stands
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fierce pair of ceramic Chinese Foo dogs on stands depicted sitting. Made in a beautiful famille verte green with bright yellow accents. Large ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Blue and White Chinese Porcelain Turtle Tortoise Figurine 1970s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage 20th Century Blue & White Chinese Porcelain Turtle, Tortoise Figurine. Vintage Blue and White Ceramic Turtle, Tortoise figurine. Circa: 1970s...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export 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 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 Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Pair of Chinese Bamboo Root Carved Peacock Sculptures
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of similar Chinese peacock sculptures carved from the roots of bamboo, utilizing the main section of the root for the bodies, and the "root hair" ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

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 Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Polychrome Harmony Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this large koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. Much of t...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Pine

Pair of Carved Wood and Gilt Finished Chinese Foo Dog Figurines or Sculptures
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of intricately hand carved and hand painted Foo dogs are believed to have made in the mid-20th century in the Imperial style. The dogs are composed of a softwood which have...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Softwood

A Pair of Blanc de Chine Ceramic Foo Dogs, Ca. 1840
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of Blanc de Chine (Chinese White Glazed) Ceramic Foo Dogs, Ca. 1840 DIMENSIONS Width: 5 inches Height: 11 inches Depth: 6.5 inches ABOUT SCULPTURES There is a small baby lio...
Category

1840s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta, Lucite

Vintage Asian Glazed Ceramic Foo Dogs - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Stunning pair of glazed ceramic foo dogs. A chic deep green color with flashes of deep blue. Lots of intricate detail on the face and body. Areas of wear from age add to the effect. ...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Chinese Carved Jade Pig Statue, Zodiac Sign
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a original hand carved Jade pig statue. the Twelfth Sign of the Chinese Zodiac. Pig symbolizes wealth, lucky and good fortune and prosperity. As you ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Jade

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 Sculptures

Materials

Boxwood

Pair, Ming Dynasty Gilt Bronze Diminutive Chinese Foo Dogs / Guardian Lions
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, Ming Dynasty. Pair, Ming Dynasty Gilt Bronze Diminutive Chinese Foo Dogs or Guardian Lions of extraordinary quality and casting. Procured from an important New York Collect...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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 Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Vintage Mirrored Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Rooster Sculptures
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice vintage mirrored pair of Chinese cloisonné rooster sculptures, circa early 20th century. The sculptures are in very good condition with no d...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Pair of Large Scale Carved Stone Chinese Foo Dogs / Temple Lions
Located in Dallas, TX
a pair of large scale, well carved stone Chinese Foo Dogs / Temple Lions, these are carved out of stone and are traditional Chinese architectural ornaments, China, circa 1920
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Stone

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 Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

Larger Than Life Terracotta Buddha Bust of Guanyin, Early 20th Century, China
Located in Antwerp, BE
Monumental Terracotta Bust of Guanyin — China, Early 20th Century A striking, larger-than-life terracotta bust of Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, originating from China and ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export 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 Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-20th Century Chinese Carved Landscape Sculpture, Scholar art
Located in Pomona, CA
This sculpture has exquisite carved landscaping and buildings, etc. Detailed hand carving works on a piece of Boxwood. It was used as paper weigh - a scholar arts on the desk. Look a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Boxwood

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 Sculptures

Materials

Clay

Vintage Shanghai Wicker Dog Basket or Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Charming mid century lidded dog box ambitiously handcrafted in wicker and wood with an uncanny essence of dog. From the famed Shanghai Collection.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Wicker

Antique Asian Bronze Elephant Sculpture Statue 19th c.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Asian Bronze Elephant Sculpture Statue late 19th c. Asian Chinese antique cast bronze elephant sculpture. Ceremonial cast metal elephant with beautiful detailed carving on hi...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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 Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Two Chinese Wood Lion Foo Dogs Incense Holder
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Two Chinese wood Foo Dogs Incense holder burners. Featuring a pair of highly detailed lion foo dogs, one male and one female which were thought to protect the home from harmful spiritual influences and harmful people that might be a threat. The Foo Dogs...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Pair of Chinese Export Hardstone Horses and Stands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese export hardstone horses and stands, each one finely carved of a standing horse with one leg up, facing left and right. Removable from the associated lacquered stands....
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Precious Stone, Lacquer

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 Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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 Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

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 Sculptures

Materials

Stone

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 Sculptures

Materials

Giltwood

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 Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

1940s Chinese Pair Foo Dog Glazed Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Pair of Antique Chinese Figurines Foo Dog Sculpture Green Glaze Ceramic 8 tall x 3.75 w x 6.5 d Preowned original vintage condition. Refer to...
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Sancai Glazed Ceramic Pho Dogs, Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Chinese Sancai Glazed Ceramic Pho Dogs, each realistically modeled with raised paw on auspicious symbols, on a rectangular rockwork base. 23.5" H x 10" W x 12" D.
Category

20th Century Chinese Export 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 Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

Carved Soapstone Buddha
Carved Soapstone Buddha
$220 Sale Price
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Chinese Export sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export 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 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 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 $1,895.

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