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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 Ceramic Pottery Hand Painted Turquoise Ducks - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of Chinese Export ceramic pottery ducks. They are hand painted and unmarked.. They most likely date to the 60s. They are in very good condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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 Sculptures

Materials

Malachite

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

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

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 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

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

Pair of Rose Quartz Chinese Guardian Foo Dogs, Fu Lions
Located in Lomita, CA
These noble beasts are often placed near the entrance of a home for fierce protection. The pair of hand-carved rose quartz foo dogs (also known as guardian lions) exudes protective s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Quartz

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 Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

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

Vintage Chinese Porcelain Turquoise Foo Dog Figurines - a Pair
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent pair of Chinese Turquoise Glazed Ceramic Lion Statuary are hand made and hand carved in Museum quality. According to historical books, lions were introduced into Mai...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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 Sculptures

Materials

Marble

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

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

Mid-20th Century Vintage Chinese Hand Crafted Stone Frog
Located in Pomona, CA
This vintage Chinese stone frog sculpture is hand Craft with exquisite detail which was very common in stone sculptures. This sculpture is handcrafted from Mid-20th century using so...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Stone

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

Heavy Hand Carved Rose Quartz Large Owl Sculpture/Figurine
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a very detailed hand carved rose quartz heavy owl sculpture/figurine. It depicts different shades of pink. It is standing over what appears to be a branch of Cercis tree surr...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Rose Quartz

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 Antique Chinese Porcelain Roosters
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Pair of 1920’s Chinese Porcelain Roosters. Vibrantly painted and decorated in polychrome application. The roosters are shown in their typical...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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

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

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

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

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

Early 20th-C. Asian Bronze Food Dogs or Lions Figurines, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are a pair of early 20th century Chinese bronze foo dogs. They are a heavy casting and in very good condition.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Quartz Rock Crystal of a Chinese Goddess
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very rare Carving of a Goddess seated inside of a large Quartz Rock Crystal . Hard to see any details in the photos . No signature found . The stone is appox 9" across an...
Category

Late 19th Century Central Asian Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Quartz

Incredible Pair of Solid Brass Reclining Stags with Impressive Antlers
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An impressive pair of vintage solid brass opposing reclining stags having beautiful detailed casting and fabulous large antlers.
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Brass

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

Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Egg with Wood Stand, Early 20 Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Presenting a cute Chinese cloisonné enamel egg with wood Stand, early 20 century. The Height is including the Height Stand.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Copper

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 Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Cloisonné Tang Style Horses
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage pair of Chinese cloisonné horses with a Tang dynasty form decorated with colorful symbolic references on an alluring blue back...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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 Sculptures

Materials

Teak

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

Vintage Chinese Cloisonné War Horse Sculptures on Mahogany Base - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese Cloisonné War Horse Sculptures on Mahogany Base - Pair Exquisite Set of 2 vintage Chinese Cloisonne' war horse sculptures on maho...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Enamel

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 Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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

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

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

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

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

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 Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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 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

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 Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Antique Gold Bastet Goddess of Women Cat Figurines Porcelain Sculptures
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Impressive antique Asian pair of sphinx Bastet goddess of women sculptures. Cat like figurines with gold bodies, black enamel heads with turquoise enamel eyes. Porcelain made bear ...
Category

Early 1900s Macanese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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

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 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 Sculptures

Materials

Teak

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

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

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

Pair Of Chinese Hardstone Guardian Lions
Located in Norwood, NJ
Pair of hand carved Chinese Jade hardstone Foo Lions or Fu Dogs. This pair of Chinese spinach jade appears to be a nephrite, covered vases having a figural foo lion design with raise...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Jade

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

A Pair of Vintage Chinese Buffalo Horn Carved Eagle Sculptures
Located in Pomona, CA
This pair of vintage Chinese Buffalo horn carved eagle sculptures are 100 percent hand made and hand carved from Buffalo horn. In ancient China, The ea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Horn

20th Century Chinese Ceramic Tang San Cai (Tri Color)Horse
Located in Pomona, CA
A large vintage Tang style Sancai glazed terracotta horse. This exquisite piece features a striking green and brown color glazed finish, infusing it with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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 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 Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Carved Bone Lobster
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lobster sculpture or object of art crafted in carved bone with hinged antennae and flexible tail. Our other listings contain. a larger lobster, crabs and t...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bone

Carved Bone Lobster
Carved Bone Lobster
$1,995 / item
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

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 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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