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
Rare Large Chinese Export circa 1900 Shoushan Stone Sculpture Pandas Crane Birds
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and very rare original Chinese Export circa 1900 Shoushan stone carving of mountain lions on rocks
I h...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Stone
$2,641 Sale Price
30% Off
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 Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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 Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Wood
$427 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
$180 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Chinese Bronze Incense Vessel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully chased 19th century bronze. In three parts. Great as just a table sculpture.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
1900s Chinese Cloisonne Leopards
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Late 19th Century to 1900s Chinese cloisonne leopards. Finely detailed. Cast in bronze and brass with enamel. Supposedly owned by the Gucci family in Ne...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Enamel
Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonne Birds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty pair of Chinese birds handcrafted in brass and decorated in cloisonne with floral and symbolic designs on an alluring blue background, featuring brass stylized tail feathers de...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Metal
$6,500 / set
Pair 19th Century Bronze Fu Dogs
Located in Dublin 8, IE
These guardian statues were traditionally found standing sentry in front of palaces, temples, and homes of the elite across many parts of Asia. These ...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
$6,890 / set
Hand-Carved Chinese Rose Quartz Ox on Custom Hardwood Stand
Located in Lomita, CA
Hand-Carved Chinese Rose Quartz Ox on Custom Hardwood Stand
Description:
This finely carved rose quartz ox is a striking example of Chinese stone artistry, believed to date from the...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Quartz
Vintage Chinese Metal Gilt Filigree and Enamel Cranes Figures on Wooden Stand
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Chinese Gilt Metal Filigree and Enamel Cranes Figures on Wooden Stand.
Mid 20th century circa 1950s Asian fine jeweled sculptures.
Two Orient...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Asian Hunting Scene in Gilt Bronze 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Asian hunting scene
In gold bronze
Chinese warrior bear hunting
19th century
Measures: 20 x 18 x 9 cm.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Two Ming Style Chinese Pottery Dignitaries
Located in Bradenton, FL
Two Chinese Ming style sancai polychrome glaze terracotta pottery figures of Chinese dignitaries in glazed green and ocher terracotta on hexagonal bases and removable heads. The man ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
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 Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
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 Sculptures
Materials
Other
20th Century Chinese Wooden Carved Tieguai Li
Located in Pomona, CA
Up for sale is a magnificent vintage Chinese Wood Carved Tieguai Li Statuary. It is all hand made and hand carved from boxwood. According to legend, after Tieguai Li becoming an immo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Boxwood
$746 Sale Price
25% 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 Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$4,462 Sale Price
25% Off
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 Sculptures
Materials
Jade
19th Century Chinese Bronze Chimera Guardian Figure
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century, or possibly earlier, seated bronze chimera, cast as a ferocious scaled beast seated in a defensive crouch with its head facing forward as ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Lingzhi Fungus Table Screen Qing Dynasty '1644-1912'
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A lingzhi fungus table screen
Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)
The unusual Chinese scholar’s object,
mounted natural dried and preserved lingzhi fungus.
Lobed asymmetrical outline with dee...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Other
19th Century Sculpture of Guan Yu '关羽'
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century sculpture of Guan Yu (??), a guardian deity.
Guan Yu (d. A.D. 219), a warrior of the late Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 220) renowned for his valo...
Category
19th Century Irish Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Metal
19th Century Pair of Chinese Guardian Lions in Red and Gold Lacquer
Located in NICE, FR
We present you with this stunning pair of statues representing Chinese guardian lions, also known as lions of Fo, made in red and gold lacquer and painted wood. Their origins date ba...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
San Pacific Bronze Crane
Located in Pasadena, TX
This beautiful crane is made by San Pacific International. It's cast in bronze and has a beautiful verdigris patina. It balances on a round base and stands 17" tall.
Category
Late 20th Century Asian Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
19th Chinese Carved Hardwood Figure of an Immortal Holding a Bat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite late 19th-century Chinese carved hardwood figure depicts an immortal holding a bat, symbolizing happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture. The workmanship is exemp...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bone, Hardwood
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
Wooden Samourai Sculpture, Early 20th Century, Gold Color, China
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
We have a very nice wooden Samourai sculpture, With It's arms up. It dates from the early 20th century, and you can see the aging in its beautiful patina. . The work of sculpture is ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$807 Sale Price
20% Off
1950s Fine Antique Chinese White Jade Fish Sculpture Figurine
Located in Chula Vista, CA
an antique decorative fish sculpture
made in white stone jade.
unmarked
Preowned Very good vintage condition unrestored.
Refer to images.
5.13 D x 1 W x 2 H
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Large Royal Gold Plated Cloisonne Bull Statue
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent antique Chinese Cloisonne bull statue is made from gold plated bronze/copper and shows very detailed hand craft works of Cloisonne art - a lot of Chinese traditional folks art like Buddhas flower...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Copper
$7,410 Sale Price
25% Off
Chinese Jade Turtle Sculpture/Figure With Stand
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a Chinese Jade Turtle Sculpture with stand. It depicts a heavy hand carved translucent light green jade turtle with a piece of silk in its mouth pulling a silk ball roll. The tu...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Jade
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
$176 Sale Price
25% Off
Three Mid-20th Century Stone's Patinated Wood Statues of Chinese Figures
Located in Catania, Sicilia
Three hand-carved wood chinese figures with a patina that makes them look like stone in good conditions with just signs of age. The finish ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Chinese Multicolor Glazed Porcelain Pheasant Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (Mid 20th Century) porcelain sculpture of a pheasant with colorful, gold-outlined plumes perched on a rocky formation of green and brown.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Porcelain Foo Dogs
Located in Pasadena, TX
Chinese Foo Dogs sculptures are often placed in pairs at the entrances of temples, palaces, and homes to serve as powerful protectors, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring pro...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
$1,190 / set
Heavy Pair Of Vintage Horse Figures, Oriental Stone, Fireside Ornament, Bookends
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a heavy pair of vintage horse and groom figures. An Oriental, stone fireside ornament or bookends, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980.
Charming figures of substanti...
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Patinated Wooden Sculpture, Representing Buddha, Early 20th Century, Gilt Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Sculpture in patinated wood, representing Buddha, made in China at the beginning of the 20th century. Buddha is depicted with his arms raised. The gold leaf with which it is covered,...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$807 Sale Price
20% Off
20th Sculpture of an Asiatic Man with Birds and Harlequin Motifs, Spain
Located in Miami, FL
This alluring statue will elevate any interior decor.
Nimble and flexible yet astute and clever, this statue is here portrayed in the midst of a traditional dance. The masterful de...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
19thC Chinese Root Wood Carving
Located in Altrincham, GB
19thC Chinese Root Wood Carving of a sacred water buffalo with children climbing on it's back - 23"w x 11"d x 10"h
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bog Wood
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
$232 Sale Price
25% Off
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...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Other
Bronze Buddha Head on Stand
Located in New York, NY
Unique bronze Buddha head on walnut stand.
Category
17th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
$29,000
Chinese Export Famille Rose Pheasant With Ormolu Mounts, Late 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A gorgeous Chinese export famille rose enameled porcelain model of a pheasant mounted on an ormolu stand.
The elegant bird is portrayed perched on a ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Ormolu
Patinated Wooden Sculpture, Representing Buddha, China Early 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
We have a very nice wooden Buddha sculpture. It dates from the early 20th century, and you can see the aging in its beautiful patina. The work ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Fruitwood
$617 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Chinese Wicker Elephant Box from the Shanghai Collection
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Chinese elephant sculpture ambitiously hand crafted in woven wicker with rattan and wood highlights, having a removable head as a lid. From the famed Shanghai collection.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wicker
Wood Sculpture from Old Water Mill Gear, China 1890
Located in Round Top, TX
This wood accent piece originally served as a section of gear work from a water mill in China. Note the carved upper section that created the "gearworks."
The deep worn patina of the...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Chinese Bronze Sculpture Of A Lady
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Bronze Sculpture of a Chinese Lady. It depicts a semi nude Chinese lady standing up and wrapped with a robe around one of her shoulders, the back, below the hip and one of ...
Category
20th Century East Asian Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
$680 Sale Price
20% Off
Small Vintage Carved Oriental Figure, Chinese, Hand Carved, Black Onyx, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small vintage carved Oriental figure. A Chinese, hand-carved black onyx traditional travelling man statue, dating to the late Art Deco period, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Onyx
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 Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
$296 Sale Price
25% Off
Pair of Chinese Carved Stone Foo Dogs on Rectangular Plinths, 20th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Chinese hand carved stone Foo dogs resting on rectangular decorative carved plinths. 20th Century
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Heavy Sancai Glazed Terra Cotta Wisdom Figure in Tang Dynasty Style
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous SanCai glazed terra-cotta wisdom figurine, Crafted in the Tang Dynasty Style. The clay is coated or made into clay sheets, then placed inside the model, and pressed into for...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Chinese Style Verdigris Copper Boar Objet D’Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Figurative decorated boar objet d’art. Made of verdigris copper. Attributed to being Chinese based on style and subject.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Copper
$400 Sale Price
33% Off
Brass Buddha with child Incense 1940s China
Located in Den Haag, NL
Chinese Buddha with child . The child is a insert ,can be removed .
The holes are for incense ,i think . strange combination .Do you
now more than me . Solid Brass .
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Terra Cotta Rider and Horse Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terracotta tomb figure of a girl in a red garment holding an object riding a dark brown horse, standing on a textured base.
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Monumental Chinese Green Glazed Koi
Located in Chicago, IL
A visual pun for "abundance," this monumental ceramic fish sculpture brings an abundance of blessings, wealth and marital bliss. The terracotta statue depicts a large koi, or carp, j...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Antique Chinese Painted Clay Buddha Statue with Green and Brown Robes
Located in Queens, NY
"Antique Chinese (early 20th Century, Republic of China) clay Buddha sculpture with painted details in green, brown, and blue. (Similar sculptures: NWL2497...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Clay
Tang Dynasty Pottery Camel
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese (Tang Dynasty) unglazed pottery camel with an open mouth and head turned with a double hump back.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
$49,000
Two Chinese Famille Verte Porcelain HeHe Groups Kangxi Period
Located in Dallas, TX
A Pair of Chinese famille verte laughing twins 'HeHe Erxian' biscuit group, Kangxi (1662-1722), the two boys with jovial expressions and seated upon an openwork rock-base studded wit...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Chinese Glazed Terra Cotta Stack of Frogs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical Chinese sculpture or figure crafted in terracotta and hand decorated with a thick glaze depicting a game of leap frog gone awry.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Bronze Sculpture Japanese Scholar Scroll Fukurokuju Inlay
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Well done, very sharp detailed cast bronze figure with inlay of silver metal on scroll, 1920s- 1930s. Beautiful golden patina on head and bottom from years of handling. 8.3 lbs.
Category
1920s Japanese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
$3,840 Sale Price
20% Off
Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Terracotta Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terracotta tomb figure of a man with his fists raised, wearing a hat or a head wrap and boots, and standing on a faceted...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Terra Cotta Horse with Rider Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta tomb figure of a rider wearing robes and a red sash sitting on a horse that is painted in blue dots and a red bridle, with its head bow...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Splendid Impressively Large Life Size Chinese Guan Yin Marble Figure
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Amazing life size beautiful white marble Guan Yin sculpture having meticulous detail and beautiful peaceful expression. Appropriate for display indoors or in the garden.
In Chinese ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Marble
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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