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
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
Chinese Rose Quartz Rooster
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese rose quartz small carved figure of a rooster (as is-repair to base) (20th Cent)
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Rose Quartz
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
Asian Hand Carved Wood Sculpture Star of Longevity Shòu Xīng
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Asian Shòu Xīng Hand Carved Wood Sculpture Star of Longevity
Star of Old Age
Chinese original carving master deity with crane.
Patina unrestored fair original vintage condition nick...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
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 Tang Dynasty-Style Man and Horse Terra Cotta Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta tomb figure of a man dressed in dark gray robes, with one fist raised in the air, sitting atop a red saddle, on a horse that is painted...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Ethereal Terracotta Chinese Ancestor Sculpture on Lucite Base
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely terracotta sculpture of an Asian figure with beautiful weathered patina. Custom lucite base.
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
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
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
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
$696 Sale Price
30% Off
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
Pair of Chinese Lidded Porcelain Elephant Figurines
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Antique Chinese olive green elephant figurines, decorated with carved detailing and pierced sides, and fitted with lids (PRICED AS PAIR).
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
$14,800 / set
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
Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Terra Cotta Woman and Kneeling Camel Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terracotta tomb figure of a woman in a gray dress sitting on a kneeling Bactrian camel with its head tilted back and mout...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Multi-Colored Cloisonne Rooster Sculptures
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of early 20th century Chinese cloisonne rooster sculptures with red, white, blue, green, and yellow enamels standing on circular cloisonne bases...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Enamel
Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Puppies
Located in Essex, MA
Well modeled "lion dogs'" modeled after a Pekingese the companion pet of Chinese royalty. Cream colored ground with brown accents.
Category
1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
$5,800 / set
Pair of Chinese Mid-Century White Porcelain Chickens
Located in Queens, NY
"Pair of Antique Chinese (Mid 20th Century) white porcelain chickens, detailed with tonal feathers and red features and sculpted perched on rocks (P...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Chicken Blood Stone Carving of Bodhidharma on Wood Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small chicken blood stone carving from China circa early 20th century, possibly early (late Qing to early Republic period). It depicts an aged Bo...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Vintage Asian Chinese Brass Prosperity Dragon Wall Hanging
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Asian Chinese Brass Prosperity Dragon Wall Hanging.
As the embodiment of the masculine gender, the dragon has long been an auspicious symbol of power in Chinese culture.
Dragons chasing a ball is the auspicious scene of good luck, prosperity and wealth.
According to Chinese Feng Shui...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Brass
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
Two Brass Chinese Figures (Ox & Elephant) - W4000
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Two Brass Chinese Figures (Ox & Elephant) - W4000
This is a pair of heavy Chinese brass figurines of an ox and an elephant. They are in very good condition with some residue from cl...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Vintage Chinese Hand Carved Bamboo Fish Man Sculpture
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this beautiful vintage Chinese hand carved bamboo fish man. It is 100 percent hand made from bamboo shoot. You can see the pictures ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bamboo
$206 Sale Price
30% Off
20th Century Chinese Antique Cloisonne Figurine with Musical Instrument
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this magnificent Chinese Antique Cloisonne Beauty Figurine. It was hand made from gold copper cloisonne. This stand Beauty has very d...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Metal
$1,365 Sale Price
30% Off
Mid 20th Century Chinese Wood Carved Kwan Yin Statuary
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent vintage Chinese Wood Carved Kwan Yin Statuary has intricate carving works. It is all hand made and hand carved Kwan Yin sitting under the tree and holding a flower i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Boxwood
$1,155 Sale Price
30% Off
Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Terra Cotta Woman and Horse Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta tomb figure of a woman dressed in gray and red robes sitting atop a blue and green saddle, on a horse that is standing on a square base...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
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 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
Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Terra Cotta Kneeling Camel and Woman Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta tomb figure of a woman in a green dress sitting on a kneeling yellow and red Bactrian camel with ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Antique Chinese Painted Clay Buddha Statue with Red Robes
Located in Queens, NY
"Antique Chinese (early 20th Century, Republic of China) clay Buddha sculpture with painted details and red and green robes. (Similar sculptures: NWL2498, ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Clay
Antique Chinese Painted Clay Buddha Statue
Located in Queens, NY
"Antique Chinese (early 20th Century, Republic of China) clay Buddha sculpture with painted details in red, green, and blue. (Similar sculptures: NWL2497, ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Clay
Vintage Papier Mâché Parcel-Gilt Buddha
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Large, decorative and unusual papier mâché gilded Buddha.
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Paper
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
$6,916 Sale Price
30% Off
20th Century Chinese Antique Cloisonne Longevity Star Statuary
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Antique Cloisonne Longevity Star Statuary was hand made from gold copper cloisonne. This stand Longevity Star has ve...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Metal
$1,365 Sale Price
30% Off
Vintage Chinese Hardstone Sea Buckthorn Bushes, Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Vintage Chinese hardstone Sea Buckthorn (Shaji, or Hippophae rhamnoides) plant sculptures, each with nephrite leaves wired to a trunk sprouting Cinnamon Jade berries in agate pots, t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Multi-gemstone
Pair of Great Dragon Temples Chinese Minguo Period
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of great dragon temples.
Chinese Minguo period (1912-1949), in carved bone plates. With detailed dragon carvings. Sitting on a wooden base. faults ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bone
$35,264 / set
Fantastic 19th Century Chinese Blanc De Chine Model of a Water Buffalo or Ox
Located in New York, NY
A Fantastic 19th Century Chinese Blanc De Chine Model of a Water Buffalo. Beautifully hand-carved and enameled with a bright white body and black enamel eyes. This piece is really superb and in fabulous condition for its age. In Chinese culture, the water buffalo symbolizes the coming of spring. Throughout China the spring season began with a ceremonial plowing by the imperial capital through the use of a water buffalo, symbolizing its importance to the imperial heritage. Water buffalo were created in China for centuries, with terracotta pieces found in Han dynasty tombs...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
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 Rose Quartz Reclining Lady
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese rose quartz carved reclining lady on an oval wood base (20th Cent)
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Marble Lions from the 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Chinese Marble Lions from the XIX century
Elegant lions of the Quing Dynasty carved in white marble with chisel. They are in good conditio...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Marble
19th Century Pair of Chinese Hardwood Buffalo & Boys with Bone Flutes
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century pair of dark hardwood water buffalo with inset glass eyes. These finely carved and highly detailed figures have carved boy figures sitting on their backs holding bone flutes...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
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
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
$3,019 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Antique pair of Homunculus Sculptures
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Unique and charming set of homunculus type figures on wooden base. Unknown origin and date but probably early 20th century. See pics
Category
20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$156 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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.