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Chinese Export Decorative Objects

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 Decorated Chinese Vase from Ignoto, 1960
Located in Charleston, SC
Ceramic vase made in China, finely decorated in Satsuma style. The entire body is hand enameled with intricate garden and family vignettes accented in gold. Striking Chinese export ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Pair 19th Century Rose Medallion Vases / Lamps
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of 19th Century Chinese Cantonese vases / lamps. Each with classical green ground, wonderful exotic floral decoration, butterflies and birds. The vases can be co...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble

Pair of Chines Famille Verte Figural Vases with Kangxi Style Mark
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair of Chines Famille Verte Figural Vases with Kangxi Style Mark
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Antique Chinese Black Glazed Phoenix-Tail Form Porcelain Vases
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Antique Chinese (late 19th-early 20th Century) porcelain phoenix tail-form vases with black glazed exteriors and white interiors (PRICED AS PAIR) Condition: Good; Wear consi...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of canton rose medallion
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of canton style famille rose porcelain vases. Chinese late 19 th century Crafted in china in the late nineteenth century for the export market, these fine porcelain vases with ormolu...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Large Hand Painted Ceramic Chinese Vases, a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A large pair of contemporary Chinese hand painted ceramic vases. Decorated in front with trailing weeping willows in yellow and little birds in blue and orange. In the back, vases ar...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Chinese Urn Shaped Orange Foo Dog Design Porcelain Vases
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese (late 19th-early 20th Century) porcelain vase with an urn-shaped form and swirling orange foo dog designs on a grayish-beige background. Condition: Good; Wear consistent wit...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Blue & White Trailing Vines Ginger Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This round, porcelain ginger jar is brightly glazed in the blue-and-white manner. A combination of stenciled linework and hand-brushed shading, the sides and lid are enlivened with a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Blue & White Shan Shui Ginger Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This round, porcelain ginger jar is brightly glazed in the blue-and-white manner. A combination of stenciled linework and hand-brushed shading, the jar is decorated with mountain-and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Box, with Flower Pattern Decor, Lacquered 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Small lacquered painted box, with floral decorations in yellow, red and green, it was made in China in the 19th century.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Old Japanese Kutani Hotei Colorful Laughing Buddha Porcelain
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an old Japanese Kutani Moriage hotei porcelain statue Charming and colorful laughing buddha figurine. Hand embellished. Stamped Japan. Dimensions: 5.25" W x...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Classic Pair of Antique Chinese Blue and White Lidded Wedding Jars
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Timeless blue and white antique Chinese lidded wedding jars that make elegant accessories.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Mid Century Chinese Hand-Painted Porcelain Jardiniere On Hardwood Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Chinese Hand-Painted Porcelain Jardiniere On Hardwood Stand. Great vintage condition Measures 14.5" in. Diameter, 11.5" in top opening diameter, 16" in height on sta...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Chinese Floral Cloisonné Enamel and Ormolu Vase for Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Chinese Floral Cloisonné enamel and ormolu vase for Islamic Market Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 21cm, diameter 24cm This beautifu...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Pair of Red Asian Cinnabar Boxes with Lid and Blue Lacquer Interior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of lovely Boxes in the style of Cinnabar. Intricately Carved small boxes with a removable lid, revealing a blue lacquer inside. Perfectly suited for decorative purposes or ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Rose Medallion Lidded Vase
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A wonderful late 19th century Chinese Cantonese (Rose Medallion) lidded vase, having bold classical colors, figural handles on either side and to the lids, inset hand painted panels ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Floral Islamic Style Cloisonné Enamel and Ormolu Vase
Located in London, GB
Chinese floral Islamic style cloisonné enamel and ormolu vase Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 13cm, diameter 13cm This beautiful bowl...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Mid 20th Century Edme Samson French Porcelain Armorial Scalloped Shell Dish 7"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 20th century (circa 1941-1957) hand painted Chinese Export style scallop shell porcelain dish, featuring gilded edges, a wreath of roses and an armorial central coat of arms / sh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Large Antique Chinese Cloisonnae Imperial Dragon Decorated Bowl
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and very well executed cloisonnae bowl is signed by and unknown artist and originates from China in approximately 1900 in the period Chinese Export style. The bowl is done with black as the predominant color and decorated with Imperial Dragons...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Chinese Gray Ceramic Figure Depicting a Dignitary
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese molded ceramic figure, fired in a matte gray finish, depicts a mustached dignitary in formal attire standing on a square base with both hands clasped. Some chipping with a p...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Early 20th-Century Antique Chinese Erotic Porcelain Figurine
Located in Pomona, CA
These "spring palace paintings" (春宫畫), Chinese erotic porcelain figurine were historically given to brides and young couples, sometimes as a form of "sex education" in a culture wher...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Porcelain Hand Painted Lucky Dragon Bowl
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Chinese porcelain hand painted dragon bowl, green and red dragon ware. Collectible hand painted Chinese porcelain lucky Dragon b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Blue and White Porcelain Bowl
Located in Pomona, CA
This antique Chinese porcelain bowl is a rare find from the Qing Dynasty, featuring delicate blue and white patterns. Crafted from high-quality porcelain and pottery, this bowl is ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Chinese Wooden Scenic Design Carved Hinge Top Box
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-century Chinese carved wooden box featuring an elaborate scenic design with a hinged top and brass closure hardware. (Stamped HUNG HOP CHEST CO. HONG...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Ormolu Mounted Chinese Porcelain Tazze
Located in London, GB
Pair of ormolu mounted Chinese porcelain tazze Chinese & French, Late 19th Century Height 18cm, width 31cm, depth 21cm These very fine decorative pieces are a pair of tazze (from the Italian tazza...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel

Pair of Kerosene Lamps with Birds in Chinese Style
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of French antique kerosene lamps. The bronze paunch is decorated with birds on branches and flowers in Chinese style. What makes these lamps stun...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Antique Chinese Café Au Lait Porcelain and Ormolu Vases
Located in London, GB
Pair of antique Chinese café au leit porcelain and ormolu vases Porcelain: Chinese, 18th Century Ormolu: French, Late 19th Century Height 33cm, width 23cm, depth 18cm The porcela...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

Pair Antique Chinese Porcelain Lidded Urns with Wood Bases
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Antique Chinese Porcelain Lidded Urns with Wood Bases are a delightful design, with classic form and exquisite jewel tones expressed with talented artistry to depict a variety o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Round Chinese Box in Carved Red Lacquer Blue Enamel Interior
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
1960's Chinese Box in Carved Red Lacquer, Bronze Hardware and Blue Enamel Interior. Marked with Chinese export sticker
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

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 Decorative Objects

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Etched Brass Box with Carved Jade Inset Top, Circa 1900
Located in Stamford, CT
Sweet little Chinese export brass box with beautiful floral etched designs, looks like peonies to me. With a lovely white jade top carved in fretwork with a vase framed by the flower...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Jade, Brass

Chinese White and Blue Vine Motif Lidded Porcelain Ginger Jars
Located in Queens, NY
3 similar antique Chinese (Early 20th Century) lidded porcelain ginger jars with dark blue vine and floral motifs against white backgrounds, Greek key patterns around the necks, and ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Rose Mandarin Lidded Bottle Vase, Early 19th Century
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Early 19th century rose mandarin lidded bottle vase, typically decorated in the 'Rose Medallion' pattern. Two panels depicting Chinese garden and interior scenes and two panels with ...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Petite Chinese Peach Blossom Dish, c. 1930s
Located in Chicago, IL
This charming porcelain dish dates to the early 20th century and is decorated with colorful overglaze enamels in the famille rose style. Likely used as a serving dish for ritual food...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Porcelain Blue and White Dish with Deer 18th Century Circa 1780
Located in Katonah, NY
This 18th-century Chinese export blue and white porcelain dish was hand-painted in underglaze blue, circa 1780. The whimsical central scene depicts two stylized deer beneath a bloomi...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

12" Vintage Soapstone Sculpture of a Woman
Located in Pasadena, TX
This sculpture is made of a jade color soapstone. It depicts a Guan Yin woman figure standing on a stone base. The woman is adorned and draped in a beautiful kimono.
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Chinese Ormolu and Cloisonné Enamel Vase for the Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Chinese Ormolu and Cloisonné enamel vase for the Islamic Market. Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 18cm, diameter 26cm Crafted in Chin...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu, 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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Large Pair of 19th Chinese Yellow and Green Ground Vases/ lamps
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A large, good quality pair of 19th century Chinese green and yellow ground vases, each with classical motif decoration, scrolling flowers, leaves an...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Floral Cloisonné Enamel and Ormolu Vase for Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Chinese floral Cloisonné enamel and ormolu vase for Islamic Market. Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 20cm, diameter 23cm This beaut...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Vintage Large Chinese Export Satsuma Moriage Geishas Koi Fish Bowl Decorative
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Vintage Chinese Export Satsuma Moriage Geishas Koi Fish Bowl A very good looking well made and decorat...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone, Hardwood

Antique Chinese Ormolu Bowl Produced for Export to Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Antique Chinese ormolu bowl produced for export to Islamic Market Chinese, early 20th century Measures: Height 13cm, width 31cm, depth 22cm This ch...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

18thC Chinese Porcelain Bowl Hand Painted Famille Rose, Qing Qianlong circa 1760
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a finely hand painted Chinese porcelain bowl from the 18th century, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period, 1736-1795. The bowl is beautifully decorated with two panels of figure sce...
Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Cinnabar Lacquered Rectangular Box and Cover, China, circa 1880,
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Red lacquer box with the lid representing a scholar and children playing in a mountainous garden, the outer sides covered with repeated geometric patterns. This box was made in China...
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Chinese Blue & White Floral Stem Cup
Located in Chicago, IL
The delicate, blue and white design of this porcelain stem cup was painted in a muted, grey pigment, only to be transformed to a rich, cobalt blue by the fiery heat of the kiln. Elev...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue and White Double Happiness Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
The symbol for double happiness adorns this round tea leaf jar with best wishes for love, companionship and marital bliss. Glazed in the classic blue and white manner, the porcelain ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-20th Century, Hexagonal, Baluster Vase, Chinese Ceramic Urn
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a midcentury hexagonal baluster vase, a 20th century, Chinese ceramic urn. Attractive Chinese baluster vase Profusely decorated from neck to base Free from any damage o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Signed Large Early 19th Century Chinese Vases Ornate Designs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this decorative pair of early 19th century Chinese vases each signed to the base A very nice pa...
Category

1830s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Fine Pair of Chinese Porcelain Bottle Shaped Vases, Daoguang period (1821-1850)
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of Chinese porcelain bottle-shaped vases, painted in the Islamic style, Daoguang period (1821-1850). Each vase finely handpainted in Henn...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Large 19th Century Cantonese / Rose Medallion Vase
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive fine quality 19th century Chinese Canton / rose medallion vase, having the classical white and green foliate ground, gilded dog of faux handles to either side with ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Oriental Red Pottery Vase with Lid in Antiqued Design
Located in Plainview, NY
Vintage Chinese Oriental Red Pottery Vase with Lid This exquisite vintage Chinese Oriental pottery vase is a striking example of bold craftsmanship and timeless design. The tall, el...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Antique Chinese Blue/White Temple Jars from Ching Wang Shu XIX Dynasty
Located in Houston, TX
This pair is very old from the Ching Wang Shu XIX Dynasty And the color is exquisite. They are in good condition with only A few flea bite tiny chips on ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porphyry

Chinese Attributed Miniature Hand Painted Streak Glazed Pottery Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish miniature Chinese attributed art pottery vase hand painted in blue and green streaked glazes and probably dating from the early 20th Century. The lightly potted vase stands...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Chinese Cerulean Short Flower Vases
By Alba China
Located in Austin, TX
This is a lovely pair of simple and subtle short Chinese flower vases that are designed to be a backdrop to a flower arrangement, rather than to upstage the flowers. the simple lines...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Hand Painted Famille Rose Porcelain Ginger Jar - China - Mid 20th C.
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage porcelain ginger jar with lid - famille rose decoration with hand painted scenic panels to the front and back - turquoise bands to the top and bottom of the jar - unsigned - ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Export decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export decorative objects 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 decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export decorative objects 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 decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Hung Chong & Co., Mottahedeh, and Samson & Cie. 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 decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $68 and tops out at $216,780 while the average work can sell for $1,500.

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