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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
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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Celadon-Glazed Molded 'Fish' Brush Pot
Located in New York, NY
The cylindrical body molded with overlapping waves and applied with leaping carp; the underside bearing a molded apocryphal Daoguang seal mark.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Celadon

Blue and White Brush Pot with Shan Shui Landscape
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush pot, or bitong, was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. This porcela...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Koi Fish and Seaweed Porcelain Moon Flask Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (early 20th Century) white porcelain moon flask vase decorated with an underwater scene of seaweed, koi and turtles surrounded by flowers and topped with two handles....
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
Round Chinese Silver Bowl, of segmented form, variously decorated with chrysanthemum, prunus, dragons and birds, all beautifully detailed. Retailed by the firm of Wang Hing which was...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Massive Solid Alabaster Antique Hand Carved Asian Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful solid alabaster antique Asian large sculpture hand carved, circa 1950s, great condition no chips or cracks or chips came out of a state i...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Alabaster

China Mid-18th Century Wood Hand-Carved Architectural Sculpture
Located in Brescia, IT
This charming Mid-19th Century fragment of wood, is a detail of an hand-carved wood column and it has its country of origin in the Oriental part of Indo-China. This is an elegant object that can be used as a paperweight or it can be a decorative object simply, to appreciate for its charming shape and for the beauty of the detailed engraving in the wood. It is only a little piece, but trought it, is possible to understand the beauty and quality of design of the building from which it is coming out. This beautiful piece can be useful as bookend also. The photos shown this antique wood fragment...
Category

Late 18th Century Indonesian Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Pair of Vintage Decorative Vases, Chinese, Ceramic, Dried Flower Urn, Late 20th
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of vintage decorative vases. A Chinese, ceramic tourist ware dried flower urn, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. Strong Art Deco revival taste with disti...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

Chinese Export Imari Porcelain Decorative Plate / Mahogany Stand
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your home decor with this stunning Chinese Export Imari Porcelain Phoenix Design Decorative Plate. Featuring a breathtaking Imari design, the plate is beautifully hand-painted with rich colors and intricate details, making it a striking addition to any room. The plate measures approximately 17 inches in diameter and is in excellent condition, free from chips or cracks. A floral stamp is marked underneath, showcasing its authenticity and origin. Included with the plate is a mahogany wood easel display stand...
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Mahogany

Antique Chinese Han Dynasty-Style Bronze Fluted Urn
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Han Dynasty-style copy of a patinaed bronze urn with ram head ornamentation below the fluted mouth, raised geometric patterns wrapping the body and a tapered circular...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Chinese Celadon Revolving Pattern Porcelain Urns
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Chinese celadon porcelain urns with continuous raised swirling motifs flowing up the slender, fluted necks. (PRICED AS PAIR). Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

18th-century Chinese Export Porcelain Large Famille Rose Cachepot
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Cachepot, Circa 1750-60   The very large Chinese Export porcelain cachepot is of cylindrical form with an ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Beautifully Hand Painted/ Gilt Decorated Chinese Export Decorative Urn / Vase
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Presenting a masterpiece of Chinese artistry, this beautifully hand-painted and gilt-decorated Chinese Export Decorative Urn/Vase is an extraordinary addition to any fine collection....
Category

19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Chinese Off-White and Tonal Patterned Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese off-white porcelain vase with a pear shape carved in a tonal, scrolling botanical pattern (date mark on bottom, see photos).  
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Other

Chinese Famille Verte Hat Stand with Ancient Censers, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the late 19th century, this porcelain hat stand was once used by a Qing-dynasty gentleman to display his cap while it wasn't being worn. The hat stand is decorated in the fa...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Monumental Imari-Style Orange Porcelain Urns
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Chinese monumental porcelain orange and floral patterned vases celebrating Japanese Imari ware in both palette and design, with medallions featuring figurative scenes of women in gardens...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Imari Porcelain Phoenix Design Decorative Plate
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Add a touch of elegance to your space with this exquisite Chinese Export Imari Porcelain Phoenix Design Decorative Plate. The plate showcases a stunning phoenix design, beautifully painted with intricate details and vibrant colors, making it a captivating piece for any decor style. The plate measures approximately 17 inches in diameter and is in excellent condition, free from chips, cracks, or repairs. Its generous size allows it to serve as a striking centerpiece or a statement wall piece.The set includes a mahogany wood easel display stand...
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Mahogany

Pair, Sampson French Porcelain Famille Rose Medallion Pallet Porcelain Urns
Located in Atlanta, GA
Samson & Cie was operated by four generations in Paris and Montreauil-sous-Bois from 1845 to 1979/1980. It was first established by Edme Samson (Paris 1810 – 1891) at 7, Rue Vendôme ...
Category

20th Century French Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Pair 19th Century Hand-Painted Chinese Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th Century Hand-Painted Chinese Vases are stunning works of art, rendered on fine Kaolin clay and illustrative of the mastery of the art attained by master artisans with hundr...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Han Dynasty-Style Patinated Bronze Urn
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Han Dynasty-style copy of a patinated bronze vase with a bulbous body decorated in raised geometric pattern bands, sitting atop a circular base, and accented with two...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Boxwood

Chinese Han Amber Glazed Porcelain Jar
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese (Han Dynasty 206BC-220AD) amber glazed pottery vase (jar) with a band of animals in relief raised on a modern 2¬O" high base.   
Category

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

Chinese Yellow and Blue Floral Meiping Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (19th Century) yellow porcelain Meiping vase decorated with blue florals and geometric bands around the top and the base (mark on bottom, see photos). Condition: Goo...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Green Glazed Shiwan Pottery Teapots Qing Dynasty, 'Pair'
Located in Dallas, TX
A near pair of 19th century Sancai green glazed pottery teapots. Both with yoked handles, spouts and lids. Both also have the Republic era official government wax red seal signifying...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Cloisonne Vases, a Pair, Early to Mid 20th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Cloisonne vases, a pair - early to mid 20th century Gorgeous motif of cherry blossoms in blue and birds agains a lovely cream background Measures: 3" diameter at the base x 6" ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Vintage Lidded and Footed Woven Wicker Basket with Handles
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage woven wicker octagonal basket with fluted opening with inset circular lid above a wooden framed wicker body with two woven handles and embossed brass banding bearing a geomet...
Category

20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Pair of Chinese Fluted and Scalloped Celadon Porcelain Vases
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Chinese celadon porcelain vases with tall fluted necks and scalloped openings (PRICED AS PAIR). Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique 19th Century Hand Painted Chinese Porcelain Lidded Jar
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This rather large antique Asian covered jar is unmarked but believed to have been made in China in circa 1880 for the export market. The jar is done with a robin egg blue background ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Sancai Glazed Terra Cotta Tomb Guardian
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta tomb guardian figure seen in its typical stance of one foot higher than the other as it rests on an anima...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Antique 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 Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Vintage Decorative Stem Vase, Chinese, Ceramic, Flower Sleeve, Art Deco Revival
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage decorative stem vase. A Chinese, ceramic flower sleeve in Art Deco revival taste, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. Presents beautifully with appealing decor and colour Displaying a desirable aged patina and free of marks Classic stem vase form with crisp white ceramic Attractive foliate bouquets to centre with blue and red hues Distinctive banners to neck and base present a variety of scenes and pattern motif This is a distinctive vintage...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese White and Blue Raised Rose Bush Design Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese white porcelain vase with a bulbous body decorated in blue koi, cranes, clouds and vegetation, surrounding a central raised, pierced rose bush on each side. The thin neck fea...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Antique Chinese Hand-Painted Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Antique Chinese Hand-Painted Vases will make a colorful addition to your decor. Using several shades of green combined with blue and a brick red, a scene of entertaining at the ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Chinese Export Gilt Lacquer Fan
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Framed Chinese Export Painted Fan. Delicate painted fan with courtyard scene of royal figure and attendants, mother of pearl or similar inlaid faces. Bordered top and bo...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Wood

Hand Painted / Gilt Gold Decorated Imari Porcelain Vase / Foo Dog Side Handle
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Transport yourself to the opulence of the 19th century with this exquisite Hand-Painted and Gilt Gold Decorated Imari Porcelain Vase, featuring a captivating foo dog side handle. Met...
Category

19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold

Large Chinese Canton Famille Verte Ormolu Mounted Porcelain Vase
Located in London, GB
Large Chinese Canton famille verte ormolu mounted porcelain vase Chinese, 19th Century Height 107cm, diameter 37cm This magnificent Chinese vase from Canton is decorated in the so-c...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

Chinese Cream and Botanical Design Round Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese round, cream porcelain vase painted with a bird above softly rendered green leaves and pink florals on one side, and characters on the reverse.  
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Early 20 Century Antique Carved Bronze 3 Generations of Buddha Statues
Located in Pomona, CA
Three generations of Buddha represents Past, Present and Future three generations of Buddha. They are Dipamkara Buddha, Sakyamuni Buddha and Maitreya Buddha. They wer hand made from ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Chinese White and Blue Peacock Motif Porcelain Urn
Located in Queens, NY
"Antique Chinese (Late 19th Century) large white, ceramic urn with blue peacocks amid florals and two light blue scrolled handles along the neck. Damage to the glaze near bird."
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Sancai Glazed Terra Cotta Woman Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta figure of a woman wearing robes bearing the Tang Dynasty's traditional tri-color glaze, or Sancai, utilizing brown, green and off-white...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Oxblood and White Natural Motif Meiping Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese porcelain Meiping vase in a red oxblood hue decorated with a white natural motif capturing the silhouettes of birds, vines and leaves.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Chinese Papier-Mâché Bowl
Located in London, GB
20th Century Chinese Papier-mâché Bowl Papier-mâché. Chinese bowl made from papier-mâché. 20th Century Dimension: H 25 x D 28 cm.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Paper

Rare 19th Century Chinoiserie Lacquer Boxes, Monogrammed 'DF', c. 1800
Located in Richmond, London
Chinese-export monogrammed lacquerware is extremely rare and particularly sought after. The exquisite decoration of these lacquer boxes is simply superb, which makes them a true col...
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Lacquer

Collection of Three Chinese Porcelain Blue & White Tea Pots
Located in Sheffield, MA
Collection of 3 Chinese Export Porcelain blue & white tea pots. Treat yourself to a cup of tea or serve a guest with individual teapot or use them as dec...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Ginger Jar
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Antique Blue and White porcelain Ginger Jar was hand made and hand paint from famous Chinese Blue and White P...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Striking Set 3 Large Antique Colorful Handpainted Chinese Metal Tea Canisters
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Striking large set of 3 antique metal hand painted Chinese tea canisters having wonderful graphic decoration. Colors are orange, black and green.
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Small Antique Calligrapher's Quill Pot, Chinese, Soapstone, Carved, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small antique calligrapher's quill pot. A Chinese, rouge soapstone carved pen holder, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Intricate pierced detail accentuates...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Soapstone

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Carved Bone Turtle
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical turtle sculpture or object of art crafted in carved bone with an organic palette and amusing stylized form.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Bone

Vintage Decorative Flower Vase, Chinese, Ceramic, Stem Sleeve, Art Deco Revival
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage decorative flower vase. A Chinese, ceramic stem sleeve in Art Deco revival taste, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Off-White and Navy Blue Bird Motif Porcelain Urn
Located in Queens, NY
"Antique Chinese (Late 19th Century) off-white, porcelain urn with a navy blue bird amid florals and two blue scrolled handles along the neck. Light wear, hairline cracks."
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Porcelain Rare Turquoise Fruit Baskets & Stands - a Pair
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain Turquoise Openwork Fruit Baskets & Stands, Circa 1785 The Chinese Export porcelain openwork fruit baskets and stands are painted with an allover turquoise e...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Antique Chinese Peacock and Floral Patterned Porcelain Rouleau Vases
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Antique Chinese (late 19th-early 20th Century) porcelain rouleau-form vases with a pattern featuring a large multi-colored peacock amidst branches and florals against a beige...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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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