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
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
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
Pair of Chinese Bronze Deity Figures, 20th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Pair of Chinese bronze figures of deities standing on dragons. The two sculptures were made in the 20th century. They represent the Tao gods Lu Xing and Fu Xin...
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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
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
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
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
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
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Jade
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
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
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
Mid-Century Chinese Black & Gold Cloisonné 'Good Luck' Circular Table Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mid-Century Chinese black & gold cloisonné 'good luck' circular table box.
The tall circular box of exceptional quality, The conforming removable lid enameled with the Chinese character for 'Happiness' A stately piece, its an unusual example in black cloisonné fish...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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
Vase and Egg in Chinese Porcelain
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful Chinese porcelain set in Chinese art from the early 1900s.
The set consists of a porcelain vase and egg and are beautifully hand painted, depi...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Small Carved Lavender Opaline Jade Guan Yin Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a small carved lavender “opaline” jade Guan Yin sculpture. The sculpture has some russet jade spots in the upper back. The back of her head is...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Jade
Chinese Blue and White Botanical Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This round, porcelain storage jar is brightly glazed in the classic blue-and-white manner with an allover pattern of botanical motifs. A combination of stenciled linework and hand-br...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
20th Century Chinese Celadon Lidded Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
"Chinese celadon ceramic vase with a gourd-shaped form wrapped in a tonal vine pattern and fitted with a ball finial-topped lid. (Similar vase in blue: NWL2041)
Chip near vase openi...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Imari Porcelain Vases
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Asian Chinese Imari (18th cent) porcelain small vases with a scalloped top and scenes of figures and flowers. (small chip to 1 top) (priced as pa...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Ormolu Mounted Porcelain Vase & Bowl
Located in Astoria, NY
Set of two Chinese porcelain centerpieces comprising (1) one red and beige vase with French Louis XVI style ormolu mounts and (1) one red and beige bowl with French Louis XV style or...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Qing Dynasty Style Blue Double-Gourd Porcelain Vase with Gold Rim
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese Qing Dynasty Style (20th Century) blue porcelain double-gourd vase with a raised vine and pear pattern that symbolizes a traditional blessing for longevity and abundance, and...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Carved Hardstone Eagle in Smoky Quartz
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This majestic eagle is hand carved from quality smoky quartz. The eagle is standing on a decorative geometric base that has been custom made for this purpose. With faux glass eyes, t...
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Quartz
Two Famille Rose Cosmetic Boxes, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Period
Located in seoul, KR
Circular form with flattened doomed covers, the covers with a medallion of flower with full bloom, the bowls with two round borders.
Period : Qing Dynasty, Kangxi-Yongzheng Period
P...
Category
17th Century Vietnamese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Oriental Flower Vase, Decorative, Ceramic, Butterflies, 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an oriental flower vase, a decorative ceramic piece featuring butterflies dating to the 20th century.
Of Classic form with broad shoulder
In good condition throughout, fr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Jade
Pair of Exquisite Chinese Gilded Enamel on Bronze Cloissonne Vases
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Pair of lovely Chinese gilded enamel on bronze Cloisonne vases
adorned with Cherry Blossoms, Peonies and Blue birds.
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Chinese Maroon and Umber Lidded Porcelain Ginger Jar
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese porcelain lidded ginger jar in a finish that shifts within a range of umber, red and maroon, adding dimension to its shape.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese White Globular Kylin Motif Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese (late 19th Century) white, globular porcelain vase with colorful kylin beasts, symbolizing good luck, amid geometric and floral designs.
Condition: Good; Wear consistent wit...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese White Floral and Butterfly Patterned Porcelain Vases
Located in Queens, NY
3 Chinese white porcelain vases with pear-shaped forms decorated in butterflies above pink and orange florals growing from green leaves on one side with characters on the reverse. (P...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Antique Chinese Decorative Wall Dish
Located in Milano, IT
Round plate in bronze and cloisonné enamel designed in China in the 20th century.
This plate is made of bronze and cloisonné enamel, a goldsmithing technique originally applied to j...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
19th C. Chinese Paper Machiere Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century lidded box made from paper-machiere.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper
Carved Vintage Tibetan or Thailand Polychromed and Giltwood Mandalay Statue
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Wood. Carved gold painted. Polychrome. Figural. 55 1/2" h x 23" w x 9" d.
Condition
Paint loss. Splits in wood. Some jewels missing. Surface scratches.
Category
1940s Asian Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Walnut
Chinese White, Blue and Orange Floral Moon Flask Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (early 20th Century) white moon flask vase decorated with a central botanical design surrounded by blue and orange flowers, and topped with two blue handles.
Conditi...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Antique Chinese Court Genre Scene Design Porcelain Rouleau-Form Vases
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Antique Chinese (late 19th-early 20th Century) porcelain rouleau-form vases with central designs of a court scene with figures in conversation surrounded by colorful geometri...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Bactrian Camel Terra Cotta Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta tomb figure of a Bactrian camel, the main form of transport over the Silk Road, with its head tilted back and mouth open to the sky, we...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Decorative Objects
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Off-White and Light Blue Vine Motif Porcelain Urn Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (Early 20th Century) off-white porcelain vase with an urn form decorated in a light blue, delicate vine and floral motifs and bold characters on 4 sides.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Antique Chinese Rouleau Shaped Potted Tree Design Porcelain Vases
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Antique Chinese (late 19th-early 20th Century) porcelain vases with rouleau forms and a design depicting potted trees with characters extending up the necks. (PRICED AS PAIR)
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Sancai Glazed Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style vase crafted with the traditional tri-color glaze, or Sancai, utilizing brown, green and off-white, and with a glazed ochre...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Small Handcarved Chinese Chest
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A hand carved Chinese large table box with hinged lid. Intricately carved all-over with Asian carvings resting of four paw feet. Bronze lock plate on front.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Small Carved Jade East Asian Woman’s Figurine
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a small jade East Asian woman’s figurine. It depicts a carved jade woman’s figure that appears to be dancing or stretching herself. She is wearing a...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Jade
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Cloisonne bowl
Located in Pomona, CA
This Unique Chinese Antique Cloisonné Bowl is the perfect decor piece. With beautiful floral and bird design, it is a majestically hand crafted ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Copper
Pair of Chinese Bogu Pattern Lobed Porcelain Vases
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Chinese (Early 20th Century) similar off-white lobed porcelain vases with red foo dog side ornaments and a pink and green traditional bogu pattern ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Off-White and Blue Pastoral Scene Porcelain Jar
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (Early 20th Century) small, porcelain jar depicting a blue pastoral scene on an off-white background with an unglazed rim.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Large Antique Chinese Octagonal Black Lacquered Gilt Painted Covered Box 1940s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Oriental Chinese Export Black Lacquered Gilt Painted Covered Box 1940s.
Large Asian Chinese black lacquered tea box with nume...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Giltwood, 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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Rose Quartz
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Clay
Chinese White and Blue Village Scene Porcelain Urn
Located in Queens, NY
"Antique Chinese (Late 19th Century) large white, porcelain urn depicting a blue scene of a village along the water, and finished with two dark blue scrolled handles along the neck.
...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Han Dynasty Style Patinated Bronze Carved Urn
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Han Dynasty-style copy patinaed bronze urn carved with raised geometric patterned bands wrapping its form and adorned with two small handles beneath the neck.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Mid-20th Century Chinese Enamel Porcelain Vases, Pen Holder
Located in Pomona, CA
This Vintage yellowish pea green glaze Porcelain square vase is hand made with hand painted enamel scenes of chrysanthemums, peonies, butterfly, and other nature motifs surrounded by...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Boxwood
Chinese Gray Incised Meiping Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (Late 19th Century) gray porcelain vase in a Meiping form carved with tonal floral medallions and accented with diminutive handles at the opening.
Condition: Good; W...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Song Dynasty Style Beige Cong Vases
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Antique Chinese Song Dynasty-style (late 19th Century) vases with traditional cong forms, beige crackle finishes, and round mouths and bases (PRICED AS PAIR).
Condition: Goo...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Old Bronze Vessel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Unearth a piece of history with this captivating old bronze vessel, a treasure that speaks volumes of its rich past. Discovered and now presented for your consideration, this artifac...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Polished Brass Asian Candlesticks
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Pair of polished cast gold brass candlesticks.
Mid-Century Modern vintage Chinese export candle holders.
Dimensions: 4.75 in. D x 18 in. Height.
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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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