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.
19th Century Bronze Mounted Rose Medallion Lidded Urns
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century rose medallion covered urns with beautifully cast dore bronze French mountings. In excellent condition. Lids are not removable.
Bronze
STUNNING CHINESE EXPORT HAND CARVED WOOD DRAGON MANTLE CLOCK & CANDLESTiCKS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning circa 1880-1920 Chinese Export hand carved dragon mantle clock with matching candlesticks A good looking and expertly carved suite...
Wood
Glazed Earthenware Bowl, Song Dynasty, China
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Song dynasty period earthenware glazed bowl Gorgeous patina and wear. Overall excellent condition. Height: 2.7" Diameter: 6.5"
Earthenware
$6,113 / set
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...
Ormolu
$2,436Sale Price / set|25% Off
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...
Bronze
$2,450 / set
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Export Petite Bowls
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand painted, late 19th century.
Porcelain
19th Century Famille Rose Beaker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very finely detailed large Chinese beaker with flower and bird motif. No cracks, breaks or repairs.
Porcelain, Paint
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Crackelware Vases / Lamps
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of late 19th century Chinese crackleware vases / lamps. Each with oriental style ormolu mounts to the top and bottom. Cla...
Ormolu
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...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
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...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
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 25cm Crafted in China...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
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 19cm, diameter 23cm Crafted in China...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
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...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
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...
Porcelain
Handcrafted Chinese Papier-Mâché Golden Sphere with Gilt Finish, 10cm
Located in LA CELLERA DE TER, ES
Exclusively handcrafted piece. This sphere is created using the ancient Chinese papier-mâché technique – a millennia-old craft that eventually spread worldwide. Traditionally employe...
Gold Leaf
Handcrafted Chinese Papier-Mâché Golden Sphere with Gilt Finish, 18cm
Located in LA CELLERA DE TER, ES
Exclusively handcrafted piece. This sphere is created using the ancient Chinese papier-mâché technique – a millennia-old craft that eventually spread worldwide. Traditionally employe...
Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century Chinese Red Lacquer Decorated Box
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 20th century Chinese Red Lacquer decorated box. Relief carved top panel of an attendant and scholar. Fine finger joints on the box and lid. Inside top of the lid having Chinese...
Wood, Lacquer
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...
Ormolu
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 20cm, diameter 23cm Crafted in China...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
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...
Hardwood