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 Round Black Lacquer Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, likely 20th Century
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Chinese Round Black Lacquer Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, likely 20th Century
Beautiful and useful 20th century. Chinese lacquer box of circular shape, the domed cover with flora...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Light Green-Black Jade Lidded Urn
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a lidded light green-black color jade urn adorned with multiples branches of kelp leaves that are attached to it. The urn stands over an asymmetrical ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Jade
Vintage Dried Flower Vase, Chinese, Handpainted, Decorative, Chinoiserie, C.1970
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage dried flower vase. A Chinese, waxed paper over board decorative drum vase, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1970.
Striking col...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Paper
Large Ormolu Mounted Chinese Porcelain Jardinière
Located in London, GB
A large ormolu mounted Chinese porcelain jardinière
French and Chinese, Late 19th Century
Height 102cm, width 80cm, depth 63cm
Combining Ch...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ormolu
Zee Sung Signed Chinese Export Antique Chased Silver Presentation Bowl & Stand
By Zee Sung
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This silver bowl was made by Zee Sung of China in approximately 1910 in the period Chinese Export style. The bowl is composed of silver with six stylized petal shaped panels done wit...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver
Pair of Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Double Gourd Vases
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout pair of Chinese blue and white porcelain vases having a double gourd form, hand decorated with pagoda landscapes.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Export Rose Medallion Canton Porcelain Punch Bowl w/ Multiple Cartooges
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Enhance your leaving space with this early 19th Century Chinese Export Rose Medallion Famille Rose canton porcelain punch bowl with multiple cartooge panels. The exterior of this go...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Mid-Century Chinese Tessellated Bone Horses
Located in Palm Beach, FL
With a reference to the Tang Dynasty an impressive pair of Chinese horses, hand crafted in a tessellated technique with carved bone as a symbol ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Bone
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
19th C Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottle Blue & White Hand Painted, Qing Xianfeng
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good quality Chinese snuff bottle, made from porcelain and finely hand painted in cobalt blue, dating to the mid 19th century, Qing, Xianfeng period circa 1850s.
This...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Famille Rose Ginger Jar with Ancient Censers, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautifully commemorated on this oval ginger jar, censers have been used for thousands of years in Chinese culture as a part of funeral rites or prayer offerings. Filled with dried a...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Export Rose Medallion Canton Porcelain Punch Bowl w/ Multiple Cartooges
Located in New York, NY
A Chinese Export Rose Medallion Famille Rose canton porcelain punch bowl with multiple cartooge panels. The exterior of this gorgeous bowl ...
Category
1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Peach, White and Blue Dragon Motif Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese porcelain vase crafted in the style of the Yuan Dynasty depicting a raised and glazed blue and white dragon against a matte, peach colored ground, and decorated with geometri...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Rectangular Brass and Bronze Wood Jewelry Box, 1950's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Sturdy rectangular hinged trinket box for display or functional for jewelry. Wonderful piece to add to existing collection. Marked on the bottom, China
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Large 18thC Chinese Export Porcelain Bowl Imari 10.6 inch dia., Qing Circa 1770
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a Large 10.6 inch diameter Chinese Export porcelain footed Bowl with hand painted Imari decoration, which we date to the second half of the 18th Century, Qing period, circa 1...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Hand Painted Porcelain Tea Caddies with Floral and Bamboo Motifs
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of antique Chinese hexagonal form hand painted Porcelain tea caddies with floral and bamboo motifs. Each is beautifully hand painted on porcelain with a rich brown ground and golden tan flowers. They are of hexagonal form with beautifully hand painted peonies...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Decorated Tea Caddy Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese for the English market, 19th century.
A fine quality antique Chinese export tea caddy decorated with beautiful gilding surfaces, a hinged lid which opens to reveal a tooled ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Pewter
Large 20th Century Chinese Export Porcelain Decorative Piece
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Add a touch of traditional Chinese artistry to your space with this large 20th Century Chinese export Porcelain Decorative Piece. This striking piece features a classic bottle shape ...
Category
20th Century Asian Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Spice Jar, Oriental, Ginger, Baluster Urn, Art Deco, 20th Century, 1940
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage spice jar. An Oriental ceramic ginger baluster urn dating to the Art Deco period of early 20th century, circa 1940.
Generously s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Chinese Bamboo Root Carved Peacock Sculptures
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of similar Chinese peacock sculptures carved from the roots of bamboo, utilizing the main section of the root for the bodies, and the "root hair" ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
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
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Bronze Dragon Temple Incense Burner
Located in Pomona, CA
Up for sell is a Huge magnificent Chinese Antique Carved Bronze incense burner. It shows very detailed hand carving works of Dragons as handles and two carved dragons play fire ball releaf on the front as well as three dragon legs...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Modern Chinese Cloisonné Vase, White Background and Butterflies
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Modern Chinese cloisonné vase, white background and butterflies, enameled with numerous butterflies and floral reserves, standing 12.5" high x 6" diameter x 4" base and 3" opening.
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Magical Aged Metal Chinese Horse with Bronze Patina
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Character rich aged gilded metal horse having a tribal Chinese vibe and wonderful patina.
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Vintage Baluster Vase, Decorative, Oriental, Ceramic, Urn, 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage baluster vase, a highly decorative, oriental ceramic urn dating to the mid 20th century.
Of classic form and in good proportion
...
Category
20th Century Asian Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Asian Glazed Ceramic Foo Dogs - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Stunning pair of glazed ceramic foo dogs. A chic deep green color with flashes of deep blue. Lots of intricate detail on the face and body. Areas of wear from age add to the effect. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Old Chinese Pagoda Candlesticks in Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of pagoda shaped candleholders in brass. Made in China before 1969 where the previous owner bought them. They can be installed with regular sized candles. Measurements: H: 23 ...
Category
1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Chinese Hand Painted Blue And White Porcelain Dragon Vase
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Chinese Export blue and white porcelain dragon vase. Beautiful hand-painted vase with blue dragons on white background and an elong...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Asian Rooster Finial Lidded Red Urns
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Asian Rooster Finial Lidded Red Urns
Category
20th Century Asian Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Famille Rose Ginger Jar with Ancient Censers, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautifully commemorated on this oval ginger jar, censers have been used for thousands of years in Chinese culture as a part of funeral rites or prayer offerings. Filled with dried aromatic plants and essential oils, the censer issued fragrant smoke that forged a connection to the spiritual realm.
This late Qing-dynasty jar...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Cloisonne Vase on Stand with Floral Motif
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice Chinese cloisonne vase on stand with floral motif, circa 1970s. The vase is in very good condition with no dings or dents and measure 5.75"D x 11.75"H on a beautiful dark blue...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Early 20th Century, Republic Period Foo Dog Porcelain Vase
Located in London, GB
A twentieth century Republic Period porcelain foo dog vase of good scale, decorated with bright red glazes upon a white ground, with character marks vers...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Large Chinese Export Famille Verte Peach Motif Box, Republic Period
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Chinese Export Famille Verte peach motif box, Republic period, exquisite all over decoration with peaches, trees and flowers. Unmarked.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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 Polychrome Harmony Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this large koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. Much of t...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Pine
Pair of Good Quality 19th Century Chinese Rose Medallion Vases
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality pair of 19th century Chinese Cantonese / rose Medallion vases, each having the classical green ground with pink floral decoration, pierced blue handles to either ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Huge Pair of Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Cloisonne Pots/Vases
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this pair of magnificent Antique Chinese Cloisonne Pots. It shows very detailed hand craft works of cloisonne art - a lot of Chinese traditional folks art like Buddhas flower...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Copper
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
Early 20th-C. Chinese Warrior Terracotta Roof Tile Mounted On Lucite
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an antique Chinese warrior roof tile that has been mounted on lucite. The composition appears to be glazed terracotta. The piece coul...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta, Lucite
Vintage Pair of Chinese Hand Painted Planters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finley hand-painted with butterfly and bird motif. No cracks or breaks. From a fine estate in Beverly Hills.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain, Paint
Chinese Style Porcelain Temple Jar
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese style (19th/20th Cent) porcelain temple jar with blue & brown decoration on a white field.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Two Chinese Turquoise Snuff Bottles
Located in Bradenton, FL
Two 19th century Chinese Carved Turquoise Snuff Bottles. Bottles are small in size and have have turquoise stoppers connected to long diminutive...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Other
Pair of 19th Century Blue and White Lidded Temple Jars/Urns
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair of 19th century blue and white temple jars, Chinese or Urns. Each 19 inch large and impressive Urn with a full original lid, measures 15 in High without the lid. The pair signed...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain, Pottery
Antique Samson Porcelain Chinese Export Style Reticulated Fruit Bowl
By Samson & Cie
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique reticulated porcelain fruit bowl.
By Edmé Samson et Cie.
With a reticulated rim and decorated throughout with painted flowers i...
Category
Early 20th Century French Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Famille Verte Vases with Ancient Censers, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
During the 18th century, Europeans provided an eager market for Chinese export porcelain, especially the colorful and fanciful ware known as “famille verte.” Named for a palette of o...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
c. 1840-60 Chinese Lacquer on Wood Cartouche Shaped Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1840-60 Chinese lacquer on wood work or letter box. Cartouche shaped. The entire exterior is decorated with each curved & shaped panel decorated with a gilt scene within a cart...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Lacquer
Circa 1850 Chinese Export Papier Mache Footed Tray
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1850 Chinese export papier mache footed tray. Exquisitely hand painted & gilded. Minor rubbing & darkening commensurate with age, material & use. Text worn away label intact.
7...
Category
1850s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Paint, Paper
Larger Than Life Terracotta Buddha Bust of Guanyin, Early 20th Century, China
Located in Antwerp, BE
Monumental Terracotta Bust of Guanyin — China, Early 20th Century
A striking, larger-than-life terracotta bust of Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, originating from China and ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Early 20th Century Chinese Cloisonne Enameled Tripod Censor/Incense Burner
Located in Pomona, CA
Museum Quality Chinese Champleve Cloisonné Incense burner of monumental size standing on a wonderful carved hardwood base. Gilt brass with enamel decoration, reclining elephant with ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
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
Large mid-century cantonese style hand painted Aquarium planter, China
Located in STRASBOURG, FR
Large Famille Rose aquarium with Chenghua Nian Zhi mark, 20th century China.
Very good condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Famille Rose Vase Chinese Decorated Floral 42" Tall
Located in Newfoundland, PA
This large Chinese Famille Rose porcelain vase features a beautiful multi color design. The vase is adorned with intricate figurative patterns, showcasing traditional Chinese artistr...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Soapstone Buddhist Lions
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A pair of soapstone Buddhist lions
Each finely carved seated on its haunches with a fierce expression,
modelled in mirror image seated on a rectangu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
Chinese Celadon Glazed Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese glazed porcelain vase in a celadon color with a bulbous form (date mark on bottom, see photos).
Category
20th Century Chinese 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
Table Lamp, Chinese, Porcelaine, Hand Painted, in a Vase Shape, China circa 1880
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Vase, table lamp, in Porcelain. It has been made in china, Circa 1880.
The decorative pattern are Birds, and leaves.
USA PLUG ADAPTATOR WILL BE FURNISHED FOR FREE TO THE US BUYERS
S...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Red Cloisonné Zodiac Vases, with Stands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese red cloisonné zodiac vases, with stands, each one with gilt brass phoenix bird ring handles, with 'cracked ice' and floating animal medalli...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Vintage Chinese Porcelain Hand Painted Lucky Dragon Bowl
Located in North Hollywood, 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
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.