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.
Chinese Blue and White Double Happiness Temple Jars - A Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Chinese Blue and White Chinese Porcelain Double Happiness Temple Jars. The Double Happiness symbol is the central motif used to represent joy and marital happiness, and ...
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...
Porcelain
Antique Regency Chinese Export Lacquer Handpainted Work Sewing Writing Box 1820
Located in Portland, OR
A fine quality antique Regency period Chinese Export Lacquer Work Sewing Box, Circa 1820. The box having a hinged lid that is sumptuously decorated with a gilded design of Imperial...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Chinese Hand Painted Rose Medallion Temple Vase
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Rose Medallion Tall vases also know as "Export Porcelain" vase. It was hand made and hand painted at about 1910 - 1920 with gilt foo dog handles and dragons to neck and shoulder. The vase body is decorated with hand painted courtly figures, floral and exotic birds. This large temple vase...
Porcelain
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...
Porcelain
$819Sale Price|51% Off
Blue and White Cobalt Baluster Form Prunus Vintage Vase
Located in Lomita, CA
A vintage Chinese blue and white prunus decorated baluster vase is from the Zhongguo period (circa 1960-70) marks. Zhongguo translates to "Middle Kingdom." The vase is of baluster...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Hand-Carved Chinese Malachite Elder on Cloisonné-Inspired Wood Base
Located in Lomita, CA
Description: This exquisite hand-carved Chinese malachite sculpture depicts a wise elder seated in flowing robes, rendered in rich stria...
Malachite
Chinese Blue & White Qilin Brush Pot
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...
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Carved Stone Buddha Head Sculpture
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this magnificent Chinese Antique Carved Stone Buddha Head. It was dated back to 1920s and shows very detailed hand carving works on it. You can see from the pictures that It ...
Stone
Blanc and Cinnamon Glazed Porcelain Foo Dogs - a Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous pair of unusual Cinnamon an Blanc glazed porcelain Foo Dogs . Both holding the Earth in reverse of each other. Add some Asian Style to your Design Project.
Porcelain
Chinese Export Type Porcelain Two Handled Foot Basin on Wood Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
A mid Century Chinese Export Porcelain Two Handled and painted Foot Basin on Wood Stand in great vintage c9 edition. No cracks, repair, whatsoever. Measures 18" in width, 10" in dept...
Porcelain, Wood, Paint
Large Rond Jewelry Box, Color with with Internal Compartments, Japan 19th
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is an rond large box. It has been decorated with gilted drawing. It has been made in Japan, during the 19th Century. In red and gold color. It is a jelwery box.
Wood
Chinese Porcelain Lamp with Bird Decoration, 20th Century, Marked
Located in NANTES, FR
**Chinese Porcelain Lamp with Bird Decoration, 20th Century, Marked – The base of this porcelain lamp is made of wood. It dates from the 1960s–1970s. The lamp is sold without the ...
Wood, Porcelain
Collectible Gilt Metal Tibetan Box with Turquoise 1950s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Collectible Chinese Tibetan Gilt Brass Metal Filigree with Turquoise and Coral beads round Box Handcrafted round Tibetan, Nepalese decorative brass trinket wish box with pull-off lid...
Metal, Brass
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...
Terracotta, Lucite
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...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Pair of Antique Chinese Xianfeng Period Enamel Sandstone Foo Dogs or Dragons
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Pair of Superb Antique Chinese Hsien Feng - Xianfeng - Period Polychrome Enamel Sandstone Foo Dogs or Dragons. Wonderful polychrome colors and useful size. Attributed to the Hsein F...
Sandstone, Enamel
$3,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Very Large Impressive Trio Collection of 3 Blue & White Chinese Vases
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An antique collection of 3 very large blue and white Chinese vases, two are a pair but not exactly alike. Beautiful decoration and si...
Ceramic
Chinese Red Lacquered Box With Brass Mounts, Mid 20th Century
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese red and black lacquered box with fine brass mounts in the Chinese Export style. Lovely color. A refined and classic decorative box, beautiful craftsmanship. 20 wide 14 deep ...
Brass
Fine and Rare Pair of Large Rose Medallion Lidded Vases, 19th Century
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality large pair of 19th century Chinese rose medallion or Cantonese lidded vases, each with female figures as finials and handles to the sides. Having the classical gr...
Porcelain
Vintage Bronze Cloisonne Powder Box with Prunus - Unsigned - China - Mid-20th C
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage bronze cloisonne lacquer powder box featuring Prunus blossoms - removeable lid - unsigned - China - mid 20th century. Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - n...
Bronze, Enamel
A 1970s Traditional Blue and White Ceramic Chinese Vase
Located in Catania, Sicilia
A blue and white ceramic vase hand-crafted and painted in China in the second part of 20th century, it's in original condition with normal signs of age. Blue and white ceramics have ...
Ceramic
Vintage Chinese Porcelain Blanc De Chine Dragon Vase
Located in Charleston, SC
Chinese Porcelain Dragon Vase with storage case. It features lotus leaves and dragons. They are in excellent condition and marked. Box measures: 6.25” tall x 18.75” long x 6.75” deep
Porcelain
Vintage Chinese Glazed Terra Cotta Stack of Frogs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical Chinese sculpture or figure crafted in terracotta and hand decorated with a thick glaze depicting a game of leap frog gone awry.
Terracotta
Chinese Famille Rose Ginger Jar with Peacocks & Peonies
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 rose.” Named for a palette of op...
Porcelain
Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Sancai Glazed Terra Cotta Horse Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta figure of a horse commonly used as a tomb figure for wealthy burials in the 7-8th centuries, and crafted with traditional tri-color gla...
Terracotta
Chinese Blue and White Hand Painted Porcelain Bowl
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Hand-painted Porcelain Bowl. Bowl features freehand cobalt-blue brushwork, characterized by the expressive, fluid linework that Jingdezhen artisans favored in the late Qing p...
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Famille Rose “Wu Shuang ” Quadrangular Vases
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Famille-rose 'wu shuang ' quadrangular vase A pair of Chinese Famille Rose “Wu Shuang Pu” quadrangular vases 20th Century, Of typical form decorated with various characters from th...
Porcelain
$6,313Sale Price|20% Off
"Massage" Large White Porcelain Vase by Luce Raggi, Italy / China Contemporary
Located in London, GB
Luce Raggi, Massage (food porn), 2017 glazed porcelain 65 x 25 cm Hand-painted vase representing police men, seductive women and amused saints, all dedicated to their passion fo...
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 ...
Porcelain
Chinese Style Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese style (19th Cent) cloisonné multicolored enamel vase with dragon motif.
Enamel
Large Chinese Canton / Rose medallion bowl, 16" diameter, C19th
Located in Brighton, Sussex
This exquisite 19th-century Cantonese Rose Medallion bowl, measuring 16 inches in diameter, showcases intricate hand-painted scenes of courtly life and nature. The bowl's vibrant col...
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...
Brass
Large Chinese Export Punchbowl with Staple Repairs, 18th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A remarkable large Chinese export blue and white punchbowl painted with a floral and brocade design, and featuring a stunning staple repair, 18th century...
Iron
Vintage Brass and Inlaid Enamel Vase
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice vintage brass and inlaid enamel vase, circa 1970s. The vaseis in very good vintage condition with a floral design and measures 4.25"W x 2.25"D x 5.5"H. Unique Piece! #4731
Brass, Enamel
$1,190 / set
14.5" Jade 2 piece Sculpture of Grapes and Birds
Located in Pasadena, TX
This sculpture is carved from Jade. The carving is depicting a pair of birds, perching on a grapevine, perhaps eating fruit or singing and getting some much needed rest. The sculptur...
Jade
Rare Pair of 19th Century Chinese Famille Rose Vases
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A rare and fine quality large pair of 19th Century Chinese Famille Rose vases, each with wonderful pink petal decoration to the tops, exotic floral decoration to the necks with flowe...
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Hand Painted FooDog Ginger Jar
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Antique Chinese Famille-Rose porcelain Ginger Jar was 100% hand made and hand paint from famous Chinese Famille-Rose Porcelain. It has beautiful hand painted foo dog...
Porcelain
$12,246 / set
Large Pair Canton Enamel Vases, circa 1900
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive pair of late 19th century Chinese Canton enamel vases, each with wonderful pastel colours, with a powder blue ground exotic flora...
Enamel
Large Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Floral Vases Wood Stands
Located in London, GB
Large Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Floral Vases Wood Stands Chinese, 20th Century Vases: Height 78cm, diameter 36cm Bases: Height 15cm, diameter 38cm Overall: Height 93cm, diameter 38c...
Metal, Enamel
$12,500 / set
Pair of Chinese Root Foo Dog Figures
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Asian Chinese style (19th Cent) root design foo dog figures on shaped teak bases
Large Antique Moon Vase, Chinese Ceramic, Decorative Flower Urn, Victorian, Qing
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique moon vase. A Chinese, ceramic decorative flower urn with hand-painted decoration, dating to the Qing dynasty during the late Victor...
Ceramic
Antique Chinese Pottery Rose Medallion Bottle Vase, Early 19th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Chinese Rose Medallion bottle vase. It is beautifully hand painted and features scenic medallions flanked by floral decoration. Additional information: Materials: Cerami...
Ceramic
Antique Black Ground Famille Rose 'Butterfly' Ginger Jar, China, 19th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Antique black ground famille rose 'butterfly' ginger jar and cover - fine shaded enamels with meandering flowering vines and fruit - elaborately decorated butterflies surround the pe...
Ceramic
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...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Chinese Canton covered porcelain entree dish, c. 1820-40
Located in Kenilworth, IL
A square Canton porcelain covered entree dish with dimpled corners. The decoration is in cobalt underglaze blue with a willow tea house pattern. The dish has a flaring rim with an in...
Porcelain
Vintage Display Bowl, Oriental Ceramic, Decorative, Serving Dish, Art Deco, 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage display bowl. An Oriental, ceramic decorative serving dish, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930. A charming example of early 20th...
Ceramic
Hand-Carved Chinese Rose Quartz Ox on Custom Hardwood Stand
Located in Lomita, CA
Hand-Carved Chinese Rose Quartz Ox on Custom Hardwood Stand Description: This finely carved rose quartz ox is a striking example of Chinese stone artistry, believed to date from the...
Quartz
c. 1891-1911 Chinese Fisherman Mud Man Pottery Figurine
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Chinese old fisherman mud man pottery figure, circa 1891-1911. Impressed "China" on the bottom. Likely a World's Fair souvenir era piece. He is seated with a fish in his lap in yello...
Pottery
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...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer
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 ...
Porcelain
$565Sale Price / set|67% Off
A 20th Century Chinese Porcelain Table Lantern (SINGLE ITEM)
Located in San Francisco, CA
THIS IS FOR ONE LANTERN ONLY<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< In the tradition of marriage lanterns. Composed of four parts each. Finely enameled decorated borders with butterflies on a pr...
Enamel
Vintage Oriental Ginger Jar, Large, Polychrome Ceramic, Mid-Late 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage oriental ginger jar, a large, brightly decorated polychrome ceramic with lid, dating to the mid-late 20th century. Of Classic ...
Ceramic
Large Chinese Export Punch Bowl in Mandarin Palette & Gilt Accents, ca. 1780
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large Chinese Export punch bowl in Mandarin Palette & Gilt Accents, ca. 1780.
Porcelain
Pair of Sing Fat Chinese Export Silver Dragon Placecard or Business Card Holders
By Sing Fat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique silver figural card holders. By Sing Fat, a highly regarded Chinese silversmith active in both Shanghai & Canton ca. 1880 - 1940. Each holder in the form of ...
Silver
Blue and White Chinese Floor Vase with Scholars' Garden
Located in Chicago, IL
Chinese blue-and-white ceramics have inspired ceramists worldwide since cobalt was first introduced to China from the Middle East thousands of years ago. This contemporary vase from ...
Porcelain
$38,000 / set
Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Tigers
Located in Houston, TX
A stunning pair of late 20th century life-size Chinese cloisonné tigers from the Baron Estate. In Chinese symbolism, these tigers represents the ma...
Brass
18th-century Chinese Export Porcelain Large Famille Rose Cachepot
Located in Downingtown, PA
Monumental Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Cachepot or Wine Cooler This magnificent Chinese Export porcelain cachepot or wine cooler, dati...
Porcelain
$1,196Sale Price / set|20% Off
French Samson Porcelain Chinese Export Style 4-Piece Garniture Set
By Samson & Cie
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Samson Porcelain Chinese Export Style 4-Piece Garniture Set France, Circa 1950s Consisting of four pieces, each one decorated in the Chinese Export style with hanging baskets of flowers in vignettes with floral surrounds, painted in a subtle palette of reds, blues and gilt decoration. The two covered vases with resting lion lids...
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 Porcelain. It is a painting by Youqiu from the Mi...
Porcelain