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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
18th Century Chinese Export Porcelain Bowl with Chinese Domestic Furniture
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Famille Rose porcelain bowl with Chinese "Antiques" & Scholar's items on Furniture, Qianlong Period, circa 1735-1740. The Chinese Export porcelain bowl is finely painted inside and out with famille rose enamels. On the front is a depiction of an unusual grouping of Chinese domestic...
Category

1730s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

One of Two Chinese Porcelain Glazed Figural Ginger Jars with Lids, 19th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Two Chinese blue and white porcelain glazed decorative figural and floral ginger jars with the original removable lids, 19th century. Measure: Diameter 28 cm. Height 28 cm. Two of t...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Famille Rose Rouleau Vase
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Chinese Famille Rose Rouleau Vase Republic Period (1912-1949) Finely enameled with two ladies in conversation at the table in a garden setting. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Chinese White Glazed Ginger Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
A strong but silent 20th century Chinese white glazed porcelain ginger jar with a lid and straight sides. Perfect as is, or filled with flowers, branches, or any other myriad vices y...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese 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

19th Century Chinese Rosewood Octagonal Box With Brass Mounts
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Chinese rosewood box with brass hinges, hasp and decorative mounts. Of unusual octagonal form, I've never seen one like it. The edges...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

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

Oriental Possibly Samson Finely Hand Decorated Porcelain Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very finely made oriental styled porcelain vase hand painted with baskets containing flowers dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. The bulbous shaped vase stands on a narrow rounded foot and is hand decorated in coloured enamels with three panels containing a Chinese handled...
Category

Early 20th Century French Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Porcelain Pomegranate Red Glazed Meiping Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese porcelain Meiping vase with a robust pomegranate red glaze.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Porcelain Vase Hand Painted
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage Chinese porcelain ornamental oriental vase dating from the early 1900s. The vase is entirely hand painted, depicting flowers and birds. The vintage Chinese porcelain vase...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Early 20th Century Chinese Peking Glass Bowls Carved Red Glass Overlay
Located in Miami, FL
Offering a pair of Peking glass bowls with original stands, circa 1940s. These lovely bowls are made of white translucent glass and have carved red overlay designs and are from the C...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Pair of Chinese Famille Verte Foo Dogs on Stands
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fierce pair of ceramic Chinese Foo dogs on stands depicted sitting. Made in a beautiful famille verte green with bright yellow accents. Large ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Pair Chinese 19th Century Blue and White lidded vases.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of late 19th Century Chinese Blue and White lidded vases, Foo dog finials to the lids, wonderful hand painted scenes of mountains, lakes and pagoda buildings, boa...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Famille Rose Soup Tureen, c. 1870
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century covered jar takes its rounded shape from serving tureens used to serve soups and stews. Contrasted by a crisp white field, the lid and sides are decorated with a lively scene of children at play in a courtyard garden. Accompanied by a man and woman, the children are each playing with a different toy, including a kite, a reed organ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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

19th Century Blue & White Large Chinese Vase
Located in North Salem, NY
19th century large Chinese blue & white hand painted vase.
Category

19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Cleric's Swing Out Case, Chinese, Travelling Box, Qing, Victorian, 1890
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cleric's swing-out case. A Chinese, hardwood travelling box, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Charmingly provincial box, presented in original tim...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Set of Eight Chinese Cloisonné Process Vases
Located in Chicago, IL
A decorative technique first adopted in China in the early Ming dynasty (1368-1644), cloisonné is achieved by outlining intricate patterns with thin strips of metal, which are then f...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Pair of Chinese Export Hardstone Horses and Stands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese export hardstone horses and stands, each one finely carved of a standing horse with one leg up, facing left and right. Removable from the associated lacquered stands....
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Precious Stone, Lacquer

Pair of Blanc-de-Chine Dehua Figures of Guanyin
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Pair Of Blanc - De - Chine Dehua  Figures Of Guanyin Early 20th century Each figure is modelled standing in flowing robes upon a lotus leaf decorated stand, holding a fl...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Tibetan Painted Leather And Iron Chest or Trunk
Located in Bradenton, FL
AntiqueTibetan chest, beautifully aged painted leather with original iron hardware. Chest has a spacious wooden interior, offering a large amount of storage. Outside features polychrome painted dragons and Asian...
Category

18th Century Tibetan Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Chinese Export Rose Medallion Punch Bowl on Wood Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid Century Chinese Export Rose Medallion Punch Bowl on Wood Stand Great vintage condition. No cracks, chips or repairs. Measures 14.125" in diameter and 8" tall on wood stand. 6.5...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Wood, Paint

Large Blue and White Tea Leaf Jar with Mountain Landscape
Located in Chicago, IL
Tea drinking has been an important part of Chinese culture for at least a thousand years. Emulating traditional blue-and-white porcelain, this contempora...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese White and Umber Floral Design Porcelain Vases
Located in Queens, NY
"Pair of Chinese white porcelain vases decorated with umber and pink floral motifs wrapping the bulbous forms, accented in blue, pink and yellow patterned bands around the tops and b...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Large Chinese Canton Famille Verte Ormolu Mounted Porcelain Vases
Located in London, GB
Pair of large Chinese Canton famille verte ormolu mounted porcelain vases Chinese, 19th century Measures: height 107cm, diameter 37cm This magnificent pair of Chinese vases, fro...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

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 Chinese Famille Rose Butterfly & Gourd Containers, c. 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
Used to store loose leaf tea, these small porcelain jars are decorated in a style of overglaze enameling known as "famille rose." Sometimes referred to as "yangcai" or "foreign color...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Porcelain Altar Fruit Box in the form of a Peach
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Porcelain Altar Fruit Box in the form of a Peach, 19th Century. The Chinese porcelain oval box in two parts is molded in the form of a large peach. It is naturalistically c...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique 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

Antique Chinese Decorated Lacquer Decorative Box
Located in Houston, TX
Antique Chinese lacquer decorated decorative box. This Stunning Chinese export hand decorated lacquered box is the perfect accessory for a coffee table or dressing table. Could be used for jewelry or important documents.
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Lacquer

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

English 19th Century Leather Trunk
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
We absolutely love this decorative trunk from England! Bound in perfectly worn dark leather and adorned with brass studs in swirling patterns. The lock is in working condition and includes one key. A pair of simple handles on each side make it easy to carry even when filled. The interior is lined with a faded red fabric and is fixed with leather cording to support the lid. Both decorative and functional, this unique petite trunk...
Category

19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonne Dragon Vases
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent pair of Chinese Antique Cloisonné Vases is the perfect decor pieces. With beautiful two dragons playing design, it is a majest...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Copper

Zee Sung Signed Chinese Export Antique Chased Silver Presentation Bowl & Stand
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

Chinese Famille Rose Vase Floral 49" Tall Chinese Decorated
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 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

Pair of Blue and White Porcelain Lidded Urns with Lilies
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Charming pair of Chinese blue and white urns crafted in porcelain in a classic form with removable lids and hand decorated with lilies and flowers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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

Large Chinese Famille Verte Vase, 19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Large Chinese Famille Verte 19th century. Colorfully enameled with elegant gathering of the literati in the rock garden, The neck applied with twin gilded mythical beast ha...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-20th Century Chinese Porcelain Hat Stand/Brush Pot
Located in Pomona, CA
Collected from China, this beautiful Qing Dynasty style famille rose vase features detailed Chinese ink painting style landscape and fisherman, boat painting with marks on the bottom...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Antique Chinese Blue/White Temple Jars from Ching Wang Shu XIX Dynasty
Located in Houston, TX
This pair is very old from the Ching Wang Shu XIX Dynasty And the color is exquisite. They are in good condition with only A few flea bite tiny chips on ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porphyry

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

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.
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Tibetan Bronze Standing Gilt Bronze Buddha Offering Protection
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tibetan bronze standing gilt bronze buddha offering protection China, 20th century A fine example, the Buddha standing on lotus base with the "no fear" abhaya mudra, the figure is ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Cloisonné Tang Style Horses
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage pair of Chinese cloisonné horses with a Tang dynasty form decorated with colorful symbolic references on an alluring blue back...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Chinese Export Porcelain Punch Bowl Sailor Farwell & Return with Royal Navy Ship
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain European-subject Punch Bowl, Sailor's Farewell and Return Bowl with Royal Navy Ship, Circa 1765-75 The Chinese Export porcelain bowl has two images of a sailor and his wife, one known as the sailor's farewell and the other the sailor's return. The farewell depicts the sailor leaving his wife who hugs him as he is about to depart as he points to the Royal Navy Ship with the Blue Ensign just offshore. The sailor's return depicts the sailor depositing watches and coins into his wife's upraised apron. Between the images are large painted flowering branches and the interior has similar painting. Dimensions: 10 1/4 inches x 4 1/2 inches high (26.04 cm diameter x 11,43 cm high) Provenance: With Elinor Gordon; Ruth Nutt Collection Sailor's Farewell and Return Bowl with Royal Navy Ship, Condition is very good with some fading to the en grisaille sails. Reference: David S...
Category

1760s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Cloisonné Porcelain Enamel Figural Crane and Deer Vase - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Cloisonné Porcelain Enamel Figural Crane and Deer Vase - a Pair. Item features a removable carved wooden base, crane birds, deer, and flowers throughout, large impres...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Large Chinese Celadon Porcelain Vase
Located in Bradenton, FL
Early 20th Century Chinese Celadon Porcelain Vase. Vase features traditional celadon green glaze over intricate floral scrollwork and Chinese medallions. Vase is heavy in weight and ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Porcelain Qing Emperor Decorative Figure
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Chinese porcelain figurine inspired by the illustrious Qing dynasty. Crafted in a stunning wucai style, the figurine depicts a distinguish...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of 19th Century Rose Medallion Vases / Lamps
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th century Chinese Rose medallion vases, each with gilded mythical serpent handles on either side, hand painted inset hand painted panels of exotic birds a...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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

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

20th Century Vintage Chinese Bronze Incense Burner
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Antique Carved Bronze incense burner has very detailed hand craft works around the body, elephants trunk as legs and handle and lotus bud on the lid of incen...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Beautiful Chinese Wedding Basket
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful Chinese wedding basket made of woven wicker and carved wood. Decorative brass handles. Contains 3 stacked trays and a lid.
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Beautiful Earthy Chinese Woven Rattan Market Basket
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A wonderful Chinese woven rattan market basket having decorative writing on the wooden handle and a great reddish patina.
Category

1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Rattan

Mid-20th Century Chinese Raised Carved Glazed Ceramic Jar with lid.
Located in Pomona, CA
With detailed raised hand carved Feng Shui Pattern all over, this peacock green glazed ceramic jar is very unique. It is a perfect decorative element in any house. The pictures say...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Mid 20th-Century Chinese Jun Ware Fambe Glaze Landscaping Porcelain Vase
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this magnificent Chinese Jun porcelain vase. It was hand made and hand paint from famous Chinese Jun Porcelain. It shows the natural fambe glaze ...
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.

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