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 Foo Dog Plaster Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice vintage plaster foo dog sculpture in faux bronze finish, circa 1970s.
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
Antique Chinese Carved Cinnabar & Enamelled Box with Imperial Dragon Top
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique decorative box is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from China, and date to approximately 1920 and done in a period Chinese...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Vintage Gilt Famille Verte Chinese Porcelain Seated Buddha/Luohan Ex-Lorin Marsh
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage Chinese porcelain statue.
In the form of a Luohan or Arhat with a famille verte robe and gilt body.
The reverse ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Censer Mid-Century Bronze with Asiatic Lion and Gilt
Located in Lomita, CA
Bronze and gilt detailing combine to make this Chinese censer a beautiful decorative cast bronze accent. The bowl and cover are cast with various object...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Mid 20th Century Edme Samson French Porcelain Armorial Scalloped Shell Dish 7"
By Edmé Samson
Located in Dayton, OH
"Mid 20th century (circa 1941-1957) hand painted Chinese Export style scallop shell porcelain dish, featuring gilded edges, a wreath of roses and an armorial central coat of arms / shield / crest motif, produced by Samson Edme et Cie.
“Edmé Samson (b Paris, 1810; d Paris, 1891), founder of the porcelain firm Samson, Edmé et Cie (commonly known as Samson Ceramics...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
1892-1904 Chinese Elder Figure With Staff
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1892-1904 large Chinese mud man figure, an elder with staff in flowing green & yellow robe. Stamped "China". Apparent losses to feet, but possibly from kil...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Vintage Decorative Stem Vase, Chinese, Ceramic, Flower Sleeve, Art Deco Revival
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage decorative stem vase. A Chinese, ceramic flower sleeve in Art Deco revival taste, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980.
Presents beautifully with appealing decor and colour
Displaying a desirable aged patina and free of marks
Classic stem vase form with crisp white ceramic
Attractive foliate bouquets to centre with blue and red hues
Distinctive banners to neck and base present a variety of scenes and pattern motif
This is a distinctive vintage...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
Vintage Decorative Flower Vase, Chinese, Ceramic, Stem Sleeve, Art Deco Revival
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage decorative flower vase. A Chinese, ceramic stem sleeve in Art Deco revival taste, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Monumental Pair of 1920s Chinese Blanc de Chine Urns
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These large vases are circa 1920-1940. They most likely are blanks meaning they were never decorated. Very unusual and hard to find.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Black Cloisonné Table Lamp with Floral Motif, China, circa 1890
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Offered is a stunning, 19th century cloisonné table lamp with a floral and bird motif. Rested upon decorative wooden stand.
US PLUG ADAPTATOR WILL BE FURNISHED FOR FREE TO THE US BU...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Pair Antique Emperor & Empress Figure Figurine Statue Hand Painted Qing Dynasty
Located in Wayne, NJ
Sold as a Pair. Antique emperor and empress figure figurine statue hand \painted 12.5" Qing Dynasty. This is an old pair of Asian Figurines. They are heavy, so believe they must be s...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
Pair 19th Century Blue & White Chinese Lidded Urns
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 19th century blue & white Chinese Lidded Urns will make a delightful addition to your decorating scheme! handcrafted from local clays, each fe...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ironstone
Lot of Two Chinese Inside-Painted Glass Snuff Bottles Together with Addition
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Lot of two Chinese inside-painted
Glass snuff bottles
Together with
Inside painted glass vase
20 - 21st Century.
From left:
Glass vase on segmented facet cut foot support...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Carved Bone Crab
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Remarkable crab sculpture crafted in carved bone with surprising accuracy and lots of moving parts.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Bone
Chinese Finley Moulded Ebonized Plaster Brush Pot Bitong Imitating Carved Zitan
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Chinese finely moulded ebonized plaster
Brush pot bitong imitating carved zitan
20th century
Of cylindrical form, decorated with complex designs
depicting Tang ladies entertain...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
Pair Antique Cloissone Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Antique Cloissone vases is an extraordinary example of the breed, displaying its well-preserved, rich coloration and exhibiting a large format d...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Vase & Center Bowls, Set of 3
Located in New York, NY
Group of three Chinese cloisonne enamel gilt metal ornaments comprising one vase with dragon motif and two center bowls, one with dragon pattern an...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Large Vintage Decorative Chinese Cloissone Vase with Imperial Dragon Handles
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large vintage cloissone vase is signed by an unknown maker, and originated from China dating to approximately 1980 and done in a Chinese Export st...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottle Blue & White Hand Painted, Circa 1940
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good Chinese Export snuff bottle, made from porcelain and hand painted in cobalt blue, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1940.
This piece is well potted with a balus...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Porcelain Insect Vase with Red Leaves
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Chinese porcelain insect vase with red leaves. It is a large example and measures 16.5" tall and features well painted winged insects on red leaves...
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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
19th Century Bronze-Mounted Rose Medallion Center Piece
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dore bronze mounts. Nicely cast. Bowl has no breaks, cracks or damages.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Lot of Four Chinese Cloisonne Vases & Teapot, 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Lot of four chinese cloisonne
vases and teapot
20th century.
From left:
Baluster-shaped black ground vase with flowering prunus
emerging from a rock, ruyi band around flaring ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Antique 1930s Chinese Folk Art Paper Mache Kitten Kitty Cat Flower Vase
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique circa 1930’s Chinese papier mache vase painted green with a kitten playing with a ball under a flowering bush. Wax customs stamp to base. ...
Category
1930s Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Paint, Paper
Pair of 19th Century Famille Rose Beaker Vases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large pair of beautifully hand-enameled. No cracks, breaks or repairs.
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain, Paint
Vintage Pair Chinese Gilt Carved Wood Foo Dog / Guardian Lions Figurines
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered here are a pair vintage Chinese gilt and carved wood Foo Dog/Guardian Lions figurines
Wonderful craftsmanship with the hand carving that has gone...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Giltwood
China Republic 1912-1960 Inside Paint Carved Rock Crystal Vase Silver & Enamel
Located in Miami, FL
An impressive China inside-painted vase in rock crystal.
Beautiful and one-of-a-kind art-piece. created in China during the first years of the China-republic, circa 1912-1949. Thi...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Rock Crystal, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Egg with Wood Stand, Early 20 Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Presenting a cute Chinese cloisonné enamel egg with wood Stand, early 20 century.
The Height is including the Height Stand.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
Midcentury Chinese Export Melon Form Pottery Tureen with a Squirrel on Top
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Chinese export hand painted nut form tureen / dish with a squirrel finial! It is unmarked and in very good condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Pair of Vintage Blue Glazed Chinese Porcelain Cat Figurines- Signed
Located in Fort Washington, MD
Beautiful pair of turquoise blue ceramic cat figurines. This is a left and right matching pair of Asian blue art pottery cats, ceramic cat statues t...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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 in yellow, pink, and purple along w...
Category
Early 20th Century French Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Vintage Decorative Vases, Chinese, Ceramic, Dried Flower Urn, Late 20th
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of vintage decorative vases. A Chinese, ceramic tourist ware dried flower urn, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980.
Strong Art Deco revival taste with disti...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Large Chinese Gilt and Black Ground Cloisonné Enamel Vases
Located in London, GB
A pair of large Chinese gilt and black ground cloisonné enamel vases
Chinese, 20th Century
Height 67cm, diameter 38cm
These beautiful vases are exceptional examples of Chinese ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Chinese Hand Carved Lapis Lazuli Sculptures of the Guan Yin and Phoenix Bird
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a hand carved small Chinese Lapis lazuli sculptures of the Guan Yin and the Phoenix bird over a wood trunk. Both sculptures are ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Lapis Lazuli
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.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain, Paint
Vintage Chinese Export Porcelain Bulbous Vase with Figural Scenes
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Export Porcelain Bulbous Vase with Figural Scenes. Item features unique scenes to both sides, beautiful color, very ni...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Blue and White Snuff Bottle
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Chinese Rose Quartz Sculpture of a Chinese Man Holding a Ruyi Scepter
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a rose quartz heavy sculpture of a Chinese man holding a ruyi scepter. The sculpture is standing over an asymmetrical oval base adorned with some ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Rose Quartz
19th Century Cloisonné Vase
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century Cloisonné vase richly decorated with bright Oriental patterning, chrysanthemum flowers, and birds. Topped with a gold rim, and featuring a bright blue interior, two sides are flanked with golden lion...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Large Late 19th Century Rose Medallion Chinese Export Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Rose Medallion Chinese Export bowl from the late 19th century.
Surrounded by classical oriental scenes around the outside and within the ce...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain, Paint
Vintage Blue and White Delf Style Porcelain Chinese Export 25" Tall Dragon Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Blue and White Delf Style Porcelain Chinese Export 25" Tall Dragon Vase. Item features a Delf Blue Dragon design, nice tall form, very nice vintage item, great style and form...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Table Lamp, Chinese, Porcelaine, Hand Painted, in a Vase Shape, China circa 1940
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Vase, table lamp, in porcelain. It has been made in china, circa 1940.
The decorative pattern are flowers and leaves.
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Qing Dynasty Matching Pair Chinese Famille Rose Vases
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful set of two matching Qing Dynasty porcelain vases. These vase are both in good condition and add absolute great value to your interior.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Large Antique Vases, Chinese, Ceramic, Baluster, Famille Rose, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of large antique vases. A Chinese, ceramic baluster urn with Famille Rose pattern, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Vase in Porcelaine, Hand Painted, China, circa 1920
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Vase, table in porcelain. It has been made in china, circa 1920.
The decorative pattern are characters in orange and blue colors.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Hand Painted Cantonese Vase
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century hand painted Cantonese vase in the Famille Rose style. The baluster-shaped body with brightly painted panels depicts interior sc...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Chinese Hardstone Sea Buckthorn Bushes, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Chinese hardstone Sea Buckthorn (Shaji, or Hippophae rhamnoides) plant sculptures, each with nephrite leaves wired to a trunk sprouting Cinnamon Jade berries in agate pots, t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Multi-gemstone
Mid Century Black Cloisonne Ginger Jar
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Export Mid Century Black cloisonne ginger jar featuring large scale chrysanthemum flower. Hand Made.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Pair of 20th Century Yongzheng style Chinese Porcelain Vases in High Gloss
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of Yongzheng style Chinese porcelain vases in a high gloss finish in the Gu shape. The vases are decorated with deer, flowers, and animal motifs. Lovely shades of aqua, turquois...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Archaic Style Patinated Bronze Planter, China, Early 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Archaic style antique bronze planter - large size - featuring fine casting with over-all textured finish, decorative elements and Greek key bord...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Antique 1900s Chinese Silver Vinaigrette
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese silver vinaigrette in the form of a purse; an addition to our silver boxes collection
This excep...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver
Vintage Chinese Realgar Peking Glass Baluster Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Chinese Peking glass vase.
Crafted to imitate realgar (雄黃), a mineral widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
With a polished p...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Polychrome Chinese Hunting Scene Large Porcelain Vase Rose Family, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large Cantonese baluster vase. Features decorated hand-painted polychrome Family Rose palette with cartouche panels of figures in a hunting scene motif with exotic animals. Made in C...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Mid-Century Chinese Export / Imari Style Blue and White Footbath / Planter
Located in Kennesaw, GA
Great for gifting or home decor! This is a lovely Chinese Export style footbath. It is hand painted and has gilt accents. Note the interior fish!
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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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