Skip to main content

Chinese Export Bottles

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.

to
4
9
3
6
1
4
1
472
350
205
90
77
77
22
16
12
9
9
7
6
6
6
4
4
1
3
3
2
2
2
7
2
8
8
8
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
9
9
9
Style: Chinese Export
19th Century Spinach Jade Snuff Bottle with Crane and Baby Etching
19th Century Spinach Jade Snuff Bottle with Crane and Baby Etching

19th Century Spinach Jade Snuff Bottle with Crane and Baby Etching

Located in Lomita, CA

This spinach jade snuff bottle stands out from others because of the surface etching of a crane and its offspring, we are told. This snuff bottle is in very good condition with its original parts, as far as we can tell. Jade snuff bottles such as this, epitomize elegance and tradition in Chinese artistry. Crafted meticulously from precious jade, these diminutive vessels once held powdered tobacco, serving as ornate accessories for affluent individuals during the Qing Dynasty. Jade, revered for its symbolic significance and believed mystical properties, adds allure to these bottles. Spinach jade is a variety of jadeite, a mineral prized for its rich green color and translucency. This particular type of jadeite exhibits a deep green hue with darker veining, resembling the color of spinach leaves, hence the name. The intensity of the green can vary, ranging from light to dark shades. Spinach jade is highly valued in traditional Chinese culture and is often used in jewelry, carvings, and decorative objects. Its distinctive color and unique patterns make it sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of gemstones and lapidary art. Of rectangular section, the squared bottle with gilt-incised neck and domed lid with ivory...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Jade

19th C Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottle Blue & White Hand Painted, Qing Xianfeng
19th C Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottle Blue & White Hand Painted, Qing Xianfeng

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 Bottles

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Glass Perfume Bottle Inside Painting
Vintage Chinese Glass Perfume Bottle Inside Painting

Vintage Chinese Glass Perfume Bottle Inside Painting

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Vintage Chinese handpainted from inside blown glass perfume bottle.

Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Blown Glass

Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottle Blue & White Hand Painted, Circa 1940
Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottle Blue & White Hand Painted, Circa 1940

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 Bottles

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Multi-color Dragon Encircled Snuff Bottle
Mid-Century Multi-color Dragon Encircled Snuff Bottle

Mid-Century Multi-color Dragon Encircled Snuff Bottle

Located in Lomita, CA

The hand painting and the mix of primary colors make this snuff jar attractive. The jar from the mid-20th century, showcase a captivating blend of artistic craftsmanship and cultural significance. The snuff bottle, with its dragon motif, reflects a classic theme deeply rooted in Chinese symbolism. Dragons traditionally symbolize power, strength, and good fortune. The blue and white color scheme, characteristic of traditional Chinese porcelain, adds to the aesthetic appeal. The mid-20th-century timeframe indicates a continuation of classical artistic traditions during a dynamic period in Chinese history. The jar, likely sharing similar blue and white aesthetics, could serve various purposes within Chinese culture, from storage to decorative use. The mid-20th-century context suggests a connection to the evolving socio-cultural landscape of that time. While specific details about the artisans remain unknown, the blue and white snuff bottle...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Daoist Monumental Snuff Bottle with Immortals, 1930-50
Chinese Daoist Monumental Snuff Bottle with Immortals, 1930-50

Chinese Daoist Monumental Snuff Bottle with Immortals, 1930-50

Located in Lomita, CA

A large Chinese glass snuff bottle decorated with the auspicious figures of Fu, Lu, and Shou, representing prosperity, rank, and longevity—a classical theme in Chinese decorative art...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Enamel

Chinese Yellow Peaking Glass Scenic & Hardstone Snuff Bottle & Stand, Signed
Chinese Yellow Peaking Glass Scenic & Hardstone Snuff Bottle & Stand, Signed

Chinese Yellow Peaking Glass Scenic & Hardstone Snuff Bottle & Stand, Signed

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Chinese Yellow Peaking Glass Scenic & Hardstone Snuff Bottle & Stand, Signed China, 1900s- 20th Century A beautiful Chinese yellow Peking glass scenic & hardstone snuff bottle & s...

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Related Items
Snuff Bottles Four Zodiac Animals Reverse Painted
Snuff Bottles Four Zodiac Animals Reverse Painted

Snuff Bottles Four Zodiac Animals Reverse Painted

$65Sale Price / set|48% Off

H 2 in W 2 in D 1 in

Snuff Bottles Four Zodiac Animals Reverse Painted

Located in Somis, CA

Our snuff bottles are topped with gemstone grade agate lids and 100% hand painted from within. The Chinese art of églomisé uses a very thin bamboo brush with a few strands of hair to...

Category

2010s Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Agate

Set of Three Brass Perfume Bottles
Set of Three Brass Perfume Bottles

Set of Three Brass Perfume Bottles

$995 / set

H 13 in Dm 5.5 in

Set of Three Brass Perfume Bottles

By Karl Springer

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Set of three brass decorative perfume bottles. Measures: Large 13 inches Medium 9.5 inches Small 8 inches.  

Category

1970s Vintage Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Brass

Chinese Blue and White Snuff Bottle, circa 1900
Chinese Blue and White Snuff Bottle, circa 1900

Chinese Blue and White Snuff Bottle, circa 1900

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

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Porcelain

Set of two 19th Century Chinese porcelain vases
Set of two 19th Century Chinese porcelain vases

Set of two 19th Century Chinese porcelain vases

Located in London, GB

Set of two 19th Century Chinese porcelain vases Chinese, 19th Century Height 57cm, diameter 32cm The vases feature bodies of cylindrical form with retracted bases and stepped retrac...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Porcelain

Czech Malachite Glass Perfume Bottle, Ingrid
Czech Malachite Glass Perfume Bottle, Ingrid

Czech Malachite Glass Perfume Bottle, Ingrid

Located in Riverdale, NY

Bohemian Czech Malachite Art Glass Perfume Bottle with winged Cherubs plucking Grapes by Schlevogt Hoffman x Ingrid circa 1935.

Category

1930s Czech Vintage Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Art Glass

Chinese Grey Agate Snuff Bottle, c. 1900
Chinese Grey Agate Snuff Bottle, c. 1900

Chinese Grey Agate Snuff Bottle, c. 1900

$98

H 2.5 in W 2 in D 0.75 in

Chinese Grey Agate Snuff Bottle, c. 1900

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

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Agate

Pair Chinese Dragon Fish Glazed Porcelain Vase, Qing Dynasty, 19th-20th Century
Pair Chinese Dragon Fish Glazed Porcelain Vase, Qing Dynasty, 19th-20th Century

Pair Chinese Dragon Fish Glazed Porcelain Vase, Qing Dynasty, 19th-20th Century

Located in Austin, TX

A fantastic pair of Chinese molded and glazed biscuit porcelain vases with leaping dragon fish or makara, late Qing dynasty, circa 1900. The vases of balu...

Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Porcelain

Set of Three Eglomise Reverse Painted Snuff Bottles with Lotus
Set of Three Eglomise Reverse Painted Snuff Bottles with Lotus

Set of Three Eglomise Reverse Painted Snuff Bottles with Lotus

$119Sale Price / set|40% Off

H 2 in W 2 in D 1 in

Set of Three Eglomise Reverse Painted Snuff Bottles with Lotus

Located in Somis, CA

Our snuff bottles are topped with gemstone grade agate lids and 100% hand painted from within. The Chinese art of eglomise uses a very thin bamboo brush with a few strands of hair to...

Category

2010s Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Agate

Chinese Export 20th Century Blue and White Porcelain Vase with Dragon Motifs
Chinese Export 20th Century Blue and White Porcelain Vase with Dragon Motifs

Chinese Export 20th Century Blue and White Porcelain Vase with Dragon Motifs

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Chinese Export blue and white porcelain vase from the 20th century, with dragon motifs. Created in China during the 20th century, this blue and white porcelain vase features a nice...

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Porcelain

Cup in Chinese Porcelain, circa 1900
Cup in Chinese Porcelain, circa 1900

Cup in Chinese Porcelain, circa 1900

$1,205

H 7.09 in Dm 11.03 in

Cup in Chinese Porcelain, circa 1900

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Cup in Chinese porcelain with a decor of orange fishes on a green and white concentric arches background with white waves. Edge with wave shape. Red signature with Asian characters....

Category

Early 20th Century European Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue and White Shizi Jar
Chinese Blue and White Shizi Jar

Chinese Blue and White Shizi Jar

$980

H 21.5 in Dm 11.75 in

Chinese Blue and White Shizi Jar

Located in Chicago, IL

Images of shizi, a lion-dog symbol of power and strength of character, cavort among the stylized clouds of heaven on this hand-painted covered jar. Original...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Ceramic

Previously Available Items
Two Chinese Turquoise Snuff Bottles
Two Chinese Turquoise Snuff Bottles

Two Chinese Turquoise Snuff Bottles

Sold

H 2.5 in W 1.5 in D 0.5 in

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 Bottles

Materials

Other

Chinese Carved Horn Carp Form Snuff Bottles, Pair
Chinese Carved Horn Carp Form Snuff Bottles, Pair

Chinese Carved Horn Carp Form Snuff Bottles, Pair

Located in Astoria, NY

Pair of Chinese Carved Horn Carp Form Snuff Bottles, mounted on carved wood stands. One stopper lacking. Taller: 4.5" H x 2.5" W x 1.5" D.

Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Horn, Wood

Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottle moulded dragon stone top with spoon, Circa 1930s
Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottle moulded dragon stone top with spoon, Circa 1930s

Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottle moulded dragon stone top with spoon, Circa 1930s

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

This is a good quality Chinese snuff bottle, made from porcelain with a moulded dragon and stone spoon top, circa 1930. The ceramic bottle is potted with a molded mythical animal or...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Porcelain

Collection of Three Chinese Porcelain Blue & White Tea Pots
Collection of Three Chinese Porcelain Blue & White Tea Pots

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 Bottles

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Fine Chinese Cloisonne Gooseneck Vases
Pair of Fine Chinese Cloisonne Gooseneck Vases

Pair of Fine Chinese Cloisonne Gooseneck Vases

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

Circa 1940's Fine details and a myriad array of symmetrical floral enamel patterns on brass create a rich refinement. These vases show exceptional workmanship. Stunning display of...

Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Chinese Export Snuff Bottle of Natural Agate Stone Spoon Top, circa 1930
Chinese Export Snuff Bottle of Natural Agate Stone Spoon Top, circa 1930

Chinese Export Snuff Bottle of Natural Agate Stone Spoon Top, circa 1930

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

This is a very beautiful Chinese Export snuff bottle with a rare hand carved shape, complete with its matching top and made from natural agate stone, having lovely veined colors, whi...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Agate

Chinese Export Snuff Bottle in Overlay Cameo Glass Finely Carved, circa 1920s
Chinese Export Snuff Bottle in Overlay Cameo Glass Finely Carved, circa 1920s

Chinese Export Snuff Bottle in Overlay Cameo Glass Finely Carved, circa 1920s

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

This is a very good Chinese cameo or overlay glass snuff bottle, which we date to circa 1925. These overlay glass cameo snuff bottles are very decorat...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Glass

Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottle Finely Hand Painted & Signed, Circa 1920s
Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottle Finely Hand Painted & Signed, Circa 1920s

Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottle Finely Hand Painted & Signed, Circa 1920s

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

This is a very good quality Chinese snuff bottle, made from porcelain and finely hand painted in soft pastel shades, circa 1940. This piece is well potted with an oval sectioned b...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Snuff Bottle in Overlay Cameo Glass Finely Carved, circa 1925
Chinese Export Snuff Bottle in Overlay Cameo Glass Finely Carved, circa 1925

Chinese Export Snuff Bottle in Overlay Cameo Glass Finely Carved, circa 1925

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

This is a very good Chinese cameo or overlay glass snuff bottle, which we date to circa 1925. These overlay glass cameo snuff bottles are very decorative and sought after, particu...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Glass

Chinese Natural Agate Stone Snuff Bottle Hand Carved as a Fish, circa 1940
Chinese Natural Agate Stone Snuff Bottle Hand Carved as a Fish, circa 1940

Chinese Natural Agate Stone Snuff Bottle Hand Carved as a Fish, circa 1940

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

This is a beautiful Chinese Export snuff bottle hand carved from a natural agate stone in the form of a fish, having lovely veined colors and complete with its spoon top, which we da...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Agate

Chinese Natural Agate Stone Snuff Bottle Hand Carved with Spoon Top, circa 1940
Chinese Natural Agate Stone Snuff Bottle Hand Carved with Spoon Top, circa 1940

Chinese Natural Agate Stone Snuff Bottle Hand Carved with Spoon Top, circa 1940

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

This is a beautiful Chinese Export snuff bottle, complete with its spoon top and made from a natural agate, hand carved stone, having lovely amber colors, which we date to the first ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Bottles

Materials

Agate

Chinese Export bottles for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export bottles for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage bottles 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 bottles made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 bottles differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $128 and tops out at $1,100 while the average work can sell for $545.