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.
$716Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Enamel
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...
Jade
$76Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Chinese Handpainted Glass Perfume Bottle, Antique Design, 1950
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage Chinese handpainted from inside blown glass perfume bottle.
Blown Glass
$780Sale Price|35% Off
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...
Ceramic
$636Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Glass, Hardwood
Chinese Chickenbone, Horn, and Turquoise Snuff Bottles, Set of Three
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century Chinese Chickenbone, Horn, and Turquoise Snuff Bottles. The use of chicken bone on snuff bottles is quite rare and unique. Bottles ...
Other
Chinese agate, coral top , snuff bottle into match striker by Crest Paris
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Chinese agate snuff bottle turned into a match striker by Crest Paris, France early 20th Century , and marked as shown.
Agate
Art Deco Crystal Glass Perfume Bottle, vintage Germany 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Elegant Art Deco perfume bottle crafted from clear glass and featuring a beautifully designed matching glass stopper. With its refined lines and timeless silhouette, this piece captu...
Art Glass
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...
Porcelain
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...
Agate
Antique Hardstone and Silver Scent Bottle Circa 1840
By Maquet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique French silver mounted, Chinese carved hardstone scent bottle; an addition to our diverse ornamental collection. This exceptional hardston...
Silver
Republic Period, Spinach Jade Urn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elaborately carved, richly colored, Chinese, spinach jade urn with Foo dog lid and two-sided, top-to-bottom bas relief, foliate and geometric embellishments.
Jade
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...
Agate
Rene Lalique Glass Ambre Antique Perfume Bottle
By René Lalique
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Rene Lalique clear & frosted, sepia stained glass perfume bottle. 'Ambre Antique' design. This design features robed maidens, holding flower bouquets. Moulded makers mark, 'R LALIQUE...
Glass
$95Sale Price / set|38% Off
H 3.5 in W 1.5 in D 1 in
Four Snuff Bottles Inside Painted Qi Bai Shi Style
Located in Somis, CA
Four crystal glass bottles painted from the inside featuring artworks in style of Qi Bai Shi, the renowned early 20th century artist who's known for his black and white Chinese ink p...
Agate
Chinese Plum Blossom 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-dynasty society, the practice provided an opportunity to display one's refined aesthetic through collectible snuff bottles. This decorative snuff bottle has a simple ceramic form and a colorful finish of overglaze enamels atop white glaze. The bottle has an oval shape, with flattened sides and rounded edges. The shoulders are accented with a door knocker motif and the sides are painted with birds amid plum blossom...
Ceramic, Porcelain
$309
H 4.75 in W 5 in D 1.38 in
Chinese Large Glass Snuff Bottle Inside Painted Spoon Top with Box, Mid 20th C
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good Chinese glass snuff bottle, which is beautifully inside hand painted and with a spoon top, all coming complete with a b...
Glass
Chinese Famille Rose Rouleau Vase with Censers, c. 1930
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
$110Sale Price / set|60% Off
H 3.5 in W 1.5 in D 1 in
Three Farm Animals Reverse Painted Snuff Bottles Dog Pig Bunny Rabbit
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...
Agate
Vintage Chinese Engraved Pewter Tea Canister
Located in Chicago, IL
This vintage Chinese tea canister is crafted in the style of Republic Era (1912–1949) tea accessories, when pewter was favored for its malleability and soft, silvery sheen. Designed ...
Brass, Pewter
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...
Other
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.
Horn, Wood
Sold
H 2.56 in W 1.74 in D 0.87 in
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...
Porcelain
Sold
H 2.75 in W 2 in D 1.25 in
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...
Porcelain
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...
Porcelain
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...
Brass, Enamel
Sold
H 3.2 in W 1.82 in D 0.63 in
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...
Agate
Sold
H 3.38 in W 1.69 in D 0.94 in
Chinese Yellow Glass Snuff Bottle Finely Hand Enamelled 4-Character Base Mark
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good Chinese glass snuff bottle, beautifully hand enameled, which we date to the mid part of the 20th century, circa 1930. ...
Glass
Sold
H 3.38 in Dm 1.75 in
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...
Glass
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...
Porcelain
Sold
H 3.13 in W 1.82 in D 1 in
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...
Glass