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Chinese Export Barware

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
Antique Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Antique Chinese Export Silver Goblet

Antique Chinese Export Silver Goblet

By Wang Hing & Co.

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese export silver goblet; an addition to our wine and drinks related silverware collection. This exceptional antique Chinese Export silver (CES) goblet has a circular bell shaped form a shaped stem and plain circular stepped foot. The drinking vessel of this silver wine goblet is embellished with impressive engraved bamboo stems emanating from the lower portion. The embossed stem of this impressive solid silver goblet...

Category

Early 1900s Hong Kong Antique Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver

Chinese Porcelain Enameled Pitcher
Chinese Porcelain Enameled Pitcher

Chinese Porcelain Enameled Pitcher

Located in Delray Beach, FL

Amazing vintage Chinese pitcher. Features a hand painted and enameled design vibrant with green, red, yellow and blue, depicting a royal way of life.

Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Enamel

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Goblet, Leeching, c.1870
19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Goblet, Leeching, c.1870

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Goblet, Leeching, c.1870

By Leeching

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 19th Century Chinese export solid silver goblet, a testament to its impressive size and exceptional craftsmanship. The goblet, a marvel of fine quality, boasts a single-walle...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver

20th Century Chinese Solid Silver Hip Flask, Canton, c.1920
20th Century Chinese Solid Silver Hip Flask, Canton, c.1920

20th Century Chinese Solid Silver Hip Flask, Canton, c.1920

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

A stunning early 20th Century Chinese Export solid silver hip flask with silver hinged top and removable cup. This flask has an outer design featuring a Chinese dragon. Dragons in Ch...

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver

Antique Chinese Silver Blossoming Branch 4-Part Glass Decanter
Antique Chinese Silver Blossoming Branch 4-Part Glass Decanter

Antique Chinese Silver Blossoming Branch 4-Part Glass Decanter

Located in New York, NY

Chinese silver-mounted glass decanter, ca 1900. Ovoid bowl and cylindrical neck; interior partitioned forming four compartments. Blossoming branch cage. Neck rings and collar with fl...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver

Pair of Antique Chinese Paper Mache Bottle Coasters with Gilt Decoration
Pair of Antique Chinese Paper Mache Bottle Coasters with Gilt Decoration

Pair of Antique Chinese Paper Mache Bottle Coasters with Gilt Decoration

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

This pair of antique bottle coasters are unsighed, but presumed to have originated from China and date to approximately 1920 and done in the period Chinese Export style. The coasters...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Paper

Antique Chinese Export Silver Bottle Coaster Circa 1900
Antique Chinese Export Silver Bottle Coaster Circa 1900

Antique Chinese Export Silver Bottle Coaster Circa 1900

By Luen Wo

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese export silver bottle coaster, an addition to our ornamental silverware collection. This exceptional antique Chinese Export Silver (CES) bottle coaster has a cylindrical form to a plain spreading base. The body of this Chinese silver coaster is embellished with fine and impressive embossed and pierced decoration depicting two iconic oriental dragons amidst clouds. The decoration to the body incorporates a sun motif to either side, each accented with a central cartouche, one remains vacant and the other bears the contemporary engraved monogram initials 'CHD.' The upper and lower rims of this coaster are encompassed with plain applied moulded borders accented with bands of tooled decoration. This exceptional coaster has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as sterling silver (925, 925/1000). Condition This antique Chinese silver coaster is a very good gauge of silver, excellent quality and in exceptional presentation condition. The Chinese hallmarks struck to the underside of this coaster are all very clear. Dimensions Diameter of rim 7.9cm/3.1". Diameter of base 8.4cm/3.3". Height 6.5cm/2.6". Weight 5.1 troy ounces/160g. Maker: Luen Wo. Date: circa 1900. Origin: Shanghai, China. Video: A video of this fine piece is available upon request. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this piece of antique Chinese silverware.

Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver

ANTIQUE SHENG YUAN SIGNED STERLING SILVER HAND HAMMERED CHiNESE COCKTAIL SHAKER
ANTIQUE SHENG YUAN SIGNED STERLING SILVER HAND HAMMERED CHiNESE COCKTAIL SHAKER

ANTIQUE SHENG YUAN SIGNED STERLING SILVER HAND HAMMERED CHiNESE COCKTAIL SHAKER

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, circa 1930 Chinese Sterling Silver Cocktail shaker made in Shanghai by He Ji and retailed thr...

Category

1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Related Items
Handcrafted Modern Porcelain Pitcher Handstitch Leather Wrap
Handcrafted Modern Porcelain Pitcher Handstitch Leather Wrap

Handcrafted Modern Porcelain Pitcher Handstitch Leather Wrap

By DBO Home

Located in Sharon, CT

Inspired by Daniel's hand built boats (particularly the leather detail on the wooden oars) the porcelain Remo Pitcher is simple and elegant with a hand stit...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Leather, Porcelain

Antique Sterling Silver Cobbler Cocktail Shaker (1933)
Antique Sterling Silver Cobbler Cocktail Shaker (1933)

Antique Sterling Silver Cobbler Cocktail Shaker (1933)

By William Bruford & Son Ltd

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver cobbler cocktail shaker; an addition to our wine and drinks related silverware collection. This exceptional antique George V English sterling silver cobbler cocktail shaker has a tapering cylindrical form. The surface of this cocktail shaker embellished with impressive engine turned decoration. This cobbler shaker retains the original hallmarked domed push fit cover and stopper, each accented with further bands of engine turned ornamentation to the cylindrical portions. The detachable push fit hallmarked sterling silver stopper allows access to the integrated pierced decorated straining grille; this hallmarked grill is incorporated to the upper portion of the aforementioned removeable cover. Such sterling silver examples are becoming increasingly difficult to locate. Condition This antique silver cocktail shaker...

Category

1930s English Vintage Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid-Century Tall Sterling Silver-Mounted Glass Cocktail Shaker by T.G. Hawkes
Mid-Century Tall Sterling Silver-Mounted Glass Cocktail Shaker by T.G. Hawkes

Mid-Century Tall Sterling Silver-Mounted Glass Cocktail Shaker by T.G. Hawkes

By T. G. Hawkes & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Mid-Century, very tall, sterling silver-mounted rippled glass cocktail shaker, T. G. Hawkes and Co., New York, ca. 1950's. Measures 13 inches high x 4 1/2 inches diameter at widest p...

Category

1950s American Vintage Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Chinese Export Silver Goblet

Chinese Export Silver Goblet

$4,396

H 7.41 in Dm 2.76 in

Chinese Export Silver Goblet

Located in London, GB

A Chinese silver goblet profusely decorated with chased, richly defined chrysanthemum against a matte background and is supported by two intertwi...

Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver

Antique Victorian Quality Cranberry Glass Decanter
Antique Victorian Quality Cranberry Glass Decanter

Antique Victorian Quality Cranberry Glass Decanter

Located in Suffolk, GB

Antique Victorian quality cranberry glass decanter having an unusual rope twist glass handle and original stopper A quaint example in perfect original condition Dimensions: Heig...

Category

19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Glass

19th Century Chinese Export Silver Two-Handle Cup & Cover, Luen Wo, circa 1880
19th Century Chinese Export Silver Two-Handle Cup & Cover, Luen Wo, circa 1880

19th Century Chinese Export Silver Two-Handle Cup & Cover, Luen Wo, circa 1880

By Luen Wo

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 19th century Chinese export solid silver presentation cup and cover, of traditional urn shape, the body is embossed with beautiful scenes in relief depicting Chinese nobility...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Chinese Export Silver Bowl

Chinese Export Silver Bowl

$5,748

H 3.94 in Dm 6.3 in

Chinese Export Silver Bowl

By Wang Hing & Co.

Located in London, GB

Chinese Export Silver Bowl with applied decoration depicting various plants and birds, and with three dragon handles. The retailer's mark is...

Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver

Art Deco Period Sterling Silver Cocktail Shaker
Art Deco Period Sterling Silver Cocktail Shaker

Art Deco Period Sterling Silver Cocktail Shaker

By Marcus & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Art Deco Period, sterling silver cocktail shaker, Marcus and Company, New York - makers, Ca. 1935. Measures 5 1/4 inches high x 3 1/4 inches diamete...

Category

1930s American Vintage Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Angel Pazmino Tequila Hip Flask  Ecuador  1960s
Angel Pazmino Tequila Hip Flask  Ecuador  1960s

Angel Pazmino Tequila Hip Flask Ecuador 1960s

$408

H 8.27 in W 4.73 in D 2.37 in

Angel Pazmino Tequila Hip Flask Ecuador 1960s

By Angel Pazmino

Located in Den Haag, NL

Very nice impressed Leather Tequila Hip Flask . comes with a Chrome drinking cup . Cognac color . super rare .

Category

1960s Ecuadorean Vintage Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Leather

English Elizabeth II Solid / Sterling Silver Hip Flask - Jubilee Mark
English Elizabeth II Solid / Sterling Silver Hip Flask - Jubilee Mark

English Elizabeth II Solid / Sterling Silver Hip Flask - Jubilee Mark

By J.B. Chatterley & Sons Ltd.

Located in Bath, GB

A striking vintage solid English / sterling silver spirit flask reminiscent of a traditional car radiator. The flask is engine-turned decoration with a vacant cartouche to the left ...

Category

1970s British Vintage Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Sterling Silver

Previously Available Items
Antique Chinese Boar's Tusk with Carved Peaches on a Carved Hardwood Stand
Antique Chinese Boar's Tusk with Carved Peaches on a Carved Hardwood Stand

Antique Chinese Boar's Tusk with Carved Peaches on a Carved Hardwood Stand

Located in Nantucket, MA

Chinese carved boar's tusk on carved hardwood stand. The tusk carved along the inner curve with conforming openwork peach branches with leaves and peaches...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Wood

Chinese Export Porcelain Mandarin Pattern Dragon Handled Mug or Tankard
Chinese Export Porcelain Mandarin Pattern Dragon Handled Mug or Tankard

Chinese Export Porcelain Mandarin Pattern Dragon Handled Mug or Tankard

Located in Downingtown, PA

Chinese Export Porcelain Mandarin Tankard, Circa 1785 The late 18th century Chinese Export porcelain mug has a dragon handle and is painted in famille rose with Mandarin figures. A...

Category

1780s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Hip Flask, c.1930
20th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Hip Flask, c.1930

20th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Hip Flask, c.1930

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

A stunning 20th Century Chinese export solid silver hip flask with silver hinged top. This flask has a textured hammered finish and engraved with a large dragon chasing the pearl of ...

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver

Chinese Silver Cocktail Shaker with Dragon Motifs from Early 20th Century
Chinese Silver Cocktail Shaker with Dragon Motifs from Early 20th Century

Chinese Silver Cocktail Shaker with Dragon Motifs from Early 20th Century

Located in New York, NY

Chinese export, 0.950 silver (higher purity than sterling) cocktail shaker by C. J. & Co from the early 20th century, with engraved dragon motifs on a textured background. It measure...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker
Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker

Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker

Located in London, GB

A Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker, with a single dragon coiled around the outside, and a plain round vacant shield against a matte background. The maker's mark is 'Xiang', fo...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver

1840s Chinese Export Silver Dragon Tankard
1840s Chinese Export Silver Dragon Tankard

1840s Chinese Export Silver Dragon Tankard

Located in Stamford, CT

Chinese export 1840s silver dragon tankard. Featuring two bold well defined dragons with central pearl of wisdom design. Solid weighty construction. Center monogram. Makers mark on...

Category

1840s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver

20th Century Chinese Export Silver Presentation Goblet by Taiping, circa 1904
20th Century Chinese Export Silver Presentation Goblet by Taiping, circa 1904

20th Century Chinese Export Silver Presentation Goblet by Taiping, circa 1904

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique early 20th century Chinese export solid silver presentation wine goblet, impressive and exceptionally fine quality, richly gilt inside, decorated with repoussé prunus and per...

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Porcelain Imari Bell-Shaped Large Tankard, circa 1740
Chinese Export Porcelain Imari Bell-Shaped Large Tankard, circa 1740

Chinese Export Porcelain Imari Bell-Shaped Large Tankard, circa 1740

Located in Downingtown, PA

Chinese export porcelain Imari bell-shaped large tankard, circa 1740 (Ref: NY9245-imr) The bell-form Chinese Export Imari porcelain tankard is painted in underglaze "Imari" colo...

Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Porcelain

19thc Chinese Export Solid Silver Coffee Pot, Khe Cheong C.1860
19thc Chinese Export Solid Silver Coffee Pot, Khe Cheong C.1860

19thc Chinese Export Solid Silver Coffee Pot, Khe Cheong C.1860

By Wo Hing Hoaching

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 19th Century Chinese export solid silver coffee pot, pear-shaped, the body is beautifully decorated in relief with chrysanthemums and c...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Goblet, Hoaching, circa 1870
19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Goblet, Hoaching, circa 1870

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Goblet, Hoaching, circa 1870

By Wo Hing Hoaching

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 19th century Chinese export solid silver wine goblet, impressive and exceptionally fine quality, richly gilt inside, fully chased and embossed with a dense village scenes and...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver

19th Century Chinese Export Silver Battle Scene Mug, Leeching, circa 1870
19th Century Chinese Export Silver Battle Scene Mug, Leeching, circa 1870

19th Century Chinese Export Silver Battle Scene Mug, Leeching, circa 1870

By Leeching

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 19th century Chinese export solid silver mug, of traditional shape and large size, the body is embossed with beautiful battle scenes in relief depicting Chinese warriors figh...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Barware

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export barware for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export barware for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage barware created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export barware 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 barware, popular names associated with this style include Luen Wo, Tuck Chang & Co., and Wang Hing & Co.. 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 barware differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $295 and tops out at $3,500 while the average work can sell for $1,885.