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.
$2,213Sale Price|24% Off
19th Century Chinese Export Green 'Fitzhugh' Hot Water Platter- Tureen *
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Chinese Export Green 'Fitzhugh' Hot Water Platter- Tureen * China, Circa 1850 * Reference Chinese Export Porcelain, Standard pattern...
Porcelain
East Asian Porcelain Warming Bowl
Located in Queens, NY
East Asian porcelain warming bowl with two spouts, decorated with figures, showing an antique repair to the bottom
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Silver Battle Mug with Dramatic Dragon Handle
Located in New York, NY
Chinese silver mug, ca 1865. Straight and upward tapering sides with dense low-relief frieze: Spearmen and swordsmen on foot and horse thrust and lu...
Silver
Chinese Rust Agate Carved Bowl and Stand
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese rust agate bowl with carved spotted blow fish in relief on inside and outside with a scalloped base. (modern base 1¾" high)
Marble
Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Charger
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese-style (19/20th Century) blue and white porcelain charger decorated with a bird and floral design and a brown scalloped edge.
Porcelain
Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Charger
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese-style (19/20th Century) blue and white porcelain charger with a floral scene and a scalloped edge.
Porcelain
Chinese Rust Agate Decorate Carved Fish Plate
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese rust agate round plate with a carved fish in relief.
Agate
$1,800 / set
Set of 4 Chinese Imari Style Porcelain Plates
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 Chinese Export Imari style porcelain plates with red, white, and blue designs (PRICED AS SET)
Porcelain
Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Charger
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese-style (19/20th Century) blue and white porcelain charger with scene by water with 2 boats and finished with flowers on underside edge.
Porcelain
Chinese Rust Agate Carved Bowl
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese rust agate bowl with 2 carved crabs and a scalloped top edge.
Marble
Chinese Olive Green Handled Porcelain Jug
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese olive green ceramic jug formed with a handle stretching over the mouth, and an opening for contents within a chicken head emerging from the side.
Porcelain
Chinese Rust Agate Carved Plate
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese rust agate oval bowl with a carved relief of peaches and vine on interior.
Marble
Chinese Rust Agate Carved Plate and Stand
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese rust agate oval plate with carved grapes and leaves in relief with a modern stand.
Marble
$2,550
H 7 in W 9.5 in D 6.25 in
Art Deco Sterling Silver-Gilt Egyptian-Revival Two-Handled Centerpiece
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco, sterling silver-gilt, Egyptian Revival, two-handled centerpiece, inspired by the discovery of King Tut's tomb, Birmingham, England, 1922, Bracker and Sydenham - makers. Mea...
Sterling Silver, Gold
Early 19th Century Chinese Flambe Ginger Jar
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese oval flambe ginger jar with carved wood lid. Flambé ware captivates with beautiful irregularity and vibrant blue and purple tones. These strea...
Porcelain
$820
H 3.75 in W 4 in D 2.75 in
Victorian Chased Sterling Silver Christening Mug by Henry Holland, London, 1866
By Henry Holland 1, Elkington & Co.
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1866 by Henry Holland, this very attractive, Victorian, antique sterling silver christening mug, features chased and engraved decoration to the sides, a gilt ...
Sterling Silver
$524Sale Price|25% Off
H 1 in W 12 in D 12 in
Blue and White Porcelain Chinese Export Charger with Mountains, Pagoda
Located in Lomita, CA
This is a rare blue and white porcelain charger/plate that is 12 inches in diameter. The backdrop is detailed with a pagoda, a footbridge, mountains and a whimsical blue willow tree....
Porcelain
Antique French Continental .800 Silver Tea Strainer
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique tea strainer is hallmarked by an unknown maker, but originated from France and dates to approximately 1890 and done in a period Victo...
Silver
19th Century Chinese Export Blue and White Platter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Qing Dynasty style under-glazed platter featuring a basket of flowers Beautifully hand painted Chinese porcelain with varying shades of cobalt blue Excellent condition.
Porcelain
Chinese Export Porcelain Soup Tureen
Located in Essex, MA
With domed cover with gilt lemon finial on a conforming base with two handles.
Porcelain
Agate Coasters Brazilian
Located in New York, NY
A set of Brazilian neutral agate stone wine, champagne or cocktail coaster set, Postmodern design, circa late 20th century, Brazil. Set includes six (6) round agate stone and rosewoo...
Onyx, Agate
$36Sale Price|44% Off
Dm 3.47 in
Wooden Antique Stand for Chinese or Japanese Porcelain , 19th/20th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Here we have a nice wooden stand Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: China Period: 19th c / early 20th c Condition: Damage to the rim Dimensions:...
Wood
Chinese Export Platter
Located in Miami, FL
Chinese export platter. Mille fleur pattern.
Ceramic
Antique Wooden Stand for Chinese or Japanese Porcelain, 19th/20th C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Here we have a nice wooden stand Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: China Period: 19th c / early 20th c Condition: Damage to the rim Dimensions:...
Wood
$1,200 / item
H 3 in Dm 16.5 in
Six VOC Chinese Export Style Blue and White Porcelain Chargers, 20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
Six Japanese export style blue and white porcelain chargers, 20th century, China or Japan. The blue and white porcelain chargers decorated in the kraak style, and emblazoned with the VOC logo for the Dutch East India Trade Company (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie). The brilliant blue and white porcelain painted with a traditional pattern of long tailed birds and flowers, with the addition of a pair of pomegranates. The backs undecorated. Based on the original Japanese Arita ware...
Porcelain
Chinese Hand Painted Red Tea Cup With Lid
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Wonderful vintage Chinese porcelain tea cup with lid. Features a hand painted red and gold design.
Porcelain, Paint
Sold
H 1.25 in W 11.63 in D 9.13 in
Chinese Export Fitzhugh Armorial Dishes, Arms of Hill Dawe of Ditcheat House
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese export fitzhugh armorial dishes, Arms of Hill Dawe of Ditcheat House, Somerset, Circa 1800 The Chinese Export porcelain underglaze blue armorial dishes are painted with the arms of Hill Dawe of Ditcheat House of Somerset in enamels with underglaze blue Fitzhugh...
Porcelain
Sold
H 2 in W 21 in D 16.13 in
Large Antique English 19th C. Spode Hand Ptd. Ironstone Peacock & Peony Platter
By Josiah Spode
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Rare and Fine Palatial Size Antique English early 19th century Spode Hand Painted Ironstone "Peacock & Peony" Pattern Platter. This pattern was adapted by Spode in the earliest part of the 19th century after a Chinese Export pattern of very similar color and design (originally from the late 18th century). Please note the extraordinary vibrant colors of the peacock as well as the flowers and fabulous border. This pattern, Spode's no. 2118, was originated in 1814 (when it was completely painted by hand) and bears the very first Spode Stoneware mark which is a "Chinese chop...
Ironstone
Pair of Antique Chinese Silver Blossoming Branch Creamer & Sugar
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese silver creamer and sugar, ca 1910. Each: Ovoid serpentine body. Center front inset with striated tree trunk and scrolling burls. Applied blossoming prunus branches. H...
Silver
Sold
H 4.93 in W 5.12 in D 3.15 in
19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Dragon Mug, Feng Zhao Ji, c.1870
By Feng zhaoji
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
19th Century Chinese silver mug, of traditional tapered shape and size, the body decorated with six lozenge shaped panels, engraved inside with vari...
Silver
Chinese Mahogany and Carved Jade Tray
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An antique Chinese carve wood and carved jade handled tray. The hand carved bamboo motif frame work with carved jade panels fitted all around. Marked on th...
Jade
Antique 7 Pc Blue Willow Porcelain Cruet Condiment Set & Caddy Tea Coffee
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique blue willow pattern porcelain cruet or condiment set featuring a circular lazy Susan base on a wood dolly, labeled salt and pepper shakers,...
Porcelain, Hardwood
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Silver Mug
By Khe Cheong
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese Export silver mug; an addition to our antique silver collection This exceptional antique Chinese Export silver mug has a tapering cylindrical form. The surface of this impressive Chinese silver mug is embellished with chased decoration depicting Asian figures in a village setting performing chores and playing musical instruments, incorporating a multitude of indigenous plants. The decoration to the body incorporates a vacant oval cartouche to the anterior surface. The upper rim and base of the mug are encompassed with applied moulded borders. This Chinese export mug...
Silver
Sold
H 4.34 in W 3.94 in D 2.37 in
19thC Chinese Export Solid Silver Nobility Scenes Mug, Cutshing, c.1870
By Cutshing
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century Chinese export solid silver mug, of traditional shape and size, the body is embossed with beautiful scenes in relief depicting Chinese warriors and nobility amon...
Silver
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Enameled Ladles
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of late 19th century antique copper water dipping or sauce ladles which are very ornate. they are hand enameled with dragons, flowers and an ...
Metal, Enamel
Sold
H 3.94 in W 3.94 in D 2.96 in
20th Century Chinese Solid Silver Russian Style Tea Holder, Harbin, circa 1920
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 20th century very rare Chinese solid silver tea glass holder, circular with upright scroll handle, richly gilt inside, on spreading foot, body decorated with two bearded boga...
Silver
Sold
H 3.94 in W 4.73 in D 3.15 in
19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Glass Holders, Canton, circa 1880
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century Chinese export solid silver tea glass holders, octagonal shaped, the sides are beautifully decorated in relief with variou...
Silver