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.
Rare Massive Antique Ironstone Mason's Ashworth Chinoiserie Meat Serving Platter
Located in New York, NY
Rare massive early antique Mason's Ashworth Ironstone Chinoiserie pattern hand painted enamel over transfer decoration meat serving footed platter with reservoir for "au jus" 19th Ce...
Ironstone
Rare Antique Ironstone Mason's Ashworth Chinoiserie Large Serving Platter
Located in New York, NY
Rare early antique Mason's Ashworth Ironstone Chinoiserie pattern hand enameled and transfer decorated large serving platter 19th Century Vibrant, joyful colors of orange, mulberry, ...
Ironstone
Antique Mason's Ashworth Ironstone Chinoiserie 12 Plates Set, England, 1862-1880
Located in New York, NY
Rare complete set of antique Mason's Ashworth Ironstone Chinoiserie pattern hand enameled and transfer decorated plates in excellent condition England, 1862-1880 Vibrant, joyful colo...
Ironstone
Chinese Export Apple Green Crackle Glaze Elephant Mask Handles Vase Kangxi Mark
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 20th century apple green Chinese Export vase with a crackle glaze and elephant mask handles. It is marked. The has the Kangxi mark.
Ceramic, Pottery
Antique Mason's Ashworth Ironstone Chinoiserie Footed Compote, England, c.1870
Located in New York, NY
Rare antique Mason's Ashworth's Ironstone Chinoiserie pattern hand enameled and transfer decorated footed compote serving dish England, 1862-1880 Vibrant, joyful colors of orange, m...
Ironstone
Pair of Early 20th Century White Ceramic Chinese Vases Antique Decorative Pieces
Located in IT
This elegant pair of white ceramic Chinese vases, dating back to the early 20th century, embodies timeless craftsmanship and classic design. Their smooth white finish and simple yet ...
Ceramic
Rare Pair Antique Ironstone Mason's Ashworth Chinoiserie Large Dinner Plates
Located in New York, NY
Rare early pair of antique Mason's Ashworth Ironstone Chinoiserie pattern hand enameled and transfer decorated large dinner plates 19th Century Vibrant, joyful colors of orange, mul...
Ironstone
Late 20th-C. Chinese Export Blue and White Pottery Vessels / Vases - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are beautiful late 20th century Chinese Export blue and white vessels or vases. While the exterior has a vivid blue and white geometric pattern, the interior is a bright turquo...
Ceramic
1970s Asian Chinese Export Fierce Facing Drip Glaze Pottery Foo Dogs, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are a personal favorite! This is a killer pair of 1970s large scale Chinese Export style foo dogs. I love the coloration with the brown and gold drip g...
Ceramic, Pottery
Green Glazed Shiwan Pottery Teapots Qing Dynasty, 'Pair'
Located in Dallas, TX
A near pair of 19th century Sancai green glazed pottery teapots. Both with yoked handles, spouts and lids. Both also have the Republic era official government wax red seal signifying...
Pottery
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Yellow Ceramic Bowl in Chinese Style
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Super art pottery bowl in Chinese style. Wonderful simplicity and color. Factory mark of Bretby, England on the underside. Free shipping
Pottery
Mid-Century Chinese Export Style Green Pottery and Blossom Vases, S/2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These is set of two Chinese Export style vases or ewers. They are a vivid green majolica glaze with a spraying of white blossoms. Measures: Small ; 5.25”H x 8.5”H.
Pottery
Early English William Whiteley Ltd of London Ironstone Imari Plates, S/10
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely set of early 20th century English ironstone Imari plates by William Whitely Ltd. of London. There are no chips or cracks, and ...
Ironstone
Chinese Jian Ware Style Signed Haresfur Pottery Teabowl with Gilded Rim
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very impressive and stylish Chinese haresfur glazed pottery tea bowl in the Jian Ware style, signed to the base, and believe to date from the 20th century....
Metal
Chinese Cadogan 'Foo Dog' Teapot, Guangxu Tea / Coffee
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Chinese turquoise and Aubergine glazed Cadogan wine or tea pot A finely molded and glazed "Cadogan" wine or tea pot. The body is glazed in a rich turquoise color. China, Guangxu peri...
Ceramic
A highly decorative pair of Chinese pottery Buddhist lions circa 1900.
Located in Central England, GB
An unusual pair of 19th century Chinese hand painted and richly glazed pottery seated Buddhist lions. They are each raised onto a stepped plinth with gilt character marks on the fron...
Pottery
$329
H 1.19 in Dm 10.5 in
Mason's Ashworth's Ironstone Dinner Plate in Coloured Wall Pattern, circa 1870
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a mid-19th century Mason’s patent ironstone Dinner Plate produced at the time when Mason's was owned and controlled by George L Ashworth after the bankruptcy of C J Mason in ...
Ironstone
French Green Glazed Terracotta Pottery
Located in Winter Park, FL
A French earthenware confit pot with traditional green glaze. These ordinary earthenware vessels were once used daily in the French country home and have beautiful rustic glazes of g...
Terracotta
French Green Glazed Terracotta Pottery
Located in Winter Park, FL
A French earthenware confit pot with traditional green glaze and yellow interior. Old green painted repaired chips to rim. These ordinary earthenware vessels were once used daily in ...
Terracotta
$2,583Sale Price|30% Off
H 10 in Dm 9 in
Kangxi Blue & White Chinese Porcelain Jar w/ One Hundred Treasures Motif, c 1750
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A very lovely Kangxi Chinese porcelain ginger jar with hand-painted, blue overglaze decoration with "one hundred treasures" motif. Jar has original p...
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Column with Ceramic Vase
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this splendid column vase, made in Italy, dating back to the early 20th century. The vase is crafted from polychrome glazed ceramic. The eye-catching decoration captures t...
Ceramic
Mid 20th century hand turned clay lidded jar with a lava glazed finish
Located in Dallas, TX
A mid 20th century hand turned clay lidded jar with a lava glazed finish. Signature marked on the bottom of the jar. This jar is of a slightly egg-like shape. Majority of the body ...
Clay
Mason's Ironstone Dinner Plate, Mandarin Pattern, Circa 1815, England
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good early Mason's Ironstone pottery dinner plate, well hand painted in the very decorative Mandarin pattern, produced by the Mason's factory at Lane Delph, Staffordsh...
Ironstone
Early 20th Century Traditional Spanish Ceramic Vase
Located in Barcelona, ES
Early 20th century traditional Spanish ceramic vase. Manufactured in Spain, early 20th century. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beauti...
Ceramic
Mason’s 'Mandalay' Serving Platter, 1920
Located in Worcester Park, GB
A striking Mason’s ironstone serving platter in the much-loved Mandalay pattern, celebrated for its richly layered decoration and unmistakable presence on the table. The platter feat...
Ceramic, Porcelain
C. 1880 Set of 4 Highly Decorative Mason's/Ashworth Ironstone Plates
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1880 set of 4 Mason's/Ashworth Ironstone Plates. A highly decorative set of Ashworth's Brothers "Real Ironstone China" in swirlling floral & geometric pattern. The pattern ...
Ironstone
Monumental Green Glazed Stoneware Oil Jar
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A monumental Oil Jar or large floor vase in a green glaze. It was purchased out of the estate of a long time antique dealer's home. He collected Catalina pottery but this is more rem...
Stoneware
$255
H 1.65 in W 2.85 in D 2.4 in
Rare Mason's Ironstone Miniature Bowl all hand painted Pattern, circa 1820
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a rare miniature Mason's ironstone Bowl, decorated in a beautiful hand painted floral gilded pattern, which we date to circa 1820. Miniature or toy items of Masons ironstone...
Ironstone
Pair Asian Pottery Floor Jardinieres Birds
By Dona & Co.
Located in Fulton, CA
A pair of ceramic floor jars by Dona, Vietman. Circa. 1970. Bird and branch design. (notice one has painted rim, one does not) Height 24 in.
Pottery
Chinese Glazed Ceramic Ginger Jar Lamps, 2
Located in Astoria, NY
Chinese glazed ceramic pair of reticulated lamps, in the form of covered ginger jars on stands, the sides elaborately pierced. Dealer: S138XX
Ceramic
Sold
H 13.5 in Dm 6 in
Chinese Export Style Maitland-Smith Blue & White Ginger Jars W/ Foo Dogs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This s a lovely pair of Chinese Export style blue and white ceramic ginger jars. They have gilt accents and foo dog finials. The pottery is intentionally crackled. They are marked.
Ceramic
Large Scale Chinese Primitive Terracotta Pottery Granary / Vase / Urn / Vessel
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large scale Chinese primitive painted granary vessel. It is terracotta with heavy relief and rests on three pawed feet. Highly decorative!
Terracotta
20th-C. Large Chinese Export Bird Motif Ginger Jars Coral Foo Dog Finials, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of large scale Chinese ginger jars with vivid bird motifs and bright coral foo dog finials. The birds appear to be some sort of pheasant. ...
Ceramic
Circa 1920s-1930s Shiwan Pottery Seated Figure
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1920-30s Shiwan pottery seated figure. Finely modeled; rich colored enamel glazing. Comparable to several examples in the British Museum collections. Exceptional work. Measures...
Pottery
Vintage Chinese Double Gourd Vase Table Lamp
Located in High Point, NC
An exceptional find to inspire your collection. This vintage Chinese “double gourd” vase has been adapted into a beautiful table lamp. Polish...
Brass
Sold
H 17 in W 19 in D 10 in
Mid-Century Blanc De Chine Style Asian Elephant Garden Stools / Side Tables -2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large scale blanc di chine style pair of white garden elephant garden stools or side tables. The are in very good condition and date to the 1960s. My shipping applies only...
Pottery
Vintage Chinese Ceramic Vases, A Pair
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of 1900s blue-glazed Chinese Vases. These vases effortlessly present a life of details upon their gracefully simple forms. Navy colored glaze splashes and drips down their sur...
Ceramic
Chinese Jian Ware Style Black Haresfur Pottery Teabowl with Matted Rim
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very impressive and stylish Chinese haresfur glazed pottery tea bowl in the Jian Ware style and believe to date from the 20th century o possibly earlier. T...
Pottery
Chinese Jian Ware Style Glazed Pottery Teabowl with Ho Ho Birds
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very impressive and stylish Chinese glazed pottery tea bowl decorated with ho-ho birds in the Jian Ware style and believe to date from the 20th century or ...
Pottery
Chinese Jian Ware Style Brown Oilspot Pattern Pottery Teabowl
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very impressive and stylish Chinese brown oilspot pattern glazed pottery tea bowl in the Jian Ware style believed to date from the 20th century or possibly...
Pottery