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Chinese Export Serving Pieces

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
19th Century Flow Blue Gravy Sauce Boat with Two Handles
19th Century Flow Blue Gravy Sauce Boat with Two Handles

19th Century Flow Blue Gravy Sauce Boat with Two Handles

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous double handled double spout fliw blue gravy boat. In excellent antique condition with a minor chip at the base.

Category

1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Clay, Porcelain

Chinese Export Blue & White Porcelain
Coved Tureen, 19th Century
Chinese Export Blue & White Porcelain
Coved Tureen, 19th Century

Chinese Export Blue & White Porcelain Coved Tureen, 19th Century

Located in Huntington, NY

Chinese Export Blue & White Porcelain Coved Tureen, 19th Century

Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Circa 1800-1830 Pair of Green Fitzhugh Covered Vegetable Dishes
Circa 1800-1830 Pair of Green Fitzhugh Covered Vegetable Dishes

Circa 1800-1830 Pair of Green Fitzhugh Covered Vegetable Dishes

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1800-1830 Pair of Green Fitzhugh Covered Vegetable Dishes. Crested; etoile over a baton of leaves. Rectangular. Chinese Export porcelain most likely for the American market. 9...

Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Stunning 20thC Chinese Export Solid Silver Filigree Gem Set Cup & Cover c.1950
Stunning 20thC Chinese Export Solid Silver Filigree Gem Set Cup & Cover c.1950

Stunning 20thC Chinese Export Solid Silver Filigree Gem Set Cup & Cover c.1950

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Stunning mid-20th Century rare Chinese solid silver-gilt filigree cup & cover, the cup is richly gilded and applies with jade and amethyst cabochons stones. The cup stands proudly on...

Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold Plate, Silver

Italian-Market Chinese Export Armorial Porcelain Dish, Marchesi di Sorbello Arms
Italian-Market Chinese Export Armorial Porcelain Dish, Marchesi di Sorbello Arms

Italian-Market Chinese Export Armorial Porcelain Dish, Marchesi di Sorbello Arms

Located in Downingtown, PA

The Coat-of-Arms on this Chinese Export armorial are for the Marchesi di Sorbello from a service ordered by Uguccione III Bourbon del Monte, 12th Marquis Regent of Sorbello (1737-1816). He was the son of Guiseppe I (1690-1747) a successful and important diplomat for the King of Sardinia...

Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Large Chinese Export Porcelain Warming Dish With Lid
Large Chinese Export Porcelain Warming Dish With Lid

Large Chinese Export Porcelain Warming Dish With Lid

Located in Bradenton, FL

Rare find! Large 19th century Chinese Export porcelain warming dish with lid. Lid has a green porcelain artichoke handle. Beautiful colors of green and white with green florals and t...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Cloisonné Salt Cellar and Pepper Shaker Sets
Antique Chinese Cloisonné Salt Cellar and Pepper Shaker Sets

Antique Chinese Cloisonné Salt Cellar and Pepper Shaker Sets

Located in New York, NY

Antique Chinese enamel on copper cloisonné salts and pepper shaker sets. There are 12 pieces in total. 6 salt cellars, and 6 matching pepper shakers. Colors include blue, dark green, red, black , and light green. The light green salt...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Copper

Chinese Export Silver Bowl and Spoon
Chinese Export Silver Bowl and Spoon

Chinese Export Silver Bowl and Spoon

Located in New Orleans, LA

This delightful and extremely rare spoon and bowl pair exemplifies the remarkable artistry of Chinese export silver. Chinese silver pieces are renowned for their exceptional quality and unique designs, and the majority are entirely hand crafted. Today, many of these elaborate designs are housed in major museum collections, and remain a rarity on the market. Beginning in the 18th century, silver workshops in China specialized in the manufacture of silver export pieces for Western audiences. Typically bearing motifs that were popular amongst Americans and Europeans such as dragons, bamboo and floral patterns, these charming pieces were all beautifully handcrafted with the utmost skill. Today, important pieces of Chinese export silver such as this one can be found in many of the major museum collections, and are highly valued amongst collectors. The bowl boasts a fluid, undulating rim exquisitely engraved to depict bamboo, a motif which continues throughout the bowls body. Accompanying the bowl is a matching silver spoon, its handle intricately modeled as a vine with floral buds climbing upwards to its bowl, which seems to bloom with lovely applied buds and flowers. The spoon features the mark of Wing Fat, a firm active in Hong Kong from 1875-1930 and Sing Fat...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Tobacco Leaf Pattern Pottery Holiday Tureen
Chinese Export Tobacco Leaf Pattern Pottery Holiday Tureen

Chinese Export Tobacco Leaf Pattern Pottery Holiday Tureen

Located in Kennesaw, GA

Just in time for the holidays! This is a Chinese Export tureen beautifully done in the popular tobacco leaf pattern. The lid and handles are gilded. It most likely dates to the 1980s...

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Footed Dish, 19th Century Famille Rose, China
Footed Dish, 19th Century Famille Rose, China

Footed Dish, 19th Century Famille Rose, China

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

This 19th century dish is an unusual scalloped form. It shows wear but it in excellent condition. This colorful porcelain bowls dates to the mid-19th century and was originally used as a serving dish for ritual offerings, placed before a home altar...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Export Famille Rose White Ceramic Melon Tureen Or Box
Chinese Export Famille Rose White Ceramic Melon Tureen Or Box

Chinese Export Famille Rose White Ceramic Melon Tureen Or Box

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a lovely Chinese Export melon box. It is a reproduction of 18th century continental pieces. It is ceramic and unmarked. It is done in the Famille Rose style with pastel color...

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Export Canton Blue and White Plate, circa 1820
Chinese Export Canton Blue and White Plate, circa 1820

Chinese Export Canton Blue and White Plate, circa 1820

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

A Chinese export canton blue and white plate circa 1820 Typically painted with a riverscape showing arched bridge, willows and pagodas... ...

Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Chinese Brown and Gold Tole Serving Tray with Lake Scene
Vintage Chinese Brown and Gold Tole Serving Tray with Lake Scene

Vintage Chinese Brown and Gold Tole Serving Tray with Lake Scene

Located in Queens, NY

Vintage Chinese brown and gold tole serving tray featuring a lake scene with trees, bridges, boats, and fishermen.  

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Metal

Chinese Export Porcelain Tureen With Lid and Underplate
Chinese Export Porcelain Tureen With Lid and Underplate

Chinese Export Porcelain Tureen With Lid and Underplate

Located in Bradenton, FL

Rare find! 19th century Chinese Export porcelain tureen with lid. Lid has a green porcelain top handle and side handles. Beautiful colors of green and white with green florals.

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Chinese Export Silver Salver by Wing Fat
20th Century Chinese Export Silver Salver by Wing Fat

20th Century Chinese Export Silver Salver by Wing Fat

By Wing Fat

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

This impressive antique Chinese Export Silver (CES) salver has a circular shaped form. The centre of the salver is embellished with an engraved chrysanthemum floral design. The rai...

Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver

Rare Chinese Export Porcelain Covered Tureen
Rare Chinese Export Porcelain Covered Tureen

Rare Chinese Export Porcelain Covered Tureen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

In the style of Meissen. Quinlong period. 1750. Stand and tureen base with minor restorations. European-inspired scenes. Platter diameter is 14". No cracks. No chips.

Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Chinese Export Pierced Bowl and Plate
19th Century Chinese Export Pierced Bowl and Plate

19th Century Chinese Export Pierced Bowl and Plate

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-19th century Chinese Export pierced oval bowl and matching platter. Hand painted. No cracks. No chips. No breaks. Platter dimension is 11" wide by 9.75" deep.  

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Oval Tureen
Chinese Export Oval Tureen

Chinese Export Oval Tureen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Qianlong Period. 1785. Oval tureen and platter. Platter dimensions: 14.5" by 12" wide. With sunflower painted in famille rose enamels with floral baskets.

Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

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Wedgewood Gravy Boat
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Located in Lyndhurst, NJ

Of typical form signed and embossed on the bottom. Fine condition

Category

Early 1900s British Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

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Porcelain

Set of 4 Chinese Export Porcelain Plates with Floral Decoration & Armorial Crest
Set of 4 Chinese Export Porcelain Plates with Floral Decoration & Armorial Crest

Set of 4 Chinese Export Porcelain Plates with Floral Decoration & Armorial Crest

Located in Atlanta, GA

Set of 4 Chinese Export Porcelain Plates with Floral Decoration & Armorial Crest, ca. 1760

Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Chinese Export Blue and White Platter
19th Century Chinese Export Blue and White Platter

19th Century Chinese Export Blue and White Platter

$315Sale Price|54% Off

H 2 in Dm 10 in

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.

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Armorial Service of Samson Chinese Export Porcelain for the American Market
Armorial Service of Samson Chinese Export Porcelain for the American Market

Armorial Service of Samson Chinese Export Porcelain for the American Market

By Edmé Samson

Located in Essex, MA

Partial set of Samson hand painted Chinese Export style porcelain for the American Market. In beautiful orange trim with hand printed gilt motif. American eagle in centre with Shi...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Stainless Steel Butter Dish with Lid Timeless Design Italy, 1970s
Vintage Stainless Steel Butter Dish with Lid Timeless Design Italy, 1970s

Vintage Stainless Steel Butter Dish with Lid Timeless Design Italy, 1970s

Located in Montecalvoli, IT

Vintage Stainless Steel Butter Dish with Lid Timeless Design Italy, 1970s This vintage stainless steel butter dish from the 1970s embodies timeless Italian design with its sleek for...

Category

20th Century Italian Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Christofle Victorian Silver Plated Small Sauce Gravy Boat with Handle
Vintage Christofle Victorian Silver Plated Small Sauce Gravy Boat with Handle

Vintage Christofle Victorian Silver Plated Small Sauce Gravy Boat with Handle

By Christofle

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Christofle Victorian Silver Plated Small Sauce Gravy Boat with Handle. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 4.25" H x 7" W x 3.25" D.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

Chinese Export Famille Rose 'Precious Objects' Porcelain Dish
Chinese Export Famille Rose 'Precious Objects' Porcelain Dish

Chinese Export Famille Rose 'Precious Objects' Porcelain Dish

Located in Downingtown, PA

Chinese Export Famille Rose 'Precious Objects' Porcelain Dish, Qianlong Period, Circa 1765-1775 This superb oval dish is a quintessential example of Chinese Export porcelain create...

Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Fine Antique Meissen Porcelain Blue Onion Pattern 2 Lobed Serving Dish
Fine Antique Meissen Porcelain Blue Onion Pattern 2 Lobed Serving Dish

Fine Antique Meissen Porcelain Blue Onion Pattern 2 Lobed Serving Dish

By Meissen Porcelain

Located in Tustin, CA

Very fine, elegant antique handmade and hand painted Meissen porcelain, 2 lobed scalloped serving dish with rocaille handle in the "Blue Onion" pattern. In perfect condition. The ...

Category

Early 20th Century German Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Porcelain Canton Large Blue & White Serving Dish
Chinese Export Porcelain Canton Large Blue & White Serving Dish

Chinese Export Porcelain Canton Large Blue & White Serving Dish

Located in Downingtown, PA

"Canton Maritime": Chinese Export Blue & White Oval Serving Dish Probably American-market, Circa 1810-20 A substantial Chinese Export porcelain serving dish of oval form, dating...

Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Antique GM Co Victorian Silver Plated Covered Vegetable Dish Serving Platter
Antique GM Co Victorian Silver Plated Covered Vegetable Dish Serving Platter

Antique GM Co Victorian Silver Plated Covered Vegetable Dish Serving Platter

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique GM Co. Victorian Silver Plated Covered Vegetable Dish Serving Platter with illegible monogram. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 5" H x 10" W x 7.5" D.

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate

French Samson Chinese Export Style Armorial Porcelain Plates Set of Four
French Samson Chinese Export Style Armorial Porcelain Plates Set of Four

French Samson Chinese Export Style Armorial Porcelain Plates Set of Four

Located in Bradenton, FL

19th Century French Samson Chinese Export Style Armorial Porcelain Plates, Set of Four. Plates feature multi colors of blue, gold, pink on a white backgro...

Category

19th Century French Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Previously Available Items
Circa 1880 Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Compote or Sweetmeats Stand
Circa 1880 Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Compote or Sweetmeats Stand

Circa 1880 Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Compote or Sweetmeats Stand

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1880 Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Compote or Sweetmeats Stand. Decorated with central foo dog & bird in a landscape. Rings of classic Rose Canton borders; the outer wi...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Flow Blue Covered Butter Dish with Separater C1860
19th Century Flow Blue Covered Butter Dish with Separater C1860

19th Century Flow Blue Covered Butter Dish with Separater C1860

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous 3 piece flow blue round butter dish with handled lid and ice separater. In excellent antique condition with minimal, almost no wear. Priced and sold as a three piece set.

Category

1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Clay, Ironstone

Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Sauce Tureens, Covers & Stands
Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Sauce Tureens, Covers & Stands

Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Sauce Tureens, Covers & Stands

Located in Downingtown, PA

Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Sauce Tureens, Covers & Stands, A Pair, Circa 1775 The pair of Chinese Export porcelain sauce tureens are of a shaped rectangular form and are ...

Category

1770s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Engraved Chinese Brass Tray circa 1920
Engraved Chinese Brass Tray circa 1920

Engraved Chinese Brass Tray circa 1920

Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio

This antique brass tray was made in China in approximately around the 1920's. The tray is made from solid brass with a raised scalloped pie crust edge. The surface of the tray is dec...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Brass

Chinese Export Underglaze Blue Armorial Porcelain Dish, Arms William Dalrymple
Chinese Export Underglaze Blue Armorial Porcelain Dish, Arms William Dalrymple

Chinese Export Underglaze Blue Armorial Porcelain Dish, Arms William Dalrymple

Located in Downingtown, PA

Chinese Export Underglaze blue armorial porcelain dish Arms of Dalrymple of Hailes, Motto- FIRME, circa 1775. The Chinese export armorial underglaze blue and white dish of rect...

Category

1770s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Botanical Teapot Stand
Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Botanical Teapot Stand

Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Botanical Teapot Stand

Located in Downingtown, PA

Chinese Export porcelain famille rose botanical teapot stand, circa 1775 Great for jewely or cuff links! The attractive Chinese Export porcelain teapot...

Category

1770s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Chinese Export Tureen and Platter
19th Century Chinese Export Tureen and Platter

19th Century Chinese Export Tureen and Platter

Located in Los Angeles, CA

19th century Chinese Export tureen and platter with orange peel finish. Hand painted. Armorial motif. Coat of arms/family crest. Platter is 15" wide...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Mid 19th Century Chines Export Large Pedestal Tureen
Mid 19th Century Chines Export Large Pedestal Tureen

Mid 19th Century Chines Export Large Pedestal Tureen

Located in Lambertville, NJ

A large rose Mandarin Chinese tureen with lid. The delicate painting all around which is classic fine chines porcelain from the mid 19th century. T...

Category

1840s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Basket Weave-Ground Écuelles and Covers
Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Basket Weave-Ground Écuelles and Covers

Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Basket Weave-Ground Écuelles and Covers

Located in Downingtown, PA

Chinese Export Porcelain Famille rose basket weave-ground Écuelles and covers, circa 1775   The circular Chinese Export porcelain écuelle and co...

Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

18th-century Chinese Export Porcelain Lotus Leaf Shaped Dishes
18th-century Chinese Export Porcelain Lotus Leaf Shaped Dishes

18th-century Chinese Export Porcelain Lotus Leaf Shaped Dishes

Located in Downingtown, PA

Chinese Export porcelain lotus leaf shaped pair of dishes, circa 1765 The large Chinese Export “famille rose” porcelain saucer dishes are made in the form of a lotus leaf with the rim and border in the form of nine different lotus leaf petals...

Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export serving pieces 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 serving pieces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, asian art and furniture, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export serving pieces made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original serving pieces, popular names associated with this style include Edmé Samson, and Wing Fat. 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 serving pieces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $115 and tops out at $11,768 while the average work can sell for $1,790.