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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
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 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

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

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

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

15 Antique Chinese Export Canton Blue White Pagoda Boats Bread Plates 6"
15 Antique Chinese Export Canton Blue White Pagoda Boats Bread Plates 6"

15 Antique Chinese Export Canton Blue White Pagoda Boats Bread Plates 6"

Located in Dayton, OH

Fifteen antique mid to early 19th century Chinese Canton blue and white porcelain bread and butter or dessert plates. Produced in Guangzhou (historically known as Canton), specifica...

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 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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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Located in Lyndhurst, NJ

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

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Early 1900s British Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

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Blue and White Porcelain Chinese Export Charger with Mountains, Pagoda
Blue and White Porcelain Chinese Export Charger with Mountains, Pagoda

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....

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Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Serving Pieces

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Salt and Pepper Shakers from Denmark, 1960s
Salt and Pepper Shakers from Denmark, 1960s

Salt and Pepper Shakers from Denmark, 1960s

$900 / set

H 5 in W 1.5 in D 17 in

Salt and Pepper Shakers from Denmark, 1960s

Located in Sagaponack, NY

An unusual and finely crafted pair of salt and pepper shakers of tapering rectangular form attached to solid teak tapered squared handles.

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Mid-20th Century Danish Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Teak

Chinese Export Porcelain Soup Tureen
Chinese Export Porcelain Soup Tureen

Chinese Export Porcelain Soup Tureen

$1,950

H 10.5 in W 12.25 in D 8.75 in

Chinese Export Porcelain Soup Tureen

Located in Essex, MA

With domed cover with gilt lemon finial on a conforming base with two handles.

Category

Late 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

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

Herend Hungary Porcelain "Printemps Pattern" Tureen with Handles
Herend Hungary Porcelain "Printemps Pattern" Tureen with Handles

Herend Hungary Porcelain "Printemps Pattern" Tureen with Handles

By Herend

Located in Delft, NL

Herend Hungary Porcelain "Printemps pattern" tureen with handles Herend Hungary tureen, hand painted Porcelain with the Printemps pattern with lemon on top of the lid, floral decor ...

Category

20th Century Hungarian Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Porcelain

Tressemanes & Vogt Limoges Porcelain Footed Serving Dish & Lid, France 1891-1907
Tressemanes & Vogt Limoges Porcelain Footed Serving Dish & Lid, France 1891-1907

Tressemanes & Vogt Limoges Porcelain Footed Serving Dish & Lid, France 1891-1907

By Tressemanes & Vogt, Limoges, T&V Limoges

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Antique porcelain serving dish or tureen with lid features elongated oval form with rounded handles and Victorian style decor with motofs of English roses and wildflowers connected b...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Gold

19th Century English Majolica Handled Dish
19th Century English Majolica Handled Dish

19th Century English Majolica Handled Dish

Located in Bridgeport, CT

19th Century English majolica handled dish in the form of a lily pad with a trailing vine handle terminating with rose and yellow colored flowers. Dimensions: 9" x 9" x 1 3/4" H Co...

Category

19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Ceramic

Fine Chinese Export Canton Porcelain Plate
Fine Chinese Export Canton Porcelain Plate

Fine Chinese Export Canton Porcelain Plate

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

This is a plate from china, it has been made late 19th century, very nice colors, green, orange blue. It is a canton plate.

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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

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Porcelain

Vintage Danish Pair of Rosewood and Stainless Steel Salt and Pepper Shakers
Vintage Danish Pair of Rosewood and Stainless Steel Salt and Pepper Shakers

Vintage Danish Pair of Rosewood and Stainless Steel Salt and Pepper Shakers

By Stelton

Located in San Jose, CA

Mid Century Modern pair of salt and pepper shaker dispensers manufactured by Stelton, Denmark circa 1960's. This stainless steel set displays contrasting rosewood grains and includes a labeled rubber stopper on the bottom.   Offered by Mid Century Maddist

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1960s Danish Vintage Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

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

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 ...

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1770s 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...

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1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Serving Pieces

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold Plate, Silver

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...

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1770s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

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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...

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19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Serving Pieces

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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...

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1840s 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.