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Chinese Export Sterling Silver

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
Chinese Export Powder/Talc Shaker
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Export, sterling silver powder/talc holder/shaker, China, Ca. 1900. Decorated with an etched, full dragon that wraps itself around the holder/shaker. Holder is also lightly h...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Chinese Silver Hand Mirror Decorated with Dragons, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Antique Chinese Silver Hand Mirror Decorated with Dragons among clouds, circa 1920 This beautiful mirror is made in a very heavy gauge of silver. The quality of the engraving and fin...
Category

1920s Hong Kong Vintage Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Tea and Coffee Service
By Yu Chang
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stunning and complete seven-piece Chinese export silver tea and coffee service was crafted by Yu Chang of Shanghai and Hong Kong, a firm re...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Silver Dragon Spoon by Wang Hing & Co., Late 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A very fine and charming Chinese export silver spoon in the form of a dragon, by Wang Hing & Co., Qing Dynasty, late 19th century, China. ...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
A rare Chinese Export Silver Goblet depicting the story of the Three Kingdoms. The goblet embossed and chased with characters from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, including Zhuge ...
Category

1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Card Case
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Card Case, circa 1900, embossed and chased with a dragon amidst clouds on one side, and with a vacant shield-shaped cartouche. The reverse side features chrysan...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Peranakan Chinese Export Silver Tankard with Dragon Handle, 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A heavy and well cast Chinese export silver tankard with a dragon handle, made of the Southeast Asian market, mid-late 19th century, China. The double walled mug or tankard featur...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

19th Century Wang Hing Sterling Silver Cherry Blossom Bowl
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare Chinese export sterling silver bowl by Wang Hing & Co. with applied relief cherry blossom flowers on each side of the bowl where it transitions into the feet, casted and styliz...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Silver Card Case
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Card Case, circa 1885, embossed and chased with figural scenes on one side, and crythusanmum, a butterfly and two flydragons surrounding a single vacant shield-shaped ...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Card Case
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Card Case, circa 1900, embossed and chased with a dragon on both sides and a vacant shield-shaped cartouche. Retailed by Kwong Man Shing, and made by Zhuo (卓). ...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

18/1900s Japanese Antique Solid Silver Tray, Handcrafted, Signed
Located in Skien, NO
Stunning antique tray in solid silver from ca. 1880s - 1930s. Handcrafted in Japan with beautiful hand-carved pattern. Signed by artist down to left. Silver stamp and studio stamp / ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Pair of Chinese Export Silver Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Chinese Export Silver Candlesticks, each with coiled dragon chasing a fire pearl around the plain column, with the dragons rising in opposing directions to face each other....
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Card Case
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Card Case, circa 1835, embossed and chased with a scene of figures in battle, while the other side depicts scenes of farming, horse riding, and studying. The ed...
Category

1830s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
A rare Chinese Export Silver Goblet depicting the story of the Three Kingdoms. The goblet embossed and chased with characters of army of General Dian Wei (典韦) and General Lü Bu (吕布)....
Category

1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Card Case
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Card Case, circa 1885, embossed and chased with figural scenes on one side with a single vacant shield-shaped cartouche, and bamboo on the other side, both set against...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker, circa 1925, embossed and chased with dragon decoration Retailed by Hung Chong, and made by Sheng (声). There is a bold single dragon, with prot...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Jardiniere with Dragons and Figures
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export Silver Jardiniere circa 1890, of rectangular form and variously pierced to all four sides. The side with the vacant cartouche has two opposing dragons separated by a...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Sterling Silver Creamer and Sugar by Cutshing
Located in Atlanta, GA
A two-piece set sterling silver creamer and sugar signed "CUT" and "TienXing" in Chinese, circa second half of 19th century. Cutshing...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Bowl circa 1895, finely decorated with chrysanthemums on a matte ground, interspersed with six butterflies in flight. It has a single vacant shield-shaped cart...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export Silver Goblet of rare and unusual form. The bowl has four panels, two decorated with figural scenes; a third with mythical beasts; and the fourth, which also has a v...
Category

1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver & Enamel Bowl
Located in London, GB
A rare and exquisite Chinese Export silver & enamel bowl, made in Shanghai around 1895 by Huang Qui Ji, and retailed by the firm of Woshing. The bowl feat...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Antique Chinese Export Silver Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Turn-of-the-century Chinese export silver picture frame. Oval window in shaped surround with scrolls and flower heads at top, and leaves, stars, flowers, and heart cartouche vacant o...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Wang Hing Large Chinese Silver Dragon Mug
Located in New York, NY
Chinese silver mug, ca 1910. Straight and upward tapering sides and c-scroll handle. A spare form enlivened with applied wraparound dragon chasing its tail. Marks include stamp for W...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Pair of Chinese Export Silver Tankards
Located in London, GB
A rare pair of Chinese export silver mugs/tankards, each with figural Court scenes, bamboo, and dragon handles. They have the mark for Hoaching of Canton, circa 1860, and the Chinese...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Silver Biscuit Box
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Biscuit Box circa 1890, of barrel shape with plain pull-off lid. This extremely unusual box, which could equally be used for ice as well as biscuits (but not at...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

1800s - A Chinese Antique Silver Stand / Tazza, Handcrafted, Nanking
Located in Skien, NO
**Rare and Collectible Primitive Chinese Antique Silver Stand / Tazza, 1800s** Elevate your collection with this exquisite and rare Chinese antique silver stand, or tazza, dating ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Mug
Located in London, GB
A Chinese export silver mug with flowers and foliage engraved within decorative panels; and a dragon handle. Marked with LC, for Leeching, 利升 (...
Category

1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
A Chinese silver bowl of lobed round form with applied decoration depicting various flowers and birds. It has the mark of TS for the shop of Tien Shing or T...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

STUNNING ANTIQUE CIRA 1900 STERLING SILVER CHiNESE EXPORT DRAGON COCKTAIL SHAKER
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, circa 1900 Chinese Export Dragon cocktail shaker A good...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Silver Dragon Motif Knife or Letter Opener
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese Export silver dinner knife. Overall motif on the handle of dragons with clouds. Single knife could also be used as a letter opener. Stamped markings on the blade.
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Goblet embossed and chased with a single dragon around the bowl and with an applied shield-shaped cartouche. The goblet dates from around 1900, was made by Bao ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Antique Chinese Export Silver Tray
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese Export silver pen tray; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection This exceptional antiq...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Antique early 20th Chinese Exceptional Solid Silver Teapot, Wu Hua物華, Tianjin
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
Antique early 20th Century exceptionally rare Chinese solid silver teapot, of traditional round form, the body finely engraved in traditional Chinese style, suggesting this teapot was made for the Chinese market. The body engraved with bamboo and butterflies , the unusual handle imitating bamboo, the removable lid set with a peach finial (Peaches are the symbol of longevity). According to Daoist lore, the peaches of immortality grew in the garden of the Queen Mother of the West - Xi Wangmu. the spout with a hedged cover in the shape of a lingzhi mushroom and a FU symbol of good furtune. the top frieze is decorated with 8 Chinese symbols: a scroll, a Ruyi scepter, a qin, The Endless Knot, a pendant, an old book, a wrist rest, and two overlapping squares. The teapot is very unusual, fine and exceptionally crisp. it is made of heavy Gauge silver and the attention to detail and design is simply outstanding. "WU HUA...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Beaker
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Beaker, circa 1900, embossed and chased with prunus flower against a matte background, with a single round vacant cartouche. The barrel-shaped beaker marked wit...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker, made by Tu Mao Xing (涂茂興) in Jiujiang (九江), circa 1930. Finely embossed and chased in high relief with two opposing dragons chasing a pearl on ...
Category

1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Set of Chinese Export Silver Overlay Bottle with Five Cordials Tianjin Wuhua
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of Chinese Export silver drinking set consists of a pinch bottle and five cordials circa 1910s-1920s. Featuring matching elaborate chased relief dra...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

c1900 Chinese Export Silver Dragon Dish by Wang Hing
Located in Southampton, NJ
A c1900 90% silver Chinese Export Shallow Dragon Bowl by Wang Hing. The reticulated bowl is exportly cast, carved, engraved hammered and chased throughout. The bowl features a centra...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Early Chinese Export Silver Tea Service by Cutshing
Located in Atlanta, GA
An early set of Chinese export sterling silver tea service circa 1840-70s. The service consists of a lidded tea pot, a creamer and a sugar bowl. The surface was beautifully decorated with chased high-relief dragons with tightly chased scales, slithering with open claws...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Silver Box
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Table Box of rectangular shape, embossed and chased with prunus decoration on a "cracked-ice" background and with a single oval vacant cartouche on the hinged l...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Antique Pierced Chinese Silver Egg Cup, Kwong Man Shing, Hong Kong circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Pierced Chinese silver egg cup Made by Kwong Man Shing of Hong Kong. Good gauge of silver depicting a dragon and clouds.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Antique Chinese Export Silver Bamboo Mug
Located in New York, NY
Chinese export silver mug, ca 1850. Straight and upward tapering sides applied with leafing bamboo on stippled ground. Branch-form handle and rims. Applied rondel engraved with single-letter monogram in buckled belt. On underside is engraved “H. J. T. / 1855”. Interior gilt washed. Chinese mark...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker, made by Tu Mao Xing (涂茂興) in Jiujiang (九江), circa 1930. Finely embossed and chased in high relief with two opposing dragons chasing a pearl on ...
Category

1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Goblet, with prunus decoration. The goblet weighs 258g and dates from around 1885. Marked WH for Wang Hing '宏兴‘ whi...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Basket
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Basket, circa 1895, of shaped oval form. The dish has eight alternating panels of engraved and pierced bamboo, and flying dragons among auspicious clouds. The b...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

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 Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

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...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
Large Chinese Export Silver Goblet engraved with bamboo and three cicadas and standing on three entwined shoots of bamboo. The goblet was retailed by Wang Hing circa 1895, and the ma...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Tea or Coffee Service by ZeeSung
Located in Atlanta, GA
A three-piece set of Chinese export sterling silver tea or coffee service circa early 20th century. The service consists of a lidded tea or coffee pot, a creamer and a sugar bowl. Th...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Bowl, circa 1890, round and sitting on a plain collet foot. The bowl is applied with bamboo and prunus emerging from r...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver Tea Set with Dragon & Bamboo Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique handcrafted sterling silver tea set was made in China in circa 1880 in the period Chinese export style. The set is composed of a teapot, creamer and lidded sugar bowl an...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Silver Card Case
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Silver Card Case embossed and chased with figural scenes of Chinese scholars among bamboo and pine trees on a matte background.The card case...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker, Tray & Beakers
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker, Tray and 6 Beakers, Hong Kong circa 1920. The cocktail shaker and shot size beakers have applied dragon decoration and a round vacant cartouche...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
A lovely Chinese silver bowl, embossed and chased with three birds and chrysanthemum against a textured matte background. Made by the firm of Shao Ji'绍记’, and retailed by Luen Hing '...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Dragon Serving Tray
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elaborately decorated silver serving dish or butler's tray, likely dated to the turn of the 20th century, made in China for the export market. The round tray has a solid center in...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Collection of 80 Chinese Silver & Gilt Table Wares, 19th-20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This group of 80 silver and gilt table wares is a delightful selection of Chinese and Japanese export wares, comprised of 56 spoons, 2 sugar tongs, 6 butter spreaders, 7 lemon forks and 9 napkin rings. Nearly every piece is unique, decorated in an array of motifs and metalworking techniques, including repoussé, chasing, mold casting and engraving. Amidst the cutlery are two stand-out spoons: a small spade carved from mother-of-pearl and a petite silver spoon inset with a green jadeite charm...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver Plate, Silver

Chinese Export Silver Candelabrum & Dish
Located in London, GB
Chinese Centrepiece circa 1895, formed as a 2-light candelabrum with a central dish supported by two flying dragons. The underside of the candle holders and the dish are fluted, and...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Silver Christening Mug by Hung Chong, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Chinese silver christening mug, by Hung Chong, circa 1900. This maker made in Canton and Shanghai.    
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Hexagonal Chinese Silver Salt Cellar, Cumwo, Hong Kong, circa 1890
Located in London, GB
Hexagonal Chinese silver salt cellar, Cumwo, Hong Kong, circa 1890. Depicting bamboo, Prunus blossom and Chinese Iris. Heavy quality with original clea...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Bowl circa 1890, pierced with wonderfully detailed Two Dragons Playing with Pearl decoration and on a plain collet foo...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Tray
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Salver/Tray, circa 1890, chased and engraved with bamboo and prunus blossom on a matte background, with a pierced bamboo gallery, and 3 fluted feet. Retailed b...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sterling silver 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 metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export sterling silver 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 sterling silver, popular names associated with this style include Wang Hing & Co., Luen Wo, Hung Chong & Co., and Leeching. 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 sterling silver differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $145 and tops out at $34,500 while the average work can sell for $4,142.

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