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.
18th Century, Chinese Export Coral and Puce Porcelain Tea Service
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese export porcelain service spectacularly decorated with a smart coral scale ground with panels of puce flowers. The service com...
Porcelain
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...
Sterling Silver
Antique Chinese Export Silver Three Piece Tea Service
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Chinese Export Silver Three Piece Tea Service - Antique Circa 1920 An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese export silver three piece tea service; an addition to our diverse silver teaware collection This exceptional antique Chinese silver tea set...
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Three Piece Tea Service
By Luen Wo
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese export silver three piece tea service; an addition to our diverse silver teaware collection This exceptional antique Chinese silver tea service...
Silver
1900s Chinese Export Silver Three-Piece Tea Service
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese export silver three-piece tea service; an addition to our diverse silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique Chinese silver tea set...
Silver
Silver Chinese Export Tea and Coffee Service, by Tuck Chang & Co., Shanghai
Located in London, GB
Silver Chinese Export tea and coffee service, by Tuck Chang & Co., Shanghai Chinese, Late 19th century Measures: Milk jug: height 8cm, width 14cm, depth 10cm Coffee pot: height 25...
Silver
Rare Chinese Tonkin Ware Cup-and-Saucer, Early 18th Century
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A Chinese made tonkin ware gilt- and lacquer cup and saucer China or Japan, Chinese artisans, early 18th century The black-lacquered cup with gilt handles in the shape of sculptured chrysanthemums and a lobbed edge decorated with gilt engraved border, with a gilt foot-ring that fits into the saucer ring, with two cartouches showing partly undercut gilt relief trees and birds on a gilt granulated background, black lacquered bracket-lobed edge, depicting gilt engraved peony scrolls and three cartouches decorated with high relief gilt trees and birds on a gilt granulated background, the centre with engraved chrysanthemum, enclosed by a raised ring upon which the cup fits, around which a circular panel decorated with high gilt relief trees, flowers, birds and a butterfly on a gilt granulated background. Measures: Cup: H. 5.7 x W. 8.5 cm Saucer: Diameter 13 cm Provenance: Collection Felix Schäfer Note: The decoration of the cup and saucer is identical to the slightly smaller cup and saucer...
Other
Art Deco Spanish Silver Coffee and Tea Set
Located in London, GB
Art Deco Spanish silver coffee and tea set Spanish, c. 1930 Tray: height 3cm, width 56cm, depth 35cm Milk jug: height 10cm, width 13cm, depth 8cm ...
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...
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...
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Bamboo Pattern Tea Service, circa 1880s
By Cumwo
Located in Sarasota, FL
Chinese export bamboo pattern silver 5-piece tea service, circa 1860-1880. The teapot, covered sugar, creamer and waste bowl marked "GW" for Gemwo maker of Hong Kong. The tray is mar...
Silver
German Silver Gilt Tea and Coffee Service, circa 1875
Located in New York, NY
Of antique form and decoration, the neck of the kettle with chased masks with fruit and foliage, the lip of the spout with a stylized mask terminating below with another mask. The li...
Silver
Japanese Porcelain, Satsuma Tea Set, 23 Pieces
Located in Milano, IT
...
Porcelain
Tiffany Sterling Silver Classical Style Four Piece Tea / Coffee Service
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Indulge in the timeless elegance of this Exquisite early 20th-century Tiffany Sterling Silver Classical Style Four-Piece Tea/Coffee Service. Each piece is a testament to Tiffany's re...
Sterling Silver
$6,240Sale Price|20% Off
H 13.5 in W 6 in D 4.5 in
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Coffee and Tea Set, American Colonial
Located in Sheffield, MA
Tiffany & company four-piece sterling silver coffee and tea set, circa 1940. Comprised of coffee pot, tea pot, sugar and creamer, all with faceted corners and monogrammed 'PPB', ...
Sterling Silver
$2,700 / set
H 8.5 in Dm 9 in
English Silver Plate Four Piece Tea / Coffee Service / Exterior Engraved Details
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your tea & coffee rituals to a level of timeless elegance with our exquisite English silver-plated four piece tea / coffee service, meticulously crafted by the renowned Elkin...
Gold, Silver Plate
Edwardian Sterling Silver Three-Piece Tea Service
By Williams Ltd
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Edwardian English sterling silver three piece tea service / set; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This fine antique Edwardian sterling silver tea service consists of a teapot, sugar bowl and cream jug Each component has an oval rounded form to a plain oval collet foot. The lower portions of the teapot, cream jug and sugar bowl are embellished with embossed fluted ornamentation. The flared upper rim of the cream jug and sugar bowl, and shoulders of the teapot are ornamented with an impressive applied gadroon decorated border. The large teapot is fitted with a domed hinged hallmarked cover, which features further embossed convex fluted decoration. The cover is surmounted by the original carved oval fluted painted wood and sterling silver finial. The teapot retains the original plain angular carved painted wood handle with a carved scroll style thumbpiece. The cream jug and sugar bowl have plain angular sterling silver handles ornamented with subtle applied decoration. Condition This antique sterling silver tea service...
Sterling Silver
$1,950
H 9.5 in W 4 in D 8 in
A Mid-Century 5-Piece Christofle Electroplated Silver Tea and Coffee Service Set
By Christofle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Charming Mid-Century Five-Piece Christofle Electroplated Silver Tea and Coffee Set. The elegant set comprising of a coffee pot, a hot water pot, a sugar-bowl and a milk jug. Stampe...
Silver Plate
Silver Plate Five Piece Tea / Coffee Service
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Silver plated five pieces tea and coffee service with exterior floral design details. Each piece is in great condition. Minor wear consistent with age / use. Maker's mark undersigned Reed & Barton "King Francis model number 1650-1654”. Set include Coffee pot 11-3/4 inches. Tea pot 10 inches. Covered sugar pot 7 inches. Creamer 6 inches & tea bag...
Silver Plate
Chinese Export Porcelain Ship Decorated Tea Bowl & Saucer
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain Ship Decorated Tea Bowl & Saucer, circa 1790 The Chinese Export porcelain famille rose tea bowl each are painted with a three-masted British ship. The...
Porcelain
Sold
H 5.5 in Dm 3.75 in
Chinese Export Armorial Porcelain Tea Caddy, Arms of Prince Willem IV of Orange
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese export Armorial Porcelain teapoy or tea caddy, Royal Coat of Arms, Arms of Prince Willem IV of Orange (1711-51), Prince of Nassau-Dietz and Orange Circa 1748 The Chinese Export armorial tea caddy is painted in iron-red, gilt and green enamels. The coat of arms for the Prince of Orange supported by gilt lions and surmounted by a coronet, all resting on a gilt pediment...
Porcelain
Chinese Export Armorial Porcelain Teapot Stand, Prince Willem IV of Orange
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Armorial Porcelain Hexagonal Teapot Stand, Royal Coat of Arms, Arms of Prince Willem IV of Orange (1711-51), Prince o...
Porcelain
Sold
H 5 in W 5 in D 3.75 in
Chinese Export Early 18th Century Rouge de Fer Porcelain Teapot, Cover & Stand
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export early 18th century Rouge de Fer porcelain teapot, cover & stand, Kangxi, The pear-shaped Chinese Export porcelain teapot with molded ra...
Porcelain
Sold
H 2 in W 5.5 in D 3.5 in
Chinese Export Silver Tea Strainer on Stand, Tuck Chang, Shanghai, C.1900
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Late 19th century Chinese export silver tea strainer on stand, Tuck Chang, Shanghai, C.1900. Plain design with dragon embellished handle in relief; the bowl pierced, all on plain sil...
Silver
Chinese Dragon and Phoenix Celadon Jade Teapot
Located in New Orleans, LA
Outstanding in artistry and design, this absolutely gorgeous Chinese teapot is crafted entirely of green celadon jade, a favorite material in Asian decorative arts. A bevy of mythic motifs of Chinese iconography and folklore adorn this beautiful piece. An arched handle takes the form of a dragon while the teapot’s spout is fashioned to resemble the head of a phoenix. A trio of clawed feet complete this incredible carved-jade teapot...
Jade
Chinese Export Silver Three-Piece Tea Service, Antique, circa 1870
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese export silver three piece tea service; an addition to our diverse silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique Chinese silver tea set...
Silver
Chinese Silver Teaset
By Tu Mao Xing
Located in London, GB
A fine antique silver Chinese silver 3 piece teaset with floral and tree bark decoration on a hammered background. The teaset was made by Tu Mao ...
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Teaset
Located in London, GB
An unusual 3-piece Chinese export silver tea set decorated with a dragon on a plain background. Each piece sits on ball and claw feet. Ma...
Sterling Silver
An Antique Chinese Porcelain Tea Set
Located in Katonah, NY
In the Western world of the 18th century tea imported from far away China captured the imagination of the public.The exotic East was imagined to be a paradise. Chinese porcelains pai...
Porcelain