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.
Late 19thC Chinese Import Hardwood Lantern Stand
Located in Altrincham, GB
Late 19thC Chinese Import Hardwood Lantern/Gong Stand - formed as a dragon's head on a circular base with a painted paper and bamboo shade - 16"w x 9"d x 28.5"h - converted to electr...
Hardwood
1930s Chinese Export Lanterns, Hand-Cast Iron, Longevity Design
Located in South Burlington, VT
Rare Pair -first we have seen Unusual find. One pair (2) "Longevity" calligraphy lanterns in the form of human effigies A fine and rare matching pair (2) of large 12 inch tall Chinese export hand cast lanterns with attractive longevity and mystical "human effigy...
Iron
French Etched Glass Globe Bell Jar Lantern, Chapel Lantern, Late 19th Century
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
One of kind antique hand blown clear etched glass three-light bell lantern with very elegant brass mounts, France, circa 1880-1890. The glass bowl and the upper glass plate are entir...
Brass
$2,343Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 32 in Dm 20 in
Mid-Century French Large Scale Copper , Cast Iron & Brass Lanterns - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of rustic French three light copper and brass lanterns. The wiring is new. They have three interior lights. The previous owner removed the glass panels, so I can add t...
Brass, Copper, Iron
Iron Ship's Lantern
Located in Norwell, MA
Iron ship's lantern by Davey of London. With maker's badge that reads "Davey's Patent Windproof Ship Lamp". Fresnel lens. Sturdy cage. Hoisti...
Monumental Art Deco Green Wrought Iron Lantern, Italy 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Elegant Italian lantern dating from the 1930s, finely crafted in hand-forged wrought iron with textured frosted glass panels. The tapered hexagonal body is enriched with delicate scr...
Metal
French Art Deco Bronze and Clear Glass Four-Light Lantern, 1930s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A Art Deco bronze and clear glass cylindrical lantern with a central four-light candelabra cluster, France, 1930-1939. This lantern is in very good condition, no damages, rewired. Fo...
Bronze
Art Deco Patinated Cast Iron Lantern, Sweden 1930s
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This Swedish Art Deco lantern (Bjerkås Armatur, Corona Belysning style) was designed and manufactured in the 1930s to 1940s). The light features a patinated cast iron frame suspende...
Iron
Late 19th Century French Bronze Porch Lantern
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A fabulous large late 19th Century French Country House bronze porch lantern. Rewired and PAT tested to UK standards.
Brass, Bronze, Copper
French Wrought Iron Chinese Chippendale Style Pagoda Lantern
By Oscar Bruno Bach, Raymond Subes, Addison Mizner, Edgar Brandt
Located in Houston, TX
Stunning French Wrought Iron Chinese Chippendale Style Pagoda Lantern. This heavy duty hand forged black wrought iron pagoda shaped lantern has been newly wired to U.S. specification...
Wrought Iron
$4,501
H 24 in W 11 in D 11 in
French Arte Deco Patinated Brass Clear Glass Eight-Sided Lantern, 1930s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Elegant, tall Arte Deco patinated brass and glass eight-sided lantern, France late 1930s, with a central three-light candelabra cluster and eight clear glass panels. The lantern is i...
Brass
Vintage Boho Patinated Cast Iron Pagoda Lantern
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage Boho pagoda lantern, beautifully patinated with an aged finish, captures a sense of timeless, exotic elegance. Its pagoda-inspired silhouette and intricate details make ...
Iron
Exceptional Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Palatial Eight Light Lantern
Located in Long Island City, NY
An Exceptional Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Palatial Eight Light Lantern The large and important frame designed with a crowned top with acanthus leaves and berries, the body surrounded by wreaths and garlands with flowers and foliage that are finished on both sides, the inside with eight tiered lights each with spiral arms. This unique bronze lantern is the largest and most important lantern...
Bronze
A Find Hand Hammered Iron Lantern
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Fine Hand Hammered Iron Lantern. Very Fine Detail. Glass panels. France, circa 1890. Dimensions: Height 29" Diameter 12" CW4870
Iron
American Cast Iron Cylinder Hanging Glass Lantern, Early 20th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
American cast iron cylinder hanging lantern with twelve interior lights, three paneled glass, suspended by decorative cast chain. Early 20th Century.
Iron
Vintage 1930s Hand-Crafted Folk Art Twig Lantern with Brass Accents
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-1025 Folk Art hand made twig lantern. Take one 60 watt Edison based bulb Measures: Height to top of loop 16" Rewired supplied with 16" of metal chai...
Brass
$393Sale Price|48% Off
H 13 in W 7.68 in D 6.3 in
French, Late 19th Century early 20th century, Metal Lantern
Located in Buisson, FR
Really lovely metal lantern in a form I haven't seen before. France, circa 1890-1920. Weathered H:33cm W:19,5cm D:16cm
Iron
Sold
H 23.23 in W 27.56 in D 23.23 in
Antique Chinese Lantern, Hexagonal, Oriental, Cedar Late 19th Century circa 1880
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique Chinese lantern. A hexagonal, Oriental lamp crafted from cedar in the late 19th century, circa 1880. Cedar with supe...
Cedar
Chinese Export Matching Pair Old Flower Lily Lanterns
Located in South Burlington, VT
Unusual find, only one pair "flower lily" lanterns A fine and rare matching pair (2) of large 16 inch tall Chinese export hand cast lanterns with an attractive international Europ...
Iron
Pair of Antique Asian Lanterns in Silk and Wood, Asia, China
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of antique Asian lanterns in silk and wood.
Silk, Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Huanghuali Light
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Here we have a fine quality huanghuali Chinese lantern which has been later converted to electricity. Adjustable height which is held in place by pegs. Beautiful pierced scrolled c...
Hardwood
Pair of Antique Asian Lanterns in Silk and Wood
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of antique Asian lanterns in silk and wood.
Silk, Wood
Petrol Lamp in Ceramic with the Base of Bronze, 19th Century Chinoiserie
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Petrol lamp in ceramic with the base of bronze, 19th century Chinoiserie.
Bronze
Sold
H 23.38 in W 11 in D 11 in
Pair of Vintage Chinese Carved Wooden Glazed Candle Lanterns, circa 1950
Located in Nantucket, MA
A pair of Chinese carved and painted wooden candle lanterns with glass panels, circa 1950, having carved Fu Dogs atop four posts, holding a carved and pierced arabesque floral panel ...
Wood