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.
A 19th Century Chinese Export Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Dressing Mirror
Located in London, GB
China, circa 1860 A mid-nineteenth century Chinese export black lacquered dressing table mirror, the oval mirror supported by two pierced bamboo leaf struts over a serpentine base f...
Lacquer
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Chinese Export Lacquer and Hardstone Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese export lacquer and hardstone mirror, with various hardstone floral inlays in a gilt lacquer cartouche frame. The inset mirror is 22" x 2...
Mirror, Precious Stone, Lacquer
Chinese Export Black Lacquered Mirror with Inlays
Located in Miami, FL
Chinese export lacquer and hardstone mirror, with various hardstone floral inlays in a black lacquer cartouche frame.
Wood
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Chinese Serpentine / Jade Hand Mirror
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice antique Chinese serpentine / jade with hand painted porcelain hand mirror, circa 1910s to 1920s. The mirror is beautifully hand crafted from ...
Serpentine
Chinese Antique Dressing Table Mirror, Carved Wood Frame, Circa 1890
Located in Queens, NY
"Chinese (19/20th Century)red painted dressing table mirror with an elaborately shaped carved wood frame with openwork design and raised on a rectangular base Losses on the pinecone...
Metal
Black Lacquered Drexel Style Chinoiserie Style Wall Mirror
By Drexel
Located in Pasadena, TX
This mirror is designed in the style of Drexel Furniture's Chinoiserie style line of furniture. It's black lacquered with gold accents and a floral crest.
Mirror, Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Hand Carved Jade and Celadon Handle Hand Mirror with Repousse Dragon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful hand mirror with repousse Dragon and scene. Filagree surround cradled by jade and Celadon Handle. A wonderful decorative piece and certainly great for practical use fo...
Jade, Copper
STUNNING ANTiQUE CHINESE EXPORT CIR 1920 HAND PAINTED & LACQUERED CHEVAL MIRROR
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning circa 1920's Chinese Export hand painted and lacquered Cheval mirror which is part of a suite Plea...
Mirror, Wood
Chinoiserie Faux Bamboo Wall Mirror Black & Gold Finish Chinese Export, 1970
Located in Miami, FL
Chinoiserie faux bamboo wall mirror black & gold finish of the period Chinese Export 1970. Mirror Glass Size: 23.25 x 44.25 inches. M-532-335
Gold Leaf
Faux-Bamboo Wall Mirror with Chinese Carved Panel
Located in Chicago, IL
This rectangular wall mirror features an antique Chinese bed panel and a contemporary gilt frame carved to resemble lengths of segmented bamboo. Like...
Mirror, Wood
$696Sale Price|20% Off
Hand-Carved Giltwood Mirror from Small Chinese Temple, Circa 1950
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A small high relief hand carved temple giltwood framed mirror with some with a Chinese inscription at the top of the frame that says "Fortune From Heaven".
Giltwood
LOVELY ANTIQUE CHINESE CHINOISERIE GREEN FRAMED MIRROR INC ORNATE HAND PAINTINGs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime, circa 1920's Chinese Chinoiserie wall mirror with original foxed glass plate and pe...
Mirror, Oak
An Exceptionally Carved Qing Dynasty Hardwood Chinese Export Mirror
Located in Hastings, GB
An extraordinary and highly ornate late 19th / early 20th century Chinese Export pierced hardwood salon mirror, representing exceptional Cantonese craftsmanship from the late Qing Dy...
Wood
Very Rare Cinnabar Carved Wood Rectangular Chinese Mirror with Birds
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Rare and elegant carved wood Chinese mirror in a striking Cinnabar color. Frame is meticulously decorated with birds and crysthanemums. mirror itself is 23.5 x 38
Mirror, Wood
19th Century Chinese Export Wall Mirror with Carved Dragon Design
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese-style (19th Century) mahogany and bevelled glass wall mirror with a carved frame with scroll design and filigree pediment top with carved dragons.
Glass
Antique Chinese Painted Porcelain Plate and Wood Vanity Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
Carved wooden standing vanity mirror with mirrored surface on one side, and a hand-painted porcelain plate on the reverse featuring a pastoral scene with characters in the top right ...
Wood, Porcelain, Mirror
Carved Chinese Wood Mirror Panel Depicting Bats Symbol of Happiness Good Fortune
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely ornately carved wood Chinese panel depicting six bats and a mirror plate in the middle One of my favourite decorative motifs on furniture and furnishings is those which carry the bat. Associated with vampires and haunted houses...
Mirror, Hardwood
Large V Shaped Venetian Wall Mirror in the Oriental Art Deco Style
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large V Shaped Venetian wall mirror in the Oriental Art Deco Style This is a very unusual piece, the sides have a V shaped slant, the top is od...
Lacquer
Vintage Chinese Red Linen Wrapped Square Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese Red Linen Wrapped Square Mirror This Vintage Chinese Province Red Linen Wrapped Square Mirror is a perfect piece to elevate any room. Hand crafted in the Shanxi Prov...
Linen, Mirror, Wood, Lacquer
$24,500
Chinese Export Silver Mirror
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite Chinese export silver mirror is a work of exotic beauty. Elegantly shaped and monumental in size, this looking glass is held within ...
Silver
$2,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Paintings on Mirror Glass Chinese 18th Century China
Located in New York, NY
Paintings on Mirror Glass Chinese 18th Century China. A pair of paintings made on mirrored glass. Made during the 18th century in China. Original fr...
Mirror
Vintage Shanxi Province Red Linen Wrapped Square Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Shanxi Province Red Linen Wrapped Square Mirror This Vintage Shanxi Province Red Linen Wrapped Square Mirror is a perfect piece to elevate any room. Hand crafted in the Shan...
Linen, Wood, Lacquer
Vintage Shanxi Province Black Linen Wrapped Square Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Shanxi Province Black Linen Wrapped Square Mirror This Vintage Shanxi Province Black Linen Wrapped Square Mirror is a perfect piece to elevate any room. Hand crafted in the ...
Linen, Lacquer, Wood, Mirror
$4,660 / item
H 39.38 in W 39.38 in D 1.97 in
Erasmo Wall Mirror in Black Lacquered Wood with Corno Italiano Inlays, Mod. 1420
By Arcahorn Srl., Filippo Dini
Located in Recanati, Macerata
The Erasmo wall mirror achieves its elegance and uniqueness by combining simplicity of design with luxurious craftsmanship and materials. Individually handcut tiles in Corno Italiano...
Mirror, Wood, Lacquer
$1,317Sale Price|20% Off
H 47.25 in W 33.86 in D 1.97 in
Lacquered and gilded wooden mirror, carved, Italy
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Antique mirror in lacquered and gilded wood, richly carved both in the frame and in the upper arch, It has sculptures and a face moulding. Original from the 19th century and of Itali...
Mirror
$5,800
H 20 in W 12 in D 2 in
German Dresden Porcelain Serpentine Vibrant Foliage Wall Mirror, Signed, C 1870
Located in Charleston, SC
German Dresden porcelain serpentine vibrant foliage wall mirror, signed on reverso, late 19th century mirror retains the original silvered glass and wood ...
Porcelain, Glass, Wood, Paint
$1,895
H 47.5 in W 19.5 in D 1.5 in
Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Georgian Style Wall Mirror Att. To Friedman Bros.
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a black lacquer and gilt chinoiserie mirror. It is attributed to Friedman Brothers is the oldest mirror manufacturer in the US and was founded by the Friedman brothers who em...
Mirror, Wood
Vintage Large Faux Malachite Green Lacquer Chinese Style Carved Mirror
Located in West Chester, PA
Asian inspired wall mirror comprised of carved wood with bottle green "faux malachite" hand-painted lacquer finish and scalloped details. Made in Hickory, North Carolina, USA, circa ...
Wood, Lacquer
$780
H 15.36 in W 9.06 in D 1.19 in
18th Century Chinoiserie Table Mirror, Yellow Lacquered Wood, France
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This unusual table-top 'Psyche' table mirror dates from the 18th century, its wooden frame beautifully crafted from yellow-lacquered wood and decorated with hand-painted chinoiserie ...
Mirror, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Drexel Walnut Wall Mirror
By Drexel
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Enhance your home with this authentic Mid-Century Modern Drexel walnut wall mirror, a timeless piece that showcases the clean lines and exceptional craftsmanship Drexel is known for....
Mirror, Wood, Walnut
Pair of Gilt Chinoiserie Style Wall Mirrors
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Here's a more polished, luxury-oriented version suitable for 1stDibs: A handsome pair of Chinoiserie-style gilt mirrors with beautifully sculpted cast resin frames. Expertly molded ...
Bronzed Resin
Chippendale Style Drexel Wall Mirror
By Drexel
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Chippendale style wall mirror in mahogany by Drexel Heritage, made for their Collectors Collection. The mirror has a serpentine beveled edge that follows the serpentine inner carve...
Mirror, Mahogany
Vintage Modern Lacquered Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A Mid-Century Modern mirror with elegant curved edges. Great for any office/home setting. Please confirm pickup with seller (NY/NJ).
Mirror, Lacquer
Victorian Chased Silver Hand Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
This late Victorian hand mirror has a lovely silver plated frame with chased decoration of geometric patterns and foliate scrollwork. The rectang...
Metal, Silver Plate
Black Chinoiserie Carved Mirror
Sold
H 79.5 in W 35 in D 2 in
Asian Chinese Style Carved Mahogany and Bevelled Glass Dragon Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese-style (19th Century) carved mahogany and bevelled glass wall mirror with carved dragon and scroll design frame with a filigree pediment top.
Glass
Sold
H 35.5 in W 19.25 in D 4.5 in
Late 19th to Early 20th Century Chinese Mirror Table Screen Hand Carved Rosewood
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous Antique Chinese Table Screen composed of 3 pieces, hand carved Rosewood, & a mirror. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that t...
Mirror, Rosewood
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Decorated Red Frame Wall Mirror
Located in Germantown, MD
A fine Chinoiserie decorated hanging wall mirror. Measures 20" in width and 36" in height
Paint, Wood, Mirror
Hand Painted and Carved Tall Mirror, China circa 1770-1800
Located in Round Top, TX
The attractive carving found in the frame of this mirror includes dramatic flourishes on top, balanced at the base while narrow sides contain figures, birds and more. Notice the ori...
Mirror, Wood, Paint
Chinese Brass Double Happiness Mirror, 20th C
Located in Astoria, NY
Chinese brass double happiness vanity mirror, 20th Century. Dealer: S138XX
Brass
Chinese Carved Panel Gilt Beveled Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Carved Gilt Beveled Mirror with painted details around oxblood colored lacquered wood frame. Carve panel at top is gold gilt finished. Brass detail at top. Wire on back for ...
Mirror, Wood
Sold
H 40 in W 16 in D 1.5 in
Solid Rosewood Asian Wall Mirror Carved In Bamboo Motif With Brass Hardware
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Mid Century Solid Rosewood Chinese mirror hand carved to resemble Bamboo. Beautifully constructed with curved edges and fine joinery work. Original brass hardware and fine wood notch...
Rosewood
Southeast Asian Red-Ground & Parcel-Gilt Mirror
Located in Astoria, NY
Southeast Asian red-ground & parcel-gilt mirror, rectangular, the red ground with black and white peonies separated by lushly carved and gilded elements. ...
Mirror
Sold
H 79.5 in W 35 in D 2 in
Asian Chinese Style Carved Mahogany and Bevelled Glass Dragon Wall Mirror
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese-style (19th century) carved mahogany and bevelled glass wall mirror with carved dragon and scroll design frame with a filigree pediment top.
Wood, Mahogany, Glass
Sold
H 43.5 in W 31.5 in D 11.5 in
Large One-of-a-Kind Chinese Rosewood Table Mirror with Foo Dogs & Lattice Work
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible large one-of-a-kind Chinese rosewood table mirror with foo dogs & lattice work, circa 1920s. This mirror is gorgeous! It is in very good vintage condition and measures 31....
Mirror, Rosewood
Rare Unique Pair Etched Figures Signed Chinese Faux Bamboo Gilded Mirrors
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a fantastic pair of mirrors that are absolutely incredible. The etched signatures and the etched figures are all done in gold leaf and just beautifully done. The mirrors meas...
Boxwood
Gilded Faux Bamboo Tapestry Paneled Wall Mirror
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Beech