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.
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
Chinese Carved Painted Wood Dressing Table / Vanity Mirror with Gilt Highlights
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
$2,275Sale Price|35% Off
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
$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
Italian Rococo Giltwood Tabletop Mirror, Hand-Carved, Mid-19th Century
Located in Stamford, CT
Venetian Rococo style tabletop mirror for a vanity. Exuberantly carved with a double layer of acanthus leaf decoration, a tour de force of carving. Mid 19th century. 16 inches high...
Wood, Giltwood
Golden Hand Carved Wood Mirror
By Loyzaga
Located in Mexico, Ciudad de México
Vendôme Pearl Mirror Hand-Carved Wood With Gold Leaf Finish This collection is inspired in Paris most beautiful square, Place Vendôme. The rich and var...
Wood
Italian Hand-Carved Gold Leaf Oval Vanity Mirror, 20th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
Early 20th century Italian hand-carved gold leaf oval vanity mirror with a ribbon motif.
Giltwood, Mirror
$2,096
H 6.7 in W 9.26 in D 6.5 in
FOUR PERSON ANTIQUE MAHJONG SUITE CIRCA 1920's CHINESE EXPORT PERIOD WITH STAND
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this highly collectable Chinese export Circa 1920's Mahjong set with the original box and additional dice, t...
Bamboo, Wood
$700
H 10 in W 8.63 in D 6 in
Vintage Murano Glass Dressing Table/Vanity Mirror, Italy, Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage - Murano glass - dressing table/vanity mirror - all original fittings with silver leaf backed mirror - finished and hinged wood easel back (can be wall mounted) - unsigned - ...
Art Glass, Mirror, Hardwood
$607
H 7.29 in W 8.47 in D 6.3 in
ViNTAGE COLLECTABLE MAHJONG CIRCA 1960'S CHINESE EXPORT PERIOD HAND CARVED CASE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this highly collectable Chinese export Circa 1960's Mahjong set with the original box A very nice suite, it...
Bamboo, Wood
$26,456
H 13 in W 8.27 in D 5.52 in
19th Century Chinese Export Silver Two-Handle Cup & Cover, Luen Wo, circa 1880
By Luen Wo
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th century Chinese export solid silver presentation cup and cover, of traditional urn shape, the body is embossed with beautiful scenes in relief depicting Chinese nobility...
Silver
Antique Chinese Silver Dressing Table / Hand Mirror Circa 1900
By Luen Wo
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese silver dressing table hand mirror; an addition to our collection of Asian antiques. This exceptional antique Chinese export silve...
Silver
Early 20thC Gilt Folding Triple Dressing Table Mirror
Located in Altrincham, GB
Early 20thC Gilt Folding Triple Dressing Table Mirror with bevelled glass mirror plates supported by gilt frame on scrolled cabriole legs in Louis XVI style - 22.5" w x 36"h x 1.5"d ...
Mirror, Giltwood
$4,204 / set
H 22.84 in W 13.78 in D 7.88 in
Pair of large table mirrors circa 1980 french design style of Garouste bonetti
By Elizabeth Garouste and Mattia Bonetti
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
In the style of Garouste et Bonetti Pair of large table mirrors realised circa 1980 Resin mirror base Original 20th century decoration Height 58 Large 35 cm Depth 20 cm
Resin
$2,022
H 6.7 in W 9.65 in D 6.5 in
ANTIQUE COLLECTABLE MAHJONG CIRCA 1920'S CHiNESE EXPORT PERIOD HAND CARVED CASE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this highly collectable Chinese export Circa 1920's Mahjong set with the original hand carved box and additi...
Bamboo, Wood
Large Table Top Mirror by Petersen and Hansen
By Viby J. PMJ, Pedersen & Hansen
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This large 24-inch round tabletop mirror by Pedersen & Hansen is a striking example of mid-century Danish design. Crafted from richly grained teak, the mirror features a warm, minima...
Mirror, Teak
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
Sold
H 19.13 in W 15.25 in D 1.5 in
Antique Paint Decorated with Mother-of-Pearl Accented Octagonal Bevel Mirror
Located in Manhasset, NY
An antique wooden back paint decorated with mother-of-pearl accented octagonal bevelled wall or console or vanity mirror. The centre bevelled mirror mounted in a gilt gold wood frame...