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Chinese Export Table Mirrors

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 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...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Table Mirrors

Materials

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...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Table Mirrors

Materials

Metal

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....
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Table Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Rosewood

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 ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Table Mirrors

Materials

Silver

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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.
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20th Century Italian Chinese Export Table Mirrors

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Giltwood, Mirror

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...
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1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Table Mirrors

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Bamboo, Wood

EXQUISITE COMPLETE FOUR PERSON MAHJONG SUITE CIRCA 1920's CHINESE EXPORT PERIOD
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 & ...
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1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Table Mirrors

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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 - ...
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Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Export Table Mirrors

Materials

Art Glass, Mirror, Hardwood

1940s Italian Art Deco Burl and Marble Vanity Dressing Table with Beveled Mirror
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful Italian Art Deco mid-century vanity or dressing table with amazing Portoro marble top, a cretaceous golden veined black marble from the region of La Spezia, right north of ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Export Table Mirrors

Materials

Marble, Brass

French Gilt Carved Wood Floral Mirror, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
French gilt carved wood circular mirror with intertwined decorative floral and cross hatching motif. Mirror retains the original glass. Early 19th century.
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1820s French Antique Chinese Export Table Mirrors

Large Brass Swivel Mirror Vanity Table Mirror
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Large solid brass oval double sided swivel vanity table mirror.
Category

1950s North American Vintage Chinese Export Table Mirrors

Materials

Glass, Mirror

Large Brass Swivel Mirror Vanity Table Mirror
Large Brass Swivel Mirror Vanity Table Mirror
$950
H 19.75 in W 15.5 in D 5 in
Antique Chinese Export Silver Cigarette Case
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Chinese Export Silver cigarette / card case; part of our diverse Asian silverware collection. This fine antique Chinese Export Silver (CES) cigarette/card case has a plain rectangular form with rounded corners. The anterior cover is embellished with an embossed and chased decorated iconic Chinese dragon design amidst clouds, on a matte background, incorporating a shield shaped vacant cartouche. The posterior cover is ornamented with traditional embossed and chased plum blossom foliate and floral decoration, also on a matte background. The rounded sides of this antique silver cigarette case...
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Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Table Mirrors

Materials

Silver

Antique Chinese Export Silver Cigarette Case
Antique Chinese Export Silver Cigarette Case
$1,505
H 0.7 in W 2.75 in D 3.25 in
ANTIQUE SUBLIME 1920 ART DECO PEACH GLASS VENETIAN DRESSING TABLE VANITY MiRROR
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale absolutely sublime circa 1920's Art Deco Peach glass Vanity / Dressing table top mirror with bevelled edges ...
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1920s European Vintage Chinese Export Table Mirrors

Materials

Glass, Mirror

Golden Hand Carved Wood Mirror
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...
Category

2010s Mexican Chinese Export Table Mirrors

Materials

Wood

Golden Hand Carved Wood Mirror
Golden Hand Carved Wood Mirror
$1,400 / item
H 40 in W 26 in D 2 in
French Victorian Gilt Bronze Vanity Oval Table Mirror with Cherubs
Located in Plainview, NY
An exquisite antique French Victorian gilded bronze vanity mirror exuding a timeless charm from the late 19th Century. A multifaceted marvel, it features a swiveling oval mirror, gracefully adorned on each side by cherubic embellishments, while at its heart, a gentleman serenades on a parlor guitar...
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Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Export Table Mirrors

Materials

Bronze

French Victorian Gilt Bronze Vanity Oval Table Mirror with Cherubs
French Victorian Gilt Bronze Vanity Oval Table Mirror with Cherubs
$540 Sale Price
70% Off
H 19 in W 9.5 in D 3.75 in
Ornate Cast Brass Hand Mirror With Figural Motifs
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Elaborately cast brass hand mirror featuring figural and foliate motifs, including a central classical face at the base and scrollwork throughout the frame. The surface shows age-app...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Chinese Export Table Mirrors

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Table Mirrors

Chinese Export table mirrors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export table mirrors 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 table mirrors created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include mirrors, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with glass, mirror and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export table mirrors made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 table mirrors differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,800 and tops out at $24,500 while the average work can sell for $13,650.

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