Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
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
Pair of Chinese Pagoda Towers
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking pair of four tiered pagoda towers crafted in composition with a black lacquer finish decorated with gold painted floral designs, brass balconies, and bells.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
Chinese Silver & Leather Theatre Opera / Wedding Tiered Phoenix Headdress, 1920s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Silver & Leather Theatre Opera / Wedding Tiered Phoenix Headdress, 1920s
Silvered Metal & leather and embroidered Mandarin hat
This Chinese silv...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Chinese Carved White Jade Silver Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Chinese pair of earrings with carved round jade hoops suspended by two articulated pierced white jade drop pendants and silver post backs, the jade carvings likely Qing Dynasty (1636...
Category
Late 17th Century Antique Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Jade
Large Vintage Mongolian Wooden Math Abacus with Painted Wooden Balls
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large Vintage Mongolian Wooden Math Abacus with Painted Wooden Balls. Item features Painted wooden balls in red, pink, gray, orange, blue, yellow, green and brown. Circa Mid 20th Cen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export Blue & White Tea Bowl and Saucer, Neptune, the God of Sea
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain European-subject Blue & White Tea Bowl and Saucer,
Neptune, The God of The Sea,
Dutch market,
Yongzheng Period,
Circa 1730-35
The Chinese Export porcelain, probably made for the Dutch market, depicts Neptune, the God of the Sea, standing with his triton in the center of the design with a number of other figures to his left and right with three large fish or whales at his feet. The lower section of the design depicting the sea. The border of each piece with a repeating diaper design.
Dimensions: Saucer: 4 1/2 inches diameter x 3/4 inch high (11.53cm diameter x 1.91cm high); Cup: 2 3/4 inches diameter x 1 3/4 inches high (6.99cm diameter x 4.45cm high).
The design is after an etching called `The Realm of Neptune` by Frederick Bloemaert (c.1610-c.1669) completed between 1650-1656, after a drawing by his father Abraham Bloemaert (1566–1651).
This is a Baroque design which is only found in blue and white on Chinese porcelain, it occurs on fine grained porcelain and Chinese soft-paste porcelain. Both dinner services and tea services were produced.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a plate in their collection, Helena Woolworth McCann Collection, Purchase, Winfield Foundation Gift, 1966 (Ass. # 66.27.5).
Reference:
Jorg states "The depiction of Neptune, the God of the Sea of classical mythology occurs in several varieties on Chine de Commande from the 1740`s onwards.
How well the design sold is illustrated by an order from 1778, when they sent a chocolate cup with this design as a model for similarly decorated plates. However, the Dutch merchants...
Category
1730s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
3rd Quarter 19th Century Miniature Taboret Table
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
3rd quarter 19th century miniature taboret table, Chinese export. Top inset with pink marble. Prunus carved aprons. Scrolled legs & beaded edge. Rosewood. 7 3/8" sq. x 8.25" h.
Whit...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Export Silver Belt Buckle with Samurais, Woshing Shanghai
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Two-piece belt buckle in sterling silver. Made in Woshing Shanghai circa 1910. It depicts samurais riding on Foo Dogs/Lions on a matte textured background. Very fine details and clea...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Antique Chinese Mahjong Game Set in Fitted Carved & Polychrome Painted Wood Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique Mahjong set is unsigned and documentation shows it to have originated from China and date to approximately 1900 and done in the Chines...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Softwood, Bakelite
Rare Chinese Export Porcelain Voc Dish
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A Chinese export porcelain VOC (Dutch East India Company) dish
Canton, Yongzheng period, circa 1730
Diam. 23 cm
Executed in rose-pink, ...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century China Trade Seascape with a Junk, Signed, circa 1870
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century China Trade Seascape with a Junk, by Lee Heng, circa 1870, an oil on board seascape with large Chinese Junk under full sail in the fo...
Category
1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Other
Antique Chinese Mahjong Game Set in Fitted Locking Leather Case with Key
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique Mahjong set is presumed to have originated from China and date to approximately 1900 and done in the Chinese Export style. The tiles a...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Bakelite
Antique circa 1920 Chinese Export Floor Standing Bell with Wrought Iron Stand
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite circa 1920 Chinese Export floor standing bell on wrought iron stand
A very well made and decorative...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair of Southeast Asian Ceremonial Rain Drums
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Southeast Asian ceremonial rain drums. Estimated that the bronze drums dates to the early 19th century. The top surface is adorned with a ceremonial star and tops are not tha...
Category
Early 1800s Indonesian Antique Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Antique Chinese 14 Karat Yellow Gold & Apple Green Jade Woman's Necklace
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique necklace is signed by an unknown maker and originates from China, dating to approximately 1920 and done in the period Chinese Export style. The necklace is composed of 1...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Jade, Gold
Chinese Lacquer Double Sided Qing Dynasty Drum with Wooden Stand and Drum Sticks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful piece! two sided with leather hand painted snare on two sides trimmed in nail heads. The collapsable wooden stand, while making the piece complete, can be put aside and t...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Antique Chinese Carved Jade Necklace, Ring & Earring Set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This necklace, ring and earring set is signed by an unknown maker, and presumed to have originated from China and date to approximately 1920 and done in a period Chinese Export style...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Jade, Gold
Chinese Export Sterling Silver Aladdin's Lamp, Form Table Lighter
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Export sterling silver Aladdin's lamp - form table lighter on tall pedestal base, China, Ca. 1900. Graceful design. Measures 5 1/4 inches high x 3 1/2 inches wide from outer ...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Brass Chinese Brazier
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique brass Chinese brazier.
Filled with burning coals, this exquisitely crafted brass brazier used to warmed the hands of a wealthy Chinese on a cold...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Chinese Antique Textiles and Embroidery Edition in Chinese
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Chinese antique textiles and embroidery.
Chinese language,
Great textile art table book.
Distributed by Eliane j Giraud Dupont Editeur, Paris....
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Papier Mâché Parcel-Gilt Buddha
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Large, decorative and unusual papier mâché gilded Buddha.
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Oriental Art by A & J Speelman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A & J Speelman: Oriental Art.
by A & J Speelman.
Published by London: A. & J. Speelman,, 1990
First edition, 62 color plates & text sheets.
Early C...
Category
Late 20th Century English Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Collecting Chinese Art Book by Sam Bernstein
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Collecting Chinese Art Book by Sam Bernstein. Much of what we know about early Chinese art is undergoing change in light of recent archaeological dis...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Chinese Junk / Ship Model On Stand, Early 20th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
This wonderful mahogany Chinese junk / ship model on stand was made in the early part on the 20th century. The Chinese Junk is sitting on a mahogany trestle stand.
Category
Early 20th Century East Asian Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany, Pine
Luen Wo Signed Antique Ladies Sterling Silver Chinese Export Belt
By Luen Wo
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique sterling silver ladies belt was made by Luen Wo of Shanghai China in circa 1900 in the period Chinese Export style. The belt is done with indi...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Bronze Handmade Singing Bowl or Standing Bowl with Mallet on Pillow
Located in Topeka, KS
Beautiful singing bowl or standing bowl with a mallet and its playing pillow. Handmade of bronze or bell metal and showing the makers hand. It is in wonderful vintage condition with ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century Chinese Silver Kiddush Goblet
Located in New York, NY
Chinese export silver covered Kiddush goblet, 19th century.
Round cup on a stem mounted to a flat circular foot. Stepped domed cover with bird finial. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Pair of Chinese Gilt Deity Figures
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Asian Chinese style (18/19th Cent) gilt diety / priest figures standing on lotus-form bases.
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Fine Chinese Export Lacquer Game Box
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular form with hinged lid opening to a fitted interior, with lower conforming case.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
China, World Heritage Sites by Cao Nanyan
Located in North Hollywood, CA
China: World heritage sites by Cao Nanyan.
Binding type: Hardback
Publisher: Barnes & Noble Inc
Year published: 20071200
Number of pages: 400
It is now over thirty years since U...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Chinese Hand Painted Elm Ancestral Shrine
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Chinese Hand Painted Elm Ancestral Shrine
This hand carved and crafted Antique Chinese Hand Painted Elm Ancestral Shrine is used to place fruits and flowers offerings, usua...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Elm, Paint
Chinese Export collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, asian art and furniture, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Luen Wo, and Woshing. 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 collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $53,111 while the average work can sell for $2,183.
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