Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
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
1930s Early Chinese Wood Screen Asian Wall Art
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
early Chinese Large Screen Asian Wall Art
architectural wood window screen divider
intricate pattern
39.25 h x 45.75 w x 1.13
unsigned
Original vintage condition
Re...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export Style Gilt & Black Lacquer Decorated Table or Fire Screen
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Chinese export style lacquered table or fire screen exemplifies the refined artistry of Chinese craftsmanship, featuring an intricate gilt-painted scene set against a deep black...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Giltwood, Lacquer
Chinese four part wood folding screen, c. 1800-50
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Four hardwood panel & lattice-work passage screens. The surface retains its original, though distressed, finish. Panels have been hinged together at a later date.
China, first half ...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Wood
Hand-Painted Four-Panel Folding Screen with Architectural Landscape Scene
Located in Yonkers, NY
A four-panel folding screen, hand-painted with a classical landscape scene, evoking the grandeur of European-inspired capriccio paintings. This 20th-century piece showcases architect...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Four-Panel Screen with Koi and Lotus Design, Brass Feet, Elegant Room Divider
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Export four-panel folding screen with koi fish and lotus. This exquisite four-panel folding screen showcases a mesmerizing scene of koi fish swimming gracefully among overs...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass
Table Top Chinese Folding Screen Hand Painted
Located in Fulton, CA
Unusual table top folding screen. Four hand painted panels featuring birds, fruit and flowers. Partial hand carving to wood frame. Appears to be rosewood but not confirmed. Beautiful...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Wood
Monumental Antique Chinese Coromandel 8 Panel Hand Painted Carved Screen
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Impressive very large 8 panel hand carved and painted antique coromandel screen. Each panel measures 15” w. The decoration is meticulousl...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Wood
Antique ASIAN Room DIVIDER / SCREEN
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Asian Four Panel Folding Double Sided Room / Screen Divider. Hand carved wood with lacquered finish and glass protective screen. One side depicts mountains of jade with coral flower ...
Category
1940s Vintage Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Jade, Pink Coral, Berlin Iron
Chinese Export Six-Panel Silver Leaf Coromandel Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Impressive Chinese export six-panel folding coromandel screen depicting flora and fauna. Constructed from lacquered wooden panels hand carved and painted. Features a rare silver leaf...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass, Silver Leaf
Chinese Export Four Panel Lacquered Coromandel Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Celestial Chinese export coromandel four-panel screen depicting figures in colorful robes in a heavenly landscape among the white clouds. Eac...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass
Chinese Export Four Panel Lacquered Coromandel Dressing Screen Room Divider
Located in Doylestown, PA
Chinese export smaller scale four-panel lacquered dressing screen room divider with hand-painted decoration on both sides.
One side depicts a charming continuous pavilion scene wi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Metal
Chinese Export Four Panel Carved Soapstone Coromandel Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Impressive Chinese export four panel lacquered coromandel screen featuring hand-carved soapstone beauties in a floral landscape with gilt clo...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Soapstone, Brass
Antique Chinese Hand Painted Porcelain & Carved Rosewood Frame Room Divider
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Chinese Hand Painted Porcelain with Ornate Carved Rosewood Dragon Motif Frame Room Screen/Room Divider
This beautiful ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Porcelain, Rosewood, Paint
Asian Colored Stone Mounted, Lacquered and Decorated 4-Panel Floor Screen
Located in Germantown, MD
Asian Colored Stone Mounted, Lacquered and Decorated four-Panel Floor Screen. Stands 72" tall. Each panelnis 17.5" width.
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Stoneware, Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Export Lacquered Four Panel Coromandel Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Beautifully weathered Chinese export four-panel coromandel screen decorated on both sides. The screen features a pavilion landscape on one side and a floral and fauna landscape on th...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass
Victorian Lacquered & M.O.P inlaid pole screen
By King & Sons
Located in Dereham, GB
Victorian black lacquered pole screen,
Adjustable Shaped Paper Mache screen,
inlaid with
Mother of Pearl & gilt detail
Turned pole with gilt decoration,.
Triform shaped base with M...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Export Wallpaper Six Panel Screen
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese export wallpaper six panel screen, each panel depicting Chinese decor. Screen includes blue and white painted vases, urns and furnishings in colors that include blue, burgund...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Wood, Paint, Paper
Set of Four Elm Folding Screen Room Dividers, China circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
A set of four large natural elm wood interior folding screen panels with vertical fretwork that allows light to pass through the upper section.
Solid, stable and all hinges in place....
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Elm
Chinese Export Four Panel Coromandel Screen Pearlescent Landscape
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Captivating Chinese export four-panel coromandel screen featuring an idyllic seascape with beauties. The background is comprised of pearlescent crystal sand that shines like glitter ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass
Chinese Export Four Panel Carved Soapstone Lacquered Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive Chinese export four-panel coromandel screen featuring carved hardstone and soapstone decoration. The screen depicts a group of beauties in colorful flowing robes. The parcel-gilt landscape is decorated with two large carved stone trees...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Soapstone, Brass
Six-Panel Double Sided Coromandel Asian Screen on Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
Six-panel double sided Coromandel Asian Screen on stand. Each panel seats in a removable custom wood stand / shoe. Brownish gold color on one side and nature on the other. The subje...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass
Chinese Export Lacquered Six Panel Coromandel Landscape Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Beautifully weathered patina Chinese export lacquered coromandel screen with six double sided panels. The screen features a mountain landscape on one si...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass
Green Painted Chinese Folding Screen Room Divider, circa 1840-60
Located in Round Top, TX
A set of four large carved elm wood interior folding screen panels that still maintain their original green painted finish, topped by traditional Chinese fretwork design left in cont...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Elm, Paint
Chinese Export Six Panels Lacquered Screen
Located in Madrid, ES
Chinese screen for export with 6 panels decorated on both sides. The front side with various scenes of daily palatial life with relief figures, buildings and landscapes made of pain...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass
Chinese Export Four Panel Coromandel Screen Pastel Beauties
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous Chinese export four-panel coromandel screen featuring a courtyard scene of beauties engaged in leisurely activities. The lacquered panels are incised and painted in soft pas...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass
Chinese Qing Dynasty Lacquered Six-Panel Screen
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
Chinese hand-painted and lacquered Coromandel 6-Panel Room Divider/Screen dating back to the late Qing dynasty.
A truly stunning example , each panel is created using gesso before b...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Lacquer
Large Antique Coromandel or Kuancai Lacquer Screen Six Panel Chinese Export
Located in Richmond, London
A superbly decorative six-panel lacquered 'Coromandel' screen, exquisitely carved and hand-painted with oriental figures, flowers and exotic beasts on a dark brown background, in the traditional 17th century manner.
China, Canton, Qing dynasty, late 19th – early 20th century.
Why we like it
We like its impressive proportions which make it perfect for a feature wall, and the exquisite quality of decoration. The subtlety of colours lends a 'soft' look to the piece. The central motif depicts a scene set in the gardens of a Han dynasty palace, while the outer borders are decorated with the “one hundred antiques” motif interspersed with floral arrangements. In this regard, the present screen not only conveys auspicious meanings but also demonstrate the owner’s fine scholarly taste.
History
The term 'Coromandel', which is used to describe this particular type of lacquer technique (kuancai), is rather misleading. In the 18th century it was used commercially to indicate the place from which these objects were shipped to England through the East India Companies, and had no reference to China, the place of their origin. Similarly, Chinese painted wallpaper was often called 'India paper' in historic documants.
The kuancai lacquer technique, literally meaning “cut out colour” and found almost exclusively on screens, emerged in the 16th century to serve the domestic market. The iconographic elements were carved through the built-up coats of dark lacquer and filled with pigments and gold. Seventeenth century examples usually consisted of twelve panels, and were often employed in entrance halls or as room dividers or windscreens for gardens and terraces. They were often commissioned as gifts and depicted court scenes, episodes from the world of the immortals, panoramic or landscape views and auspicious symbols. This type of lacquerware was flourishing during the reign of the Kangxi emperor (1662-1722) and saw a revival in the 19th century.
Stylistically the present screen may be compared with the twelve-panel lacquer screen from the Kangxi period in the Victoria and Albert Museum illustrated by W. De Kesel and G. Dhont in Coromandel Lacquer Screens, ill. 23, pps 36-37.
Such luxurious items were popular in England during the height of fashion for oriental exoticism, called chinoiserie in Europe. In the 20th century, Coromandel screens still remained a staple in the European interior design. Coco Chanel had a collection of 32 rare Coromandel screens, which she proudly displayed in her home at 31 Rue Cambom, Paris. She one...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Early 20th Century Chinese Lacquered Ebonized Six-Panel Decorative Screen
Located in Dallas, TX
Divide a room or decorate a living room wall with this elegant antique folding screen. Crafted in China circa 1920, the free standing screen stands on bracket feet dressed with brass...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass
20th Century Chinese Export Six Panel Gold Leaf Coromandel Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Late Qing, early republic period style Chinese export six-panel coromandel screen featuring a pavillion with figures engaged in leisurely activities on a dramatic gilt gold leaf back...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Chinese Export Four Panel Coromandel Screen Cranes on Gold Leaf
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dazzling Chinese export lacquered four-panel coromandel screen featuring a flora and fauna waterscape with stylized cranes. The carved lacquer panels...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Chinese Export Soapstone Folding Screen Room Divider
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this extremely well-made and highly collectable Chinese Export Soapstone room divider folding screen depicting court beauties
A truly stunning and...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Soapstone
Early 19th Century Chinese Coromandel Lacquer Screen
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive early 19th Century Chinese Coromandel lacquer eight fold screen, depicting courtiers and attendants in pagoda buildings and gardens. set in a boarder of flower pots...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Lacquer
Asian Modernist / Chinese carved & hand painted two-panel screen , divider.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Asian Modernist / Chinese carved & hand painted two-panel screen , room divider.Signed by the artist,, Age approbate wear consistent with use and age.. Hand delivery avail to New Yo...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Wood
Six Panel Screen Ambush of Tigers Made in Hong Kong
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing Six Panel Screen Ambush of Tigers made in Hong Kong, it has the label in the back, (check photo). From the 1960s Century. Hand painted and some beautiful bronze details. Very...
Category
1660s Hong Kong Antique Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Bronze
Rare & Collectable Vintage Chinese Export Hardstone Folding Screen Room Divider
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this extremely well made and highly collectable Chinese Export circa 1940’s Hardstone room divider folding screen.
A truly stunning and exquisit...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Stone
Chinese Twelve-Panel Red Lacquer Coromandel Screen of Xiwangmu
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Monumental Chinese export twelve-panel red lacquered Coromandel screen of Chinese mythological Daoist character Xiwangmu (Queen mother of the West). Remarkable large scale screen full of vibrant color on incised lacquer...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass
Chinese Export Eight Panel Coromandel Screen Six Beauties
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare and unusual Chinese export eight panel lacquered coromandel screen depicting six beauties. The scene is bordered by a walled pavilion with pagodas and trees. The women appear to...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass
20th Century Chinese Gilt Coromandel Eight-Panel Screen Immortals Sky Gods
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing Chinese export eight-panel lacquered coromandel screen depicting a heavenly scene of immortals and sky gods floating in ruyi clouds. The fascin...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Brass, Gold Leaf
Chinese Export Six Panel Cloisonné Soapstone Coromandel Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming Chinese export six-panel lacquer coromandel screen featuring a blue and white cloisonné style border decorated with scholars objects,...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Soapstone, Brass
Six-Panel Teak Asian, early 20th Century Folding Screen / Room Divider
Located in Stamford, CT
Asian 19th Century Folding Screen / Room Divider, Rosewood, Teak, Six Panel
Six-panel rosewood / teak, Asian, Late 19th Century early 20th century. Folding screen / Room divider. A spectacular six panel work of art depicts Chinese glamour at its peak. The finest carvings abound in the manner of love birds perched onto tree bark and branches. The overall case supported by dovetail and mortise tenons. The color of a deep rich patina that only time and age can give to any work. This item was purchased from a Sands Point Long Island mansion along with several other pieces.
Each panel measures 19 inches in width and stands 93.75 inches high. This is an unparalleled piece and is simply stunning in any setting.
The antique room dividers...
Category
1890s Antique Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Teak
2 Chinese Coromandel 4-Fold Screens
Located in New York, NY
2 Asian Chinese style (20th Century) black coromandel 4 fold screens with scene with people on one side and floral & bird design on back. (PRICED EACH)
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Chinese Folding Floor Screen with Stone Insets
Located in Atlanta, GA
A six panel hinged folding floor screen from China circa end of the 19th- early 20th century. Each panel features three sections of black lacquere...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Stone
Chinese Quing Dynasty Red Lacquered 4-Fold Screen
Located in New York, NY
Asian Chinese (Qing Dynasty 18/19th Century) 4 panel screen with a (restored) maroon lacquered background and finely decorated scene of figures and palace in a black lacquered frame.
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Lacquer, Paint, Wood
Chinese Export screens and room dividers for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export screens and room dividers for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage screens and room dividers created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export screens and room dividers made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China 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 screens and room dividers differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $714 and tops out at $65,000 while the average work can sell for $4,800.