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Chinese Export Pillows and Throws

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
Navy border Chinese Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a 20th-century Chinese rug with zipper closure and poly-fill. Measures: 15'' x 15''.
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool

Antique Chinese Embroidered Textile Custom Pillow
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique Chinese embroidered textile made into a custom pillow. Antique pillow is made of Claremont champagne silk with bronze colored flat trim. Sewn sh...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Pillows and Throws

Materials

Silk

Antique Chinese Embroidered Textile Custom Pillow
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique Chinese embroidered textile made into a custom lumbar pillow. Antique blue woven silk textile featuring center dragon motif. Pillow is made of Scalamandre iridescent celadon green silk with brushed fringe and gimp trim...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Pillows and Throws

Materials

Silk

Large Navy Chinese Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a 20th-century Chinese rug with zipper closure and poly-fill. Measures: 14'' x 24''.
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool

Green Chinese Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from an old Chinese rug predominantly in green. zipper closure and polyfill provided Measures: 16'' x 23''.
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Zabihi Collection Navy Chinese Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from a 20th-century Chinese rug with a zipper closure and polyfill. Measures: 16'' x 17''.
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Pillows and Throws

Materials

Wool

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Previously Available Items
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Pillow made from a 20th-century Chinese rug with zipper closure and poly-fill. Measures: 16'' x 16''.
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20th Century Chinese Export Pillows and Throws

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Wool

Large Navy Pictorial Chinese Rug Pillow
Located in New York, NY
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Wool

Navy Chinese Rug Pillow
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Chinese Export pillows and throws for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export pillows and throws 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 pillows and throws created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, rugs and carpets, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, wool and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export pillows and throws 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 pillows and throws differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $40 and tops out at $299 while the average work can sell for $228.

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