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.
1920s Antique Chinese Peking Wool Rug Handmade Blue with Classic Floral Design
Located in Norwalk, CT
This luxurious antique Peking Chinese hand knotted wool rug features a navy blue field adorned with a designed frame and golden accents in a stunning all-over Chinese floral motif. ...
Other
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''.
Wool, Cotton
$135Sale Price|20% Off
Zabihi Collection 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''.
Wool
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''.
Wool
Antique Designed Art Deco Chinese Wool Rug Handmade In Goldenrod Color
Located in Norwalk, CT
This elegant antique Art Deco Chinese wool rug features a goldenrod-colored field with a burgundy-colored decorative border and vibrant accents, showcasing a stunning classic Chinese...
Other
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''.
Wool
Antique Blue Chinese Peking Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful antique Chinese Peking hand knotted wool rug with a blue field, orange frame, and multi-color accents in an all-over Classic Chinese floral design. This rug measure: 9' ...
Wool
Vintage Hand Made Chinese Sculpted Wool Area Rug
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful hand made vintage Chinese sculpted wool area rug China, Mid-20th Century Nice floral design, with predominant colors in light green, peach,...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Blue Chinese Pictorial Animal Rug
Located in New York, NY
1930s Chiense Animal Pictorial small Rug Details rug no. j3525 size 2' 7" x 4' 11" (79 x 150 cm)
Wool
Indian Hand Knotted Wool Rug with Chinese Tiger Motif
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fun area rug! It is an Indian hand knotted wool rug with a Chinese tiger motif. It is in very good condition.
Wool
Vintage Tibetan Floral Rug
Located in New York, NY
Colorful late 20th century Tibetan rug with a lovely floral design Measures: 2'11'' x 5'9".
Wool
RugsOnNet Ivory Blue Antique Wool Chinese Lion Foo Dog Motif Ningxia Rug Carpet
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese - Art Deco rugs 6' 3'' x 8' 6''. Antique Geometric Medallion Wool Hand Knotted Pile Black 1875 Rug, Circa Date: 1875. This exceptional example of 19th-century weavin...
Wool
RugsOnNet Nice Vintage Blue Mid Century Wool Chinese Peking Medallion Rug Carpet
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese Peking rug, size: 6'8" x 9'6". Vintage Peking Chinese Medallion Beige 1960s Rug, Circa Date: 1960s. This striking example of mid-century Chinese weaving captures the...
Wool
Vintage Gianni Versace Silk Rug: Mandarin's Garden Collection by Atelier Versace
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This vintage Gianni Versace collection rug, titled "Mandarin's Garden Silk", was designed and manufactured by Atelier Versace circa 1980. Measuring 200 x 200, this luxurious silk rug...
Silk
Dragon Rug Wool and Silk in Style of Antique Chinese Kansu Carpet 5 claw dragons
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Imperial Majesty – Hand-Knotted Dragon Rug in Antique Chinese Kansu Style (244 x 165 cm / 8 x 5.4 ft) A Masterpiece of Imperial Symbolism Elevate your interior with this extraordinar...
Wool, Silk
Blue Tan Chinese Animal Pictorial Landscape Rug
Located in New York, NY
A 20th century Chinese Peking rug with 2 reindeers and a large bird in a scenic background with a tree and palm tree. The wool on this rug is lustrous and has a silky feel to it if w...
Wool
Chinese Art Deco Style Gold Wool Rug
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese Art Deco style gold wool rug carpet with pagoda design (4 x 2\'). Please note: used/antique condition
Gold
Beautiful and Fine Antique Chinese Textile 3'2" x 3'7"
Located in New York, NY
Finely Woven Antique Chinese Textile, Country of Origin: China, Circa Date: Late 19th Century
Silk
The Whispered Harmony: A Chinese Art Deco Masterpiece of Subtle Elegance
By Helen Fette
Located in Dallas, TX
78989 Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug, 09'00 x 11'09. This exquisite hand-knotted wool antique Chinese Art Deco rug embodies the elegance and restrained beauty characteristic of early 2...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Pictorial Deer Bird Tibetan Rug
Located in New York, NY
Stunning circa 1930's Chinese pictorial rug with a large deer and bird on a deep blue ground Measures: 2'5" x 4'6".
Wool
Antique Chinese Peking Carpet with Traditional Chinoiserie Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79078 Antique Chinese Peking Rug, 06'03 x 09'01. This exquisite one-of-a-kind, hand-knotted wool antique Chinese Peking rug is a stunning representation of Chinese artistry and cultu...
Wool
Antique Red Chinese Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug, hand-knotted wool with a red field, green frame in an allover Classic Chinese floral design. This rug measures are: 10' x 13'.4
Wool
Antique Chinese Embroidery Textile 8" x 8"
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese Embroidery, Origin: China, Circa: Late 19th Century
Silk
Vintage 1920s Brown and Blue Chinese Art Deco Fette Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Vintage 1920s Chinese Art Deco Fette rug with a dark brown border and outer field, blue inner field, and all-over lattice design in lighter tan. Measures 9.0...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Tibetan Antique Rooster Pictorial Rug
Located in New York, NY
A fine quality antique Tibetan accent size rug depicting a large rooster on a navy blue ground from the early 20th century Measures: 3'9" x 6'2''
Wool
Handmade Antique Peking Blue Chinese Wool Rug with Classic Floral Design
Located in Norwalk, CT
This luxurious antique Peking Chinese hand knotted wool rug features a navy blue field adorned with a designed frame and multi-colored accents in a stunning all-over Chinese floral m...
Other
Dragon Rug Wool Silk Style Chinese Imperial Carpet Blue Beige, Djoharian Design
Located in Lohr, Bavaria, DE
Dragon design rug wool and silk in style of Chinese Kansu carpets 5 x 3.3 ft. A beautiful contemporary dragon design rug, hand knotted using finest Chinese mulberry silk (80%) and...
Wool, Silk
Early 20th-Century Chinese Mongolian Dragon Rug with Shou Medallion, Handmade
Located in Port Washington, NY
This elegant early 20th-century Chinese rug is organized around a balanced, ceremonial composition rich in traditional symbolism. At the center lies a round medallion enclosing the S...
Wool
Chinese Dragon Peking Rug
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Chinese animal dragon rug in excellent medium even pile condition on creamy yellow colored ground. Measures: 5' x 8'.
Wool
$10,000
Antique Chinese Square Rug
Located in New York, NY
Rare square size Chinese Peking room size rug from the 1930s Measures: 8'2'' x 8'9''.
Wool
1900s Antique Chinese Rug - 11'8'' X 9'2''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Chinese Rugs, as opposed to most of the antique rug productions, were woven almost exclusively for internal consumption. Since they were mostly sheltered from European and We...
Wool
Antique Chinese Pictorial Rug, First Quarter of the 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
An exceptional antique Chinese Pictorial rug, first quarter of the 20th century, woven horizontally in subtle colors on a cream ground ce...
Wool
Vintage Chinese Silk Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A simple but beautiful hand woven Chinese silk rug depicting a central medallion of a phoenix resting on the branch of cherry tree with a blossom on the...
Silk
Antique Peking Chinese Runner
Located in Closter, NJ
In the 1860s an organized carpet industry was established under imperial patronage in Peking. These carpets tended to have tighter and finer weaves than their Ningxia counterparts, o...
Wool, Cotton
Oustanding Late 19th Century Chinese Peking Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
An outstanding late 19th century Chinese Peking rug with a central medallion with a cream and champagne colored phoenix resting on scholar's rocks amidst flowering chrysanthemums and...
Wool
Vintage Blue Chinese Square Rug, Unique Dragon Design, circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
The cerulean blue field displays four writhing semi-profile scaly corner dragons and a matching central creature, full-face, above layered and pointed mountains at the cardinal point...
Wool
1920s Hand Knotted Allover Navy Blue Floral Antique Peking Chinese Carpet Rug
Located in New York, NY
1920s Hand Knotted Pile Allover Floral Blue Antique Wool Rectangle Rug, Circa Date: 1920s. This exceptional example of early 20th-century weaving represents the pinnacle of antique r...
Wool
Antique Peking Chinese Carpet
Located in Closter, NJ
In the 1860s an organized carpet industry was established under imperial patronage in Peking. These carpets tended to have tighter and finer weaves than their Ningxia counterparts, o...
Wool, Cotton
Vintage 1980s Orange Coral Blue Chinese Peking Carpet 12'4" x 18'2" Wool Rug
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1980s Chinese Peking Carpet 12'4" x 18'2" Vintage Large Peking Chinese Floral Medallion Hand Knotted Pile Rug, Country of Origin: China, Circa Date: 1980s. This exquisite piece represents the later evolution of the traditional peking rug...
Wool
Mid-20th Century Chinese Peking Rug, Hand-Woven Cotton & Wool, Peonies
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Small Chinese PEKING rug with a central medallion and four pink peonies. It's elegant and has a beautiful wavy border. It can be easily placed on a sofa as a decoration, rather than ...
Wool, Cotton
The Scholar’s Garden: A Vintage Chinese Kilim Masterpiece of Poetic Elegance
Located in Dallas, TX
78026 Vintage Chinese Floral Kilim Rug, 04'01 x 06'03. Cleverly composed and effortlessly poised, this hand-woven wool vintage Chinese floral kilim presents a cultivated vision of ga...
Wool
Antique Chinese Ningxia Rug. Size: 6 ft 2 in x 12 ft
Located in New York, NY
Late 17th Century Chinese Ningxia Rug, Country of Origin / Rug Type: China Rugs, Circa Date: Late 17th Century – Size: 6 ft 2 in x 12 ft (1.88 m x 3.66 m) Unlike many traditional Chinese rugs...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Vintage Chinese Dragon Rug
Located in New York, NY
A late 20th-century one of a kind hand-knotted Chinese rug with a dragon motif Measures: 5'2'' x 8'1''
Wool
Chinese Art Deco Purple Area Rug
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese Art Deco rug with a pale purple background and floral decoration (possibly NICHOLS). Please note: used/antique condition
1920s Antique Peking Chinese Wool Rug Handmade with Floral Design In Goldenrod
Located in Norwalk, CT
This luxurious antique Peking Chinese hand-knotted wool rug showcases a goldenrod color field embellished with a navy blue designed frame and multicolor accents, all arranged in a br...
Wool
Blue Vintage Peking Handmade Chinese Wool Rug with Pictorial Design
Located in Norwalk, CT
This hand-knotted Chinese wool rug features a navy blue field with peach accents in a beautiful traditional Tao Immortals design. This rug measures 2'8" x 4'1".
Wool
$7,320
Chinese Art Deco Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
Title of product- Chinese Art Deco Rug Item Details and Description for the rug: The item's dimensions are 106" x 138" which are approximate dimensions. It is a Chinese art deco rug...
Thread
Antique Chinese Ning-Xia Runner, Late 19th Century, Intact Design
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Wonderful and rare Chinese runner Ning-Xia: intact! NEVER CUT, with pattern named Yin and Yan. It is perfect, unworn carpet surface. Many have been cut to make the small squares ...
Wool
307CM X 181CM LIBERTY'S ViNTAGE SILK ROAD 100% WOOL PILE HAND MADE CHINESE RUG
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1940's Silk Road 100% wool pile rug hand made in China and bought from Liberty's L...
Wool
Antique Art Deco Brigth Red Traditional Chinese Handmade Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful antique Chinese Art deco hand-knotted wool rug with a bright red field, This Deco rug has a green frame and multi-color accents in an all-over Classic traditional Chinese f...
Wool
Zabihi Collection Tibetan Pictorial Throw Rug
Located in New York, NY
A fine-quality antique Tibetan throw-size pictorial rug. Would make for a great wall hanging too Measures: 2'5" x 5'
Wool
Antique Chinese Baotou Indigo Rug, circa 1900
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Antique Chinese Baotou indigo rug, circa 1900. The central field with an intricate lattice work of Traditional Gau (Amulet) design in two shades of blue...
Wool
Enchanting Pictorial Tibetan Rug
Located in New York, NY
Floral motif Pictorial mid 20th century Tibetan rug Measures: 3'1" x 5'1".
Wool
$10,140Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Peking 5Paw 9x12 Dragon Chinese Rug 275cmx356cm Fine Art Deco Rug c.1870
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite circa 1870 Chinese Peking rug features a soft brown field framed by deep blue borders and delicate floral corner motifs, centered by a detailed blossom medallion. Hand...
Wool
1920's Antique Chinese Art Deco Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
70718 Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug, 03'00 x 04'10. Emanating the quiet elegance of a bygone era, this hand-knotted wool antique Chinese Art Deco rug unfolds like a page from a poetic...
Wool
Vintage Chinese Peking Handmade Dragon Designed Dark Blue Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
A beautiful antique Dragon Peking Chinese hand-knotted wool rug with a dark blue field and multi-color accents all-over traditional Chinese dragon design. This rug measures 9'10"...
Wool
1920s Antique Peking Designed Chinese Wool Rug Handmade In Golderod Color
Located in Norwalk, CT
This elegant antique Peking Chinese wool rug features a goldenrod field with a decorative border and navy blue accents, showcasing a stunning classic Chinese motif. This rug measure...
Other
Midcentury Pictorial Chinese Handmade Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful vintage pictorial hand knotted wool rug with an abstract brown field. This rug has multi-color accents in an all-over gorgeous Oriental pictorial design. This rug measur...
Wool
Vintage Chinese Rug in Peking Green
By Nichols
Located in New York, NY
Nice thick pile Chinese wool rug having a two tone green color way, in the style of Nichols. This rug is in very fine, original condition, clean and ready to use. We believe it is vi...
Wool
Antique Peking Handmade Chinese Wool Rug In Navy Blue with Pictorial Design
Located in Norwalk, CT
A stunning and rare hand-knotted wool rug inspired by Chinese folklore, featuring Taoist immortals. The rug showcases a deep navy blue field accented with lovely peach tones, all bea...
Wool