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.
Superb Antique Chinese Horseshoe Hongmu Late Qing Occasional Chair
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
An early 20th century Chinese Horseshoe Chair of late Qing / early Republic Era. Superb form with horseshoe back and sweeping arms, single vert...
Wood
Chinese Hongmu Corner Chair, 19th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Chinese Hongmu corner chair, 19th century. The horseshoe-form back with molded crest above a pair of open carved splats with fruiting and fl...
Wood
$1,800 / set
Pair of Chinese Yoke Back Official's Hat Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic pair of Chinese yoke back official's hat chairs featuring a Shuangxi emblem on the backsplat. These carved chairs have a lacquer finish with...
Lacquer, Wood
$575Sale Price|52% Off
Chinese Export Oriental Hand Carved Rosewood Corner Chair
Located in Plainview, NY
A beautiful Chinese export oriental corner chair. The chair is finely hand-carved of quality rosewood with shiny lacquer finish and is made using...
Rosewood
$6,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair, Georgian Brighton Pavilion Carved Chinese Export Campaign Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
English, likely Brighton Pavilion - Circa early 19th century. Offered is a very unique pair of Brighton Pavilion (attributed) campaign chairs. Featuring a fantastic faux bamboo cros...
Iron
Chinese Dragon Bench Carved Seat Cinnabar Lacquer 1860
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing a hand carved Chinese antique bench Dramatic carving features includes numerous dragon motifs including on the arms Circa 1860 The tall and dramatic backrest is the f...
Wood
Late 19th Century Bamboo & Cane Victorian Bedroom Chair, C.1890
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th century bamboo & cane Victorian bedroom chair, C.1890 Outstanding English Victorian bamboo chair with woven cane seat Hand painted deta...
Bamboo, Cane
Pair Chinese Black Ebonised Bamboo Chairs, Mid 19Th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Great looking Pair Chinese Black Ebonized Bamboo Chairs, Mid 19Th Century. These are straight back chairs made for the countryside of China. the...
Bamboo
Matching Pair of Chinese Export Elm Wedding Chairs with Wishbone Backs
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Pair of Chinese Export Elm Wedding Chairs with Curving Back and Carved Rears Price per chair Would suit a period or modern property. Would g...
Elm
Chinese Export ‘Brighton Pavilion’ Bamboo Adjustable Day Bed
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Chinese Export ‘Brighton Pavilion’ bamboo adjustable day bed, possibly Canton, decorated throughout with pierced geometric and foliate motif...
Bamboo
Pair of mahogany Chinese style chairs, circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Chinese Ming dynasty style chairs standing on four square section legs. Square with rounded corners openwork backseat with circular-section rails adorned with an S-shaped bac...
Mahogany
$2,960 / set
Pair Chinese Qing Ceremonial Chairs 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair Chinese Qing ceremonial chairs 19th century Each with a profusely carved and parcel-gilt back above a panelled seat, raised on scroll legs t...
Wood
Pair of Chinese Chinoiserie Bergere Side Chairs Hand Painted & Lacquered Finish
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of circa 1880-1900 Chinese Export Bergère side chairs with hand painted and lacquered finish...
Pine, Lacquer
Pair of Blue Painted Elm Yoke Back Officials Hat Chairs
Located in Asheville, NC
Beautiful tall pale blue chairs made for tall hat officials. Yolk back detail at top. Good luck symbol painted in gold paint or gold leaf, chairs tri...
Elm
Set of Four Chinese Official's Chairs, Rosewood, Qing Dynasty, China
Located in Buffalo, NY
A finely crafted set, four Chinese official's chairs. The center yoke back panel has elegantly carved section. The front leg apron is also beautifully carved. Retains foot rail joining legs. The lacquer finish on the chairs is original. Often this style of chair was referred to as an officials chair, since only a person of high status could afford to have such an elaborate chair...
Rosewood
Him & Her Vintage Handwoven & Crafted Chinoiserie Rattan Cane & Bamboo Armchairs
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Set of Him & Her Cane, Bamboo and Wicker armchairs. These are handcrafted chairs with cane seats feature bamboo frames and Chinese inspired bamboo patterns. The backrests are...
Bamboo, Cane, Plastic
$8,500 / set
Pair Of Chinese Export Padouk Side Chairs
Located in Essex, MA
Made in Goa by Chinese craftsman. Each with shaped crestrail with leaf carving over a pierced splat, drop in balloon seat. Raised on cabriole legs with turned stretchers and ending o...
Padouk
$1,138Sale Price / set|40% Off
Antique Chinese High Chairs, Wood, Rustic Finish, Circa 1900, Pair
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
The original finish has been worn away through generations of use, leaving a soft, natural organic feel to the chairs. Rear legs have a piece added years ago due to wear: but I didn'...
Fruitwood
Antique Chinese circa 1900-1920 Export Folding Occasional Chair Nice Carvings
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely original Chinese red lacquered fret work carved folding chair with woven seat Please note...
Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Hand Carved Elm Top Hat Official Chair, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province hand carved elm top hat official chair - pair This pair of rare antique Shanxi Province top hat official chairs have all its original red color and patina. T...
Elm, Lacquer
Pair of Stunning circa 1800 Chinese Bamboo Primitive Occasional Chairs His & Her
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely original pair of circa 1800 primitive Chinese bamboo framed occasional chairs A very rare and highly decorative pair of bamboo framed chairs,...
Bamboo
$1,650Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 35 in W 23 in D 21 in
Brighton Pavilion Style Rattan Dining Armchairs
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Paul Frankl-inspired pair of English Brighton Pavilion-style rattan dining armchairs was made in the English Brighton Pavilion style...
Wicker, Rattan
$1,303
H 33.08 in W 16.15 in D 21.26 in
Antique Chinese circa 1900-1920 Export Folding Occasional Chair Nice Carvings
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely original Chinese red lacquered fret work carved folding chair with woven seat Please note...
Elm
Brighton Pavilion Bamboo Arm Chair, Circa 1960
Located in High Point, NC
Circa 1960's Brighton Pavilion barrel chair from England. The intricately patterned back and sides of the barrel chair are extraordinary and detailed, for an updated elegance. The ...
Bamboo
Vintage Chinese Chippendale Style Lacquered Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage Chinese Chippendale style lacquered chair. Vintage Chinese Chippendale style chair in a gorgeous green lacquered finish. This Chino...
Wood
$2,800Sale Price / set|38% Off
H 38.5 in W 28 in D 25 in
Chinese Horseshoe Chairs Oversize 19th Century
Located in Somis, CA
A pair of extra large, sold wood, 19th century Chinese Horseshoe Chairs. The solid, 2" thick, continuous rounded crest rail is composed of thre...
Elm, Wood
Pair of 19th Century Carved Oak Corner Chairs
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of 19th century carved oak corner chairs from England with a wonderfully carved back, supports and arms, all depicting acanthus leaves and scrolls. The seats have wonderful carv...
Oak
Mid-20th Century Coastal Brighton Pavilion Bamboo and Cane Settee Sofa
By Brighton Pavilion 1, Brunschwig & Fils
Located in Southampton, NJ
Fabulous burnt bamboo British Colonial style Brighton Pavilion settee with new custom seat & down filled back cushion in delightful Brunschwig & Fils Upholstery. The settee f...
Upholstery, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Vintage Chinoiserie Rosewood Corner Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage Chinoiserie rosewood corner chair Lovely rosewood chair with intricately carved floral motifs. Measures: 27 Width x 22 Depth x 32 Hei...
Rosewood
Pair of Blue Painted Elm Yoke Back Officials Hat Chairs
Located in Asheville, NC
Beautiful tall pale blue chairs made for tall hat officials. Yolk back detail at top. Good luck symbol painted in gold paint or gold leaf, chairs tri...
Elm
$2,495
H 37.25 in W 23.5 in D 22 in
1970 Vintage Brighton Chinoiserie Rattan Burnt Bamboo Caning Split Reed Armchair
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage burnt bamboo, caning and split reed armchair on six legs. This is a handcrafted chair with woven cane seat features bamboo frames and Chinese inspired bamboo patterns. The ba...
Bamboo, Cane, Reed
$1,898
H 29.53 in W 15.36 in D 35.44 in
African Solid Wood Folding Chair Design Ethnic Carved, circa 1970
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
African chair made of solid wood, known as a "palaver" chair. The two-part structure can be disassembled, handcrafted and decorated with geometric patterns on the seat and along the ...
Wood
Antique English Satinwood Occasional Chair, circa 1870
Located in New Orleans, LA
Satinwood is a lovely color and this chair is pleasing to the eye. A perfect complement to any room in the home or office environment.
Satinwood
SET OF THREE CHAIRS AND TWO CHINESE ARMCHAIRS end 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
SET OF THREE CHAIRS AND TWO CHINESE ARMCHAIRS end 19th Century in exotic wood, with carvings, "dragons" Dim.: (armchairs) 95 x 43 x 40 cm. Dim.: (chairs) 98 x 43 x 40 cm good condit...
Wood
A 19th Century Antique Chinese Elm Horseshoe Armchair Late Qing
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A late 19th Century Chinese Horseshoe Armchair in Elm. Superb form with horseshoe back and sweeping arms that hug your wrists perfectly. A single vertical slat backrest with solid ...
Wood, Elm
Chinese Hardwood Yoke-Back Arm Chair
Located in Astoria, NY
Chinese hardwood yoke-back arm chair of 'four-corners exposed' form, with shaped crest rail above the S-shaped relief-carved splat and supported on curved corner posts, the curved ar...
Hardwood
Antique Chinese Horseshoe Hongmu Late Qing Chair
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
An early 20th century Chinese Horseshoe Chair of late Qing / early Republic Era. Superb form with horseshoe back and sweeping arms, single vertical slat carved backrest with roundel,...
Wood
Sold
H 39.5 in W 19 in D 19 in
Hand Carved Accent / Side or Desk Chair, Asian Motif Fabric, Louis XV Style
Located in Manhasset, NY
Single hand carved accent / side chair, Asian Motif Fabric, Louis XV style A stunning oak accent or office chair having a finely carved frame in the Louis XV Style upholstered in a ...
Wood
Sold
H 37.6 in W 20.87 in D 19.3 in
Lovely Antique Chinese Export 1920 Qing Dynasty Carved Dragon Throne Armchair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Chinese Export circa 1920 hand carved Throne chair with oversized Dragon back rest ...
Hardwood
Set of 5 Asian Inlaid Wooden Chairs, Mid-20th Century
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Set of 5 wooden inlaid dining chairs. Vegetable (flowers, bamboo) and animal (birds, insects, butterflies, dragonflies) marquetry. Each chair has a different marquetry. Very...
Wood
Pair of 17th Century Chinese Folding Traveling Chairs
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
A pair of folding chairs produced in the early 17th century from elm a hardwood that is native to China, narrow rail supports and curved uprights, hinged rounded legs with rectangular base stretchers, woven and strung seat, parts of original lacquer showing early ironwork repairs to one chair, replaced seat stringing in overall very good condition, this pair of folding traveling chairs are a beautiful and unique addition to any home. They are perfect for use in any room in the house, from the living room to the bedroom. and are antique pieces that will add a touch of character to any room. The chairs have a simple design and fold up for easy storage. Portable folding chairs are more often than not damaged than other pieces of furniture because it is easy for them to fold, carry, and store. This makes these kind of chairs which have survived through time extremely rare. These chairs would have been used by elite dignitaries, who would have sat on them during their travels. Age: 1630 Style: Antique Chinese furniture...
Elm
Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Bamboo Armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Unusual pair of Chinese bamboo armchairs circa 1920. Shaped back and made from various thicknesses of bamboo, ranging from small for the de...
Bamboo
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Horseshoe Back Official Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province elm horseshoe back official chair This Antique Shanxi Province Horseshoe back official chair is made from elm and has its original color and patina. Circa E...
Wood, Elm
Antique Chinese Elmwood Child Chair - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Chinese Elmwood Child Chair - Pair These antique elm chairs are from the south of China. They have all original color and patina. Can be use...
Elm
Chinese Export Tortoise Shell Bamboo Rattan Armchair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Brighton pavilion style Chinese export bamboo armchair featuring Chinese chippendale rattan fretwork. The chair frame is crafted from gorgeous tortoise shell style bamboo with dramat...
Bamboo, Rattan