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.
$857Sale Price / set|48% Off
Antique Ming Style Low Back Chairs with Carved Medallion
Located in Freehold, NJ
This pair of mid century accent chairs in the style of Ming Dynasty feature solid wood frames, beautiful teak wood grain, low seat with ornate carved back, and removable cushions wit...
Upholstery, Wood
Chinoiserie Horseshoe Yoke Back Black Lacquer Chair Ming Style Legs Made China
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning vintage Chinoiserie style horseshoe Yoke back black chair with Ming style legs and champaign colored Damask fabric with floral pattern on the seat cushion. Beautiful conditi...
Stone
$1,900
H 39 in W 23.5 in D 18.5 in
Ming Dynasty Style Wedding Chair with Carved Medallion and Curving Arms
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden wedding chair from the early 20th century, with carved medallion, curving armrests and natural wood patina. The chair’s open back is eleg...
Wood
Sculptural Low Chair with Backrest Carved from a Palm Tree Trunk
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This chair with was crafted from a single palm tree trunk. A wonderful palm wood texture adorns this chair. A wonderful object that is both organic and modern. A wonderfully unique i...
Palmwood
Pair of James Mont Style Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century
By Century Furniture, James Mont
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent pair of large Chinese ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century. Originally designed by James Mont these chairs epitomize his over the...
Brass
$2,000 / set
H 30 in W 31 in D 27 in
Pair of James Mont Style Mid-Century Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century
By James Mont
Located in Chicago, IL
A lovely pair of large Chinese ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century Furniture. Originally designed by James Mont these chairs epitomize his over the top dramatic mid-ce...
Textile, Wood
$4,522 / set
H 31.5 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Vintage 1960s set of Low & High Back Lounge Chair Oak, Style of Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A beautiful set of design chairs, resembling the style of Henning Henry Kjærnulf, forms a rare sculptural find. This set is crafted from oak and retaining their original savak wool u...
Fabric, Oak
Antique Wooden Chair with Extended Back
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Dutch Colonial Indonesian cane and wood plantation chair from the 20th century with extending arms and turned baluster legs. Enhance your living space with the charm and exotic allure of this antique Dutch Colonial Indonesian plantation chair...
Cane, Wood
$2,995
H 30 in W 28.25 in D 27.25 in
Ming Style Black Lacquer & Brass Low Chair After James Mont Scalamandre Zebra
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning vintage Ming style yoke back black lacquered low chair with square brass sabots in the style of James Mont. Re-upholstered in El Morocco Espresso f...
Brass
Paolo Ferrari, "Extra Low Rolled Back", Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Please note the images in this listing show the Extra Low Rolled Back Chair with Mohair Upholstery which is not included in the list price. Please cons...
Upholstery
$2,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 42 in W 25 in D 22 in
Pair of Chinese Elm Yoke Back Officials Hat Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Highly carved pair of Chinese elm yoke back officials hat chairs. Featuring a decorative back splat with figural scenes. The arms have a whimsical serpentine form and the spandrels on the crest and front apron have finely carved detail. Constructed with a mortise and tenon joinery and supported by square legs with a foot rest in the front. Also known as pagoda chairs...
Elm
Tail Lounge Chair, Low Back, Brass Base
By Gubi
Located in Berkeley, CA
Designed by award-winning duo GamFratesi, the Tail chair holds a playful nature, with its rounded back resembling the spectacular form of a peacock tail. Th...
Brass
Tail Lounge Chair, Low Back, Semi Matte Black Base
By Gubi
Located in Berkeley, CA
Designed by award-winning duo GamFratesi, the Tail Chair holds a playful nature, with its rounded back resembling the spectacular form of a peacock tail. Th...
Brass
MCM Low Profile Barrel Back Lounge Chairs, C. 1950s
Located in Westport, CT
A stunning pair of low-profile barrel back lounge chairs in the style of Adrian Pearsall, circa 1950s. Expertly restored by Stamford Modern, they feature elegant curves and inviting ...
Bouclé, Walnut
Sold
H 27 in W 27 in D 24 in
Pair of Vintage Michael Taylor for Baker 'Far East' Collection Lounge Chairs
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Chinese Style lounge chairs by Baker Furniture and designed by Michael Taylor. Dark Brown wood with brass accents. Labeled on bottom. Horseshoe design.
Wood
Sold
H 28 in W 67.25 in D 30.75 in
Calif Asia 4 Piece Seating Set Bamboo Sofa & Lounge Chair Turquoise Upholstery
By Calif-Asia
Located in Miami, FL
Calif - Asia 4 piece seating set indoor sofa collection Asian Modern made out of handcrafted bamboo and each chair comes with the original Turquoise Seat upholstery by Allen & Roth. Finished in a warm Brown Color, the sturdy rattan pole construction strikes a perfect balance of simple lines with playful detail. Sofa measures: 67.5 inches width x 30.75 inches depth & 28 inches height. Armchair 27 W x 30.25 D x 28 H. Arm height: 21.5 inches. Middle side chair measures: 20 width x 28 height. Seat interior width is 20.5 inches. Original Foil Label is underneath, please see pictures. The Seating Collection...
Fabric, Bamboo
Pair of Chinese Rosewood Lounge Chairs with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Pair of unusual and elegant reclined rosewood lounges featuring extremely ornate hand laid mother-of-pearl insets. With great detail these inlays depict mirrored naturalistic scenes ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Chinese Rosewood Meditation Chair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare Chinese low meditation armchair. Solid rosewood with a floating panel seat. Geometric style open armchair design with carved chow legs. Comes with floral pattern chair...