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.
Pair Of Antique Side Chairs, Oriental, Lacquered, Elbow Seats, Cane, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique side chairs. An Oriental, lacquered elbow seat with cane squabs, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1880. Attractive and well-proportioned, these chairs ...
Cane, Lacquer
Chinese 19th Century Carved Horseshoe-Back Folding Chair
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (19th Century) horseshoe-back wooden folding armchair with a rush seat, sloped, carved back and footrest.
Hardwood
A Pair of Lacquered Chinese Northern Elm Yoke Back ‘Officials Hat’ Chairs
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A Pair of early 20th Century Chinese Elm Yoke Back Officials Hat Chairs These elegantly crafted chairs feature a graceful, harmonious design rooted in the classic aesthetics of tradi...
Elm
$7,400 / set
Pair of Vintage Chinese Rosewood Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of vintage Chinese rosewood chairs. Has a Chinese relief pattern to the back. Chairs are solid rosewood. Nice pair for an Asian inspired ...
Rosewood
Hand-Crafted Chinese Yoke Chairs, Elm Wood, Ming Style, 20th Century
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pair of Yoke high back Chinese chairs in Ming style. Could be used as side chairs or dining chairs. There is no structural damages on the chair...
Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Hand Carved Elm Child Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province hand carved elm child chair. This elm child's chair from the Shanxi Province of China is hand carved and an extremely rare piece. All natural patina.
Wood, Elm
Set Six Chinese Chippendale Whitewashed Dining Chairs, Carved Dragons, Rosewood
Located in Manhasset, NY
Set of 6 Chinese Carved Whitewashed Dining Chairs, Rosewood, Chippendale Style; Comprised of a pair of arm and four side chairs. Complete with s...
Silk, Wood
Pair late 19th Century Chinese hardwood side chairs
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality pair of late 19th Century Chinese hardwood side chairs, each with hand carved panels the the backrest, inset panel seats, raised on square section legs, united by...
Hardwood
Good Pair Chinese Hall Chairs
Located in Swadlincote, GB
A very good pair of Chinese painted hall chairs, with raffia seats, in very good original condition. 43" high 22" wide 17" depth 20" seat height You are welcome to view this item a...
Elm
Pair of Vintage Sculpted Oak Armchairs by Madison Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of vintage modern arm chairs feature unique "box" style sides. The beautiful wood grain and floating angled backrest add to the allure. Smooth edges and plush blue upholstery ensure comfort in any modern interior. Made by Madison Furniture Industries...
Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Oak
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Huanghuali Horseshoe Back Armchairs
Located in Water Mill, NY
Pair of 19th century Chinese Huanghuali horseshoe back Armchair, with very good patina. Some restoration. Contact dealer for more information.
$1,282 / set
H 31.89 in W 22.84 in D 19.69 in
Pair of Vintage Danish Carver Chairs by Arne Vodder for Sibast
By Arne Vodder, Sibast
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and extremely well made pair of vintage Danish carver armchairs. They were designed by Arne Vodder for Sibast, and they date from the 1960’s. This model is very rare, es...
Faux Leather, Cherry
$2,975 / set
H 30.52 in W 23.63 in D 19.89 in
19th Century Spanish Pair of Colonial Carved Armchairs with Leather Seat & Back
Located in Miami, FL
19th century walnut Spanish colonial altar armchairs with wood back with ornamental carved and wood seat. The unusual lyre legs complete this exceptional pair of armchairs Measures: ...
Walnut, Leather
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
$2,280 / set
H 32 in W 21 in D 16.5 in
Pair of Chinese Merchant's Armchairs with Burlwood Inlay, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of unusual 19th century armchairs likely once belonged to a prosperous merchant, as evidenced by the brass coin slot on each seat. Presiding over valuables stored in the tw...
Elm, Burl
$1,759
H 36.23 in W 27.96 in D 22.45 in
Italian 19th Century Renaissance Revival Savonarola Chair in Walnut Side Chair
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Impressive & fully original Florentine Renaissance Savonarola chair in carved walnut. Restored in our workshop and it looks simply stunning. Armrests ending with two amazing hand-c...
Birch, Walnut
$2,400 / set
H 30.5 in W 12.5 in D 12 in
Pair Mid-Century Hand Carved Acacia Wood Hand Stool/child chair
Located in Fort Washington, MD
These hand-carved stools/chairs are more than just seating; they are a form of functional art. The craftsmanship required to sculpt the complex shapes of the human hand into furniture speaks to a deep understanding of both form and function by the artisan. Each finger is carefully shaped, with the lines representing the joints and creases one would find on an actual hand. The palms form a comfortable and inviting seat, while the wrists transition into a sturdy base, flaring out for stability. The wood's rich tones highlight the natural beauty of the acacia, a hardwood known for its durability and fine grain. This choice of material not only ensures the stools/chairs' longevity but also gives them a warm, organic feel. The base of each stool/chair features carved designs, adding a touch of traditional Filipino...
Wood
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
$395
H 27 in W 16.5 in D 16.5 in
Early 20th Century Cottage Style Bobbin Corner Chairs with Rush Seating
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Corner chair by Stefanus Collé from the 1920s features cottage style bobbin turnings and carved wood frame with original rush seating. Decorative spindles create characteristic verti...
Rush, Wood
$2,850 / set
H 40 in W 22 in D 26 in
Sensuous Pair of Swaim Spoon Back Lacquered Side Chairs, Mid-Century Modern
By Swaim
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Sensuous pair of spoon back side chairs made by Swaim. Gorgeous scale and craftsmanship, these chairs are spectacular in person. The finish is a very dark almost black lacquer with a...
Upholstery, Wood
$7,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 38.25 in W 23.5 in D 25 in
Set of 8 Black Lacquered Cane Back Dining Chairs
Located in North York, ON
Set of 8 black lacquered cane back dining chairs. Masterfully restored in a satin black lacquer finish with all new upholstery work. Fabric is a hig...
Fabric, Cane, Wood
Antique 19th Century Chinese Elm Quanyi Horseshoe Back Armchair
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
This stunning 19th century Chinese Quanyi armchair showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive design of the period. Crafted from warm, honey-brown elm, the chair’s super...
Wood, Elm
Pair of Chinese Opium Chairs With Carved Back Panel, 19Th C.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Opium Chairs With Carved Back Panel, 19Th C. They have carved back panel with armrest, made of Ebonized Rosewood. These are called Opium c...
Hardwood
Chinese Antique Carved Hongmu Side Chairs, 4
Located in Astoria, NY
Set of Four Chinese Antique Hand-Carved Hongmu Side Chairs, circa 19th century. Tallest: 43" H x 21" W x 16.5" D; seat: 20.25" H.
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
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm Side / Dining Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm Side / Dining Chair This beautiful red elm side chair from the Shanxi Province of China can be used as a statement...
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Gorgeous Pair of 19th, '1800's' Century Chinese Hardwood Arm Chairs
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Pair of 19th(1800's) century Chinese hardwood arm chairs. Absolutely gorgeous pair of skillfully executed hand carved with their elegant lines and the beautiful Lacquer finish, th...
Hardwood
His and Hers Pair of 19th Century Chinese Hardwood Arm Chairs
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Pair of 19th century Chinese hardwood arm chairs Absolutely gorgeous pair of skillfully executed hand carved with their elegant lines and the beautiful Lacquer finish, these 19th century Chinese chairs will bring a touch of exoticism to any home, whether placed in an office, living room or bedroom. This a marriage of two similar Chinese 1800’s...
Hardwood
Baker Furniture Chinese Horseshoe Back Style Chairs
Located in Fulton, CA
A pair of Chinese style horseshoe back armchairs by Baker Furniture Company. Retaining metal "Baker Furniture" labels. Original upholstery on seat and original painted finish. In ver...
Fabric, Wood
Chinese Export Carved Hardwood Side Chair
Located in Astoria, NY
Chinese export carved hardwood side chair, the back splat featuring a rondel with Chinese scenes, above pendant bellflower decoration. Measures: ...
Wood
Hand Carved Chinese Side Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful representation of Chinese craftsmanship. Hand carved with dragons and bats, a unique piece that will make a wonderful side chair or focal point in many spaces from tradit...
Wood
Elegant Pair of Vintage Asian Inspired Pagoda Accent Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A pair of Asian inspired rosewood accent or side chairs with beautiful rich patina. The corners of the backs of the chairs are decorated with hand carved dragon heads and the back sp...
Rosewood
Set of Eight Vintage Folding Bamboo Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
Set of eight vintage folding bamboo chairs Dimensions 17.5" wide x 23" deep x 18" high at the seat x 34" high at the back The seat measures 14.75" wide x 16" deep Each folde...
Bamboo