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.
Mid 20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Long Bench, Sofa
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Experience the timeless elegance of traditional Chinese craftsmanship with this exceptional hand-carved rosewood long bench. Created in the mid to late 20th century, this piece embod...
Upholstery, Wood, Rosewood
Chinese Carved / Lacquered Sofa circa 1900
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very decorative late 19th century Chinese sofa with hand carved decoration to the back rest, a slated foot rest and drawers beneath the seat. Having a ...
Mahogany
$19,144
H 71.66 in W 82.68 in D 25.6 in
A corner sofa by J.M. Middelraad for H. Pander & Zn, circa 1900, The Netherlands
Located in Delft, NL
A corner sofa by J.M. Middelraad for H. Pander & Zn A corner sofa with fabric upholstery. The beautiful hand-carved details in Art Nouveau patterns and dragonflies, as well as on th...
Fabric, Palmwood
$13,037
H 32.68 in W 53.35 in D 31.5 in
Fully Restored Whisky Brown Leather Lutyen's Viceroy Sofa, circa 1900
By Thomas Chippendale, Lutyen’s Viceroy
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare fully restored Whisky brown leather Lutyen’s Viceroy style two seat brown leather sofa with Thom...
Leather
20th Century French Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 20th-century French sofa exemplifies the Louis XVI style, combining neoclassical design elements with timeless sophistication. The solid beech wood frame is hand-carved ...
Upholstery, Beech
Early 20th Century Danish Curved Sofa
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Allerum, SE
Early 20th century Danish curved sofa upholstered in velvet. Most likely made by Fritz Hansen. Ca 1930s Denmark.
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Regency Style Velvet Sofa
Located in Sheffield, MA
The mid-20th century sofa has wood cabriole legs with padded feet set within undulating front and side edges. The upholstered arms are fronted by inlaid curved wood panels. Seats fou...
Fabric
$10,000
H 28 in W 90 in D 33 in
Mid century Vintage Bastiano Rosewood tan leather long sofa Afra & Tobia Scarpa
By Knoll, Gavina, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Vintage Bastiano 3 seat long low sofa with a rosewood frame and Original tan leather cushions. All straps are original and functional the frame has a beautiful rosewood w...
Brass
$4,995
H 32.5 in W 72 in D 27.63 in
Charles Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Settle Sofa, Circa 1900
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Mission or Arts & Crafts period settle sofa or bench By Charles Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Quarter sawn oak, with upholstered seat cushion. Measures: 72"W x 27....
Oak
A French Upholstered Sofa, 20th C.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This wonderful sofa has a square back, rolled arms, and rolled metal studs. The new fabric make them a perfect neutral addition to your study, living room or bedroom. Pair of matchi...
Upholstery, Wood
English Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Needlepoint Sofa, Circa 1750
By Joseph Aronson
Located in Charleston, SC
English Chinese Chippendale mahogany sofa with carved corner fret works, serpentine back, scrolled arms, and terminating on squared legs with connecting stretchers. Mid-18th century....
$6,950
H 29.53 in W 93.71 in D 36.23 in
Scandinavian Four-Seater Green Sofa, Scandinavia Mid-20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Scandinavian four-seater sofa recalls the peak of Nordic mid-century modern design. Thanks to its geometric shape and slim, tapered legs, it is exceptionally cosy and ...
Fabric, Wood
Chinese Art Deco White Sofa, circa 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
In the 1920s-30s, Shanghai, China was swept up in the Art Deco design movement. Design, architecture, art, fashion, and furniture were all influenced by this modern movement, permeat...
Fabric, Hide, Hardwood
Mid 20th century samsa rund triple sofa by Carl Malmsten
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century samsa rund triple sofa by carl malmsten circa 1960. Well known model of sofa designed by carl malmsten, this sofa is a 3 seater. Shaped back and arms, with tufted ...
Fabric, Beech
17th Century Chinese Folding Travelling Sofa
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
A rare two seat folding bench produced in the 17th century from elm a hardwood that is native to China, narrow rail supports and curved uprights, hinged rounded legs with rectangular...
Elm
19th Century Chinese Bench Sofa
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Large antique Chinese hardwood low sofa bench. Exceptional quality hardwood used in the construction with hand carved relief panels. A wonderful rare form in good condition with some...
Hardwood