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Chinese Export Seating

CHINESE EXPORT STYLE

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.

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Style: Chinese Export
Rare Hongmu comb-back Chinese Armchairs
Located in Miami, FL
Very elegant pair of late hongmu comb-back armchairs, Late Qing Dynasty Each chair of elegant form with arched humpback top -rail supported on round posts extending to the back legs...
Category

1910s Asian Vintage Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Rosewood

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Elm

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 ...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Cane, Lacquer

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...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Lacquer, Wood

Antique Chinese Rosewood Armchair with Mother of Pearl Inlaid Details
Located in Topeka, KS
Magnificent vintage Chinese Rosewood armchair with Mother of Pearl inlaid details. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood

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...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Rosewood

Low Vintage Bay Window Bench, Oriental Elm, Hallway Pew, Side Table, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a low vintage bay window bench. An Oriental, Asian Elm hallway pew, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930. A charming and versatile seating solution, perfectly proportioned for use beneath a window or in a grand reception hall. Delightful vintage window bench with distinctive Art Deco appeal Crafted from Asian Elm, showcasing warm caramel hues and striking grain pattern Features a trio of useful drawers across the lower fascia, ideal for storage Each drawer dressed with original brass drop handles, adding tactile charm Flared ends create a strong silhouette, with shaped bracket supports beneath Equally suited to use as a hallway pew, window seat or low side bench Presents in superb vintage order, lightly timeworn with desirable aged patina A tasteful fusion of Eastern craftsmanship and Art Deco sensibility, this vintage Asian Elm bench...
Category

1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Elm

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...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Stone

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.
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of Vintage Chinese Lacquered and Painted Garden Seats
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of vintage Chinese lacquered and painted garden seats. Hand-carved wooden garden seats, or stands. Decorated with painted foliate scrolls and birds over red. Perfect height to s...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating

Materials

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...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Wood

Chinese Ceramic Garden Stool with Lucky Coins
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Gorgeous vintage mid century Chinese export pink ceramic hand-painted garden seat with gold lucky coins pierced cut-out on top and on the sides. Colorful stool hand-painted in flowe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Chinese Elm Rustic Farmhouse Primitive Brutalist Stool
Located in Germantown, MD
Dated to mid 19th century, this rustic, farmhouse, primitive and brutalist stool has simple splayed-leg design and well-worn finish. Crafted of northern elm wood with mortise-and-ten...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Elm

Early 20th C Chinese Don Yang Elmwood Bench
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1900 Chinese elmwood bench from Don Yang City, China with carved details on stretcher and side supports. Great color and patina. Sturdy.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Elm

Pair of Blue and White Chinoiserie Porcelain Garden Stools
Located in Sarasota, FL
An elegant pair of blue-and-white porcelain garden stools, each finely hand-painted with continuous bird-and-branch landscapes enclosed by classic trellis and fretwork borders. The c...
Category

Late 20th Century Asian Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

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...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Elm

Pair Chinese Plant Stands Lacquered Painted Pedestal Table 1920
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous pair of Chinese hardwood stools or pot stands With floral decorations all over Circa 1920 Offered in great shape ready for home use right away We ship to every corner of the...
Category

1920s Vintage Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Chinese Red Lacquered Wood Joint Stool
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Red lacquered square top stool on four legs joined by double box stretchers. China, 19th century.  
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Chinese Enameled Ceramic Garden Stool
Located in Germantown, MD
A Chinese Enameled Ceramic Garden Stool for your consideration. Measures 10.5" in diameter and stands 16" in height.
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Enamel

Antique Chinese Horseshoe Armchairs, 1890s. Set of 2.
Located in Asaa, DK
Antique Chinese Horseshoe Armchairs, 1890s. Set of 2. Also known as roundback chairs this wonderful matching pair of large and elegant Chinese chairs features horseshoe shaped armre...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Elm

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...
Category

1860s Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Wood

Stunning Asian Cinnabar Red Lacquer Bench Upholstered in Printed Cowhide
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Super stylish cinnabar red Chinese lacquer bench with beautiful silhouette, recently updated with printed cowhide upholstery.
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Cowhide, Wood

Chinese Export Bamboo and Rattan Pair of Chairs and Stand
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive three piece set of Chinese Export furniture having a pair of armchairs and matching stand handcrafted with bamboo, bent bamboo and rattan, featuring bone finials, pegged c...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Bamboo

Pair Of Vintage Barrel Stools, Chinese, Inlaid, Decorative Display Stand, C.1970
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of vintage barrel stools. A Chinese, mahogany and mother of pearl inlaid decorative display stand, dating to the late 20th century,...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Wood

Rustic Antique Chinese Stool or Side Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
The antique Asian stool has a square top and a balanced form with timeless rustic appeal. Beautifully worn from a century of use, the aged wood pat...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Bamboo Armchairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An impressive pair of Asian armchairs having a faux tortoise finish with a lacquered black seat. Measures: Arm height 28 seat height 20.
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Bamboo

James Mont Style Chair Asian Chair
Located in Alpha, NJ
This chair is in good condition. Occasional faint scuffs to wood finish and few areas of very faint discoloration to fabric. Otherwise, chair presents well.
Category

20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Armchair with Chinoiserie Lacquer Decoration, Probably Early 20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Armchair with high curved backrest, yellow upholstery with floral ornaments, and a straight wooden frame with H-shaped stretcher. The sides of the armrests, the back, and the apron a...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Lacquer

19th Century Two-Tone Patinated Chinese Brass & Copper Garden Barrel Drum Stool
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Rare two-tone Copper and Brass hand tooled Chinese garden stool. Versatile and exuding character to be used indoors, on the porch or exposed to the elements. The hollow centre can be...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Brass, Copper

19th Century Chinese Elm Rustic Primitive Brutalist Stool
Located in Germantown, MD
Dated to mid-19th century, this rustic, farmhouse, primitive and brutalist stool has simple splayed-leg design and well-worn finish. Crafted of northern elm wood with mortise-and-ten...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Elm

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...
Category

19th Century British Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Iron

Post-war Chinese Koi Fish Glazed Art Pottery Garden Patio Toadstool Stool
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original set of art pottery Chinese toadstool-shaped stools featuring a relief of koi fish along the base of each stool. Crafted with exquisite detail, this table features a vibrant ...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Pottery

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Elm

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 ...
Category

1960s Vintage Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Rosewood

Antique Chinese Red and Brown Wooden Storage Bench
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (Early Republic) wooden bench with removeable, red-sided, black two-piece top painted in a gold and red central figurative scene and moths in each corner, supported b...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Wood

Chinese Carved Wood Bench, Late 19th Early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Very beautiful Chinese bench in carved exotic wood: the backrest comes forward to form the armrests and ends in snails, the backrest is also composed of 2 vertical wooden panels carv...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Hardwood Sofa, circa 1860
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th Century Chinese hardwood three seater sofa, having wonderful classical hand carved and pierced scrolling foliate decoration with Dragons entwined. The seat w...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Asian Chinese Ming Style (c. 1970's) Rosewood Armchair
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese Ming style (c. 1970\'s) armchair in rosewood with a horseshoe shaped back center slat panel with a stretcher
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

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.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Wood, Elm

Chloe Chair by Gordon Gu
Located in hong kong, HK
Nature is always neither dying nor being born, creating and deducing all things in a natural and endless way. Man comes from nature, but he will eventually return to it. Every tree a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Crystal

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...
Category

1810s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Bamboo

Midcentury Italian Terracotta Foo Dog Garden Seats, a Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a facing pair of midcentury Italian glazed terracotta foo dog garden seats in very good condition. They are a rare find! They are unmarked and i...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Majolica, Terracotta

Rare Pair of 19th Century Chinese Hardwood Armchairs
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A rare pair of 19th century Chinese hardwood armchairs, each with inset blue and white porcelain panels, depicting a ferry crossing a lake. C...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Porcelain, Hardwood

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...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Wood

Chinese Style Striped and Faux Bamboo Chippendale Bench
Located in Queens, NY
English Chinese Chippendale style (20th Century) mahogany rectangular bench with a tufted striped upholstered seat and having a faux bamboo frame with cluster legs
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Bamboo

Vintage Decorative Elbow Chair, Oriental, Hall, Fireside, Dragon Seat, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage decorative elbow chair, an Oriental, relief carved mahogany fireside or hall seat, dating to the late Art Deco period, circa 1950. Fine vintage statement piece wit...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Mahogany

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 ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Mahogany

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...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Pine, Lacquer

Chinese Hardwood Melon Shape Garden Seat Side Table with Mother of Pearl Inlay
Located in New York, NY
Chinese curved melon shape hardwood garden stool or side table with mother of pearl inlay. Beautiful floral tree and bird motif inlaid top, with floral sprays at top of curved wood b...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood

Early 20th Century Chinese Style Elm Wood Skinny Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century Chinese Style Elm Wood Skinny Bench Measures 54" in width, 12.5" in depth, 21.5" in height.  
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Elm

20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Pair Armchairs
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Experience the timeless elegance of traditional Chinese craftsmanship with these exceptional hand-carved rosewood pair of armchairs. Created in the mid to late 20th century, these pi...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Rosewood

Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Dragon Barrel Form Garden Stool
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Chinese red lacquered barrel form garden stool / plant stand with dragon motif, circa 1940s. I believe the stool is made of elm wood and covered with a rich red lacquer f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Elm

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Elm

Incredible Antique Chinese Rattan & Bamboo Armchairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Rare and beautiful pair of antique Chinese rattan and bamboo armchairs with great style and craftsmanship. arm heigh 26.5 Seat dept 18
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Pair of Chinese Horseshoe-Back Elmwood and Hardwood Armchairs
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of Chinese elmwood and hardwood Qing Dynasty horseshoe-back armchairs. Set of two. Signs of age and wear.   
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Beech, Bentwood

Vintage Rosewood Hand Carved Oriental Corner Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage rosewood hand carved oriental corner chair Chic solid rosewood oriental corner chair hand carved in front and back. This charming piec...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Rosewood

Chinese Export Porcelain Hexagonal Garden Seats, A Pair
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain Hexagonal Garden Seats, A Pair, Circa 1850-60 The Chinese Export porcelain Rose Medallion Garden Seats are of a hexagonal barrel form with gilded studs repr...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, asian art and furniture, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export seating made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, and Europa Antiques. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $22,298 while the average work can sell for $1,943.

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