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
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
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
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
$575 Sale Price
52% Off
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
Vintage Chinese Carved Hardwood Corner Lounge Chair with Mother of Pearl Inlay
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Carved Hardwood Corner Lounge chair with Mother of Pearl Inlay. Item features Impressive mother of pearl inlay throughout,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Chinese Ceramic Garden Stool with Lucky Coins
Located in North Hollywood, 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
Pair Of Carved Wooden Armchairs, China, Late 19th Early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Pair of armchairs in carved exotic wood, with superb openwork backrest
Some old restorations (legs, backrests), wear and tear (stains) and small cracks
Chinese work from the end of...
Category
Late 19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
Chinese Hard Wood Dining Table & Eight Matching Chairs all with Stylized Carving
Located in London, GB
A super quality Chinese hardwood dining table, with eight matching chairs including two armchairs.
The dining table with a wipeable rice impregna...
Category
1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Teak
Pair Chinese Arm Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair Chinese Arm Chairs with woven seats. Pegged construction. Some wear from age and use
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Rattan, 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
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
19th Century Chinese Bamboo Horseshoe Armchair
Located in San Marino, CA
A 19th century Chinese horseshoe back armchair. Made from sturdy bamboo with a black lacquered seat and back splat details.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Bamboo
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
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 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
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 Vintage Michael Taylor for Baker 'Far East' Collection Lounge Chairs
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.
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
VIntage Chinese Hongmu Footstool
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a Chinese wooden footstool made of Hongmu. It has a dark brown finish, intricate carvings, and curved legs.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Carved Elm Armchair with Heavy Foliage Detailing
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning hand-carved solid elm lacquered throne armchair
A really rare an expertly hand-carved piece, the detail is never ending and of the...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Elm
$1,652 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
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
Pair of Antique Chinese Hardwood Flower Stands Rouge Marble Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
Pair of antique Chinese hardwood flower stands rouge marble top insert, 20th century. Measures: H 18”, D 20”.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
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
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
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 Old Rough Chinese High Chairs
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'...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Fruitwood
$1,411 / set
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
$4,500 / set
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
$2,550 Sale Price
25% Off
Pair, Georgian Brighton Pavilion Carved Chinese Export Campaign Chairs
By Brighton Pavilion 1
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
$6,800 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of Oriental Tables From the Early 20th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Pair of oriental tables from the early 20th century
Pair of black tables with tops decorated with genre scenes. Both pieces are circa the 1st of the 20th century. The arch-like le...
Category
Early 20th Century European Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
$940 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Rosewood
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
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 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
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
...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Pair of High Back Chinese Chairs Ming Style
Located in North Hollywood, 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...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Elm
$1,200 / set
Chinese Red Crackle Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
This low, four-leg stool is actually a headrest used atop a daybed or mat to support the head while sleeping, reclining, or smoking opium. As an opium accessory, rigid headrests such...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Bamboo
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
Blue and White Porcelain Garden Seat
Located in New York, NY
Of hexagonal form; decorated in blue with pagodas in riverscape settings.
Collection of Mario Buatta, New York, NY
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Porcelain, Paint
Glacier Crystal Chloe Chair by Gordon Gu
Located in hong kong, HK
Nature is always neither dying nor being born, creating and deducing all things naturally and endlessly. Man comes from nature, but he will eventually return to it. Every tree and gr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Crystal
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...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Cane, Plastic
$1,746 Sale Price / set
30% Off
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
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
$2,037 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Chinese Ming Style Oriental Carved Hardwood Low Armchair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Chinese Ming style oriental carved hardwood low armchair. Item features loose cushion, solid wood construction, beautiful wood grain, nicely carved details, great style and form, cir...
Category
20th Century Asian Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
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 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
$1,800 / set
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 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
$2,940 / set
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
$2,240 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
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
Early 20th hand painted century Chinese terra-cotta garden stool
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a hand mid-century Chinese export hand painted terra-cotta garden stool. This garden stool has a dark brown background with a golden Amber hand painted dragon decoration arou...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Pottery
20th-C. Chinese Export Imari Style Blue and Orange Garden Seats / Tables, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are lovely. They are a pair of late 20th century Imari or Chinese Export style garden seats or side tables. They have vibrant hand painted blue and Orange hues on a white backg...
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Chinese Export Hardwood Drum Stools or Drink Tables
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of Chinese export ming style drum tabouret form stools or drink tables. Hand-crafted from rich Hongnmu hardwood with a dark finish that showcases the lovely woodgrains....
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
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
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
Antique Elm Wood Horse Shoe Armchair Chinese
Located in Den Haag, NL
Must love this Chinese armchair beautiful distressed painted finish.
Elm wood. Horseshoe shaped back. the construction is very good.
Lovely decorative chair. Superb patine.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Elm
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.