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.
Milky White Glazed Cloud Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural and drenched in color, this ceramic garden seat reinvents the classic Chinese drum stool. Slip casted in low relief, the drum stool has sloping, concave sides and an allov...
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...
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...
Stone
Pair of Vintage Chinese Lacquered and Painted Garden Seats
Located in Chireno, 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...
Wood
$2,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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...
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
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.
Elm
Set Six Chinese Chippendale Whitewashed Dining Chairs, Carved Dragons, Rosewood
Located in Stamford, CT
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 of Mid-Century Chinese Black Lacquer Armchairs with Geometric Fretwork
Located in London, GB
A striking pair of mid-20th-century Chinese armchairs, dating from the 1940s–50s, showcases a refined balance of traditional form and understated modernism. Each chair features a sol...
Velvet, Wood
Green Glazed Sancai Blossom Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural and drenched in color, this ceramic garden seat reinvents the barrel shape of classic Chinese drum stools. Slip casted in low relief, the stool has six sides, each decorat...
Ceramic
$964Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Vintage Famille Rose Porcelain Garden Stools with Mandarin Ducks
Located in Sarasota, FL
A finely decorated pair of famille rose porcelain garden stools, each painted with Mandarin duck motifs—traditional emblems of fidelity—set among lotus blossoms, floating coins, and ...
Porcelain, Paint
Antique Chinese Side Table or Stool, Hand-Crafted Wood, 19th Century
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...
Wood
Milky White Prosperity Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
This sculptural, ceramic garden seat reinvents the barrel shape of classic Chinese drum stools. Slip casted in low relief, a pattern of boss-head nails rings the top and bottom, imit...
Ceramic
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
$1,800 / set
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...
Lacquer, Wood
$575Sale Price|52% Off
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...
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...
Elm
Caramel Brown Glazed Prosperity Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
This sculptural, ceramic garden seat reinvents the barrel shape of classic Chinese drum stools. Slip casted in low relief, a pattern of boss-head nails rings the top and bottom, imit...
Ceramic
Fantastic PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS Chinese, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS Chinese, 19th Century in hardwood, with carvings and marble inserted. Dim.: 88 x 64 x 46 cm good conditions
Wood
Rare Hongmu Comb-Back Armchairs, Hand-Carved, Late Qing Dynasty, Asia
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...
Wood
Graphite Black Glazed Prosperity Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
This sculptural, ceramic garden seat reinvents the barrel shape of classic Chinese drum stools. Slip casted in low relief, a pattern of boss-head nails rings the top and bottom, imit...
Ceramic
Chinese Export Elm Wedding Chairs with Wishbone Backs Two Chairs In Stock
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Chinese Elm Horseshoe-Back Armchairs in the Ming Style With A Curved Back and Carved Rears Decorative Chinese elm horseshoe-back armchairs, designed in the traditional Ming style an...
Elm
$4,567Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Drip Glaze Blue & White Prosperity Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural and drenched in color, this ceramic garden seat reinvents the barrel shape of classic Chinese drum stools. Slip casted in low relief, a pattern of boss-head nails rings th...
Ceramic
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...
Bamboo, Cane, Plastic
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Hand-Carved Asian Elm Armchair, Pierced Back, Late 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
A hand-carved wooden armchair featuring intricate floral and geometric cutouts in its back splat. China, late 19th Century, possibly earlier. Hand-carved and crafted in Elm wood, t...
Elm
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.
Beech, Bentwood
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...
Hardwood
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...
Wood
19th Century Antique Chinese Folding Armchair with Rush Seat
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (19th Century) horseshoe-back wooden folding armchair with a rush seat, sloped, carved back and footrest.
Hardwood
$2,550Sale Price|25% Off
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...
Brass, Copper
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...
Wood
$6,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Iron
Set of 2 Vintage Handwoven & Crafted Chinoiserie Rattan Cane & Bamboo Armchairs
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Set of Two Cane, Bamboo and Wicker armchairs. These are handcrafted chairs with cane seats feature bamboo frames and Chinese inspired bamboo patterns. The backrests are desig...
Bamboo, Cane, Natural Fiber
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...
Rosewood
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...
Bamboo
$1,344Sale Price / set|20% Off
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”.
Hardwood
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...
Wood
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...
Bamboo
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.
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 ...
Mahogany
$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
Antique Shanxi Province Rare Top Hat Court Official Elm Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Rare Top Hat Court Official Elm Bench The Antique Shanxi Province Rare Top Hat Court Official Elm Bench is a stunning piece of furnit...
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
$2,032Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Bamboo
One Pair Red Lacquer hand-carved chairs, great attention to detail, dragon motif
Located in Buchanan, MI
One Pair Red Lacquer hand-carved chairs, great attention to detail, dragon motif. Please Note: Priced Per Chair.
Hardwood
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...
Pine, Lacquer
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...
Wood
Pair Vintage Chinese Carved Mahogany and Marble Back Arm Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This extraordinary pair of Chinese hardwood armchairs is a magnificent expression of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, combining masterfully hand-carved woodwork with elegant marble...
Marble
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
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquered Elm Dining / Office Chairs, Set of 3
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquered Elm dining / office chairs - Set of 3 These Antique Elm Red Lacquers Dining Chairs are from the Shanxi...
Elm, Lacquer
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...
Elm, Lacquer
Ceramic Handmade Multi Color Chinese Illuminated Garden Stool Lantern
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of rare Chinese lattice porcelain garden seats, decorated in colours with motifs of birds at rock, flowers and bamboo, along the top and bottom flower sprays. Mounted as lante...
Ceramic
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Bench This Antique Shanxi Province Elm Bench embodies the quiet beauty and authenticity of wabi-sabi design, celebrating age, simplicity, and natural imp...
Elm, Lacquer
Pair of Chinese Antique Export Cir 1900 Lacquered & Painted Ming Style Armchairs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of highly decorative Chinese Export circa 1900-1920 hand painted and lacquered Ming style armchairs...
Wood
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...
Elm
Late 19th Century Bamboo & Cane Victorian Bedroom Chair, C.1890
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th century bamboo & cane Victorian bedroom chair, C.1890 Outstanding English Victorian bamboo chair with woven cane seat Hand painted ...
Bamboo, Cane
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...
Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood
Chinese Antique Export circa 1900 Lacquered & Painted Ming Style Armchair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning highly decorative Chinese Export circa 1900-1920 hand painted and lacquered Ming style armchair. ...
Wood
$1,304Sale Price / set|20% Off
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,...
Wood
Antique 1880 Heavily Carved Chinese Dragon Carver Armchair Must See Pictures
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original 19th century Chinese Dragon heavily carved carver armchair This chair is a pi...
Hardwood