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
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
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
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
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 deta...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Cane
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
Pair of Chinese Marble Top Garden Seats or Stands
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout pair of mid century Chinese stands crafted with mahogany in classic form having an ebonized finish, featuring a marble top and mother of pearl inlaid in floral designs.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Marble
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
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
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
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
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
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
Pair Of Chinese Export Padouk Side Chairs
Located in Essex, MA
Made in Goa by Chinese craftsman. Each with shaped crestrail with leaf carving over a pierced splat, drop in balloon seat. Raised on cabriole legs with turned stretchers and ending o...
Category
1780s Indian Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Padouk
$8,500 / set
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...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Cane, Natural Fiber
$1,960 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Chinese Hardwood Side Chairs, Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Chinese hardwood side chairs with geometric details, probably late 19th / early 20th century. 36" H x 19.5" W x 15" D; seat height: 18.75" H.
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
$350 Sale Price / set
36% Off
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
Antique Chinese Hand-Carved Wood Elm Writing Console Entryway Table Pi Stool
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Possibly Late 19th century, heavily patinated, still usable, not loose, but with cracks and chips to wood. Mainly decorative uses recommended. There is a split to one leg, pictured.
...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Elm
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$7,400 / set
Set of Three Elegant Chinese Early 20th Century Spindle Back Chairs
Located in Antwerp, BE
The chairs are constructed with a back top rail, which is supported by round posts that continue into the back legs. It houses seven curved round section spindles. Each stepped armre...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Brass
Set of Six Chinese Sanding Varnish Hand-Painted Chairs
Located in Berlin, BE
Set of six Chinese sanding varnish hand-painted Chairs
2 Arm and 4 side chairs. All with different designs. silk fabric.
One of the chairs had a crack that was restored and is very s...
Category
1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Silk, Wood
$10,466 / item
SET OF THREE CHAIRS AND TWO CHINESE ARMCHAIRS end 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
SET OF THREE CHAIRS AND TWO CHINESE ARMCHAIRS end 19th Century
in exotic wood, with carvings, "dragons"
Dim.: (armchairs) 95 x 43 x 40 cm.
Dim.: (chairs) 98 x 43 x 40 cm
good condit...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
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.
...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
$1,597 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Chinese circa 1900-1920 Export Folding Occasional Chair Nice Carvings
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Wimbledon-Furniture
Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely original Chinese red lacquered fret work carved folding chair with woven seat
Please note...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Elm
$1,046 Sale Price
20% Off
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
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
Mid 19th Century Chinese Ebonized Bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
19th century Chinese bench with woven seat. Ebonized Jumu or southern elm wood. Hand carved details
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Cane, Elm
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...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
$3,138 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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
$6,608 / item
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...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
$3,028 Sale Price
20% Off
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...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Fantastic Four (4) ARMCHAIRS Chinese, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Four (4) ARMCHAIRS
Chinese, 19th Century,
in hardwood and marble.
Dim.: 96 x 59 x 44 cm
good conditions
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of mahogany Chinese style chairs, circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Chinese Ming dynasty style chairs standing on four square section legs. Square with rounded corners openwork backseat with circular-section rails adorned with an S-shaped bac...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Mahogany
Set of 4 Asian Armchairs in Carved and Inlaid Wood, circa 1900-1920
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Set of 4 elegant Asian lounge armchairs.
In carved wood inlays with many animal and vegetal scenes: birds, flowers, plants...
Chinoiserie / Chinese Export, Indochina or southern ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood
$2,634 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of Chinese Hardwood Chairs with Fretwork Designs and High Relief Panels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Chinese hardwood chairs with Fretwork designs and high relief panels. Each chair is beautifully hand carved with exceptional d...
Category
1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Hardwood
$3,600 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Pair of Stunning circa 1800 Chinese Bamboo Primitive Occasional Chairs His & Her
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely original pair of circa 1800 primitive Chinese bamboo framed occasional chairs
A very rare and highly decorative pair of bamboo framed chairs,...
Category
Early 1800s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Bamboo
$1,652 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Stool
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Seat with Original Color and Patina
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Seating
Materials
Wood, 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.