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Chinese Export Apothecary Cabinets

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
Pair of Antique Chinese Apothecary Bedside Cabinets
Located in Faversham, GB
A wonderful pair of Chinese table top apothecary cabinets in elm with tortoiseshell coloured and enamel decoration. The spacious over sailing molded tops beneath a configuration of...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Apothecary Cabinets

Materials

Elm, Paint

Rare and Beautiful Architectural Pagode Display Cabinet, China
Located in Antwerp, BE
Made of carved wood with transparent fences and scrollwork panels, two dragons at the front and pagoda roofs on top. A beautiful realization by the Chinese woodcarver and furniture m...
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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Apothecary Cabinets

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Sapele Wood, Ivory

Antique Shanxi Province Hand Painted Black Lacquer Apothecary
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Hand Painted Black Lacquer Tall Apothecary / Medicine Cabinet This stunning antique apothecary/medicine cabinet hails from th...
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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Apothecary Cabinets

Materials

Brass

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Chinese Export apothecary cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export apothecary cabinets for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage apothecary cabinets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export apothecary cabinets made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 apothecary cabinets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,050 and tops out at $8,022 while the average work can sell for $3,800.

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