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.
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
Large Chinese Modern Style Cabinet Credenza by Baker Milling Road Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular two part cabinet by Baker Furniture as part of their Millertown Road collection. The cabinet consists of a large upper case, that features two center doors which open to...
Brass
Pair of unique Qing Dynasty cabinets in lacquered surface and gold apliquès
Located in Milano, IT
An important pair of cabinets, designed for a high-ranking client, dating back to the Qing Dynasty (19th century). Elegant in their unusual, sharply tapered lines, they are distingui...
Black Walnut
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Bernhardt Credenza Dresser Sideboard
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and sophisticated Asia Modern style credenza made by Bernhardt as part of their celebrated Flair line. This chic sideboard features a dark stained oak case with vibrant book ...
Oak, Rosewood
Asia Modern Mandarin Lacquer Sideboard in the Chinese Style by Willett
Located in New York, NY
Large and impressive sideboard made by the Willett Furniture Company in the Chinese style, circa 1950/1960’s. The credenza is in an intriguing mandarin orange color lacquer finish and has ( later ) faux bamboo drawer pulls...
Wood
Antique Shanxi Province Original Hand Painted Elmwood Sideboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province original hand painted elmwood sideboard This Antique Sideboard from the Shanxi Province of China has its original paintings ...
Wood, Elm, Lacquer, Paint
Important CONSOLE With Mirror Chinese 19th Century in Hongmu Wood
Located in Madrid, ES
Important CONSOLE WITH MIRROR Chinese 19th Century in Hongmu wood, with carvings of birds and fruits. Pink marble top. Dim: Dimensions: 219 x 132 x 54 cm Compare a zitan demi-lune ...
Wood
CHINESE ARK Ching Dynasty 1892 19th Century with Certificate
Located in Madrid, ES
CHINESE ARK Ching Dynasty 1892 19th Century with Certificate in black lacquered wood with gold, representing plant motifs and figures. Metal hardware. Signs of use and minor flaws. ...
Wood
$4,375
H 55.75 in W 33.75 in D 22.5 in
Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Elmwood Sideboard with Dragon Carved Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Qing Dynasty period elm sideboard from the 19th century, with two drawers and carved apron. This Qing Dynasty period elm sideboard from the 19th century captures the eye with its e...
Elm
$6,003 / item
H 31.5 in W 63 in D 17.72 in
Italian Sideboard Hand-Painted Marble-effect Glass with 3 Doors Available
Located in Guazzora, IT
Imagine integrating into your interior design project a sideboard that is not just a piece of furniture, but a true work of art, capable of capturing attention and transforming a spa...
Brass
Modern Large Blue Lacquered Sideboard, Customizable
Located in Greenwich, CT
Lacquered in high gloss powder blue, this modern sideboard features cabinets, a drawer and a cubby / shelf. The sides of the piece angle inward. The overall footprint is shaped like ...
Lacquer, Poplar, Maple
Sideboard "Bar Buffet" in the Style of Paolo Buffa, 1950
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Budapest, HU
A wonderful multifunctional Italian sideboard cabinet bar style of Paolo Buffa, 1950s. Measures: H 37.41 in. x W 70.87 in. x D 19.69 in. H 95 cm x W 180 cm x D 50 cm.
Wood
1954 George Nakashima Sliding Doors Dresser Credenza
Located in Rockaway, NJ
George Nakashima Sliding Doors Dovetail Dresser Credenza. Comes with the copy of the original receipt from George Nakashima studio.
Walnut
$2,406
H 33.86 in W 39.38 in D 16.54 in
Antique circa 1900 Chinese Export Burr Elm & Brass Engraved Sideboard Butterfly
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely circa 1900 Chinese Export burr elm sideboard A very good looking and well made decorative antique ...
Brass
$10,650 / item
H 30 in W 84 in D 18 in
Mae Solid Wood Credenza, Cabinet, or Dresser, by Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Solid wood case / hand-turned legs / hand rubbed oil finish / solid brass pulls / premium, full extension, soft close drawer slides / solid wood, dovetai...
Brass
19th Century French Server
Located in Nashville, TN
This exceptional 18th-century French enfilade is a stunning example of Louis XV style, showcasing the elegance and craftsmanship of its time. Crafted from solid walnut, the enfilade ...
Wood
19th Century English Dresser Base
Located in Nashville, TN
Own a piece of history with this 18th Century English Welsh Dresser Base with Pot board. Crafted with timeless charm, this antique dresser exudes rustic simplicity. The sturdy wooden...
Wood
Pair of Walnut Art Deco Cabinets
Located in Westwood, NJ
Crafted from exquisite figured walnut, its rich wood grain and slender decorative motif create a statement of understated opulence. The expertly tapered legs and subtle molding detai...
Wood
Mid-19th Century Red Lacquered Sideboard from Shanxi, China
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese 19th century sideboard cabinet with orginal lacquer. Front and top with deep dark red lacquer, sides with black lacquer. Features double bi-fold doors revealing a storage...
Brass
Sideboard in the Style of Ice Parisi, 1960
By Ico Parisi
Located in Budapest, HU
Fine sideboard in elmwood. The doors have two figures inlaid women in ceramics. The four drawers have ceramic handles. Of the same furnishings are the cabinet bar with mirror.
Ceramic, Elm
Chinese Export Black Lacquer Credenza
Located in Essex, MA
The breakfront top with floral decoration with a brass edge moulding over a pair of doors decorated with palm trees and exotic birds in gilt highlights. The reverse of the doors with...
Brass
Important CONSOLE Chinese 19th Century in Hongmu Wood
Located in Madrid, ES
Important CONSOLE Chinese 19th Century in Hongmu wood, with carvings of birds and fruits. Pink marble top. Dim.: 74 x 140 x 60 cm Compare a zitan demi-lune form table, without the ...
Wood
Chinese Red-Lacquered Sideboard / Low Center Table / Four Drawers
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautiful red-lacquered Chinese sideboard / low center table was made from reclaimed pine wood with traditional nail-less joinery. The red lacquer has...
Brass
Sold
H 22.5 in Dm 26 in
Asian Modern Far East Collection Round Table Michael Taylor Baker Furniture Pair
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Asian Modern round Baker Far East Collection walnut coffee tables. Fully restored and ready for use. One table is without foot glides and the height is 0.25 inches lower. F...
Walnut
Tansu Japanese or Korean Early 20th Century
Located in Fulton, CA
Unusual early 20th century Tansu with elaborate brass work and canted sides. Three pairs of cabinet doors exposing interior drawers and storage accompanied by open shelving. Dramatic...
Brass
Late 19th Century Chinese Elmwood Credenza Sideboard Buffet Cabinet
Located in West Hartford, CT
Late 19th-Century Chinese buffet credenza made of heavy solid elmwood boards with beautiful graining. A bronze central medallion anchors the chest flanked by two bronze hinges. Cente...
Bronze
Vintage Chinese Carved Rosewood Sideboard Credenza
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning Chinese carved solid rosewood sideboard or credenza. The sideboard featured gorgeous wood grain and nice floral carvings. It offers ample storage, with four dovetailed dra...
Felt, Rosewood
S XIX China Carved Elm Chest with 3 Front Drawers
Located in Valladolid, ES
Gorgous S XIX China carved elm chest , front with 3 drawers , all carved and side wings carved, with iron handles . Exquisite distressed. It comes fron a French private collection.
Iron
Sold
H 77.96 in W 71.86 in D 18.9 in
Rare Chinese Dragon Carved Solid Rosewood Vintage Welsh Dresser Bookcase Cabinet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely very rare vintage Chinese Dragon carved solid rosewood dresser cabinet Please scroll all the ...
Glass, Rosewood
Asian Style Camphor Alter Cabinet or Console, circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Taking inspiration from the Chinese Shan Xi altar cabinet, this credenza displays elements of North China's traditional cultural style. Comprised from exotic Camphor wood with beauti...
Wood