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Chinese Export Cupboards

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
19th Century Antique Chinese Chinoiserie Hand-Painted Lacquer Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique Chinese lacquer cabinet from the original Spago restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, currently being remodeled. Patinated bronze hardware.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cupboards

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Antique Chinese Chinoiserie Hand-Painted Lacquer Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique Chinese lacquer cabinet from the original Spago restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, currently being remodeled. Patinated bronze hardware.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cupboards

Materials

Bronze

Mid 20th Century carved hardwood cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century carved hardwood cabinet circa 1950. Large Chinese export hardwood cupboard which lends itself perfectly to having a rail added to the interior for use as a wardrobe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cupboards

Materials

Hardwood

MId-20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Siver Chest Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
An exceptional Mid-20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Siver Chest and Cabinet in great vintage condition. Features a flip top that open to reveal two flatware storage trays all fel...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Cupboards

Materials

Felt, Rosewood

18th Century Chinese Hardwood Tapered Cabinet
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
A very simple and plain Chinese round corner and tapered cabinet produced early 18th century from mixed hardwoods, with later restorations and rep...
Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cupboards

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Chinese Hand Carved circa 1880 Compound Cabinet Cupboard Campaign Handle
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very fine circa 1880 Antique Chinese hand carved stackable compound cupboard with military campaign style side handles A very rare, important and collectable piece of antique Chinese furniture...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cupboards

Materials

Brass

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Antique Painted Pine Cupboard Cabinet, Hungary circa 1890
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20th Century Spanish Carved Walnut Tuscan Credenza or Buffet with Two Drawers
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Chinese Lattice Kitchen Cabinet, c. 1900
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Chinese Lattice Kitchen Cabinet, c. 1900
Chinese Lattice Kitchen Cabinet, c. 1900
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A small Asian two-door black lacquer cabinet with hand-painted gilt landscape scenery to the front and gilt floral details to the sides. Single interior middle shelf.
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Chinese Japanese Export Claw & Ball Vintage Chest Trunk Box Cranes Rural Schenes
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Late 19th Century Chinese Export Softwood Cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
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Chinese Export cupboards for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export cupboards for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage cupboards 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 cupboards 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 cupboards differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,381 and tops out at $6,500 while the average work can sell for $5,829.

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