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Chinese Export Sideboards

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
Asia Modern Mandarin Lacquer Sideboard in the Chinese Style by Willett
Asia Modern Mandarin Lacquer Sideboard in the Chinese Style by Willett

Asia Modern Mandarin Lacquer Sideboard in the Chinese Style by Willett

By Willett Furniture Company

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinese Export Sideboards

Materials

Wood

19th Century Elm Chinese Sideboard
19th Century Elm Chinese Sideboard

19th Century Elm Chinese Sideboard

Located in Billingshurst, GB

Mid-19th century elm Chinese sideboard finished in clear matte lacquer over reddish brown well patinated original color. The framed panel construction has relief dragon carving spand...

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sideboards

Materials

Elm

Silk Road Sideboard
Silk Road Sideboard

Silk Road Sideboard

$15,186 / item

Silk Road Sideboard

Located in Westwood, NJ

Inspired by Silk Road, an expressive portrayal of the infamous road from Xi'an to Constantinople as painted by artist Iris Feng. A reproduction of original artwork was digitally prin...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chinese Export Sideboards

Materials

Wood

ViNTAGE GREEN PAINTED & LACQUERED ORIENTAL LOW SIDEBOARD WINDOW SEAT MEDIA STAND
ViNTAGE GREEN PAINTED & LACQUERED ORIENTAL LOW SIDEBOARD WINDOW SEAT MEDIA STAND

ViNTAGE GREEN PAINTED & LACQUERED ORIENTAL LOW SIDEBOARD WINDOW SEAT MEDIA STAND

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, vintage Oriental style Heritage Green painted and Lacquered sideboard which is super utilitar...

Category

20th Century Chinese Export Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Chinese Four Panel Screen Lacquer Room Divider 1920
Chinese Four Panel Screen Lacquer Room Divider 1920

Chinese Four Panel Screen Lacquer Room Divider 1920

Located in Potters Bar, GB

Exquisite Chinese four planel screen or room divider Chinese 4 fold screen with panels depicting countryside scenes in bas relief Hand painted scenes so characterful and evocative Su...

Category

1920s Vintage Chinese Export Sideboards

Materials

Wool

Magnificent Large Carved Antique Chinese Cabinet Console from Fujian Province
Magnificent Large Carved Antique Chinese Cabinet Console from Fujian Province

Magnificent Large Carved Antique Chinese Cabinet Console from Fujian Province

Located in Hopewell, NJ

Magnificent multi drawer and compartment antique console cabinet from the Fujian Province of China, having meticulously carved wood in a wonderful combination of painted slightly dis...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sideboards

Materials

Wood

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Altar Red Lacquered Cabinet
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Altar Red Lacquered Cabinet

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Altar Red Lacquered Cabinet

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Chinese Ming style hand painted red and brown lacquered cabinet with carved sides, drawer and doors. The piece features intricate hand carved details and an antique look patina. Behind its two doors is ample storage, including a single drawer. Exquisite Chinese altar elmwood cabinet features a rectangular top, sitting above an elegant façade, presenting a drawer fitted with teardrop pulls. Double doors below open to reveal a convenient storage space. The sides are accented with scrolled motifs. Raised on straight legs with carved apron, this Chinese altar dresser cabinet charms our eyes with its lovely patina and graceful lines, This early 20th century Chinese lacquered sideboard...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Winged Elmwood Sideboard
Antique Shanxi Province Winged Elmwood Sideboard

Antique Shanxi Province Winged Elmwood Sideboard

Located in Chicago, IL

Antique Shanxi province winged elmwood sideboard This elmwood winged sideboard with original brown lacquer and patina has 4 drawers, 4 shelves, and ...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Elm, Lacquer

Antique Shanxi Province Winged Elmwood Cabinet
Antique Shanxi Province Winged Elmwood Cabinet

Antique Shanxi Province Winged Elmwood Cabinet

Located in Chicago, IL

Antique Shanxi Province Small Winged Elmwood Cabinet This cabinet has 2 drawers and 2 shelves.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sideboards

Materials

Wood, Elm

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Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is a vertical wooden storage cabinet made of Japanese cedar in the first half of the 20th century. Although it is unknown where it was used, its appearance oozes a beauty that transcends practical use. The rustic feel of the material and its quiet presence give it a nostalgic warmth not found in modern furniture. This piece is made entirely of solid Japanese cedar, and the simple and disciplined structure of the vertical cleats, especially on the doors, and the cedar planks passed horizontally and overlapping from the reverse side, bring a perfect balance and rhythm to the overall look of the piece. This kind of design reveals a uniquely Japanese sense of design. The deep candy-colored texture created by the aging process is a taste that only antique pieces can have. The subtle changes in color from suntanning and areas touched by the hand tell a quiet story of the passage of time. The doors are simple and close with small wooden stoppers, preserving the practicality and warmth of the past. The shelves are securely fastened and provide ample storage capacity. Books, clothes, daily necessities, and various other items can be beautifully organized. The backs and shelves are stained and worn from use, and there are also some holes repaired on the sides and small chips. In a modern living space, this shelf can be used as a shelf in a study, as an accent in a living room, or as a quiet corner of a room where one spends quiet time alone, bringing a sense of calmness and flavor to the entire space. These long, locker-like proportions of antique shelves...

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Sideboard "Bar Buffet" in the Style of Paolo Buffa, 1950
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H 37.41 in W 70.87 in D 19.69 in

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By Paolo Buffa

Located in Budapest, HU

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H 63.78 in W 41.74 in D 18.9 in

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By Ico Parisi

Located in Budapest, HU

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Located in London, GB

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Located in Kastrup, DK

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Previously Available Items
Long Red Lacquered Chinese Sideboard Console With Drawers, circa 1820-40
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Located in Round Top, TX

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Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sideboards

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Chinese Pine Side Board
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H 36 in W 86.5 in D 18.75 in

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Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Chinese pine sideboard with bronze hardware, circa mid 20th century. With a rectangular top, 5 drawers and 4 doors. Depth of top 18". No shelves.

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Located in Milano, IT

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Chinese Carved Zitan Sideboard in Black Lacquer
Chinese Carved Zitan Sideboard in Black Lacquer

Chinese Carved Zitan Sideboard in Black Lacquer

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H 35.44 in W 45.28 in D 17.33 in

Chinese Carved Zitan Sideboard in Black Lacquer

Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB

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Antique Chinese Two Door Sideboard
Antique Chinese Two Door Sideboard

Antique Chinese Two Door Sideboard

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H 34.65 in W 47.64 in D 15.36 in

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Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB

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1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sideboards

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Elm

Chinese Export sideboards for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export sideboards 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 sideboards 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 sideboards made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sideboards, popular names associated with this style include and Willett Furniture Company. 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 sideboards differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,800 and tops out at $10,650 while the average work can sell for $3,638.