Chinese Export Furniture
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.
26
2,579
62
49
to
551
2,690
892
2,690
2,680
2,680
90,476
53,417
18,010
10,002
7,945
6,186
6,002
5,770
4,508
3,854
3,438
3,376
3,139
3,084
2,896
2,629
2,293
2,015
202
783
1,594
111
514
339
152
83
8
35
14
21
30
22
19
28
12
1,181
947
944
530
301
2,353
2,275
2,224
57
25
7
4
4
3
3
Item Ships From: USA
Style: Chinese Export
Traditional Chinese Painting on Silk, 2 Women. Unusual Carved and Gilt Frame
Located in Buffalo, NY
Traditional Chinese Painting on Silk, depicting 2 Women. Unusual oversized shell motif to carved and gilt frame.
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Silk, Giltwood
Chinese Export Immortal Figures Mounted on the Back of Animals
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain Immortal Figures Mounted on the Back of Animals,
Circa 1780
The rare Chinese Export porcelain figures depict two immortals riding on the backs of a mythical...
Category
1770s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
A Pair of Vintage Chinese Buffalo Horn Carved Eagle Sculptures
Located in Pomona, CA
This pair of vintage Chinese Buffalo horn carved eagle sculptures are 100 percent hand made and hand carved from Buffalo horn. In ancient China, The eagle represent bravery and Wisdo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Horn
Late 19th Century Chinese Blue & White Ginger Jar Lamp
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century Chinese blue & white ginger jar lamp. Qing Dynasty, made into a lamp in the 20th century. Blue & white - water scene decoration. Nice carved wood base.
11" h. to to...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose-Verte Plates Painted with A Flower Basket
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Plates Painted with Flower Baskets,
Yongzheng (1723-1735)
The pair of Chinese Export Yongzheng period "Rose-Verte" porcelain plates depict an o...
Category
1720s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage solid brass and jade Chinese export trinket box
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a solid brass ornately decorated Chinese made trinket box. This trinket box has four medallions on each corner of the top with a center medallion that has a carved jade inset...
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Chinese Mid-Late 19th Century Blue & White Vase Lamp
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Chinese mid-late 19th century blue & white vase lamp. A very well decorated porcelain gourd form vase with a large dragon, foo dog & boar, as well as phoenix birds & peonies. Carved ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Antique De Hua Porcelain Kwan Yin Statuary
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a Chinese hand carved De Huang Porcelain Kwan Yin Bodhisattva statuary in off-white ivory color. It is all hand made and hand carved Kwan Yin seating on the lotus Seat with t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Vintage Chinese Blue Glazed Garden Seats
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking pair of mid century Chinese garden seats handcrafted in terracotta in a hexagon form with a bamboo and floral motif under an alluring cobalt blue glaze.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Early 19th Century Chinese Flambe Ginger Jar
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese oval flambe ginger jar with carved wood lid. Flambé ware captivates with beautiful irregularity and vibrant blue and purple tones. These strea...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage leather clad hand painted Chinese dresser box.
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a vintage hand painted leather clad dresser box. This dresser box was handmade in Canton China. This box has two small drawers at the front and a lid that opens up and presen...
Category
1990s Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Leather
Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Green Sancai Glazed Parrots
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Green Sancai Glazed Parrots
China, Early 20th Century
A Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Green Sancai Glazed Parrots, originating from China in the...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
China Trade Framed Pith Paper Set of Pictures of Butterflies and Plants
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Watercolours of Flowers and Butterflies on Pith Paper,
Set of Eight,
Circa 1840-60.
The superb set of Chinese watercolours of flowers and insects are painted on pith paper a...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Paper
Mid-19th Century Chinese Blue & White Vase Lamp
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid 19th century Chinese blue & white vase lamp. Top of baluster form porcelain vase with minor chips and restored area, likely the reason it was made into a lamp. Decorated with clo...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Oriental Porcelain Vase Lamp Off White and Blue Perched Bird
Located in New Orleans, LA
This charming Chinese export crackled porcelain vase dates to 1905 but was been newly rewired. In good condition, with some wear to the vase itself, consistent with age and use. Vase...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Fabric, Wood
19th Century, Chinese Export Gilt Black Lacquer Melon Form Tea Caddy Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, 19th century.
Chinese lacquer and gilt decorated melon form tea caddy chest or box. The piece is heavily decorated with chinoiserie windows and supported by three giltwood ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Giltwood, Lacquer
Mid 20th Century Chrysanthemum Cloisonne Table Lamps - a Pair
Located in Canton, MA
Mid 20th Century chrysanthemum cloisonne table lamps, a pair. Brick red background with orange and pink chrysanthemums, an orange and black butterfly, and magnolia blossoms on the ba...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Antique Tibetan Painted Leather And Iron Chest or Trunk
Located in Bradenton, FL
AntiqueTibetan chest, beautifully aged painted leather with original iron hardware. Chest has a spacious wooden interior, offering a large amount of storage. Outside features polychrome painted dragons and Asian...
Category
18th Century Tibetan Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artisanal koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. And b...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Pine
Amazing Red Background Antique Chinese Tiger Rug 6'4" x 5'4"
Located in New York, NY
Amazing Red Background Antique Chinese Tiger Rug, Country of origin: China, Circa date: 1920
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair Chinese Export Porcelain Vases and Covers, c. 1775
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine pair of Chinese Export porcelain vases and covers. Dating from the third quarter of the 1700s, and originating in the Jingdezhen region of China, near the important China Trad...
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage solid brass and enamel Chinese export trinket box.
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a vintage Chinese export solid brass and enamel trinket box. This solid brass box has four medallions on the top and medallions on each side of the box. The top of the box fe...
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Fine Chinese Export Black Lacquer And Gilt Decorated Tilt Top Table
Located in Free Union, VA
A fine early Chinese lacquer tilt top table decorated with stunning painted and gilded vignettes. There are all manner of elegantly executed sacred objects and musical instruments ar...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Giltwood, Lacquer, Paint
Late 19th Century Covered Ginger Jar Lamp, Chinese
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century covered ginger jar lamp, Chinese. Blue & white porcelain. Likely made into a lamp in the mid 20th century. Attractive baluster form, well decorated with large potte...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artisanal koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. And b...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Pine
20th C. Century Furniture Chin Hua Collection Ebonized Mahogany Bedside Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 20th Century Century Furniture Chin Hua Collection Ebonized Mahogany Bedside Table in great vintage condition.
Measures 25...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Chinese White and Blue Village Scene Porcelain Urn
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese (late 19th century) large white, porcelain urn depicting a blue scene of a village along the water, and finished with two dark blue scrolled handles along the neck.
...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Vintage Michael Taylor for Baker 'Far East' Collection Lounge Chairs
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Chinese Style lounge chairs by Baker Furniture and designed by Michael Taylor. Dark Brown wood with brass accents. Labeled on bottom. Horseshoe design.
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Han Dynasty Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Ceramic Han Dynasty Lamp.
Please note certificate of authenticity is available.
The Height to top of bulb fitting is 16". The Height of the Vase itsel...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Antique Etched Brass Bowl
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Large Antique Etched Brass Bowl with dragon Detail. China, circa early 20th century.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Cane, Natural Fiber
American Market Chinese Export Eagle Armorial Porcelain Oval Reticulated Tray
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Market Chinese Export Eagle Armorial Porcelain Oval Reticulated Tray
China, 19th Century
This exquisite 19th-century Chinese Export Eagle Armorial Porcelain Oval Reticulat...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vibrant Antique Bold Colors Chinese Tiger Rug 3'1" x 6'
Located in New York, NY
Vibrant Antique Bold Colors Chinese Tiger Rug, Country of origin: China, Circa date: 1920’s
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wool
Extraordinary Pair of Chinese Porcelain Table Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing an extraordinary pair of Chinese table lamps, skillfully made from porcelain and in great condition. Each lamp features stunnin...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Plastic, Wood, Maple, Porcelain, Fabric, Paint
Antique Chinese Official Wooden Rice Grain Bucket
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this primitive Antique Chinese Official Wooden Rice Measurement Bucket "Dou". It is 100 percent hand made and has about 140 years history. You can see that all the joints are...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Painting on Silk
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century Chinese painting on silk. For the export market. A vase with a crane in the reserve is filled with flowering b...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Silk
1950s Pair Of Chinese Hand Made Cloisonné Enamel Vases On Carved Hardwood Stands
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1950s Pair Of Hand Made Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Vases On Hardwood Stands in mint condition. Come with original box. No imperfections whatsoever. Measure 5" in diameter and stand 1...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Late 19th Century Chrysanthemum Chinese Painting on Silk
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century Chinese painting on silk. For the export market. Dark blue vase on stand filled with flowering branches & white & pink chrysanthemums. Framed with inner gilt liner....
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Silk
Pair Of Antique Chinese Export Porcelain Butterfly Serving / Shrimp Dishes
Located in Bradenton, FL
Rare pair of antique Chinese export porcelain butterfly serving/shrimp dish. Unique pair of dishes that include large gilt rim and trim on plates decorated with butterflies in green,...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artist-made koi is a traditional symbol of harmony and wealth. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The scales ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Pine
Antique Large Chinese Woven Wicker Wedding Basket
Located in West Hartford, CT
Three tiered Asian Chinese wedding basket was certainly make a statement!
Woven reeds split bamboo throughout. Dragon head metal brass handles...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th C., Qing Dynasty Chinese Porcelain Famille Rose Pink Ground Warrior Vase
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, 19th century,
A fantastic quality antique Chinese porcelain vase. The vase is decorated in the Famille rose pattern with pink enamel ground, foo dog handles, carving to ena...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Multicolor Porcelain Pheasant Statue
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese (Mid 20th Century) glazed porcelain statue of a pheasant with colorful, gold-outlined plumes perched on a rocky formation of green and brown. (Smaller version availab...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Country Rusty Style Wagon Wheel Dining Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous Massive Chinese Antique Country Style dining table was made in about 1940s. It has about 80 years history and still ha...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Chinese Imari Bowl
Located in Richmond, VA
Offered is an exquisite 19th century Chinese imari polychrome bowl with a lightly scalloped edge. Salt glazed and in excellent antique condition. Some expected age crazing.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Large 19th Century Chinese Carved Cinnabar Vase as Table Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
This is a stunning 19th Century Chinese lacquer Cinnabar vase lamp. Lamp features carved scenes of scholars in a landscape with foliage in Cinnabar, along with intricate brass detail...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Antique Chinese Massive Carved Rusty Style Country Bench, Love seat
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this gorgeous Chinese Antique Massive Carved Country Style Love-seat. It has about 150 years history and still has its original condition, very smooth to touch, full of patin...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export Eight Panel Coromandel Screen Lotus Blossoms
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand Chinese export post republic period eight panel coromandel screen featuring a waterscape decorated with blossoming lotus and birds....
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Chinese Sang de Boeuf Porcelain Vases, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese Sang de Boeuf Glazed Porcelain Baluster Form Vases. 22" H x 12" Diameter.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Box or Desk Accessory
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A finely made and hand enameled box with its cover, possibly for a desk or dresser top. Divided on the inside and in very good shape. Lovely cartouches of classic Chinese scenes and ...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Chinese Polychrome Harmony Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this large koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. Much of t...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Pine
2 Vintage Mottahedeh Lowestoft Reproduction Cachepot Vase Planters 8"
By Mottahedeh
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid to late 20th century pair of Lowestoft reproduction planters / cachepots, produced by Mottahedeh. Features orange and gold scalloped rim, dou...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Long Bench, Sofa
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous Antique Chinese Rosewood Carved Long Bench, Sofa was made in early 20th Century and still has its original condition, very smooth to touch, full of patina. It was hand ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Chinese Polychrome Harmony Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this large koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. Much of t...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Pine
Pair of Chinese Hongmu Stands Pedestals / Plant Stands
Located in Germantown, MD
A Stunning slender Pair of mid 20th century Chinese Hongmu Stands Pedestals / Plant Stands. Measures 12.5" in width, 12.5" in depth and stand 36...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Secretary/Writing Desk
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful carved secretary/writing desk is traditional simply design with three drawers on the front and lattice foot rest on the bottom. Both si...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Petite Neolithic Chinese Terracotta Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite ceramic jar is believed to be a later example of Neolithic Chinese redware pottery of the Yangshao culture. Although its exact age is unknown, the jar was likely created ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
19th Century Chinese Cloisonné Fu Dogs
Located in Houston, TX
An exceptional palatial quality pair of 19th century Chinese cloisonné Fu dogs featuring gold gilding over copper.
Chinese cloisonné o...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Chinese Export furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Wang Hing & Co., Luen Wo, and Hung Chong & Co.. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $40 and tops out at $216,780 while the average work can sell for $1,998.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Danish Mid Century Glass Cabinet
Double Display Cabinets
Framed Textile Panel
Chest Turned Feet
Embroidery Sofa
Chinese Republic Period
Double Door Handle
Vintage Cabinet Drawer Handles
Flower Power Vintage
Chinese Reverse Painting
Continental Cabinet
Chest With White Marble Top
Antique Corner Cabinet With Glass
Cast Door Pull
Chest Of Drawers With Carving
Distressed Antique Doors
Clothing Cabinets
Dry Bar Shelf