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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.

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Style: Chinese Export
Large Antique Chinese Cloisonné and Brass Urn
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large exceptional antique Chinese cloisonne pot or urn. Showing a very detailed hand crafted work of enameled art with flowers and animal desig...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Pair of Large Polychromed Vases by the designer Kenzo Takada (1939-2020)
Located in Richmond Hill, ON
EXTREMELY DECORATIV! Pair of LARGE VASES BY THE FAMOUS JAPANESE DESIGNER KENZO TAKADA. Square section with flared circular neck, in imitation of Chinese vases Famille noir porcelai...
Category

Early 2000s Japanese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Silver Salver
Located in London, GB
An exquisite Chinese Export Silver Salver embossed and chased with a captivating scene of graceful egrets wading in the pond, accompanied by the elegant ...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Enormous Pair of Blanc de Chine Asian Floor Vases with Striking Scale
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Impressive in scale, gigantic pair of blanc de chine Asian porcelain floor vases or urns. Top opening 8" diameter
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Mongolian Snuff Bottle Swivel Stopper Late 19th Century
Located in Richmond, CA
An antique Mongolian horn snuff bottle, finely crafted with a swivel stopper circa: 1900, Late 19th Century
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Organic Material

Set of 3 Graduated Mason's Platters in the Oriental Taste, England, Circa:1825
Located in Alexandria, VA
Design in the oriental taste based on Chinese export designs in rich colors of navy dark red and salmon on a white ground, printed and impressed marks on back, polychrome decoration,...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ironstone

Chinese porcelain ginger jar
By Napoléon III
Located in LA FERTÉ-SOUS-JOUARRE, FR
This Chinese ginger jar in ceramic is a true work of art. Its elegant decoration featuring a pheasant and flowering branches adds an Asian charm to your space. Dating from the late...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Wood Sculpture Container from Old Water Mill Gear, China 1800-40
Located in Round Top, TX
This wood accent piece originally served as a section of gear work from a water mill in China. The deep worn patina of the rich hard wood is warm and inviting. May be used as a conta...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

20th Century Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Ginger Jar
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Antique Blue and White porcelain Ginger Jar was hand made and hand paint from famous Chinese Blue and White P...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Wood Sculpture Container from Old Water Mill Gear, China 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
This wood accent piece originally served as a section of gear work from a water mill in China. The deep worn patina of the rich hard wood is warm and inviting. May be used as a conta...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

9 Pc, 18th C. Chinese Export "Fitzhugh Gold" Blue & White Porcelain Coffee Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, 18th century. A nine peice grouping of Chinese export porcelain for the American or European market in the famous "Fitzhugh Gold" pattern. The Fitzhugh pattern is named after Englishman Thomas Fitzhugh who was the director of the British East India Company...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Modern Brass Lamps
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Chinese Modern Brass Lamps. A great pair of well detailed Chinese modern or Asian modern brass table lamps This versatile pair of lamps have...
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Chinese Red Lacquered Box With Brass Mounts, Mid 20th Century
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese red and black lacquered box with fine brass mounts in the Chinese Export style. Lovely color. A refined and classic decorative box, beautiful craftsmanship. 20 wide 14 deep ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Canton Chinese Export Porcelain Chestnut Bowl
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century Canton Chinese Export Rose Medallion porcelain chestnut bowl with lid featuring painted interior scenes of figures, birds and flowers with gi...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Of Chinese Polished Brass Gourd Shaped Bottle Flasks With Lizards
Located in Free Union, VA
A striking and decorative pair of handsome brass bottle flasks, originally oil lamps, fitted with intricate openwork fretwork bases. An alligator like lizard is wrapped around each....
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Chinese Export Polychrome Hong Cityscape Lidded Urn Pot Jar Bowl 14"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century Chinese export moriage style polychrome porcelain lidded urn / jar / centerpiece bowl featuring a panoramic cityscape view along the Pearl River at Guangzhou. The ...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique 20thC Chinese Solid Silver 3 Piece Tea Set On Tray c.1910
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early-20th Century rare Chinese solid silver impressive tea service on tray, comprising of a teapot, covered sugar bowl, milk jug and tray, each body is hand engraved with ex...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Chinese "Giant" Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Flowers" with Wood Stand #Ja2
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a very large and beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg with intricated patterns made by hand seating on a wood stand, early 20 century. It's measured about 16.5" x 10" wi...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Copper

Japanese 19th Century Scalloped Imari Porcelain Dish or Charger
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Japanese Dish or Charger, made in Japan at the beginning of the 19th century. With beautiful colors in red blue and white. The Item is in good condition.
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Rug with Geometric Patterns Allover - Green Blue Khakis
Located in New York, NY
Antique mid-century rug in amazing condition, inquire with any and all questions.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair of Polychrome Khmer Guardian Lions, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Grand and imposing, these monumental lion sculptures offer protection to all those who stand before them. Dated to the mid-19th century, the ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Southeast Asian Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Pair of Chinese Inlaid Urn Stands
Located in Cheshire, GB
Pair of Chinese inlaid urn stands, the tops inset with white marble, above pierced sides decorated with mother of pearl foliated motifs raised on square...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Bowl, circa 1890, round and sitting on a plain collet foot. The bowl is applied with bamboo and prunus emerging from rocks, and also two birds in flight. The bo...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Petite Chinese Blue and White Double Happiness Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
The symbol for double happiness adorns this petite tea leaf jar with best wishes for love, companionship and marital bliss. Glazed in the classic blue and white manner, the small porcelain jar has a rounded form and flat lid, a traditional shape for jars used to hold Chinese...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Silver & Leather Theatre Opera / Wedding Tiered Phoenix Headdress, 1920s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Silver & Leather Theatre Opera / Wedding Tiered Phoenix Headdress, 1920s Silvered Metal & leather and embroidered Mandarin hat This Chinese silv...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal

Chinese Export Pair of Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Palace Urns
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking pair of Chinese blue and white porcelain urns with cat lid handles and ambitiously hand decorated with aquatic fauna and flora having a rare touch of whimsy.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Very Decorative Blue Chinese Ceramic Vase Famille Rosé Floral 20th Century
Located in DE
Beautiful decorative vase Famille Rosé, China, circa 20th century with little birds and gilded rim. The intricate design with pink, purple, yellow and red makes this beautiful vase f...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Glazed Chinese Kitchen Jar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Originally used to store foods or pickle vegetables in a provincial Chinese kitchen, this late 19th-century ceramic jar is coated inside and out with a...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Brass Double Happiness Mirror, 20th C
Located in New York, NY
Chinese brass double happiness vanity mirror, 20th Century. Dealer: S138XX
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vintage Chinese Brass Bas-Relief Dragon Charger
Located in San Diego, CA
Superb vintage Chinese brass bas-relief dragon charger, circa 1940s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures a hefty 14"D x 2"H...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

20th Century Chinese Porcelain Rose Medallion Canton Bowl
Located in Glasgow, GB
This splendid Chinese porcelain piece, adorned in the vibrant Rose Medallion style, is a large Rose Medallion Canton bowl that will make you embra...
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

1850’s-1970’s Vintage Assorted Rose Medallion Tableware Various Styles 61 Pieces
Located in Topeka, KS
Incredible 1850’s antique to 1970’s vintage assorted Rose Medallion tableware including various styles with 56 pieces and 5 lids, 61 pieces total. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, this set includes various styles, ages, and conditions including some pieces with no chips to pieces with some or several chips, nicks, or chiggers. We have listed each piece with their specific condition below in measurements. Please see photos and zoom in for details as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, range from 1850’s – 1970’s. Tableware EXTRORDINAIRE!!!!! If you know Rose Medallion, you know what a GEM of a collection THIS IS!!!!! And if you are unfamiliar or new to its glorious existence, you are certainly in for a tableware TREAT!!! This is a phenomenal collection including FIFTY-SIX various hand painted Rose Medallion pieces and 5 lids equaling 61 pieces total! This style of Chinese porcelain was first made in the mid-1800s to satisfy the export demand from Europe and later the United States. These pieces vary in age as early as several Antique 1850’s pieces expanding into some 1970’s vintage pieces. There are various styles, all glossy and highly colorful depicting scenes featuring medallions, vibrant flowers, vivid birds, people, figures, leaves and trees, and Chinese scenes. This collection includes plates, platters, cups, teapots, vases, saucers, candlesticks, bowls, and even a couple of high heel shoe ashtrays!! It also includes various shapes, a few pieces with lids (a few without), a few pieces with handles (a few without), and various conditions that you can read specifics on in the measurement area below. This Rose Medallion Chinese porcelain collection will be incredible displayed either in a gorgeous glass display cabinet, on a shelf unit in your dining area, in your open kitchen cabinets...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Antique Chinese Carved Celadon Jade Guardian Lions ROC Early 20th Century
Located in Richmond, CA
This exquisite pair of celadon jade guardian lions hails from the early Republic of China period, a testament to the era's craftsmanship. The lions are intricately carved from high-q...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Jade

A Shapely 19th Century Chinese Export Black Lacquered Dressing Box
Located in San Francisco, CA
the scalloped top centering an oval medallion radiating coved reserves above a conforming body fitted with brass bale handles;  finely decorated with gilded figures in a garden lands...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Carved and Lacquered Wood Framed Mirrored-Back Etagere
Located in Germantown, MD
A rare Chinese Carved and Lacquered Wood Framed Mirrored-Back Etagere. Measures 37.25" in width, 5" in depth and 27.25" in heigth.
Category

20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Black Chinese Pottery Vase Designer Table Lamp
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Huge Black Chinese Pottery Vase Now a Designer Table Lamp Additional information: Materials: Pottery Color: Black Designer: Randy Esada Designs...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Pair Matching Ivory Chinese Dogs of Foo Matchstick Holders Silver Bases
Located in High Wycombe, GB
A Delicate Pair Of Ivorine Dogs of Foo Matching Matchstick Box Holders. Bases Have Silver Mark Stamp. Chinese guardian lions, or imperial guardian lions, are a traditional Chinese a...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Vintage Chinese Oriental Black Lacquer Hand Painted Low Asian Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Oriental Black Lacquer Hand Painted Low Asian Side Table. Item features nice low form, carved and hand painted scenes with women, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Late 18thC Chinese Leather Wooden Trunk
Located in Pasadena, CA
Late 18thC Chinese Single Leather Wooden Trunk. his trunk has held its look and feel. The exterior shows great age and patina. When opening the trunk, the leather looks and feels wo...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Chinese Export Style Maitland-Smith Blue & White Ginger Jars W/ Foo Dogs - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This s a lovely pair of Chinese Export style blue and white ceramic ginger jars. They have gilt accents and foo dog finials. The pottery is intentionally crackled. They are marked.
Category

1980s Philippine Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Asian Coat Rack in Carved Wood with Dragons
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Elegant Asian coat rack in carved wood. Its coat hooks are in the shape of dragons. Has a central bar for hanging hangers and 3 shelves for storing bags, hats and shoes. Southern Ch...
Category

Mid-20th Century Vietnamese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Small Blue and White Willow Ware Octagonal Porcelain Platter
By Bo Jia for Middle Kingdom
Located in Manassas Park, VA
This platter is a traditional style from Jingdezhen, a town long distinguished by imperial patronage. The Willow Ware pattern is a beloved traditional Chinese style that was interpre...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese 19th Century Hardwood shelves
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality set of 19th Century Chinese hardwood shelves with open shelves, drawers and cupboards. Having wonderful quality hand carved and pierced folate decoration and myth...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of Blue and White Porcelain Pagoda Towers
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive pair of architecturally dramatic Chinese blue and white porcelain pagoda towers each crafted with six hand decorated separat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Blue and White Porcelain Soup Tureen with Underplate
Located in Lomita, CA
The flavor of the soup may become secondary to this marvelous covered tureen cover and liner, perfect for guests or simply soup for two. A soup tureen so compelling you could lose yourself in the mountains, trees and other designs of the bowl as you dine. This is just one of an elaborate collection of blue and white porcelain...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Qing Dynasty - 13 Antique Chinese Porcelain Enameled Salt Boxes
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century. A grouping or instant collection of antique porcelain enameled salt boxes. Each box is decorated with immortal being riding the fabl...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Blue and White Porcelain Lotus Ginger Jars
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Delightful pair of Chinese blue and white porcelain lidded ginger jars hand decorated with lotus leaves and flowers.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Bar Stool for Couple - a Pair
Located in Pomona, CA
This Gorgeous pair of Vintage Chinese Red Lacquered Bar Stools has over 60 years history on it. It has wonderful carving works according to Human engin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th C. Blue & White Chinese Export Platter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Chinese export blue & white oval platter featuring depictions of wise men, a tiger, and a dragon likely reflects traditional Chinese symbolism and storytelling. The combination ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 4, Chinese Export Porcelain Fitzhugh Pattern Blue & White Dinner Plates
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of 4 dinner plates - Chinese export porcelain for the American or European market in the famous "Fitzhugh Gold" pattern. The Fitzhugh pattern is named after Englishman Thomas Fitzhugh who was the director of the British East India Company...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese style Bronze Table Lamp
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Hutton-Clarke Antiques is delighted to present an elegant antique Chinese-style bronze table lamp, skillfully converted to electricity for modern convenience. This well-proportioned ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Export Style Jar / Vase Form Crackle Glaze Table Lamps W/ Fruit - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely pair of large scale Chinese export style jar form table lamps. They are ceramic with a bright marigold cradle finish. The pair are in working order.
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Pottery, Wood

LARGE ANTIQUE CIRCA 1920 CHiNESE DRAGON CHINOISERIE EXPORT COFFEE TABLE DRAWERS
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Chinese Export Chinoiserie Dragon extra large coffee table for four full sized drawer...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Early 20th Century Chinese 3d Carving Wood Panel Hanging Architectural Element
Located in Pomona, CA
These pair of 2 antique Chinese wood carving panels have very deep 3D carving works of Chinese folks art - Chinese Opera with gilt. Very det...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Bowls or Planters
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Charming pair of Chinese blue and white porcelain bowls hand decorated with butterflies and moths, perfect for orchid arrangemen...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

18th Century Chinese Export Porcelain Punch Bowl
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A mid-18th century Chinese export porcelain punch bowl, hand-painted with "The Judgement of Paris" after Rubens. European ceramicists borrowed motifs from Chinese porcelains through...
Category

1760s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Turquoise Glazed Ducks, Flock of 8, 1970's, China and Hong Kong
Located in Austin, TX
An absolutely delightful flock of eight vintage Chinese export turquoise glazed porcelain ducks, circa 1970's, China and Hong Kong. The flock consists of eight ducks of various size...
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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.

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