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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
Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Cypress Wood Armoire, Wardrobe
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 80 1/2in H x 43in W x 24in D Door opening: 62 1/2in H x 36in W Inside cabinet above drawers shelf: 36in H x 36in W x 19in D inside cabinet under drawers shelf: 15in H x 37in...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Cypress

Large Chinese Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of two beautiful asian style large vases/urns.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Two Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Eggs "Flowers and Animals" with Wood Stands #9
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting two beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel eggs depicting flowers and animals with wood stands, early 20th century.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Copper

Antique Chinese Export Repousse Silver Box with Phoenix, Dragon, & Longevity 壽
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese export repousse silver box. Decorated to the lid with a central stylized depiction of the character 壽 (shòu, longevity) stylized like the Sun amidst the cloud...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

China Trade Watercolors of Flower Baskets with Chinoiserie Frames, A Set of Six
Located in Downingtown, PA
China Trade Watercolors on Pith Paper of Flower Baskets, Circa 1850. The watercolors on pith paper framed vertically within Chinoiserie black and gold frames depict flowers within h...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Paper

Pair of Chinese Export Hardwood Garden Stools or Drink Tables
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome matching pair of Chinese export carved hardwood garden stools or drinks tables having a round tabouret or drum form. The stools are are sturdy and solid with excellent joine...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Yellow Ceramic Bowl in Chinese Style
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Super art pottery bowl in Chinese style. Wonderful simplicity and color. Factory mark of Bretby, England on the underside. Free shipping  
Category

1890s English Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Chinese Blue & White Dragon Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This large porcelain jar is beautifully glazed in the classic blue-and-white manner, with hand-painted cobalt-blue decoration against a crisp whit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

20pcs WanShouWuJiang Chinese Porcelain Tea Service Set
Located in Brea, CA
20 Pieces vintage Chinese set of tea and coffee service set, WanShouWuJiang yellow ground, all marked on the bottom : QIANLONGNIANZHI, No crake, on...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Early 20th century carved Chinese hard wood floor lamp
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century carved Chinese hard wood floor lamp circa 1920. Carved in heavy hardwood. Carved dragons head forming the outlet for the light fitment, long stem leading down to ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Art Deco Blue Silk Rug with Asian Décor, Peking Blue
Located in Bochum, NRW
A beautiful silk rug with an Art Deco decor of stylized clouds and waves in lovely shades of blue and ivory, also called Chi and Ruyi. This is a midcentury vintage rug from the 1950s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk

Antique Red Chinese Handmade Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful antique Chinese Art Deco rug, hand knotted wool with a red field, brown frame in a gorgeous all-over Classic Chinese floral design. This rug measures: 8'11" x 11'11".  
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wool

Indian Hand Knotted Wool Rug with Chinese Tiger Motif
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fun area rug! It is an Indian hand knotted wool rug with a Chinese tiger motif. It is in very good condition.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wool

Chinese Carved Lapis Lazuli Duck and Lotus Flower Figure
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A well carved Chinese Lapis Lazuli figure of a duck with a Lotus flower probably dating from the latter 19th or early 20th century. The figure is h...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Large Chinese Export Punch Bowl in Mandarin Palette & Gilt Accents, ca. 1780
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large Chinese Export punch bowl in Mandarin Palette & Gilt Accents, ca. 1780.
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Square Rug
Located in New York, NY
Rare square size Chinese Peking room size rug from the 1930s Measures: 8'2'' x 8'9''.
Category

1930s Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Figure Set of Miniature Terracotta Chinese Xian Warriors
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful set of Terracotta sculptures representing Xian Warriors. This set of figures is incredibly detailed and presents 4 warriors and a horse. Intrica...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Clay

Set of Six Cantonese Blue & White Teacups with Saucers 19thC Early 20thC
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous blue & white Cantonese teacups with Saucers. Late 19thC to early 20thC is the time period. In excellent antique condition with minimal wear. No cracks or chips. Priced and s...
Category

1910s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Pale Green and Pink Blossom Lidded Jars
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Chinese pale green lidded jars decorated with lily pads and pink lotus blossoms on one side of their round forms and extending up to the lids,...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Porcelain American Ship Spoon Tray
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain American Market Ship Spoon Tray, Circa 1785-90 The Chinese Export porcelain spoon tray is painted in famille rose with an American three-masted ship under f...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Enameled Ceramic Garden Stool
Located in Germantown, MD
A Chinese Enameled Ceramic Garden Stool for your consideration. Measures 10.5" in diameter and stands 16" in height.
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Early 20th C. South East Asian Covered Wood & Iron Bounded Bucket Planter
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th C. South East Asian Covered Wood & Iron Bounded Bucket Planter Measures 15" in diameter, 16.5" in height.
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Iron

Chinese Blue & White & Incised Porcelain 'Jiangnan Mountain' Cylinder Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Blue & White & Incised Porcelain 'Jiangnan Mountain' Cylinder Vase, China, 19th Century  A rare and unique Chinese Blue and White Incised Porcelain 'Jiangnan Mountain' Cylin...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Round Corner Armoire/Noodle cabinet
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful Chinese antique carved round corner Armoire/Noodle cabinet features large copper hardware on the front doors with beautiful carving works on it. Both sides and back ar...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Export Porcelain Canton Famille Rose Elephant Modeled as a Candlestick
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export porcelain canton famille rose elephant modeled as a candlestick, Circa 1860 The standing Chinese Export porcelain elephant with its trunk up is painted in an iron-red with gilt decoration and caparisoned. On its back is a gu-form vase candle holder rising from the raised saddle. Below the urn is a long saddle cloth hanging down painted with famille rose birds...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Lacquered Wood Table Stone Top with Carved Essay
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese antique table from Northern China likely Shanxi Province circa late Qing dynasty to Republic period (late 19th century). The square for...
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Stone

1920s Antique Peking Designed Chinese Wool Rug Handmade In Golderod Color
Located in Norwalk, CT
This elegant antique Peking Chinese wool rug features a goldenrod field with a decorative border and navy blue accents, showcasing a stunning classic Chinese motif. This rug measure...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Other

Large 20th Century Chinese Export Porcelain Decorative Piece
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Add a touch of traditional Chinese artistry to your space with this large 20th Century Chinese export Porcelain Decorative Piece. This striking piece features a classic bottle shape ...
Category

20th Century Asian Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Export Famille Verte Pillows
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Export Famille Verte pillows, Rare to find a pair, each one decorated with figures in landscape, opposing, presents...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Export Famille Verte Pillows
Pair of Chinese Export Famille Verte Pillows
$1,516 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Beautiful Satsuma Style Decorations & Elegant Gilt Gold Detailing Porcelain Lamp
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exquisite 20th-century porcelain table lamp showcases exceptional craftsmanship with its beautifully painted Satsuma-style decorations and elegant gilt gold detailing. The lamp’...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Wood, Paint

Chinese Hard Wood Dining Table & Eight Matching Chairs all with Stylized Carving
Located in London, GB
A super quality Chinese hardwood dining table, with eight matching chairs including two armchairs. The dining table with a wipeable rice impregna...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Teak

Pair Chinese Blue Ink & Wash Peonies & Pomegranates Paintings, Lingnan School
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair Chinese Blue Ink & Wash Peonies & Pomegranates Paintings, Lingnan School, Aged Handmade Paper, Presented in Western Blue Polychromed & Gilt O...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

SEVEN Chinese Porcelain Serving Spoons All Hand Painted, 19th & 20th Century
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a group of SEVEN individually different Chinese Export porcelain serving Spoons. Each spoon has similar nominal dimensions and they all have different hand painted decoration. They range in date from a beautiful Canton Famille Rose medallion spoon...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Light Green-Black Jade Lidded Urn
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a lidded light green-black color jade urn adorned with multiples branches of kelp leaves that are attached to it. The urn stands over an asymmetrical ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Jade

Ming Dynasty Porcelain Shou Lau Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese (Ming Dynasty-Circa 1500) blue & green porcelain Shou Lau seated figure with oversize head (symbolism of longevity & luck) on a base suppo...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Set of Small Porcelain Serving Dish, in Wooden Box, China, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
In a wood box, a set of serving Dish in porcelain. there are Hand painted, with a mark underneath. Some have a small chip, see detailed pictures. It has been made in China 19th centu...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Multi-color Dragon Encircled Snuff Bottle
Located in Lomita, CA
The hand painting and the mix of primary colors make this snuff jar attractive. The jar from the mid-20th century, showcase a captivating blend of artistic craftsmanship and cultural significance. The snuff bottle, with its dragon motif, reflects a classic theme deeply rooted in Chinese symbolism. Dragons traditionally symbolize power, strength, and good fortune. The blue and white color scheme, characteristic of traditional Chinese porcelain, adds to the aesthetic appeal. The mid-20th-century timeframe indicates a continuation of classical artistic traditions during a dynamic period in Chinese history. The jar, likely sharing similar blue and white aesthetics, could serve various purposes within Chinese culture, from storage to decorative use. The mid-20th-century context suggests a connection to the evolving socio-cultural landscape of that time. While specific details about the artisans remain unknown, the blue and white snuff bottle...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Samson Porcelain Ginger Jar Table Lamps in the Chinese Export Style
Located in Essex, MA
Large scale. Now lamps with domed cover and baluster form body with bronze mounted cover and base. Decorated with aubergine, yellows and greens in the oriental taste. Dick collection...
Category

1760s French Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Celadon Porcelain Pot with Bird
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese-style (20th Century) celadon porcelain jardiniere with a bird and floral decoration.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Vintage Chinese Country Style Console Table/Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful vintage console table has beautiful traditional Ming style simple country design. It features double open doors compartm...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Three Chinese Ancient Warriors Panels
Located in Bradenton, FL
Three Hand-Painted Panels of Chinese Warriors. The paintings feature Chinese warriors in full costume of the era in vivid colors of red, green, yellow, and orange on a beige backgro...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Paper

Chinese 19th Century Carved Horseshoe-Back Folding Chair
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (19th Century) horseshoe-back wooden folding armchair with a rush seat, sloped, carved back and footrest.
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Off-White and Blue Vine Lidded Porcelain Ginger Jar
Located in Queens, NY
"Antique Chinese (Early 20th Century) lidded porcelain ginger jar with a dark blue vine and floral motif against a white ground, and bold blue characters on 4 sides. Wear throughout...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Enforced Rattan Top
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Enforced Rattan Top The Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Reinforced Rattan Top is a stunning vintage piece from the 1900s....
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Elm

Antique Chinese Cinnabar Lacquered Rectangular Box and Cover, China, circa 1880,
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Red lacquer box with the lid representing a scholar and children playing in a mountainous garden, the outer sides covered with repeated geometric patterns. This box was made in China...
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

20th-Century Chinese Jade Tea Set- 9 Pieces
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this magnificent Vintage Chinese Jade tea set. It was hand made and hand carved with beautiful Chinese traditional carving works on it. It has 6 cups together with on teapot ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Jade

Vintage Dried Flower Vase, Chinese, Handpainted, Decorative, Chinoiserie, C.1970
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage dried flower vase. A Chinese, waxed paper over board decorative drum vase, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1970. Striking col...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Paper

Vintage Chinese Black and Gold Tole Lake Scene Oval Tray
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese tole serving tray with a painted gold design of a lake scene on a black background with a shallow lip with two cut out handles.  
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal

Chinese Blue & White Jar with First Scholar
Located in Chicago, IL
Loosely brushed with cobalt blue pigments, this round, blue-and-white storage jar is underglazed with a celebratory procession of young boys leading a mythical qilin. Also known as k...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of White and Blue Pattern Lidded Porcelain Ginger Jars
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Chinese white and blue porcelain lidded ginger jars painted with floral and vine motifs, Greek key patterned bands at the openin...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Parchment Leather Trunk on Stand Brass Mounts and Handles
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large Chinese parchment leather bound trunk on stand with brass mounts and handles. Used to store linens, clothing and other miscellaneous items, trunks were used in every room of th...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Brass Handled Lamps with Shades, Pair
Located in Sheffield, MA
The pair of vintage brass lamps is stylized urns with handles. The bases are trimmed in black and the bottoms are lined with felt. The rect...
Category

Late 20th Century American Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th Century Rose Medallion Vases / Lamps
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th century Chinese Rose medallion vases, each with gilded mythical serpent handles on either side, hand painted inset hand painted panels of exotic birds a...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese export porcelain rim soup
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Chinese export porcelain rim soup decorated in cobalt underglaze blue. The pattern centers on a blooming flower surrounded by scattered prunus boughs within the border of the dished ...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vietnamese Seal, in Wood and Metal, Brown Color, from Vietnam Cirace 1880
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Vietnamese wood seal, made of wood, and metal. It dates from the end of the 19th century around 1880 and is in good condition.
Category

1880s Vietnamese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal

19th century Rose Medallion Chinese Export Covered Chamber Bowl
Located in Savannah, GA
Rare early Canton Chinese Export porcelain Rose Medallion bowl with lid. Features include outstanding intricately painted birds, flower...
Category

Early 1800s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Distressed Chinoiserie Pair Black Lacquered End or Side Tables Ming Style Feet
Located in Topeka, KS
Exquisite vintage distressed Chinoiserie pair of black lacquered end or side tables with straight legs, Ming feet, and hand painted Asian details. Bea...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Faience Dish and Plate by Jules Vieillard Chinese Decor France 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Old Dish by Jules viellard for Bordeaux. This Dish is in Faience, and has been made in France,during the 19th. The plate is from another manufacturer. The colors are blue. It is signed.
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Faience

Pair Louis XVI Style Chinese-Export Ormolu Mounted Famille Rose Porcelain Vases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine pair of Louis XVI style chinoiserie gilt-bronze mounted Chinese export famille rose porcelain vases. The ovoid hand painted porcelain body with dual scenes of a sword presenta...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ormolu

Lotus Form 'Water Dropper' - Enamel Decoration on Copper - China - Mid 20th C.
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage lotus form 'water dropper' - hand painted enamel decoration on copper form - unsigned - China - mid 20th century. Fair vintage condition - numerou...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Copper

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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