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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
Antique Shanxi Province Hand Painted Black Lacquer Apothecary
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Hand Painted Black Lacquer Tall Apothecary / Medicine Cabinet This stunning antique apothecary/medicine cabinet hails from th...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Chinese Cerulean Short Flower Vases
By Alba China
Located in Austin, TX
This is a lovely pair of simple and subtle short Chinese flower vases that are designed to be a backdrop to a flower arrangement, rather than to upstage the flowers. the simple lines...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Chinese Porcelain Dragon Vases fitted as Lamps
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very large and stunning pair of late 19th century Chinese Pale Celadon Crackle Glazed Dragon and Flaming Pearl Vases that have been adapted to lamps with double socket fitt...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair C19th Chinese hardwood stands.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of 19th Century Chinese hardwood stands, each with inset Burr-wood panels to the top. Hand carved Gadroon pattern to the frieze, vine leaf decoration to the whole...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Fine Antique Chinese Butterfly Hand Painted Lacquered Large Side Table Cupboard
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1900's hand painted and lacquered Chinese Wedding cupboard decorated with gold l...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Export Blue & White Canton Porcelain Square Bowl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese Export porcelain bowl. In the Canton pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue with a mountainous Chinese village with houses, mountains, foliage, and a river an...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Export Blue & White Canton Porcelain Covered Vegetable Dish
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese Export porcelain covered serving dish. In the Canton pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue with a mountainous Chinese village with houses, mountains, foliage...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Paintings in Rosewood Frames, Set of Four
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Chinese Paintings in Rosewood Frames, Set of Four. Paintings depict scenes of courtly life and marital valor during the Qing...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Paper

Fine Pair of Chinese Porcelain Bottle Shaped Vases, Daoguang period (1821-1850)
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of Chinese porcelain bottle-shaped vases, painted in the Islamic style, Daoguang period (1821-1850). Each vase finely handpainted in Henn...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

18th Century Chinese Export Famille Rose Tureen with Lid & Underplate
Located in Atlanta, GA
18th century Chinese Export Famille rose tureen with lid & underplate.
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Porcelain Famille rose European-subject Teapot Stand
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Teapot Stand, European Man and Dog, Circa 1740-50 The charming shaped porcelain stand depicts an European subject scene of a figure of a Europe...
Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Good Quality 19th Century Chinese Rose Medallion Vases
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality pair of 19th century Chinese Cantonese / rose Medallion vases, each having the classical green ground with pink floral decoration, pierced blue handles to either ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Rare Cream Glazed Ding yao Ewer and Cover, Song Dynasty (960~1279)
Located in seoul, KR
This is a Song Dynasty ceramic ewer, exhibiting the characteristic simplicity and elegance of the period. The ewer's form is sturdy with a full-bodied base that tapers gently to a na...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

A Chinese export reverse-glass painting after an English print in original frame
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Canton, late 18th century In original hardwood frame with ruyi-shaped metal mount for suspension. H. 38.7 x W. 44.3 cm (incl. frame) H. 31.8 x W. 37.5 cm (image) Chinese reverse glass paintings for export are known since mid 18th century. By the 1780's the copying of European, mainly English, engravings came into vogue in Chinese paintings on glass...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Pair Of Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Foo Lion Censers
Located in Norwood, NJ
Beautiful fine pair of Chinese cloisonne enamel foo lion censers, in a standing pose. Yellow enamel ground and stylized patinated copper repousse head with enamel eyes. Standing on c...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Chinese Carved Hardwood Plant Stand / Pedestal with Marble Top Insert
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Chinese carved hardwood plant stand / pedestal with white marble top insert, circa 1980s. There are two stands available, but they are priced separately. The stands are i...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Marble

Framed Chinese Silk Embroidered Robe Flying Cranes & Auspicious Clouds
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Framed Chinese Silk Embroidered Robe with Flying Cranes and Auspicious Clouds, Circa Early 20th Century A stunning example of Chinese textile artistry, this richly embroidered silk robe...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk, Plexiglass, Wood

Chinese Painted Vintage Elm Hall Cabinet.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Chinese Painted Vintage Elm Hall Cabinet. Wonderful vintage Chinese hand painted cabinet in solid Elmwood with original antique finish. With two front...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Altar Carved Console Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province elmwood altar carved ornate console table. Gorgeous Chinese Qing dynasty style carved altar table constructed from Elmwoo...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Pair of Chines Famille Verte Figural Vases with Kangxi Style Mark
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Pair of Chines Famille Verte Figural Vases with Kangxi Style Mark
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Fine Small Chinese Famille Rose Eggshell Bulbous Vase
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A fine small Chinese famille rose Eggshell bulbous vase First quarter of 20th century. Very thinly potted, bulbous shape, surmounted by a tapering neck with band of ruyi lappe...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Pair Thick & Heavy Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Bawls 19th Century CO#10
Located in Norton, MA
Antique pair of Thick and Heavy Chinese cloisonné enamel Bowls depicting floral patterns. A white base tone and colorful floral all around, from the 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Copper

Antique Chinese Carved Green 'Jadeite' Quartz Lamp
Located in Norwood, NJ
A Chinese carved stone lamp mounted on a carved rosewood base. The carved stone is often referred to as Jadeite or Quartz but is in fact from the fluorite family. This lamp base was ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Quartz

Oriental Satin Walnut Low Table, Coffee Table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Oriental Satin walnut low table, coffee table This is a very attractive piece, the table is in the style of an opium table, it has a carved border beneath the plate glass top The...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Satinwood

Vintage Chinese Export Mandarin Platter
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finely detailed and hand painted porcelain platter. Probably made for the English market. Excellent condition.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Vintage Chinese Porcelain Nanking Crackle Glaze Famille Rose Vase Lamp 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
A vintage Chinese porcelain ovoid jar vase with Nanking style crackle glaze and decorated in famille rose with warrior figures in a battle scene, electrified and turned into a lamp o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Export Famille Rose Urn & Garden Motif Plates
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Export Famille Rose Urn & Garden Motif Plates, Each plate profusely decorated with two urns amongst a garden with scholars objects.        
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Fantastic PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS Chinese, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS Chinese, 19th Century in hardwood, with carvings and marble inserted. Dim.: 88 x 64 x 46 cm good conditions
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Hand-Carved Chinese Rose Quartz Ox on Custom Hardwood Stand
Located in Lomita, CA
Hand-Carved Chinese Rose Quartz Ox on Custom Hardwood Stand Description: This finely carved rose quartz ox is a striking example of Chinese stone artistry, believed to date from the...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Quartz

Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Blue and White Porcelain Bowl
Located in Pomona, CA
This antique Chinese porcelain bowl is a rare find from the Qing Dynasty, featuring delicate blue and white patterns. Crafted from high-quality porcelain and pottery, this bowl is ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

PAIR OF ANTIQUE PAINTED FINISH CHINESE EXPORT CHINOISERIE GREEN SIDE CHAIRs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super decorative pair of Emerald Green Antique Chinese Export Circa 1920's Chinoiserie side chairs Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price A very good looking and decorative pair of antique Chinese chairs...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Dragon Epergne, Hung Chong & Co c 1890
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique late-19th century Chinese very unusual solid silver eperne, the central trumpet shaped vase and twin baskets are highly decorated with pierced bamboo leaves, cherry blossom a...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Antique Hand Carved Shanxi Province Coffer Sideboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Hand Carved Shanxi Province Coffer Sideboard With Drawers The Antique Hand Carved Shanxi Province Coffer Sideboard With Drawers is a stunning vintage piece from the 1900s. C...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm

Hand Painted Ceramic Chinese Vase
Located in Bradenton, FL
A hand painted ceramic Chinese vase. Both sides show the same scene, a Yuenü or swordswoman on horseback. Framed with blossom outlined in gold surround with gold dots. Marked underne...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

19thc Painted Porcelain Vases Converted into Lamps w/ Teak Bases & Custom Shades
Located in Savannah, GA
These colorful 19thc hand-painted porcelain vases have been converted into lamps with decorative scrolled teak bases and custom shades. Each vase features a different delicately pain...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Lattice Carved Door Panel Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Lattice Carved Door Panel Cabinet Introducing our Exquisite Antique Shanxi Elmwood Door Panel Cabinet - a captivatin...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm

Pair 19th Century Chinese Glazed Pickling Jars.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair 19th Century Chinese Glazed Pickling Jars. Each of these glazed ceramic jars have small, hemmed openings, linear striations pressed in the upper shoulders and a circular stamp....
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

STUNNING ANTIQUE CIRA 1900 STERLING SILVER CHiNESE EXPORT DRAGON COCKTAIL SHAKER
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, circa 1900 Chinese Export Dragon cocktail shaker A good...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Lacquered and Mother-of-Pearl Chess Board from 19th with a Table
Located in Madrid, ES
Chinese Export lacquered and mother-of-pearl chess board from 19th with a table carved wood stand. Size: 58 x 58cm and 73 cm high Very good condition.  
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century White and Blue Ceramic Chinese Jug Vase
Located in Catania, Sicilia
The jug has been manufactured in China in late 19th century, it features intricate hand-painted traditional Chinese motifs designs in shades of blue on a white background. The vase it's in original conditions with signs of use and age. it was mostly used by workers in the fields because the thick terracotta kept the water cool for all the day. A late 19th century white and blue ceramic Chinese jug...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Chinese Black Elmwood Coffee Table with Carved Legs
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese black elmwood coffee table with carved legs. This vintage elm low coffee table has been lacquered with a unique slate / black c...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Chinese Export Porcelain Armorial Spoon Tray, Arms of Hamilton
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain Armorial Spoon Tray Arms of Hamilton of Dalziel Qianlong Period, Circa 1750–1760 This elegant Chinese export porcelain spoon tray is delicately shaped in a ...
Category

1750s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

A Pair of Late 18th-Early 19th Century Chinese Lidded Jars
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of late 18th-early 19th century Chinese beautifully painted famille rose lidded jars. Very impressive with iron straps to secure and lock the lids. Jars are raised on 5" woode...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Framed Antique Chinese Textile Groups Qing Dynasty Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
A group of three antique Chinese textiles, arranged and professionally matted and framed. The museum quality display includes two similar pouches symmetrically flanking a fan case...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk, Wood

vintage chinese porcelain enamel vase
Located in Catania, IT
Vintage Chinese porcelain enamel vase. Produced in good condition with small wear caused by time and use. The decorations of the vase include floral elements, auspicious symbols and ...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Brass Vase with Dragon Relief, 20th Century, Signed
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A vintage Chinese vase in brass. The decorations are handmade. Its signed by an unidentified maker to the base. It was made for export purposes d...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Hand-painted Flower Motif Porcelain Table Lamp, Qing Dynasty, China
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Hand-Painted flower motif porcelain table lamp, Qing dynasty, China, late 19th or early 20th century. This stunning cylinder-shaped table lamp has been expertly repurposed from a va...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Chinese Export Famille-Rose Enameled Covered Urns & Stands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Export Famille-Rose Enameled Covered Urns & Stands China, 20th Century A nice pair of intricately and vibrantly decorated famille-rose covered urns, would make bea...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Vase
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Famille Rose porcelain vase. Decorated with birds, flowers, and figures of the era with gold figures on neck and gold trim. Chinese signature mar...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Large Pair of Chinese Famille Rose Vases Mounted as Lamps.
Located in San Francisco, CA
each large vase modeled in the long ovoid form; the body painted in polychrome enamel depicting bold and colorful flowers, trees and butterflies under a geometric band at the shoulde...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Framed Antique Chinese Child Tiger-Head Hat
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely textile art was from Central-Northern China circa 1900s, known as "Tiger-head" hat, it was a lavishly made cotton with silk hat in form of tiger for baby boys with a wide...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Cotton, Silk, Plexiglass, Wood

Vintage Pair Chinese Pewter Guardian Foo Lions Hong Kong NG AN Signed Mid 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
Pair of vintage Chinese pewter guardian lions, in fierce sitting pose, with copper accents for sharp claws, and each topped with an adjustable height brass ball attached by a threade...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass, Pewter

Set of 6 Antique Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Plates
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 6 antique Chinese Export porcelain plates. In a Famille Rose pattern. Decorated through with birds, butterflies, and flowers. Gilt to the rim and with a gilt 'EES' ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Important Pair Chinese Peacocks 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
IMPORTANT CHINESE PEACOCKS 19th Century Pair of Chinese porcelain sculptures. polychrome decoration. Small flaws. Height: 82 cm. Good conditions.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Console Table
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
A refined and elegant Chinese hardwood console table, also known as a scroll table, dating to circa 1900. With its restrained proportions, subtle curves and finely worked details, th...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Antique Tibetan Hand Painted Buddhist Thangka
Located in Pomona, CA
Very beautiful and colorful Antique Tibetan Buddhist Thangka. It is all hand painted with Tibetan natural mineral painting material which can last for...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Fabric

20th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Condiment Set, c.1900
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early 20th Century Chinese novelty solid silver condiment set, comprising a pepperette, salt and mustard pot, fitted in a traders pushcart. Hallmarked Chinese Export Silver, ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Famille Rose Porcelain Garniture
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Five Piece Famille Rose Porcelain Garniture, circa 1730-1750 The garniture of five Chinese Export porcelain vases consists of three covered baluster vases and two ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Large V Shaped Venetian Wall Mirror in the Oriental Art Deco Style
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large V Shaped Venetian wall mirror in the Oriental Art Deco Style This is a very unusual piece, the sides have a V shaped slant, the top is od...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Asian Chinese wall sconce, painted birds, China, circa 1900
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Lantern-shaped wall sconce. Wooden structure carved with dragons. Glasses painted with birds and floral bouquets. China, circa 1900 In very good condition. Dimensions: height 43 c...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

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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