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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
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Color Painted Black Twin Cabinet, Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese antique color painted shan xi twin cabinet has about 130 years history. You can easily identify that on the pictures. This cabinet has beaut...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Lovely Vintage Chinese Wine Side Table Cabinet with Bottle & Glass Storage
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely decorative wine / drinks chest with top space for glasses. A very nice and decorative piece, it seems to...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Chinese Carved Rosewood Altar Table, Console, Sofa Table
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 39 1/2in H x 80 1/2in W x 20in D Origin: China Circa: 1960 Material: Rosewood Condition: Original finish, solid wood construction, hand carved, very heavy and sturdy, norma...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Early 20 Century Chinese Rosewood Panels, Wall Hanging with Jade Inlay Picture
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a set of 3 panels Chinese antique Rosewood with Jade inlay Panels. They were hand made and hand painted. It features beautiful detailed carved painting and jade inlay of Chinese traditional design - 8 immortals...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

19th Century Bronze Mounted Rose Medallion Lidded Urns
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century rose medallion covered urns with beautifully cast dore bronze French mountings. In excellent condition. Lids are not removable.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Set of Six Chinese Canton Watercolors on Pith Paper Depicting Royals
Located in Bradenton, FL
A charming and rare set of six Chinese gouaches of male and female nobility in various costumes, with attendants, painted on pith paper. Beautifully framed and matted. During the 18...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Paper

Matched Pair of Chinese Jingdezhen Famille Rose Porcelain Vases, Zhi Mark
Located in London, GB
A matched pair of Chinese Famille Rose Jingdezhen vases. One with enamelled decoration in pink and green, depicting a peacock on rockery and peony bran...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Modern Chinese Cloisonné Vase, White Background and Butterflies
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Modern Chinese cloisonné vase, white background and butterflies, enameled with numerous butterflies and floral reserves, standing 12.5" high x 6" diameter x 4" base and 3" opening.  
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Rare Original Chinese Herbal Apothecary’s 25 Drawer Chest.
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Rare Original Chinese Herbal Apothecary’s 25 drawer chest. This is a Chinese Apothecary Cabinet it was once used by a Herbal Physician to keep the he...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Japanese Imari Porcelain Trumpet Neck Floor Vase, 1930, Samourai
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Japanese Imari floor vase offer porcelain construction with each vessel having ruffled rim, hand painted allover floral enamel decoration and...
Category

1930s Japanese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

His and Hers Pair of 19th Century Chinese Hardwood Arm Chairs
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Pair of 19th century Chinese hardwood arm chairs Absolutely gorgeous pair of skillfully executed hand carved with their elegant lines and the beautiful Lacquer finish, these 19th century Chinese chairs will bring a touch of exoticism to any home, whether placed in an office, living room or bedroom. This a marriage of two similar Chinese 1800’s...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Shanxi Province Ming Dynasty Opium Bed Elm and Rattan Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Ming Dynasty Opium Bed Elm and Rattan Coffee Table This Shanxi Province elm and woven rattan top Ming dynasty opium bed has been converted into a table. The ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Elm

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

Chinese White and Blue Dragon Motif Porcelain Floor Urn
Located in New York, NY
Chinese large white porcelain floor urn decorated with a blue dragon and cloud motifs and accented with dragon ornamentation around the opening.       
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Off-White and Navy Blue Bird Motif Porcelain Urn
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese (Late 19th Century) off-white, porcelain urn with a navy blue bird amid florals and two blue scrolled handles along the neck.   
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Red Lacquer Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province elmwood red Lacquer cabinet This tall cabinet has 2 drawers and 3 shelves. Circa: 1900 Dimensions: W: 40" D: 18" H: 57".
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

A Chinese Inlay Carved Marble Top Coffee
Located in New Haven, CT
A beautiful Chinese teakwood and white marble coffee table, circa 1950. The original top is a single slab of white marble and depicted is a hand carved relief...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Carrara Marble

Antique circa 1920 Chinese Export Floor Standing Bell with Wrought Iron Stand
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite circa 1920 Chinese Export floor standing bell on wrought iron stand A very well made and decorative...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Vintage Art Deco Handmade Blue Chinese Wool Rug with Medallion Motif
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful Chinese art Deco wool rug hand-knotted wool rug with a navy blue field. This Piece has a red frame and multicolor accents in a gorgeous traditi...
Category

1950s Tibetan Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wool

Chinese White and Blue Character Lidded Ginger Jar Vases
Located in New York, NY
3 antique Chinese (Late 19th Century) similar ceramic ginger jars with blue floral designs surrounding bold, centered characters and geometric patterned bands leading to brown rustic...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
This square ceramic block is actually a form of Chinese headrest or neck pillow. Popular during the Qing dynasty, rigid headrests such as this were used by upper-class women to prote...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Square Side Table, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province elm square side table - pair These rare side tables are from the Shanxi Province of China. They are made of elm and have their original color and patina. ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

19th Century Antique Chinese Square Dining Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous Chinese antique square dining table (called “Ba Xian” in Chinese, meaning eight immortals) is made from solid beech wood. Mad...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Beech

Chinese Export Ceramic Jardiniere Cache Pot Canton Rose Medallion, Ca 1820
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a fairly large, Chinese Export cache pot or jardiniere all hand decorated in the Canton Famille Rose Medallion pattern, dating to the early 19th Century of the Qing period, Circa 1820...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Chinese Porcelain Famille Rose Elephant Candle Holders
Located in Bradenton, FL
A large pair of Chinese export porcelain famille rose elephant candle holders. 20th century, white porcelain elephant wearing a riding blanket d...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Canton Famille Rose Large Baluster Vase, Qing Dynasty, Ca. 1840
Located in Banner Elk, NC
A large Canton Famille rose baluster vase, of baluster form, with a tall waisted neck, an everted scalloped rim, the neck and shoulders with applied paired confronting Foo lions and ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue Glazed Tripod Censer
Located in Chicago, IL
Censers have been used for thousands of years in Chinese culture as an element of prayer, ritual, and funerary rites. Placed within a shrine and filled with burning incense, the censer issues fragrant smoke that the duration of the ritual and acts as an offering to one's ancestors or religious deities. This round ceramic incense burner...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Export Kangxi Period Teapot Hand Painted Imari Pattern, Circa 1710
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good early Chinese Teapot and matching cover from the Qing Dynasty, Kangxi period ( 1662 to 1722) which we date to Circa 1710. The teapot has a globular form on a sho...
Category

Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Eight Panel Coromandel Screen Six Beauties
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare and unusual Chinese export eight panel lacquered coromandel screen depicting six beauties. The scene is bordered by a walled pavilion with pagodas and trees. The women appear to...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Chinese Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
This small ceramic block is actually a form of Chinese headrest or neck pillow. Popular during the Qing dynasty, rigid headrests such as this were used by upper-class women to protect their elaborate hairstyles by elevating the head during slumber. This example dates to the late 20th century and is glazed in the blue-and-white style with a stencil-transfer design. Each side of the headrest has a quadrilobe cartouche framing two mythical fu lions playing with a brocade ball, a motif that evokes the idiom "may you and your descendant achieve high rank." A powerful and benevolent guardian, the fu lion (shizi) is the perfect force to protect against nightmares and bad energy. The playful scene is surrounded by a cracked ice pattern dotted with plum blossoms, symbols of winter and longevity. A geometric meander trims the corners and small bats frame coin...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Vases
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of mid 20th century Chinese cloisonné over ceramic vases. This fun and whimsical pair depicts carp fish in a water scene with possible lotus leaf or lily pad and other water cre...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Lacquer Double Sided Qing Dynasty Drum with Wooden Stand and Drum Sticks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful piece! two sided with leather hand painted snare on two sides trimmed in nail heads. The collapsable wooden stand, while making the piece complete, can be put aside and t...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Antique Tibetan Painted Dragon Tall Cabinet
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 78.5in H x 33in W x 18in D Door opening: 13.5in H x 24in W each Origin: Lhasa, Tibet Circa: 1900 - 1940 Material: Wood Condition: Original finished, Hand made, Hand Paint....
Category

Early 20th Century Tibetan Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Mid-Century Style Decoupage Table Lamps with Birds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout pair of table lamps crafted in glass in a classic form featuring a reverse decoupage technique with birds, bugs and berries presented in brass hardware.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Chinese Export Silver Bamboo Mug
Located in New York, NY
Chinese export silver mug, ca 1850. Straight and upward tapering sides applied with leafing bamboo on stippled ground. Branch-form handle and rims. Applied rondel engraved with single-letter monogram in buckled belt. On underside is engraved “H. J. T. / 1855”. Interior gilt washed. Chinese mark...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Antique Shanxi Province Winged Elmwood Sideboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province winged elmwood sideboard This elmwood winged sideboard with original brown lacquer and patina has 4 drawers, 4 shelves, an...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm, Lacquer

Late 19th Century Antique Chinese 2-Drawer Carved Side Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful carved Table has lot of detailed deep/raised carving works on the front and open carved works on the bottom. This table features two big drawers with antique hardware....
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Kang Style Black Linen Wrapped Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Kang style black linen wrapped elm coffee table This antique elm wood coffee table has black lacquer applied in several layers over hand woven linen...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Linen, Elm, Lacquer

Bronze Chinese Foo Dogs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Asian Bronze and Inlaid Glass Foo Dogs or Kylin Dragon, probably Chinese, circa 1950s or earlier. They retain their warm original patina. These were purchased from the Manhattan estate of a Japanese American that traveled extensively through Asia in the 1940s-1960s purchasing antiques in China...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Porcelain Plate From India Company 18th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Beautiful small white porcelain plate decorated with different flowers such as petunias and phlox. Leaves seem to fly. A small plum is hidden on the back of the plate. We discover a work of extreme finesse. The lines are very fine and delicate. The arrival of porcelain in Europe was linked to the development of shipping and international trade. Porcelain was very popular in Europe because of its lightness and durability. The importation from China is linked to the lack of mastery of this technique by the Europeans. The French, Dutch and British East India...
Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Famille Rose 'Wu Shuang Pu' Platter
Located in Bradenton, FL
This rare Chinese porcelain platter is boldly decorated and to the top with heroic characters from the 'Wu Shuang Pu', the Table of Peerless Heroes, each ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

PAIR OF CUPS WITH SAUCER 18th century
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF CUPS WITH SAUCER 18th century Chinese export porcelain, Qianlong reign (1736-1795). Decoration in famille rose and gold tones representing the crucifixion of Christ...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Large Italian 'Blanc De Chine' Figural Lamps
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A pair of large Italian “BLANC DE CHINE” Figural lamps By D. Poloviato for Capodimonte Mid 20th century. Both modelled in white-glazed ceramic in continental chinoiserie style, wearing chinese robes...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Commode 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Chinese commode early twentieth century. Black lacquered and decorated to asian taste. Signed. Good condition. Circa 1900. Measures: 110x55x85 cm. Good condition.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Chinese Elm Tall Tea / Side Table with Decorative Feet
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese Elm tall tea / side table with Decorative Feet This Vintage tall tea table/side table ia made of elm and has unique decorative feet. This table has its original co...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Lacquer, Elm

TERRINE WITH LID 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
TERRINE WITH LID 18th Century Chinese porcelain from the India Company during the Qianlong reign (1736-1795). Polychrome and gilded decoration. Flower-shaped cover handle. Wear. Sma...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Natural Elm Tall Tea / Side Table with Decorative Feet
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese Natural Elm Tall Tea / side table with Decorative Feet This Vintage tall tea table/side table ia made of elm and has unique decorative feet. This table has its ori...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Pair Antique Chinese Hand-Painted Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair antique Chinese hand-painted vases will make a colorful addition to your decor. Using several shades of green combined with blue and a brick red, a scene of entertaining at the ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Carved Bone Turtle
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical turtle sculpture or object of art crafted in carved bone with an organic palette and amusing stylized form.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bone

Vintage Chinese Elm Display Cabinet / Bookcase, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese elm display cabinet/bookcase - pair. These pair of vintage Chinese elm display cabinets have 10 square cubbies that double as shelves. Great display cabinets and can...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Antique 1880 Heavily Carved Chinese Dragon Carver Armchair Must See Pictures
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original 19th century Chinese Dragon heavily carved carver armchair This chair is a pi...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Tibetan Bronze Standing Gilt Bronze Buddha Offering Protection
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tibetan bronze standing gilt bronze buddha offering protection China, 20th century A fine example, the Buddha standing on lotus base with the "no fear" abhaya mudra, the figure is ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Antique Chinese Wooden Carved Altar/Buddha House/Shrine
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 43in H x 38in W x 18 1/2in D two door opening: 20in H x 8 1/2in W four door opening: 20in H x 17in W Origin: Shan Xi, China Circa: 1900 - 1920 Material: Wood Condition: Solid wood construction, sturdy, hand carved, well balanced. Normal age wear This gorgeous Antique Chinese Carved Altar/Buddha Shine is 100% hand made and hand carved from Cypress wood. It has over 150 years history and made in imitation of a real Buddhist temple, even has a scaled down version of the real roof. It has beautiful hand carving works of Chinese traditional folks art, Buddhist floral on the door panels and top. There are 6 panels door on the front that can be opened/removed by two, four or even all six panels let you pray Buddha...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Cypress

19th Century Antique Chinese Ming Style Cabinet/Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 33.5in H x 34.5in W x 22in D Drawer: 4.5in H x 12in W x 17in D Door opening: 18in H x 29in W Origin: China Circa: 1850 - 1900 Material: Wood Condition: Solid wood construction, Well balance, sturdy, normal age wear. Description: This beautiful antique cabinet...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Chinese Blue and White Fu Lion Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
This small ceramic block is actually a form of Chinese headrest or neck pillow. Popular during the Qing dynasty, rigid headrests such as this were used by upper-class women to protec...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

20th-C. Chinese Export Imari Style Blue and Orange Garden Seats / Tables, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are lovely. They are a pair of late 20th century Imari or Chinese Export style garden seats or side tables. They have vibrant hand painted blue and Orange hues on a white backg...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Miniature Mottle Glazed Bottle Shaped Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine quality Chinese miniature vase decorated in mottled glazes dating from the latter 19th or 20th century. The stoneware vase stands raised on a narrow round foot and is of tall ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique circa 1900 Hand Carved Chinese Camphor Wood Travelling Trunk Nice Finish
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very nice circa 1900’s Chinese export Camphor wood travelling chest which has been ornately carved throug...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

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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