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.
$950Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Chinese Porcelain Vase Hand Painted
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage Chinese porcelain ornamental oriental vase dating from the early 1900s. The vase is entirely hand painted, depicting flowers and birds. The vintage Chinese porcelain vase...
Porcelain
Chinese Huge Pair Cloisonné Enamel Eggs "Hundred Butterflies" with Wood Stands
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a pair of huge and beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel eggs with intricated patterns of hundred butterflies made by hand seating on a wood stand, from the early 20 century....
Copper
Chinese Export Reverse Glass Portrait Painting of an Opium Maiden, circa 1830
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A wonderful and rare circa 1830 Chinese export reverse glass portrait painting of unusually large size of a lady in traditional robes holding a closed fan shown sat in front of black...
Iron
Large Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Filligree and Gilt Boat
Located in Norton, MA
A Large Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Filigree and Gilt Boat with Wood Base The sails with colorful enameled birds, resting on a conforming carved ...
Copper
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...
Brass
Pair of Chinese Glazed Terracotta Foo Dogs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Chinese Glazed Terracotta Foo Dogs or Foo Lions. Stunning antique Chinese foo dogs or foo lions which date to the 1920's. This unusual pair of Chinese export foo dogs with ex...
Terracotta
Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Tea Bowl, Kangxi Period or Later, Qing Dynasty
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This antique Chinese porcelain tea bowl dates to the Qing Dynasty and is attributed to the Kangxi period (1662–1722), or slightly later. The exterior is decorated in the famille rose...
Enamel
Fine Chinese Export Reverse Painting on Glass
Located in San Francisco, CA
A well-executed Chinese export reverse painting on glass depicting an elaborate interior scene with many figures engaged in various domestic activities. This is a finely drawn compos...
Glass, Paint
$1,195Sale Price|25% Off
19thc Chinese Export Rose Medallion Punch Bowl Large Size
Located in Savannah, GA
This lovely large size Chinese Export Rose Medallion punch bowl was hand painted in the first half of the 19th century with overglaze enamels of pink, green, blue, gold and yellow ov...
Ceramic
Antique Chinese Export Six Panel Watercolor Floor Screen, Hand-Painted
Located in Bradenton, FL
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Six Panel Floor Screen. This elegant Chinese folding screen presents in two three-panel sections, decorated on the front with hand-painted watercolo...
Paint, Paper
Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Double Happiness Temple Jar, circa 19th Century
Located in Bradenton, FL
This blue-and-white temple jar stands tall with broad shoulders that taper to a splayed base. Bordered by a simple meander at the neck, the jar is decorated with a dense pattern of o...
Porcelain
$2,628Sale Price|20% Off
Miniature Tureen and Platter Chinese Blue Canton Porcelain, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
This miniature 19th-century Chinese Blue Canton Porcelain Tureen is a great find from the Jiaqing period of the Qing dynasty. The tureen comes with an octagonal platter and matchin...
Porcelain
Stunning Pair of 19th Century Chinese Blue & White Table Lamps
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Handsome large pair of slightly different blue and white Chinese vase shaped antique table lamps having lovely decoration and wooden bases. Vases are 18.25 h One lamp is 32.5 h; the...
Ceramic
Antique Chinese Han Dynasty-Style Bronze Fluted Urn
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Han Dynasty-style copy of a patinaed bronze urn with ram head ornamentation below the fluted mouth, raised geometric patterns wrapping the body and a tapered circular...
Bronze
Chinese Export Blanc De Chine Style Tozai Porcelain Ginger Jar W/ Applied Roses
By Tozai Home
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Blanc de Chine style porcelain ginger jar hand crafted for Tozai Home. The body is porcelain, and the roses are hand applied. It is in very good condition.
Porcelain
Chinese Rose Medallion Umbrella Stand
Located in Bradenton, FL
Antique 19th Century Chinese rose medallion umbrella stand. Vibrant floral and figures in colors of pink, red, green, etc. on a white bac...
Porcelain
$696Sale Price|30% Off
Mid-Century Asian Style Wicker and Brass Blanket Chest
Located in Germantown, MD
A Mid-Century Asian Style Wicker and Brass Blanket Chest. Measures 32" in width, 16" in depth and 16" in height closed.
Brass
Chinese Qing Four Panel Carved Soapstone Coromandel Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Impressive Chinese late Qing dynasty four panel folding coromandel screen featuring carved soapstone. The lacquered panels are decorated with idyllic scenes of beauties in a pagoda p...
Soapstone, Brass
Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottle
Located in Vienna, AT
Very decorative, hand painted, Chinese snuff bottle, made from porcelain, circa 1940s. The bottle has a narrow neck with a cone shaped stopper. The main decoration is hand painted.
Porcelain
$1,819Sale Price|30% Off
20th Century Antique Tibetan Hand Painted Tall Credenza Storage Cabinet
Located in Pomona, CA
This Antique Tibetan Painted Cabinet is 100% hand made and hand painted using mineral painting which last the paint a much longer time. You can see some of the finish has already los...
Wood
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Large Antique Chinese Famille Rose Medallion Porcelain Platter 13.5"
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite antique Chinese Famille Rose Medallion platter, measuring 13.5 inches in diameter, showcases the intricate artistry and vibrant palette synonymous with Qing Dynasty ex...
Enamel
$316Sale Price|47% Off
Circa 1830-60 Blue Canton Chestnut Basket
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1830-60 Blue Canton reticulated chestnut basket, Chinese export. Fine condition, one bottom glaze flaw. Qing dynasty. Pure Western form. 10 7/8" x 9 3/4" x 4" h. Whitehall Ant...
Porcelain
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Chinese Import Style Wooden Plant Stand
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Chinese import style wooden plant stand, circa first half of 20th century. The stand is in very good vintage condition and measures 18"D...
Hardwood
Early 20th-Century Antique Chinese Erotic Porcelain Figurine
Located in Pomona, CA
These "spring palace paintings" (春宫畫), Chinese erotic porcelain figurine were historically given to brides and young couples, sometimes as a form of "sex education" in a culture wher...
Porcelain
Chinese Export Porcelain Armorial Dish, Arms Hutchinson impaling Calthrop
Located in Downingtown, PA
The Hutchinson & Calthrop Armorial Platter: The Massachusetts Link Circa 1755 This Chinese Export porcelain platter, dating to the Qianlong period, circa 1755, is painted in vibrant...
Porcelain
Circa 1891-1911 Chinese Export Rose Medallion Porcelain Tea Service
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1891-1911 Chinese export Rose Medallion porcelain tea service. Service for 6: cups & saucers, teapot, covered sugar & cream jug; each piece marked "China". C-scroll bamboo hand...
Porcelain
$2,384Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Chinese Republic Porcelain Panels, Scholars in Landscape, Inscribed
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair Chinese Republic Porcelain Panels, Scholars in Landscape, Inscribed China, 20th Century A beautiful pair of Chinese Republic period porcelain...
Brass
Rare Antique Ironstone Mason's Ashworth Chinoiserie Large Serving Platter
Located in New York, NY
Rare early antique Mason's Ashworth Ironstone Chinoiserie pattern hand enameled and transfer decorated large serving platter 19th Century Vibrant, joyful colors of orange, mulberry, ...
Ironstone
Pair of Rose Medallion Vases
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
Fine pair of 19th century rose medallion vases.
Ceramic
Antique Chinese Export Silver Cigarette Case
Located in New York, NY
Chinese export silver cigarette case, ca 1910. Curved and rectangular with push tab. On cover engraved tail-chasing dragon—all talons and horns and scaly serpentine body. Back plain....
Silver
$7,250 / set
Pair Of 19th Century Chinese Foo Dogs On Stands
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of 19th Century Chinese Foo Dogs On Stands. Stunning large pair of antique Chinese beautifully hand decorated glazed ceramic foo dog...
Ceramic
Chinese Export Six Panel Screen Circa 1920s, Hand-Painted Chinoiserie Garden
Located in Darien, CT
Elegant Chinese export six-panel folding screen, circa 1920s, decorated with a finely hand-painted watercolor scene of exotic birds among a garden landscape of flowering branches, pe...
Wood, Paper
Pair of Chinese Patriarch Matriarch Ancestral Portraits
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stately pair of Chinese export ancestor portraits depicting a patriarch and matriarch of high ranking official status. Both depicted sitting and wearing decorated robes and hats. Mou...
Silk, Plexiglass, Wood, Paper
Chinese Six-Panel Decorative Folding Screen, Circa 1780
Located in Charleston, SC
Chinese six-panel folding screen with decorative carved forest with standing and flying cranes, with reverse side depicting village and figures of people, terminating on brass square...
Chinese Export Four Panel Coromandel Screen Pastel Beauties
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous Chinese export four-panel coromandel screen featuring a courtyard scene of beauties engaged in leisurely activities. The lacquered panels are incised and painted in soft pas...
Brass
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Chinese Famille Verte Fishbowl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fine Chinese Famille Verte fishbowl, with rich plum enameled background, two finely painted court scenes, the interior painted with goldfish and ...
Porcelain
20th Sculpture of an Asiatic Man with Birds and Harlequin Motifs, Spain
Located in Miami, FL
This alluring statue will elevate any interior decor. Nimble and flexible yet astute and clever, this statue is here portrayed in the midst of a traditional dance. The masterful de...
Ceramic
$339Sale Price|30% Off
Early 20th-Century Antique Chinese Erotic Porcelain Figurine
Located in Pomona, CA
These "spring palace paintings" (春宫畫), Chinese erotic porcelain figurine were historically given to brides and young couples, sometimes as a form of "sex education" in a culture wher...
Porcelain
Pair 20th Century Chinese Export Famille Verte Porcelain Parrots, Kangxi Style
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Export Famille Verte Porcelain Parrots, Kangxi Style, Mid-20th Century A striking pair of Chinese export porcelain parrots, modeled in the Kangxi famille verte tradi...
Porcelain
20th Century, Chinese Porcelain Plates
Located in Miami, FL
20th century, Chinese porcelain plates
Ceramic
Pair, 19th Century Chinese Export "Thousand Butterfly" Porcelain Plates 9.5"
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, early 19th century. A pair of Chinese export porcelain "Thousand Butterfly" pattern porcelain plates. Each enamel decorated in the famille...
Porcelain
Chinese Kangxi Biscuit Porcelain Fu Lions, Sancai Glaze, 1700-1710
Located in Downingtown, PA
Sancai Guardians: Pair of Chinese Kangxi Biscuit Porcelain Fu Lions 1700-1710 A vibrant and expressive pair of Chinese glazed biscuit porcelain Fu Lions (often called "Foo Dogs" in...
Porcelain
$85,000 / set
19th Century Chinese Cloisonné Fu Dogs
Located in Houston, TX
An exceptional palatial quality pair of 19th century Chinese cloisonné Fu dogs featuring gold gilding over copper. Chinese cloisonné o...
Copper, Enamel
$278Sale Price|60% Off
1950s Mid-Century Chinese Rosewood+Brass Turtle Hinged Jewelry Box Chinoiserie
Located in Hyattsville, MD
An older mid-century Chinese export/souvenir Jewelry Box. Inside it has two removable separators, outside is has brass decorations, hinges, and a wond...
Brass
Chinese Faux Bamboo and Floral Motif Hat Stand Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese faux bamboo cylindrical porcelain vase, in a shape traditionally used as a hat stand in ancient China, decorated with a raised motif of a bird perched on a flowering branch. ...
Porcelain
$263Sale Price|30% Off
18thC Chinese Export Porcelain Bowl Hand Painted Famille Rose, Qing Ca 1780
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a hand painted Chinese export bowl from the late 18th century, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period, 1736-1795. We date this piece to...
Porcelain
Chinese Round Black Lacquer Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, likely 20th Century
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Chinese Round Black Lacquer Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, likely 20th Century Beautiful and useful 20th century. Chinese lacquer box of circular shape, the domed cover with flora...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Famille Verte Floor Vase On Stand
Located in Norwood, NJ
Large and colorful Famille Verte floor vas on stand with panels of scholars and children in teaching and contemplation. Applied Foo dog handles on neck. Vase height 23.5" Stand heigh...
Porcelain
$6,338Sale Price / set|24% Off
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...
Ormolu
Samson Porcelain Jardiniere
Located in Essex, MA
Bright enamels with birds and prunus. Interior decorated with carp and pinwheel lotus design. Stylized cinnabar red dragon heads on each side. From a Montecito California estate.
Porcelain
Vintage Chinese Willow Woven Fisherman Basket Asian Storage Container
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Chinese Willow Woven Fish or Grain Basket. Vintage Chinese fisherman basket hand woven from natural willow wood with removable lid. This woven reed fisherman’s basket was use...
Rattan, Wood
Chinese Export Type Porcelain Two Handled Foot Basin on Wood Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
A mid Century Chinese Export Porcelain Two Handled and painted Foot Basin on Wood Stand in great vintage c9 edition. No cracks, repair, whatsoever. Measures 18" in width, 10" in dept...
Porcelain, Wood, Paint
PAIR OF ANTIQUE CIR 1920 CHiNESE CHINOISERIE LACQUERED & GILT NIGHTSTAND TABLES
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of Antique Chinese Export Lacquered & Gilt Chinoiseries nightstand side table drawers ...
Wood
$1,320Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Chinese Export Hardwood and Marble Pedestals
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese export hardwood and marble pedestals, each one of square form with inset marble tops, on subtly carved pedestal bases with lower stretchers.
Marble
Porcelain Blanc de Chine Guanyin statue, China circa 1900 - 51cm
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A porcelain Blanc de Chine Guanyin statue standing on a fine lotus flowers and leaves decoration ; China circa 1900. This is a tall piece to place on a large mantel or a commode, the...
Porcelain
$716Sale Price / set|20% Off
A Collection, Two Pair of Turquoise Chinese Export Foo Dogs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Collection of Two Pairs of Turquoise Chinese Export Foo Dogs China, 20th century An instant collection of two pairs of Chinese export porcelain f...
Porcelain
Chinese Export Four Panel Lacquered Coromandel Dressing Screen Room Divider
Located in Doylestown, PA
Chinese export smaller scale four-panel lacquered dressing screen room divider with hand-painted decoration on both sides. One side depicts a charming continuous pavilion scene with...
Metal
Striking Turquoise Pair of Chinese Porcelain Bluebirds
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Pair of Chinese porcelain bluebirds having turquoise bodies and aubergine bases.
Porcelain
Chinese Inside-painted Glass Snuff bottle with Silver Metal, Early 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Inside-painted Glass Snuff bottle with Silver Metal, Early 20th Century Description: The scene depicted is a version of the famous classical Chinese painting "Along the Ri...
Metal
Chinese Rose Medallion, Monumental Floor Vase, Porcelain, Gilt, China, 20th c.
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese Rose Medallion, Monumental Floor Vase, Porcelain, Gilt, China, 20th c. A monumental floor vase likely dating to the mid-late Qing Dynasty period in China. Illegible marking ...
Porcelain