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.
$2,500 / item
Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Pots
Located in Queens, NY
2 Asian Chinese-style (20th Century) blue and white porcelain jardinieres with scenes (PRICED EACH)
Porcelain
Pair of 19th Century Famille Verte Chinese Export Crackle Ware Vase Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 19th century Famille Verte Chinese Export porcelain crackle ware vase lamps on carved hardwood square bases. Entirely hand decorated, each slightly different from the other. ...
Ceramic, Hardwood
$2,560 / set
Pair of Chinese Glazed Elephant Garden Seats
Located in Chicago, IL
These vintage ceramic garden seats are sculpted in the shape of regal elephants and glazed in high gloss shades of chocolate brown and cornflower blue. Each elephant is adorned in pr...
Ceramic
Hand painted Chinese Watercolor Gouache Peonies with Butterflies, Stunning 1950s
Located in Lomita, CA
A stunning Chinese hand-painted artwork featuring lush peonies and butterflies, this elegant composition evokes the grace and symbolism of traditional East Asian floral painting. Exe...
Paper
$357Sale Price|20% Off
18thC Chinese Sparrow Beak Jug Porcelain Hand Painted Famille Rose, Ca 1775
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good Chinese Export Sparrow Beak Jug or Pitcher, all hand painted in the Famille Rose palette and dating to the 18th century, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period, 1736-1795. We d...
Porcelain
Antique Blue & White Chinese Export Canton Porcelain Wine Beaker or Cup
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Chinese export porcelain cup. In the Canton pattern. With a white ground decorated in underglaze blue. The exterior of the cup depicts Chinese buildings and plants. The ...
Porcelain
$1,960 / set
Pair of Chinese Square Stone Garden Lanterns
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural lanterns of carved stone or wood are traditionally placed throughout Buddhist temple grounds or courtyard gardens to contrast lush foliage and cast light on their surround...
Limestone
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Green Jadeite Quartz Lamp
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A relatively large Chinese carved stone lamp mounted on a stepped brass and a carved wood base. The carved stone is often referred to as Jadeite or Quartz but is in fact from the flu...
Quartz
Late 19th Century Chinese Famille Verte Vase / Lamp
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality late 19th century Chinese Famille Verte vase/lamp. Having classical green motif and symbol decoration, mythical dog of faux handles either side. Mounted on a gilded wo...
Porcelain
1950s Pair Of Chinese Hand Made Cloisonné Enamel Vases On Carved Hardwood Stands
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1950s Pair Of Hand Made Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Vases On Hardwood Stands in mint condition. Come with original box. No imperfections whatsoever. Measure 5" in diameter and stand 1...
Brass
$487Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Chinese Bronze Eleven-Headed Avalokiteshvara, Kwan-yin Sculpture
Located in Pomona, CA
This sculpture is a bronze depiction of the Eleven-Headed, Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara (known as Sahasrabhuja Ekadasamukha Avalokiteshvara), the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion...
Bronze
Pr Faux Swedish Porphyry Ceramic Covered Vases w/ Sea Creatures Design in Relief
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large and extremely decorative Chinese export faux Swedish Porphyry ceramic covered vases with various sea creature designs in high relief. These are truly a gorgeous pair ...
Ceramic
Chinese Export Silver Openwork Bowl by Wan Hing & Co, Hong Kong, 1890
Located in Sarasota, FL
Chinese silver repousse and openwork bowl, decorated with dragons and flaming pearl. The bowl is marked on the bottom with a Chinese character, "90" for silver purity, and " WH" for ...
Silver
Mid-Century Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Vase and Pedestal, a Set
Located in Germantown, MD
A set of Chinese blue and white porcelain vase / jardiniere, also referred to as a chinoiserie vase with a matching pdestal . This set of porcelain pedestal and matching vase / jard...
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Bogu Etagere Shelf, Carved Wood with Red Accents
Located in Queens, NY
"Chinese Bogu wooden etagere featuring open display shelving connecting ornately carved, red framed doors, two red drawers with golden foliage ornamenta...
Wood
Pair of Antique Homunculus Sculptures with wood base
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Unique and charming set of homunculus type figures on wooden base. Unknown origin and date but probably early 20th century. See pics
Wood
$1,032Sale Price|40% Off
Heavily Carved Chinese Export Occasional Centre Table Black Lacquered Finish
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning heavily carved and black lacquered Chinese export oval centre table, circa 1900. A very good looking and well made piece, carved a...
Teak
$221Sale Price|25% Off
19th Century Antique Chinese Wooden Rice Measure Bucket, Dou
Located in Pomona, CA
This primitive Antique Chinese Official Wooden Rice Measure Bucket "Dou" is 100 percent hand made and has about 140 years history. You can see the joints are secured by antique metal...
Wood
$2,100 / item
Chinese Black Framed Embroidery Wall Hangings
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese style (19th Century) black framed embroidery wall hangings with blue background (PRICED EACH)
Beautiful Chinese Lacquered Coffee Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful black lacquered Oriental style coffee table having gold detailed landscape embellishments. The legs are wonderfully shaped with Chinese flair. RR
Wood
Table lamp Rosewood - Shoulao - God of Longevity Prosperety - China
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful large antique Chinese sculpture of the god of luck Shou Lao/Shouxing Lao the immortal, with crane. Silver inlay . God of Longevity cut from heavy rosewood. Dates back to t...
Rosewood
Antique Chinese Porcelain Ginger Jars, Foo Dog Design, Circa 1850
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Antique Chinese (late 19th-early 20th Century) porcelain lidded ginger jars with a pattern featuring swirling orange foo dogs against a gray-beige background. (PRICED AS PAIR...
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Export Blue & White Canton Porcelain Leaf Dish or Vide Poche
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese Export porcelain bowl or vide poche. In the Canton pattern. In a leaf-shaped form. Decorated in underglaze blue with a mountainous Chinese village with hous...
Porcelain
Antique Famille Rose Porcelain Immortal Figurine Sculpture, 19th Century
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an Antique Famille Rose Porcelain of Immortal. The statue is decorated in polychrome enamels and features ...
Ceramic
Pair of Chinese Tiered Teak Carved Side Tables Cabinets
Located in Germantown, MD
An absolutely gorgeous pair of Chinese tiered teak carved side tables cabinets. Versatile use. May be used as side table s in the living room, family room ...
Teak
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Chinese Carved Gilt Wood & Polychrome Decorated Figure
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite antique Chinese figure, carved from wood and adorned with gilding and polychrome decoration, showcases the exceptional artistry of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. L...
Giltwood
Mid Century Rose Medallion Porcelain Enamel Vase
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid Century Rose Medallion Porcelain Enamel Vase Measures 6 " in width, 6" in depth and 12" height
Brass, Enamel
Late 19th-Early 20th Century Chinese Roof Tile
Located in Houston, TX
Late 19th-Early 20th Century Chinese Roof Tile. Our lovely antique Chinese glazed pottery or porcelain roof tile depicts a warrior ridin...
Clay, Pottery
$2,068Sale Price|20% Off
Chinese Small Carved Dragons And Phoenix Jade Plaque
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Chinese small jade plaque. It depicts an almost square carved jade plaque with several dragons and phoenixes.
Jade
Doris Leslie Blau Vintage Chinese Abstract Yellow Hand-Knotted Silk Rug
Located in New York, NY
A captivating example of early 20th-century Chinese textile artistry, this vintage rug, dating from the 1910s, reflects the refined aesthetics and symbolism of its time. Hand-knotted...
Silk
Antique Chinese Export Blue & White Canton Porcelain Leaf Dish or Vide Poche
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese Export porcelain bowl or vide poche. In the Canton pattern. In a leaf-shaped form. Decorated in underglaze blue with a mountainous Chinese village with hous...
Porcelain
Early English William Whiteley Ltd of London Ironstone Imari Plates, S/10
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely set of early 20th century English ironstone Imari plates by William Whitely Ltd. of London. There are no chips or cracks, and ...
Ironstone
1900s Antique Korean Brass Fish Locks Set of Four
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1900s Antique Korean Brass Fish Locks Set of Four Fish Shaped Lock 7.13 h x 3.5 w x 1.13 d Unrestored original vintage condition See all images for condition.
Metal, Brass
Chinese Hand-Carved Pink Coral Figure of Guanyin on Hardwood Base, Circa 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
A finely hand-carved Chinese sculpture depicting Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, expertly rendered in natural pink coral and mounted upon a carved hardwood stand. The serene ...
Pink Coral
Antique Lowestoft Chinese Export Famille Rose Porcelain Make-Do Teapot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Chinese export porcelain teapot. With pink painted floral decoration throughout. The original spout has been replaced with a ma...
Silver
Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Flowers" with Wood Stand, Early 20th Century
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg depicting flora theme with a wood stand, early 20th century. #5
Copper
ANTIQUE CIRCA 1920's CHINESE CHINOISERIE HAND PAINTED WARDROBE PART OF SUITE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely original Circa 1920's Chinese Chinoiserie hand painted double wardrobe which is part of a large ...
Wood
Green Glazed Sancai Blossom Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural and drenched in color, this ceramic garden seat reinvents the barrel shape of classic Chinese drum stools. Slip casted in low relief, the stool has six sides, each decorat...
Ceramic
Large Rond Jewelry Box, Color with with Internal Compartments, Japan 19th
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is an rond large box. It has been decorated with gilted drawing. It has been made in Japan, during the 19th Century. In red and gold color. It is a jelwery box.
Wood
$2,063 / set
Set Of Six Chinese Rice Paper Paintings Of Boats
Located in London, London
A charming set of six Chinese school paintings depicting traditional boats at sea, each delicately rendered on paper and presented in matching frames. Each composition focuses on a ...
Paper
18th Century Chinese Export Famille Rose Tureen with Lid & Underplate
Located in Atlanta, GA
18th century Chinese Export Famille rose tureen with lid & underplate.
Porcelain
20th Century Vintage Chinese Bronze Incense Burner
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Antique Carved Bronze incense burner has very detailed hand craft works around the body, elephants trunk as legs and handle and lotus bud on the lid of incen...
Bronze
Chinese Export Trompe L'oeil Porcelain Model of a Peach
Located in Downingtown, PA
"Symbol of Immortality": Large Chinese Export Porcelain Trompe L'oeil Peach (Altar Fruit) Circa 1850 A striking and unusually large Chinese Export porcelain model of a peach, datin...
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Han Dynasty-Style Lidded Bronze Ritual Wine Vessel
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Han Dynasty-style verdigis bronze ritual wine vessel with raised archaistic patterns, accented with two rings and topped with a lid bearing three bird-form finials.
Bronze
Antique Chinese Export Porcelain Kangxi Blue Ginger Jar with Phoenix & Birds
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese export porcelain ginger jar. With a white ground and blue decoration. With a depiction of a Chinese phoenix (Fènghuáng, 鳳凰) amongst the clouds, along with de...
Porcelain
Vintage Chinese Famille Noire Porcelain Ovoid Ginger Jar with Lid
Located in Doylestown, PA
Vintage Chinese Famille Noire porcelain ginger jar with lid, c. 1920-30s. Impressive ovoid shape jar hand painted with vibrant colors on matte black glaze. Each side features a pict...
Porcelain
Antique Blue & White Chinese Export Canton Porcelain Wine Beaker or Cup
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Chinese export porcelain cup. In the Canton pattern. With a white ground decorated in underglaze blue. The exterior of the cup depicts Chinese buildings and plants. The ...
Porcelain
Magnificent Large Carved Antique Chinese Cabinet Console from Fujian Province
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Magnificent multi drawer and compartment antique console cabinet from the Fujian Province of China, having meticulously carved wood in a wonderful combination of painted slightly dis...
Wood
Chinese Large Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Flowers" with Wood Stand #12
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a large and beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg depicting flowers and bird with a wood stand, early 20 century.
Copper
South East Asian Elmwood Six-Drawer Altar / Console Table
Located in Germantown, MD
South East Asian / Korean Elmwood Five-Drawer Altar / Console Table fully Finished on all sides. Measures 35" in width, 15" in depth and 33.25" in height.Very good vintage condition.
Brass
$490Sale Price / set|38% Off
Chinese Export Tea Bowl with Stand, Canton Rose Medallion, Circa 1830
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a fairly small Chinese Export Tea Bowl, all hand decorated in the Canton Famille Rose Medallion pattern and comes complete wit a carved...
Porcelain
C. 1770 Ch'ien Lung Period Chinese Export Porcelain Set of 6 Plates
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1770 Chinese Export Porcelain Set of 6 Octagonal Plates. Ch'ien Lung period. From the service of Dacre impaling Weldon. See Howard, Vol. I, 1974, p.610. For Trevor imapling Wel...
Porcelain
Large Jewellery Box, with a Mirror Inside, Vietnam from the End of 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Large box from Vietnam. Manufactured at the end of the 19th century. Red in color slightly pinkish, with magnificent fish decorations in white and yellow colors. This box locks, the ...
Mirror, Wood
Boy in the Window pattern Punch Bowl
Located in Huntington, NY
Boy in the Window pattern Punch Bowl punch bowl, circa 1800, printed and painted with the 'Boy in the window' pattern in Chinese export Famille Rose style, script mark in blue , 11....
Porcelain
$296Sale Price|25% Off
Mid-20th Century Chinese Bronze tripod Incense Burner (Censer)
Located in Pomona, CA
The item in the image is a vintage Chinese-style incense burner, crafted from bronze. These vessels are used in meditation and ritual practices to burn lose incense, cones. It is a t...
Brass
Japanese 19th Century Scalloped Imari Porcelain Dish or Charger
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Japanese Dish or Charger, made in Japan at the beginning of the 19th century. With beautiful colors in red blue and white. The Item is in good condition.
Porcelain
Chinese Navy Glazed Porcelain Parrot Statue
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese glazed porcelain statue of a navy blue parrot with a brown beak and talons perched atop green grasses.
Porcelain
$1,824Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Peking Chinese Runner, Handmade Oriental Rug, Circa 1870, Ivory and Blue
Located in Port Washington, NY
This exquisite Antique Chinese runner, woven in the distinguished Peking style circa 1870, features a rare and sought-after white and blue color palette. The piece measures approxima...
Wool
Chinese Ancestor Painting on Pith Paper, Faux Bamboo Frame
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Ancestor Painting on Pith Paper, in Faux Bamboo Frame. This refined painting exemplifies the traditional ancestor portraiture commiss...
Faux Bamboo, Paper
Early-20th Century Chinese Hand made Cloisonne Dragon Incense Burner
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent, exquisite and rare large Chinese Cloisonne incense Burner has gold gilt dragon on the top of the lid and three gilt ...
Metal