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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
Period: 20th Century
Important roller vase, umbrella/cane holder, China, Quing, Early 20th century
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Important porcelain roller / tube vase with polychrome decoration of birds and flowers. China, late Qing period, early 20th century. Excellent condition. Dimensions: Height 46 cm ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

A Large Pair of Chinese Blue and White Baluster-form Vases now as Lamps
Located in San Francisco, CA
each tall vase with flaring neck above a bulbous body ending in a splayed foot; adorned overall with hand-painted lappet perimeter bands and floral vines; raised on custom wooden pai...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Red & Black Lacquer Altar Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Striking black and red laquered Chinese vintage altar table having beautiful brass and copper accents and wonderful shape with one drawer, Makes a fabulous accent table.
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Hongxian Marked Story Bowl
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, Hongxian mark circa 1915-1916.
An antique famille rose porcelain story bowl marked with 4 character Hongxian stamp.
A...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese porcelain lamp decorated with flowers and peacocks, China, Early 20th
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Asian porcelain vase mounted as a lamp. Floral and animal decor: peacocks. China, first part of the 20th century. Very good condition, electricity OK. Dimensions: Height:40cm Diamet...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Chinese Export Style Elephant Form Garden Seats / Stools / Tables -2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century Chinese Export style elephant form garden seats or side tables. They have a vibrant majolica glaze in blue, green and gold and are ceramic/ pottery. The...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

3 Pc., Antique Chinese Export Wang Hing WH90 Sterling Silver Tea Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
Wang Hing (Chinese, 1854-1941), circa early 20th century. A 3 piece set of Chinese export silver tea service by renounced maker Wang ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Chinese reddish elm and bamboo scholar chairs
Located in London, GB
An attractive pair of reddish coloured bamboo and elm decorative scholar chairs.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large Pair of Antique Chinese Porcelain Foo Dogs
Located in Houston, TX
Large pair of antique Chinese porcelain foo dogs. Stunning pair of antique Chinese hand decorated porcelain foo dogs or foo lions. T...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Year of the Dragon Elaborate Hand Carved Stone Dragon Sculpture on Rosewood Base
Located in Tustin, CA
Intricately hand carved from a single block of richly variegated stone, this incredibly detailed and elaborate, Chinese sculpture is a true work of art. It features a dragon on a car...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Stone, Carnelian

Pair Antique Emperor & Empress Figure Figurine Statue Hand Painted Qing Dynasty
Located in Wayne, NJ
Sold as a Pair. Antique emperor and empress figure figurine statue hand \painted 12.5" Qing Dynasty. This is an old pair of Asian Figurines. They are heavy, so believe they must be s...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Mid 20th Century Chinese Export Porcelain Hand Painted Vase on Stand
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Mid 20th Century Chinese Export style decorative porcelain vase with stand, unbranded. A beautiful multi-color porcelain broad urn shaped vase with hand painted Chinoiserie scenes, a textured finish, and a separate decoratively carved round wood stand...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Wood, Paint

A Set of Four Hexagonal Blue & White Chinese Ginger Jar Form Lamps
Located in San Francisco, CA
each ginger jar decorated with individuals at varied pursuits with dragons, clouds, and floral vines
Category

1980s Asian Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Silver Filagree Gold Washed & Enamel Bird Motif & Coral Pagoda Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Silver Filagree Gold Washed and Enamel Bird Motif and Coral Pagoda Box China, circa 1900s, stamped 'Silver' An exquisite Chinese Silver Filigree Gold Washed and Enamel Bird ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Sterling Silver

Rare Black Lacquer Carved Wood Elephant Garden Seat End Table with Brass Tusks
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Super chic black laquered carved wood garden seat or drinks table having intricately carved seat, red lacquer highlights and marvelous brass tusks. Conversation piece in any room.
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artist-made koi is a traditional symbol of harmony and wealth. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The scales ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Vintage Chinese Ceramic Bust of Guanyin Kwan Yin Buddha On Wood Stand mid-20c
Located in Richmond, CA
This Chinese ceramic bust of Kwan Yin (Guanyin), the revered bodhisattva of compassion in Buddhist tradition, is a beautifully crafted representation of spiritual serenity and grace....
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pair Antique Chinese Carved Celadon Jade Guardian Lions ROC Early 20th Century
Located in Richmond, CA
This exquisite pair of celadon jade guardian lions hails from the early Republic of China period, a testament to the era's craftsmanship. The lions are intricately carved from high-q...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Jade

Pair of Terra Cotta Painted and Glazed Foo Dogs
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a dramatic, colorful large pair of Chinese foo dogs hand painted in rich tones of green, blue and gold, 20th century.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artisanal koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The f...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Chinese Cloisonne Vase on Stand with Floral Motif
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice Chinese cloisonne vase on stand with floral motif, circa 1970s. The vase is in very good condition with no dings or dents and measure 5.75"D x 11.75"H on a beautiful dark blue...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artist-made koi is a traditional symbol of harmony and wealth. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The scales ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Pair, Chinese Export Cloisonne Enameled Dragon Figurines on Stands
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, 20th century. A pair of Chinese export style cloisonne dragon figurines on stands. Each dragon is detailed with brass wiring and hand enamel decorated across the surfaces. ...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Pair of Chinese Export Famille Verte Jardinières 100 Antique Pattern, Late Qing
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Export Famille Verte Jardinières 100 Antique Pattern, Late Qing Period Circa 1900 Marked A magnificent pair of Chinese Ex...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Canton Vintage Enamel Gilt Dark-Green-Ground Jardinières
Located in Lomita, CA
The gilt design and gold trim details as well as the deep green ground make this set of Canton Chinese jardinieres unique. This lovely pair of estate sale jardinieres has scenes on b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Enamel

1980's Solid Brass Chinese Censer Pot Incense Burner
Located in Charlotte, NC
A vintage Chinese table top censer pot incense burner. Unsigned, artisan unknown. Solid brass of two pieces; round pot with serpent-like protrud...
Category

Late 20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Large Antique Tibetan Ghau Prayer Box With Three Buddha
Located in Pomona, CA
Ghau is a prayer box worn as pendant by Buddhists as portable shrines which can be pray by prayer during their travel. This large Ghau prayer box (travel Buddha...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver, Bronze

Mid-20th Century Chinese Hand Carved Cinnabar Vase
Located in Pomona, CA
This vase was made during the Mid-20th Century in Beijing. It is very unique with intricate carving works of landscaping and characters. The workmanship is superb. It is very rare t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Rosewood Mid Century Round Occasional Table
Located in Lomita, CA
The form of this rosewood circular table with delicate fretwork and graceful legs is rare and worth a second look. The outstanding feature aside from the design details is the dark c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Chinese Export White Porcelain Birds, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese Export porcelain bird sculptures. Dealer: S138XX
Category

20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Chinese Elaborate Gilt Cloisonné Foo Dog Censor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
20th Century Chinese Elaborate Gilt Cloisonné Foo Dog Censor A stunning 20th Century Chinese Elaborate Gilt Cloisonné Foo Dog Censor, a masterwork of later craftsmanship. This exqu...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal

Chinese Taihu Scholar Stone on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant Taihu scholar rock balanced on a custom wood stand, in a mushroom cloud form and full of grottoes. The weather-smoothed surface is of grayish...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Stone

20th Century Antique Tibetan Hand Painted 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...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Gilt Brass Mounted Celadon Porcelain Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
Mid 20th Century Chinese Gilt Brass Mounted Celadon porcelain lamp with molded elephant ring handles and matching finial. Harp and finial included. Molded blue floral motif throughou...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early Monumental Framed Chinese Ancestral Portraits -Guache on Paper , 76”h - S/
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of early Chinese ancestral portraits, male and female. The medium is guache on paper with soothing neutrals. The frames are taupe with iridescent tones. There is foxing...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood, Paint, Paper

Canton Chinese Porcelain Box
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Canton Chinese porcelain box. Chinese export. Circa 1920 origin China. Rectangular format. With internal divisions. Family Rosse style. Box...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Luen-Wo, Shanghai. Silver cup with handle. Relief dragon motif. 1930s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Luen-Wo, Shanghai. Silver cup with handle. Relief dragon motif. Handle resembling bamboo. Approximately from the 1930s. In excellent condition. Hallmarked. Dimensions: Height 7.5 cm...
Category

1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

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

20th Century Chinese Carved Cabinet with Carved doors
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese vintage display cabinet from the early 20th century, with carved upper doors and four drawers. Created in China during the early 20th-century period, this display cabinet features a linear silhouette perfectly complimented by a beautiful honey brown patina. Two see through upper doors open in the front to reveal inner shelves, while the ensemble is adorned with slightly raised panels on the four drawers in the middle section. on the lower section, there are two panel doors with one shelf inside for your storage. This vintage Chinese display cabinet...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Beech

Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Living Room Chairs Set
Located in Pomona, CA
This set of gorgeous Chinese Rosewood Carved Living room Chairs and table were made during early 20th century and still maintained its original condition, very smooth to touch, full ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Rosewood

Large Pair of Chinese Export Sancai Glazed Foo Dogs
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Pair of Chinese Export Sancai Glazed Foo Dogs China, 20th Century An exquisite, large-scale Sancai glazed pair of Foo Dogs, featuring elaborately decorated Foo Dogs with rema...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Vtg Oriental Chinese Asian Lacquered Figural Painted Mirrored Cabinet Curio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Striking & Unique Vintage Oriental Lacquered Storage Cabinet. The piece features lovely relief painted figures, a distress yellow painted finish, a mirrored back interior with 2 glas...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid 20th Century Chinese Wood Carved Kwan Yin Statuary
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent vintage Chinese Wood Carved Kwan Yin Statuary has intricate carving works. It is all hand made and hand carved Kwan Yin sitting under the tree and holding a flower i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Boxwood

Large Chinese Han Dynasty Style Pottery Stylized Foo Dog Joss/ Candlestick
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Chinese Han Dynasty Style Pottery Stylized Foo Dog Joss/ Candlestick China, 20th Century An impressive piece of Chinese artistry—a large, 20th-century copy of the Han Dynast...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonne Roosters
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Stand out pair of antique Chinese roosters handcrafted in enamel on copper or cloisonne in the traditional technique with bold colors of fauna and flora ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Zabihi Collection Vintage Chinese Dragon Rug
Located in New York, NY
A late 20th-century one of a kind hand-knotted Chinese rug with a dragon motif Measures: 5'2'' x 8'1''
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Bronze Chinese Pedestal Bowl
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage bronze Chinese pedestal bowl, circa 1950s. The bowl is in good vintage condition and measures 10"D x 3.75"H. The bronze has a great vintage patina and a wonderful look! #3408
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Mid 20th Century Chinese Wooden Carved Pagoda/Nine Dragons Wall
Located in Pomona, CA
The original Nine Dragon Wall was built during the reconstruction of Ningshou Palace in 1772. It is 29.4 meters long, 3.5 meters high and 0.45 meters thick. It is a single-sided glazed screen wall built against the palace wall. Very famous in Chinese history. Up for your consideration is a reproduction of wooden carved nine dragon wall for decoration only. It has very delicate carving works of nine dragons on the front and nine phoenixes on the back. Also, there are four dragon posts to support the roof. Look at the detailed photos, there are some minor wears due to the age. but it still maintained its very good condition. Size: 17in H x 22in W x 3.75in D Origin: China Circa: 1950s Material: Wood Condition: Original finish, detailed hand carving works, normal age wear. Disclaimer: Due to differences in monitor/screen settings, product colors may differ slightly between product photos...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique circa 1900 Hand Carved Chinese Camphor Wood Travelling Trunk
Located in Miami, FL
1900’s Chinese export Camphor wood travelling chest which has been ornately carved throughout A good looking and well made piece, this is a med...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Blue and White Brush Pot with Koi & Lotus
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush pot, or bitong, was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. This porcela...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Hand Painted in Hong Kong Chinese Style Hanging Wall Panel - Great White Herons
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Chinese style hand painted hanging wall panel. Untitled, (Great White Herons). Unsigned, artist unknown. Hand painted great white herons and florals on a wood panel with decorative...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Paint

Chinese Blanc De Chine Head of Buddha
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Blanc De Chine Head of Buddha China 20th Century A fine Chinese Blanc De Chine Head of Buddha from the 20th century. This finely made...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Blue and White Brush Pot with Shan Shui Landscape
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush pot, or bitong, was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. This porcela...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Dragons Rug
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Hand-knotted wool pile on a cotton foundation. Circa 1900 Dimensions: 9'3" x 11'7" Origin: China Condition: Excellent Field Color: Brown Border Color: Brown Accent Colors: Lig...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Chinese Porcelain Pastel Toned Famille Rose Vases - Mismatched Pair
Located in Glasgow, GB
Embrace the charm of these small, mismatched Chinese porcelain vases, likely crafted in the 1980s. While the maker remains unknown, as the vases are unstamped, their allure is unmist...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Chinese Export Style Italian Hand Painted Ceramic Asian Figures - 2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of Italian glazed ceramic Asian male and female figures. They are hand painted and signed. Their have vivid colors and gilt accents.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of 20th Century Canton Enamel Mandarin & Bird Motif Vases, Now as Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 20th Century Canton Enamel Mandarin & Bird Motif Vases, Now as Lamps An exquisite Pair of 20th Century Canton Enamel Mandarin & Bird Motif Vases, now transformed into lamp...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Copper

Gilt Chinese Hand Painted Folded Fan
Located in Lomita, CA
This hand painted gilt monumental folded Chinese Export fan is worth collecting. This is a vintage piece from the 1960s most likely. The fan is rea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Paper

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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