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.
Chinese Export Porcelain "Queen Charlotte" Pattern Tea Bowl & Saucer, Kangxi Per
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain Tea Bowl and Saucer Kangxi Period, Early 18th Century This finely potted Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer is decorated in a striking polychrome ...
Porcelain
$1,169Sale Price|35% Off
Early 20th Century Chinese Hand Painted Rose Medallion Temple Vase
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Rose Medallion Tall vases also know as "Export Porcelain" vase. It was hand made and hand painted at about 1910 - 1920 with gilt foo dog handles and dragons to neck and shoulder. The vase body is decorated with hand painted courtly figures, floral and exotic birds. This large temple vase...
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Export Blue & White Canton Porcelain Reticulated Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese Export porcelain tray or platter. In the Canton pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue. With a reticulated rim and blue underglaze border decoration. The ce...
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
Pair Of Chinese Turquoise Glazed Porcelain Foo Dogs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Chinese Turquoise Glazed Porcelain Foo Dogs. A large pair of Chinese turquoise glazed foo dogs dating from the first half of the 20th c...
Porcelain
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
Mid 20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Long Bench, Sofa
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous Vintage Chinese Rosewood Carved Long Bench, Sofa has about 70 years history and still has its original condition, very smooth to touch, full of patina. It was hand made...
Rosewood
$880Sale Price|20% Off
20" x 12" Tang Horse Sculpture by Austin Studios
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is an Austin Studios Production sculpture. It depicts a Tang period horse. It's cast in durastone.
Stone
19th Century Large Chinese Famille Rose Medallion Porcelain Punch Bowl
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Famille Rose Medallion Porcelain Bowl. Large bowl is hand-painted and richly adorned with figural court scenes, floral reserves, birds, and an ornate profusion of butterflies...
Porcelain
Pair of Large Palace Style Vintage Blue and White Chinese Urns
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
A very important vintage pair of oriental porcelain vases, each of urn form and decorated with floral and architectural designs in hues of blue on a white ground. The neck with oppo...
Porcelain
$3,040Sale Price|47% Off
Chinese Cloisonné Bowl Carved Gem Stone/ Serpentine Medallion & Ring Handles
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Cloisonné Bowl Carved Gem Stone/ Serpentine Medallion & Ring Handles China, Later 20th Century An exquisite Chinese cloisonné bowl from the 20th ce...
Bronze
Pair Antique Chinese Carved Celadon Jade Guardian Lions Foo Dogs ROC Early 20c
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...
Jade
20th Century Chinese Rorsewood Carved Armchairs Set
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous set of Vintage Chinese Horseshoe Back Armchairs with center tea table are made from solid rosewood. Very solid and sturdy. It features a beautiful carving works on the ...
Rosewood
$3,160Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid 18th Century Chinese Export Soup Tureen with Under Plate
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice mid 19th century Chinese export porcelain soup tureen with under plate, circa 1850s. The stand is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 14.5...
Porcelain
20th C. Century Furniture Chin Hua Collection Ebonized Mahogany Bedside Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 20th Century Century Furniture Chin Hua Collection Ebonized Mahogany Bedside Table in great vintage condition. Measures 25...
Brass
Early 19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Tea Caddy
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A large octagonal form Chinese export tea caddy in black lacquer decorated throughout in gilt and red with figural garden scenes, pavilions, and dense scrolling foliage. The lid pane...
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
$2,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Chinese Export Famille Verte Figures of the Hehe Erxian Twins
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Export Famille Verte Figures of the Hehe Erxian Twins 19th Century or Older Embrace the allure of Chinese porcelain with this fine Pair of Chinese Export Famille Ve...
Porcelain
Chinese Scholar Stone Tall Slender Lingbi Rock on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A visually arresting tall vertical scholar stone of Lingbi type balanced on a fitted wood base. The rock formation features an elegant slender form of highly sculptural surface with ...
Stone
Antique Chinese Export Small Blue & White Canton Porcelain Underplate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese Export porcelain underplate. In the Canton pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue. The centers depicting a mountainous Chinese village scene. The background ...
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Export Blue & White Canton Porcelain Serving Plate or Platter
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese Export porcelain serving bowl or fruit bowl. In the Canton pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue with a mountainous Chinese village with houses, mountains, f...
Porcelain
Antique Tibetan Buddhist Handcrafted handheld Spinning Prayer wheel
Located in Pomona, CA
This is handcrafted Tibetan handheld spinning Prayer Wheel. This spinning prayer wheel was made from Sky Iron and has detailed handcrafted Tibetan traditional design with Copper wire...
Metal
Antique Chinese Elmwood Rice Measure Basket, Handcrafted, Circa 1880
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large antique Chinese 19th century Elmwood rice measure with iron decoration and handles. A rustic antique handcrafted Chinese rice measure storage basket...
Elm
Antique Chinese Export Porcelain Canton Pattern Cider Jug with Lid
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese Export porcelain cider jug. In the Canton pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue with a mountainous Chinese village with houses, mountains, foliage, and a riv...
Porcelain
Large Pair of Chinese Blue‑and‑White Lidded Jars, Late 20th Century
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Large Pair of Chinese Blue‑and‑White Lidded Jars, Late 20th Century A striking pair of large Chinese lidded porcelain jars crafted in the late 20th century, decorated in classic blu...
Porcelain
19th Century Chinese Cinnabar Vase as Table Lamp
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is a stunning Chinese cinnabar vase is intricately carved with Chinese figures and natural elements, situated on a wood base. 19th century. The size of the vase only is 11,81 in...
Wood
Mid-Century Chinese Blue & White Double Happiness Pottery Ginger Jars - S/3
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of three Chinese blue and white double happiness ginger jars. The jars are in very good condition and have there lids. These are vintage reproductions of Qing Dynasty 1...
Pottery
Chinese Silver and Enamel Teapot with Magpies and Blossom
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING This Chinese silver and enamel teapot is a mid-20th century piece from the final years of the Republic period, dating to around 1945. Combining traditional m...
Silver, Enamel
Chinese Export Reverse Glass Portrait Painting of an Opium Maiden, circa 1880
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A wonderful and extremely rare last quarter 19th century Chinese export for the Anglo-Indian market reverse glass portrait painting of an opium-smoking 'maiden' or young lady painted...
Glass, Giltwood, Paint
$3,675Sale Price|50% Off
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 glaz...
Hardwood
Antique Chinese Hand Carved & Gilded 3 Part Stacking Display or China Cabinet
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome antique Chinese 3-part stacking display or China cabinet composed of hand carved & gilded Chinese Elm. 3 parts include: 1 top unit with glass doors, gilded details & brass h...
Glass, Wood, Giltwood
$2,850 / set
Pair Of Chinese Export Rose Mandarin Table Lamps
Located in Essex, MA
Vase alone 13.5. Diameter of base 6 inches. Good quality with people in vignettes with lion handles. Decorated with butterflies, fans and berries.
Brass
Antique 18th Century Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Rose Punch Bowl
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This remarkable punch bowl is an exquisite example of Chinese export porcelain from the 18th century, made circa 1736 during the Qing Dynasty. Crafted for the European market, it exe...
Porcelain
18th-century Chinese Export Porcelain Pair of Court Maiden Lotus Candlesticks
Located in Downingtown, PA
A Transatlantic Glimmer: Chinese Export Porcelain Pair of Maiden Candlesticks, Circa 1760–75 This exceptional pair of Chinese Export porcelain can...
Porcelain
Chinese Blue and White Double Happiness Spice Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
The symbol for double happiness adorns this round tea leaf jar with best wishes for love, companionship and marital bliss. Glazed in the classic blue and white manner, the porcelain jar has a rounded form and flat lid, a traditional shape for jars used to hold Chinese...
Porcelain
$380Sale Price|35% Off
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Famille-Rose Porcelain Kwan Yin Statuary
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this magnificent Chinese Antique Famille-Rose Porcelain Kwan Yin Statuary. It shows very detailed hand carving works on it. It is all hand m...
Porcelain
$1,439Sale Price / set|40% Off
Pair of Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Style Official's Hat Armchairs
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this matching pair of Qing Dynasty Style Official's Hat Armchairs. The members of this chair are delicate and slender. The back splat is made up of three connected sections. It have some openwork medallion carved with Chinese traditional folks arts. Below the seat is an ornamental opening with an arch-shaped inner frame. This kind of armchairs with four protruding ends were extremely common in the Qing dynasty, and this type of chair was most oftener seen in the reception room, studio or bedroom. Please see the pictures on the left, It is truly an antique and collectible...
Elm
Mid-Century Chinese Coffee Table with Mother of Pearl Inlay
Located in Chicago, IL
This beautifully hand-carved coffee table features a marble inset top with mother-of-pearl inlay decoration. These tables are popular due to their beautiful aesthetic, craftsmanship,...
Marble
Mid-20th Century Chinese Hand Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Plate
Located in Pomona, CA
This stunning Chinese hand carved cinnabar lacquered plate has Intricate lacquer carving arts of Chinese traditional archetecture and landscape design. It named The Sense of Tough, a...
Lacquer
Antique Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Bottle Vase attributed to Lao Tian Li
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Chinese cloisonné enamel bottle vase attributed to Lao Tian Li (老天利製), dating to circa 1920. The vase is of wide flattened bottle...
Metal, Enamel
Antique Chinese Export Blue & White Canton Porcelain Serving Platter or Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese Export porcelain footed serving platter or tray. In the Canton pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue with a mountainous Chinese village with houses, mountain...
Porcelain
Nine 19th Century Chinese Export Spinach and Egg Bowls
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Fine and rare set of five "egg and spinach" Chinese export porcelain bowls. Painted in a Tang Sancai or "Tiger Skin" technique used in the Kangxi perio...
Glass
Massive Rose Canton Porcelain Punch Bowl, Edmé Samson et Cie, Paris
By Edmé Samson
Located in Downingtown, PA
Paris Massive Rose Medallion Punch Bowl, Edme Samson et Cie, Paris, circa 1880 This massive porcelain punch bowl is a spectacular example of 19th-century European ceramic mastery an...
Porcelain
Celadon Vase, in a Green Color, Ceramic, Mid-20th Century, Made in China
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Green Celadon vase. This ceramic was made in China in the 20th century. It is small in size and has decorations in the manner of the Song period.
Ceramic, Celadon
Green Glazed Bamboo Grove 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 six-sided stool is patterned with...
Ceramic
Chinese Export Black Lacquered Mirror with Inlays
Located in Miami, FL
Chinese export lacquer and hardstone mirror, with various hardstone floral inlays in a black lacquer cartouche frame.
Wood
Antique Chinese Porcelain Blue And White Ginger Jar As Lamp
Located in Norwood, NJ
Antique blue and white on celadon Chinese porcelain ginger jar converted as a lamp. Hand painted double happiness motif with floral decoration. Mounted on shaped rosewood base. 16" t...
Porcelain, Wood
19th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Table
Located in Houston, TX
19th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Table. Offered is a beautifully carved Chinese rosewood side table or plant stand. This lovely table has an inset marble top and can be used as a...
Wood
Chinese Hand Painted Blue and White Fudog and Flower Temple Jar
Located in New York, NY
This Chinese hand-painted blue and white temple jar features a striking depiction of Fu Dogs and floral motifs, showcasing the traditional craftsmanship and artistry of 20th-century ...
Porcelain
Vintage Woven Reed Chinese Kangaroo Box with Carved Wood Accents
Located in Benalmadena, ES
This charming piece from Shanghai is a creative example of traditional hand-weaving, shaped into a friendly kangaroo. Crafted with care using natural reed and wicker, the box feature...
Reed
Pair Early 20th Century Chinese Shiwan Turquoise Glazed Earthenware Vases
Located in Houston, TX
A large pair of Ming style pottery vases featuring beautiful thick flowing turquoise glaze featuring birds, flowers, foliage and fish. Wood stands included.
Earthenware, Wood
$15,196Sale Price|20% Off
19th C. Monumental & Important Qing Dynasty Chinese Double Sided Sideboard
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Origin, 19th century or earlier. An exceptional 19th century or earlier Qing Dynasty wooden buffet or sideboard likely made in possibly rosewood or elmwood. This piece is e...
Elm, Walnut
$2,780 / set
Pair Antique Cloissone Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Antique Cloissone vases is an extraordinary example of the breed, displaying its well-preserved, rich coloration and exhibiting a large format d...
Brass, Enamel
$350Sale Price|58% Off
Table Top Chinese Folding Screen Hand Painted
Located in Fulton, CA
Unusual table top folding screen. Four hand painted panels featuring birds, fruit and flowers. Partial hand carving to wood frame. Appears to be rosewood but not confirmed. Beautiful...
Wood
Chinese Export Silver Card case
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Card Case with pull-off lid. One side has a vacant shield-shaped cartouche set in the middle of a figural court scene. The reverse has 4 Chinese characters with...
Silver
Chinese Export Porcelain Plate Judgement of Paris Hand Painted Circa 1760
Located in Katonah, NY
This Chinese export porcelain plate is hand-painted with the Judgement of Paris, after a composition by Peter Paul Rubens. Made during the Qianlong period, circa 1750, it depicts Par...
Porcelain
19th Century Antique Chinese Open Carved Altar Table/Sofa Table/Console
Located in Pomona, CA
This Antique Open Carved Altar table from China was made in 19th century and still maintained very good condition. It shows the traditional style of...
Wood
Rare Pair Antique Ironstone Mason's Ashworth Chinoiserie Large Dinner Plates
Located in New York, NY
Rare early pair of antique Mason's Ashworth Ironstone Chinoiserie pattern hand enameled and transfer decorated large dinner plates 19th Century Vibrant, joyful colors of orange, mul...
Ironstone
Chinese Nephrite Jade “Boulder” Carving
Located in San Francisco, CA
A serene world within a rock is this Chinese jade “boulder carving.” The work represents a traditional art form where a single piece of natural jade is intricately sculpted into a mi...
Jade
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Camphor Wood Chest with Carved Design
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large carved Oriental Camphor wood chest This carved chest is made from Camphor Wood, for those of you who do not know camphor wood it i...
Wood
A vintage Russian Orthodox silver-tone priest's cross
Located in Norton, MA
A vintage Russian Orthodox silver-tone priest's cross. The front side is decorated with a relief depiction of Jesus Christ. Inscription in Church Slavo...
Copper