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: 1950s
Elegant Pair of Blue & White Planters on Teak Stands
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely pair of blue and white Chinese planters on curvy carved teak stands. For indoor display.
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Wood
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 century. This lovely pair of glazed porc...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Ceramic Vase with Blue China Decorations from the 1950s
Located in Milano, MI
Chinese ceramic vase with China blue decorations, made in the 1950s
Ø 18 cm h 18 cm
Chinese ceramics are some of the most renowned and admired works of art in the world, with a his...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Stunning 20thC Chinese Export Solid Silver Filigree Gem Set Cup & Cover c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Stunning mid-20th Century rare Chinese solid silver-gilt filigree cup & cover, the cup is richly gilded and applies with jade and amethyst cabochons stones. The cup stands proudly on...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Gold Plate, Silver
Cloisonné Vase with Lid Flower Decoration China circa 1950
Located in Milan, Italy
Chinese lidded vase in cloisonne and gilt bronze enamel, probably from the first half of the 20th century. The domed lid with finial in the shape of a seated Buddhist lion overlooks ...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Extraordinary Pair of Chinese Porcelain Table Lamps
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing an extraordinary pair of Chinese table lamps, skillfully made from porcelain and in great condition. Each lamp features stunnin...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Plastic, Wood, Maple, Porcelain, Fabric, Paint
Large Vintage Chinese Green and Gold Jardinière, Fish Bowl or Planter
Located in Plainview, NY
A large vintage late 20th century Chinese Export porcelain jardinière, fish bowl or planter with interior enameled design of fish. The large jardinière features a beautiful geometric...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
Vintage Tall Solid Brass Asian Crane Sculpture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely tall solid brass crane or heron sculpture in a beautiful pose.
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Oriental Style Ceramic Table Lamp
Located in London, GB
An absolutely gorgeous antique oriental style ceramic table lamp. This was likely made in England, it dates from around the 1950-60’s.
The quality is outstanding, this has incredibl...
Category
1950s British Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
1950’s Chinese Hand Painted Credenza
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wonderful vintage Chinese hand painted credenza made of teakwood. From the 1950’s. This piece features an orange color finish hand painting of fru...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Chinese Wooden Buddha Sculpture
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Wonderful hand carved vintage Buddha sculpture in the Chinese depiction. Features a detailed sculpting of children crawling on the man.
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Chinese Ceramic Cylindrical Table Lamps
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Large impressive and beautiful pair of vintage cylindrical Chinese table lamps having stunning decoration with birds and foliage in navy blue, burnt orange and gold against a white b...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Ceramic
Fine Antique Chinese White Jade Fish Sculpture Figurine 1950s
Located in Chula Vista, CA
an antique decorative fish sculpture
made in white stone jade.
unmarked
Preowned Very good vintage condition unrestored.
Refer to images.
5.13 D x 1 W x 2 H
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Jade
Meissen Chinese Butterfly or Schmetterling Pattern Dinner Service
Located in Boston, MA
I am proud to offer you this famous and rare Meissen Chinese butterfly dinner service. Each piece is painted in the Kakiemon style with a central Chinese butterfly on a branch, surrounded by flowering branches. The central part of the plates is from the Chinese famille verte porcelain, while the flowers around the edge are influenced from the Japanese Kakiemon porcelain. There is raised white relief with shells, flowers and arabesque decoration. This Meissen dinner service...
Category
1950s German Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Cloisonne Bowl
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Chinese Cloisonne Bowl
Bronze and enamel materials
made with Cloisonne technique
Origin China Circa 1950
Floral decoration
perfect condition
cloisone te...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Elegant Elmwood Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Low Coffee Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sophisticated and elegant elm Chinese coffee table having handsome carvings on all sides and beautiful Asian style legs that turn in at the ends.
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Chinese Elm Humpback Stretcher Altar Table with Original Color and Patin
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Chinese elm altar table with original color and patina.
This is an antique Chinese elm wood alter table with original color...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Altar Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm altar table.
This antique elm altar table has its original color and patina. It can be used as a sofa back table for lamps...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Blue Vintage Peking Handmade Chinese Wool Rug with Pictorial Design
Located in Norwalk, CT
Fine & Rare TAO IMMORTALS Chinese hand-knotted wool rug with a navy blue color field and peach accents in a gorgeous traditional design.
This rug measures 2'8" x 4'1".
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
Antique Shanxi Province Natural Color and Patina Elm Seat / Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Natural Color and Patina Elm Seat / Bench
One person Elm wood bench seat. For use at a hallway or as a dining seat. With original...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Small Side Table with Carved Apron
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm small side table with Carved Apron
This antique side table from the Shanxi Province of China has its origin...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Seat
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Seat
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Seat with Original Color and Patina
Circa 1950
H 24"
W 17.5"
D 8.5"
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Elm
Large Asian Bronze Foo Dogs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Large Asian Bronze Foo Dogs or Kylin Dragon, probably Chinese, circa 1950s or earlier. They retain their warm original patina. These were purch...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Restored 1950s Chinese Export Wood Trunk with Iron Accents - Vintage Charm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step into a world of Oriental charm with our Vintage 1950s Chinese Export Trunk, a piece that beautifully marries history with skilled craftsmanship. This small trunk, hand-crafted f...
Category
1950s Korean Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Iron, Metal
Antique Shanxi Province Geometric Frieze Elm Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province geometric frieze elm side table.
This antique elm side table from the Shanxi Province of China has a unique geometric...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Elm
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
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...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Oriental Brass Tray Charger on Teak Stand
Located in Vienna, AT
Oriental brass tray charger or coffee table on teak stand.
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Meissen Chinese Butterfly Large Soup Tureen in the Schmetterling Pattern
Located in Boston, MA
I am proud to offer you this rare Meissen Chinese butterfly soup tureen. The tureen is painted in the Kakiemon style with a central Chinese butterfly on ...
Category
1950s German Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of William ‘Billy’ Haines Attributed Lamps
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a superb pair of impressive lamps incorporating Chinese Crackle Glaze Pale Celadon Vases on high ivory lacquered wood plinths, a trade mark of Billy Haines designs. The typical Haines design electrical switch...
Category
1950s North American Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Beautifully Shaped and Decorated Chinese Lacquer Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful Chinese black lacquer cocktail table having a fabulous shape and meticulous decoration in gold.
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Antique Textiles and Embroidery Edition in Chinese
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Chinese antique textiles and embroidery.
Chinese language,
Great textile art table book.
Distributed by Eliane j Giraud Dupont Editeur, Paris....
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Paper
Divine Pair of Carved Wood Foo Dogs and Lucite Bookends
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A wonderful set of Asian foo dog bookends constructed of hand carved antique sculptures mounted on Lucite forms. A stylish combination of old and modern.
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Lucite, Wood
Vintage Hong Kong Camphor Seamans Trunk with Brass Inlay by George Zee and Co.
Located in Hanover, MA
Most unusual large camphor lined teak wood trunk extravagantly adorned with decorative brass & copper decorations and inlay depicting Hong Kong harbor junk in full sail with water fl...
Category
1950s Hong Kong Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass, Copper
Vintage Chinese Rosewood Carved Coffee Table with Dragon Motif
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese classic solid rosewood coffee table is laced with hand-carved dragon motif along the four sides of the apron. The curved legs ending on the tiger-paw feet give a grace...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Mid-Century Chinese Abacus / Suanpan Lamp, circa 1950
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Old vintage Chinese abacus / Suanpan / chinese calculator from the 50s/60s, mounted as a lamp.
Shade with raised corners, pagoda style, reminis...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vibrant Coloured Pair of Glazed Ceramic Foo Dog Sculptures Made for Birks
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of glazed ceramic foo dog sculptures for birks resting on painted on wooden base
Marked: "Made in Spain for Birks" and bearing sticker marked Birks with inventory number.
Category
1950s Spanish Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Monumentally Large Impressive Pair of Celadon Chinese Table Lamps
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Palacial table lamps having vase shaped light celadon colored porcelain bases on mahogany stands with lovely raised patterns. One lamp has cranes and flowers, the other has roosters ...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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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