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: Early 20th Century
Early 20th Century Chinese Folding Screen/Room Divider with Cloisonne panels
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a set of 6 panels of Chinese vintage lacquered wooden screen which to be used as the room section panels in ancient China that are put ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
1900s Chinese Garden Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully detailed paint work. Unusual turquoise color. Mint condition. Probably 1920s to 1930s.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Paint
Pair of Wang Hing Chinese Export Silver Dragon Moon Vases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese export silver vases, ca 1910. Each: Flat and round moon body on domed foot; animal-head handles mounted to shoulder. On front and back is chased dragon—a horned and t...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Silver
Antique Chinese Rug, Tan and Blue Oriental Handmade Wool Rug
Located in Port Washington, NY
China has a long tradition of carpets and the original ones, probably used as merchandise, are dated at over 2000 years ago. The art of knotting carpets was however, introduced somewhere around the 15th century in China.
The patterns on some of the older Chinese carpets...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wool
20th century Chinese Export Porcelain Garden Seat
Located in Savannah, GA
Hexagonal shaped Chinese Nanking Style Export blue and white glazed porcelain garden seat. Features include a pierced top and sides, molded relief dots...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Early 20 Century Antique Carved Bronze 3 Generations of Buddha Statues
Located in Pomona, CA
Three generations of Buddha represents Past, Present and Future three generations of Buddha. They are Dipamkara Buddha, Sakyamuni Buddha and Maitreya Buddha. They wer hand made from ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Apple Green Chinese Crackle Vase
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Antique Apple Green Chinese Crackle Vase.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Set of Four Framed Chinese T’ang Horse Paintings
Located in Bradenton, FL
Beautiful set of four watercolor Chinese T’ang style horses. Gilt framing on all four. Very good condition with minor wear on frames.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Paint
Antique South East Asian 40-Drawer Apothecary Cabinet, Circa 1920s
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique Chinese 40-Drawer Apothecary Cabinet, Circa 1920s. All drawers are divided in two. Drawers measure 2.75" W x 5.75" D or 11" without the divider x 2.5" H
Category
Early 20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Chinese Export Snuff Bottle in Overlay Cameo Glass Finely Carved, circa 1925
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good Chinese cameo or overlay glass snuff bottle with a spoon top, which we date to circa 1925.
These overlay glass cameo snuff bottles are very decorative and sought after, particularly with two different colour/ shades of overlays and this level of good carved detail.
It is made of a clear / yellow tinged opaque glass which has been over-layed with an orange glass which shades to red at the base, producing a very decorative detail. It has then been well hand carved and polished to produce a scene with a basket of fruit, ribbon bow, musical instrument and other motifs.
The bottle has a rounded red glass / stone stopper which is fitted with a bronze spoon.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Glass
Antique Chinese Cloisonne Elephant Ginger Jar
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare and unusual antique Chinese ginger jar handcrafted in a cloisonne technique, decorated with fauna, flora, and tassels on an alluring blue background, featuring a removable head ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Metal
Chinese Export Wallpaper Six Panel Screen
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese export wallpaper six panel screen, each panel depicting Chinese decor. Screen includes blue and white painted vases, urns and furnishings in colors that include blue, burgund...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint, Paper
Set of 4 Chinese Export Porcelain Celadon Plates
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 4 antique Chinese porcelain celadon plates.
Each with a raised depictions of birds, bugs, and butterflies surrounded by pink, orange, and green foliage against a celad...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Celadon
Classic Vintage Bamboo Corner Chair, British Colonial Decor, Bohemian Seating
Located in Chicago, IL
Charming bamboo corner chair with ball finials. Could be English or Chinese made for export. Sides and bottom apron of the chair have decorative bamboo work and the seat is solid bam...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Fish Bowl, Planter
Located in Pomona, CA
Very large Chinese famille rose porcelain bowl. It is hand made and hand painted porcelain fish pot with a thick bull nose ring on the top. A beautiful hand p...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Shanxi Red Lacquer Poplar Floral Painted Bentwood Hat Tea Box
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Chinese Shanxi Red Lacquer Poplar Hat / Tea Box. Features a floral decorated design over red lacquer finish.
Dimensions:
13" x 13" x 12.25"h
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Poplar, Lacquer
Early 20th-C. Chinese Warrior Terracotta Roof Tile Mounted On Lucite
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an antique Chinese warrior roof tile that has been mounted on lucite. The composition appears to be glazed terracotta. The piece could be older. It is unmarked and in very go...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Terracotta, Lucite
Antique Chinese Export Porcelain Rose Medallion Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese Export porcelain
In the Rose Medallion (Famille Rose) style.
The central cartouche of the bowl depicts a flor...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Enameled Copper Ginger Jar
Located in Norwood, NJ
Finely enameled on copper Chinese covered ginger jar vase with yellow ground decoration, scenes of exotic birds and foliage. Colorful jar with yellow, greens. blues and whites. Botto...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Antique Chinese Square Bench Or Ottoman
Located in Houston, TX
Antique Chinese Square Bench or Ottoman.
This versatile antique Chinese Rosewood bench or ottoman is in good condition and perfect for extra sea...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Wood
Longquan Style Celadon Conical Bowl
Located in Savannah, GA
A Longquan style celadon conical bowl with crackled glaze.
7 inches wide by 2 ¼ inches tall
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Large Antique Kang Xi Style Chinese Export Porcelain Blue Ground Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese porcelain vase.
In the Kang Xi style.
With blue decoration on a white ground.
Having ogee variant cartouches of landscape scenes of children playing outsi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Magnificent Rare And Collectible Antique Chinese Silk Rug 6' x 9'
Located in New York, NY
A Magnificent Rare And Collectible Antique Chinese Silk Rug, Country of Origin / Rug Type: Antique China Rug, Circa Date: 1900
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Silk
20th Century Antique Tibetan Hand Painted Thangka, Avalokitshvara, Kuan Yin
Located in Pomona, CA
Tibetan Thangka, Kuan yin (Avalokitshvara), finely painted with colored inks on silk. It is all hand painted with Tibetan natural mineral color painting material which can last for a...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Fabric
Chinese Green Glazed Lotus Motif Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese green glazed lotus motif vase, with three handles.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Pair, Chinese Export Figural Blue & White Hongxian Porcelain Vases C. 1915
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, Hongxian period circa 1915.
A pair of Chinese export porcelain vases in a blue and white floral motif surrounding two figural emperor windows. Marked with wax seal and Hon...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Bonzai Styled Flowering Fruit Tree Sculpture with Cloisonne Pot
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This sizable sculpture is unsigned with respect to the artist, but presumed to have originated from China and date to the Early Republic Period in approximately 1920. The sculpture i...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Stone, Metal
Pair Large Martaban Storage Jars
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a great pair of large late 19th/early 20th century Martaban storage jars. The jars are decorated with flaming dragons with Greek Key borders. Both of these jars are in very g...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Clay
Antique Chinese Hand Painted Wood Trunk on Stand Early 20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20th Century Chinese Hand Painted Wood Trunk on Paint Decorated Stand. Overall Dimensions: 18" x 32" x 24" (45.7 x 81.3 x 61 cm.)
Provenance: From the Estate of Baroness Adel...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique pair of Chinese reverse painted pictures, the Emperor and Empress C 1920
Located in Central England, GB
A very decorative rich and colourful pair of pictures are hand painted in reverse on panes of glass. This is a very difficult and highly skilled process where the finest detailing ha...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Glass
Chinese Silk Rug, Beijing, Qing Dynasty, Circa 1930
Located in RÉDING, FR
"Chinese Silk Rug, Beijing, Qing Dynasty, Circa 1930"
Even after the fall of the Celestial Empire, carpets were woven according to very precise rules, as in this quality product, wh...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Silk
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Camphor wood Hope Chest
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a traditional style of Chinese antique raise carved/relief Camphor chest/trunk from China. It was sailor's hope chest with all the sailor's best wishes and hopes in it. This ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Two Polychrome Roosters
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of Chinese export glazed ceramic roosters with polychrome plumage in pinks, greens and orange with and striking red crowns and wattles, perched on weathered green striated tre...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Large Scale Antique Chinese Carved Cork Diorama in Ebonised Glass Display Case
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A large scale Chinese carved cork diorama in its original glass display case, early 20th Century piece, Circa 1910.
The scene is of a Chinese villa...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Cork
A large Chinese famille noire porcelain vase and original hardwood stand.
Located in Central England, GB
This most decorative large Chinese famille noire vase or possibly a walking stick stand dates to circa 1930 and it is richly decorated over a black enamel background (noire) with thi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Pair of Antique Chinese Export Famille Rose Canton Orange Ground Vases or Urns
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique Chinese export porcelain vases.
In the Rose Canton or Famille Rose style.
Decorated throughout with numerous cartouches of flowers and birds in a variety of ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
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 wi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century Antique Tibetan Silver Turquoise Ghau Prayer Box
Located in Pomona, CA
Ghau is a small prayer box worn as pendant by Buddhists as portable shrines which can be pray by prayer during their travel. This Ghau prayer box (travel Buddha shrine) made from Tib...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Silver
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Dragon Camphor wood Hope Chest
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a traditional style of Chinese antique massive carved Camphor chest/trunk from China. It was sailor's hope chest with all the sailor's best wishes and hopes in it. This che...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
ANTIQUE CIRCA 1900 ORNATELY CARVED AND HEAViLY INLAID CHINESE OCCASIONAL TABLE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite hand carved and ornately inlaid centre occasional table made in China Circa 1900-1...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Vintage Chinese Fencai Porcelain Figure Playful Sitting Child/Boy c.1926 ROC
Located in Richmond, CA
Near antique Chinese famille rose porcelain figurine of a playful, smiling child in a sitting pose, hands holding a golden object likely a instrument, bottom with impressed markings:...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Export Silver Fruit Dish
By Luen Wo
Located in London, GB
A Chinese export silver fruit dish of shaped oval form. The dish has applied chrysanthemum on engraved basket weave piercing, and the base is a skirt of pierced chrysanthemum. Made b...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Silver
Antique Oriental Porcelain Vase Lamp Off White and Blue Perched Bird
Located in New Orleans, LA
This charming Chinese export crackled porcelain vase dates to 1905 but was been newly rewired. In good condition, with some wear to the vase itself, consistent with age and use. Vase...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Fabric, Wood
Antique Chinese Coral Red Lions Foo Dog Calligraphy Hat Stand Vase Qing c.1911
Located in Richmond, CA
Antique Chinese late Qing dynasty early 20th century porcelain hat stand vase, reticulated with quatrefoils to the round cylindrical body, hand painted with a pair of large and small...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Matching Pair of Chinese Export Elm Wedding Chairs with Wishbone Backs
Located in High Wycombe, GB
A Pair of Chinese Export Elm Wedding Chairs with Curving Back and Carved Rears
Price per chair
Would suit a period or modern property.
Would g...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Elm
Early 20th century oriental bamboo 2 seat child carriage
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Unusual possibly chinese bamboo 2 seater children's carriage circa 1900.
Made from shaped bamboo, bound in the traditional way with additional iron work supports.
Backs of seats fli...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Cane
Amazing Red Background Antique Chinese Tiger Rug 6'4" x 5'4"
Located in New York, NY
Amazing Red Background Antique Chinese Tiger Rug, Country of origin: China, Circa date: 1920
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wool
Large Antique Etched Brass Bowl
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Large Antique Etched Brass Bowl with dragon Detail. China, circa early 20th century.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Chinese Blue&White Porcelain Double Happiness Ginger Jar Vase c.1900
Located in Richmond, CA
Antique Chinese Qing dynasty blue and white ginger jar, hand painted with two double happiness characters on scrolling foliage background with large peony blossoms in cobalt blue.
...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Famille Rose Porcelain Dancing Court Lady - China - Circa 1930
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage famille rose porcelain dancing court lady - hand painted - indistinct impressed marks to the interior of the base - China - circa 1930.
Excel...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Coromandel Lacquer Six-Fold Screen with Gilded Background
Located in NICE, FR
This exquisite six-fold screen in Chinese coromandel lacquer from the early 20th century depicts vivid scenes of children playing in a traditional village landscape. The richness and...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Antique Chinese Massive Carved Rusty Style Country Bench, Love seat
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this gorgeous Chinese Antique Massive Carved Country Style Love-seat. It has about 150 years history and still has its original condition, very smooth to touch, full of patin...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export Six Panels Lacquered Screen
Located in Madrid, ES
Chinese screen for export with 6 panels decorated on both sides. The front side with various scenes of daily palatial life with relief figures, buildings and landscapes made of pain...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Long Bench, Sofa
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous Antique Chinese Rosewood Carved Long Bench, Sofa was made in early 20th Century and still has its original condition, very smooth to touch, full of patina. It was hand ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Pair Antique Chinese Famille Rose Rouleau Figural Vase Table Lamps Early 20c ROC
Located in Richmond, CA
A matching mirror pair of antique Chinese early 20th century famille rose figural rouleau vase turned into lamps. The finely painted decorations depict a scene of a general looking u...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Fine Antique Chinese 19c Relief Carved Celadon Porcelain Vase Table Lamp 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
A fine 19c Chinese relief carved celadon glaze handled vase, decorated with scrolling vines, lappets and borders, with faux ring handles to neck, and "S...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair Antique 19c Chinese Blue & White Prunus Blossom Vase Table Lamps Early 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
A matching pair of antique 19c Chinese blue and white vase of elongated barrel form, hand painted with sprays of prunus blossoms in reserve on cobalt blue ground, drilled four charac...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Famille Noire Porcelain Ovoid Ginger Jar with Lid
Located in Doylestown, PA
Early 20th century Chinese Famille Noire porcelain ovoid ginger jar with lid.
Wonderful ovoid shape jar with nature themed design hand painted with large birds, flowers, koi fish, l...
Category
1920s 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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