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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
Vintage Chinese Cloisonné - Vase, Beaker and Owl Ornament - Blue Toned
Located in Glasgow, GB
This vintage Chinese cloisonné collection features a trio of miniature blue ornaments, with each exuding its own unique charm and delicate design....
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass, Enamel

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

Early 20th century lacquered vanity box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century lacquered vanity box circa 1910. Good quality Chinese export table top vanity box.  Hand painted in a plum and black colour scheme in a lacquered finish. Cube sh...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

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

19th Century Antique Chinese Hand Chiseled Stone Trough, Planter
Located in Pomona, CA
This stone trough is retrieved from the village in northern China. It is hand carved out one piece of stone and hand chiseled by the local stone master. It's originally for feeding h...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Stone

Chinese Painting on Scroll Paper, China 19th Century, Birds and Nature Decor
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Chinese painting on paper, which is unrolled once hung on the wall. It is a painting that depicts birds in nature, in the style of the 18th c...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Paper

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

20th C. United Wilson Blue and White Ormolu-Mounted Porcelain Lamps, Signed Pair
Located in Doylestown, PA
Pair of late 20th century ormolu and crackle porcelain lamps by United Wilson Porcelain, signed. Stunning blue and white vase form lamps with ornate ormolu mounts. Part of United Wilson's ormolu series inspired by 18th century French antiques, the collection infuses Eastern and Western artistry using Asian porcelain and European-style sculptural gilt bronze. The shapely body features a floral and foliate design with pairs of cherub figures noting the French influence as well as the gorgeous silk shades with pleat detail and long fringe. The original bronze finials coordinate with one another as they are slightly different adding uniqueness to the pair. These are exceptional lamps of the finest quality in very good condition. Signed on the bottom with United Wilson 1897...
Category

Late 20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Rustic Antique Chinese Stool or Side Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
The antique Asian stool has a square top and a balanced form with timeless rustic appeal. Beautifully worn from a century of use, the aged wood pat...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Chinese Inlaid Urn Stands
Located in Cheshire, GB
Pair of Chinese inlaid urn stands, the tops inset with white marble, above pierced sides decorated with mother of pearl foliated motifs raised on square...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Hardwood Side Tables
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of 19th century Chinese hardwood side tables, each with an inset panel to the tops, carved scrolling foliate and motif decoration to the frieze, four square secti...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Hand Carved Stand with Marble Top
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautifully carved hardwood square stand with marble top. Carved rosewood with a figurative rouge marble top with lower shelf. Perfect accent piece or for use as a stand for sculpture...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Marble

Large 18th Century Chinese Export Armorial Charger
Located in Dallas, TX
An impressive 18th century Chinese export armorial charger. Crest in center of plate with floral sprays around the border. Decorative bands around of plate and the rim. White backgro...
Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Black Lacquered Wood Pedestal
Located in Doylestown, PA
Chinese black lacquered cylindrical wood pedestal, 1960s. Exquisite pedestal with a scene depicting elegant ladies in a pavilion garden with birds, architecture and trees. A picture...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Mongolia Cabinet Credenza
Located in Buffalo, NY
Interesting Chinese Export Cabinet,,,,four doors.. two top opening compartments.. Origin: Mongolia, China Circa: 1880 - 1900 Material: Wood Condition: Distressed, Original finished,...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal

Chinese Export Four Panel Carved Soapstone Coromandel Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing Chinese export four panel coromandel screen featuring beauties in a pagoda pavilion landscape. Beautifully crafted from intricately carved soapstone in vivid colors and fasci...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Soapstone, Brass

Massive Pair of Mid Century Silvered Bronze & Enameled Tang Style Horses
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Massive Pair of Mid Century Silvered Bronze and Enameled Tang Style Horses, Style of Tony Duquette Late 20th Century Presenting an exceptional find: a pair of Mid Century Silvered B...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Exquisite Chinese Gilded Enamel on Bronze Cloissonne Vases
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Pair of lovely Chinese gilded enamel on bronze Cloisonne vases adorned with Cherry Blossoms, Peonies and Blue birds.
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Antique Chinese Red Lacquered Wedding Armoire, Wardrobe With 100s Kids
Located in Pomona, CA
Very well constructed with two open doors and shelf, inside cabinet, wedding armoire with red lacquer 100's kids painting on the front and have coordinated antiqued hardware. This b...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

black lacquer wood chinoiserie travel Desk George III
Located in Valladolid, ES
Travel desk made of lacquered and gilded wood with drawers inside, reserved scenes with figures in palatial environments surrounded by flowers, birds and Taoist symbols. Exquisite E...
Category

1790s English Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal

1960 China Export Pair Porcelain Blue and White Giant Jars Vases
Located in Brescia, IT
This pair of elegant and fine giant jars in porcelain, has its origin in the extremely part of the Chinese continent, probabily from the Japan. The entire surface is decorated with the relief of white flowers, the peonia flowers, symbol of authority, power and wealth. On the surface, are present many drawings in blue of the Pho dogs...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Art Deco Blue Silk Rug with Asian Décor, Peking Blue
Located in Bochum, NRW
An excellent silk rug, Art Deco decor of stylized clouds and waves in beautiful shades of blue and ivory, also called Chi and Ruyi. Beautiful midcentury...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk

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

Chinese Export Bud Vase Famille Rose Porcelain Hand Painted, Qing, Circa 1850
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good, decorative Chinese export, Imperial Canton, porcelain, Famille Rose, Small or Bud Vase which we date to the mid-19th century, Qing dynasty, circa 1850. The vase ha...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

MId-20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Siver Chest Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
An exceptional Mid-20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Siver Chest and Cabinet in great vintage condition. Features a flip top that open to reveal two flatware storage trays all fel...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Felt, Rosewood

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

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 CHINESE EXPORT ORNATE CARVED CHiNOISERIE GOLD LEAF COFFEE COCKTAIL TABLE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning ornately hand carved circa 1920's Chinese Export Chinoiseries round coffee or cocktail table ...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Teak

Pair of Chinese Terra Cotta Garden Seats with Elephants and Flowers
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking pair of vintage Chinese garden seats with rare decorative appeal hand decorated with elephants on an alluring red background and floral and geometric borders.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Wicker Elephant Box from the Shanghai Collection
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Chinese elephant sculpture ambitiously hand crafted in woven wicker with rattan and wood highlights, having a removable head as a lid. From the famed Shanghai collection.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wicker

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

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

Mid-Century Chinese Export Style Famille Rose Garden Seat / Side Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century Chinese Export style colorful famille rose garden seat or side table. It depicts Chinese pastoral scenes on each panel. The top is 10.5” in diameter.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Famille Verte Porcelain Umbrella Stand or Vase
Located in Doylestown, PA
Chinese Famille Verte porcelain cylinder vase or umbrella holder, c. 1960s. This cheerful vase or cane/umbrella holder has great vibrant colors with flowers and ribbon swag detail. ...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Silk Brocade Object W/ Carved Turquoise Beads Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century. Step into the lavish world of the Qing Dynasty with this exquisite antique Chinese Silk EmbroideryBrocade Object W/ Carved Turquoise...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

Antique Chinese Silk Embroidery Brocade Child's Bib Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century. Step into the lavish world of the Qing Dynasty with this exquisite antique Chinese Silk Embroidery Child's Bib. Embellished with a f...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

Antique Chinese Silk Embroidery Child's Bib, Cat Motif Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century. Step into the lavish world of the Qing Dynasty with this exquisite antique Chinese Silk Embroidery Child's Bib, Cat Motif. Embellish...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

Antique Chinese Silk Figural Embroidered Purse Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century. Step into the lavish world of the Qing Dynasty with this exquisite antique Chinese Silk Embroidered purse...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

Antique Chinese Silk Embroidery Manchurian Robe Panel Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century. Step into the lavish world of the Qing Dynasty with this exquisite antique Chinese Silk Embroidery Manchurian Robe Panel. Embellishe...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

Antique Chinese Silk Embroidery Brocade Collar Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century. Step into the lavish world of the Qing Dynasty with this exquisite antique Chinese Silk Embroidery Brocade Collar panel. Embellished...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

Antique Chinese Silk Embroidery Brocade Collar Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century. Step into the lavish world of the Qing Dynasty with this exquisite antique Chinese Silk Embroidery Brocade Collar panel. Embellished...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

Antique Chinese Silk Embroidery Manchurian Robe Panel Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), 19th century. Step into the lavish world of the Qing Dynasty with this exquisite antique Chinese silk embroidery Manchurian robe panel. Embellishe...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

Blue and White Brush Pot with Birds and Peonies
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

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Blue and White Brush Pot with Fish & Flora
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 stonewa...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Bai Tea Leaf Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Rendered in a striking cool white glaze, this contemporary porcelain jar offers a modern take on a classic form. Lidded jars like these were used in tea shops in China, where tea dri...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Export Silver Battle Mug with Dragon Handle
Located in New York, NY
Chinese export silver mug, ca 1880. Straight and upward tapering sides with allover low-relief battle frieze depicting soldiers—spearmen, lancers, and swordsmen—with a few hapless me...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Hand Painted and Carved Tall Mirror, China circa 1770-1800
Located in Round Top, TX
The attractive carving found in the frame of this mirror includes dramatic flourishes on top, balanced at the base while narrow sides contain figures, birds and more. Notice the ori...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paint

Set of Four Elm Folding Screen Room Dividers, China circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
A set of four large natural elm wood interior folding screen panels with vertical fretwork that allows light to pass through the upper section. Solid, stable and all hinges in place....
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

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

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

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 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

Large Chinese Double Gourd Ceramic Lamp
Located in London, GB
Large Chinese Double Gourd Ceramic Lamp on wooden base 20th Century. In good condition commensurate of age. Shade not included
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Export Porcelain Tea Caddy Jar
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Export hand-painted porcelain tea caddy jar. Pictures of a boy and his dog adorn both sides of jar in rich colors of dark blue, gold, red and turquoise. Greek key border fram...
Category

20th Century Chinese 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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