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Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

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
Chinese Black Lacquer Mother of Pearl Oval Nesting Coffee Table Set 6 Stools - A
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Black Lacquer Mother of Pearl Oval Nesting Coffee Table Set - 6 Stools - A. Item features a custom oval glass top, black lacq...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Mid-20th Century Henredon Fruitwood and Brass Mounted Feet Coffee Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid-20th Century Henredon Asian Style Fruitwood and Brass Mounted Feet Coffee Table in good vintage condition. Measures 45" in width, 26" in depth and stands 16.25" in height.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Fruitwood

Asian Style Vintage Blue Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Asian Style Vintage Blue Coffee Table, a classic style inspired by the far east. This table is a square shape with horse hoof-style legs, a d...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

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,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Marble

Asian Black Coffee Table with Recessed Painted Floral Decoration
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stylish Asian coffee table with beautiful shape, pagoda style base, overall black background and embossed decoration in soft colors of flowers and birds. Gold greek key design is on...
Category

1980s American Vintage Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Chinese Relief Carved Ho ho Bird Glass Top Display Black Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Relief Carved Ho ho Bird Glass Top Display Black Coffee Table. Item features a solid wood frame, black and gold painted finish, finely r...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint

Large Gilt Iron and 18th-Century Coromandel Top Coffee Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large Gilt Iron and Chinese Chinoiserie 18th-Century Coromandel Coffee Table. The rectagular top with inset 18th century coromandel panels deco...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Oriental 19th Century Pair Of Coffee Tables
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An Attractive Late 19th Century Pair Of Oriental Hardwood Coffee Tables, Having Inset Marble To Elegantly Shaped Tops, Over Richly Carved Friezes Raised On Bold Cabriole Legs With Cl...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Hand Carved Asian Coffee Table with Red Green and Gilt Polychrome Finish
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Glamorous beautifully crafted hand carved rectangular coffee table having meticulously detailed apron with birds and foliage and polych...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Chinese Black Lacquer and Mother of Pearl Inlay Coffee Table
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Embrace classic aesthetics with our Chinese Black Lacquer Coffee Table, highlighted by intricate Asian motifs and Mother of Pearl inlays. Featuring a protective inlaid glass top and ...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood, Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer

Antique Chinese Lattice Work Coffee Table
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
A Chinese table produced around the 1900s from hardwood with great light colour with light carved details, lattice work top and new glass top, the table is in original condition with minor losses and wear has benefitted from a wax finish Age: 1900 Style: Chinese Antiques Origin: China Material: Hardwood Condition: Original Restoration: new toughened glass...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Antique Shanxi Province Rare Elm Coffee Table with Hand Carved Apron
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Rare Elm Table with Hand Carved Apron circa: 1900 Dimensions: W: 40.5” D: 30” H: 14”
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Antique Tibetan Polychrome Decorated Lift Top Trunk
Located in Antwerp, BE
A charming Tibetan-Chinese painted storage trunk, 18th century, Tibet. In red paint.The front with hand-painted decoration depicting two central dragons among scrolled clouds. The...
Category

19th Century Tibetan Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wrought Iron

Chinese Export Leather Trunk, circa 1820
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Chinese Export camphor wood and leather trunk with iron carrying handles, painted red with floral borders, corners and escutcheon, decorated with brass tacks; the carved and painted ...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Leather

Extraordinary Vintage 1970s Chinese Mahogany Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the exceptional allure of our vintage Chinese table, meticulously handcrafted from mahogany wood and completely restored by our expert t...
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Mahogany, Walnut, Lacquer

Antique Shanxi Province Black Lacquer Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province black lacquer coffee table. This antique Shanxi Province Black Coffee Table was made from a Chinese bed. The coffee table is made of elm and has been finis...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Chinese Scholar's Table
Located in New York, NY
Low Chinese scholar's table with fretwork sides and legs, possibly of Zitan wood, with burlwood inset sides, early 20th century. Measures: 16.25" H x 3...
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Zitan

Antique Elm Woven Rattan Top Opium Bed Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Elm Woven Rattan Top Opium Bed / Coffee Table Circa: 1900 Dimensions: W: 96.5" D: 55.5" H: 21" Introducing our Elegant Antique Elm and Woven Rattan Top Opium Bed Coffee Table...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table Cut from Chinese Bed
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table Cut From Chinese Bed Circa 1880s H 13” W 58.5" D 20" Introducing our Exquisite Handcrafted Elm Wood Coffee Table - a remarkable piece repurposed from a traditional Chinese bed, embodying the rich history and artistry of Chinese craftsmanship. This coffee table is a testament to the ingenuity of repurposing, transforming a traditional bed...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

A Chinese Inlay Carved Marble Top Coffee
Located in New Haven, CT
A beautiful Chinese teakwood and white marble coffee table, circa 1950. The original top is a single slab of white marble and depicted is a hand carved relief...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Scroller Leg Low Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province elm scroller leg low table Circa: 1900 Dimensions: H 11.5” W 64” D 15.5” The Antique Shanxi Province Elm Scroller Leg Low Table is a captivating vintage p...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Elm, Lacquer

Small Huali Kang Coffee Table, c1880
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Chinese antique Quing Hauli wood table This intricately carved Small Huali wood Kang Table from c1880 is a collector's dream. Crafted of traditional jointe...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Chinese Black Elmwood Coffee Table with Carved Legs
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese black elmwood coffee table with carved legs. This vintage elm low coffee table has been lacquered with a unique slate / black...
Category

1990s Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Lacquered Elm Kang Style Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Lacquered Elm Kang Style Coffee Table Circa: 1900 Dimensions: W: 50" D: 36" H: 21" The Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Lacquered Elm K...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Linen, Elm, Lacquer

'Kang' Coffee Table, Susanne Hollis Collection
Located in Pasadena, CA
Our take on a 19th century Chinese kang table. Clean, simple stretchers on four straight legs. Even in patina and surface. Lead time 4-6 weeks. Custom sizes available.
Category

2010s American Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Kang Style Chinese Teakwood Red Lacquer Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Kang Style Chinese Teakwood Red Lacquer Coffee Table Circa 1999 H 16" W 49" D 34" The Vintage Kang Style Chinese Teakwood Red Lacquer Coffee Table is a stunning piece of f...
Category

1990s Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak, Lacquer

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Enforced Rattan Top
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Enforced Rattan Top Circa: 1900 Dimensions: W: 82" D: 42" H: 19.5" The Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Reinforced Ratt...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Elm

Vintage Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Carved Apron
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Shanxi Province Elm coffee table with Carved Apron This Vintage elm coffee table is from the Shanxi Province of China. It has a han...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Lacquered Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Lacquered Elm Coffee Table Circa: 1900 Dimensions: W: 55" D: 31.5" H: 17.5" The Antique Shanxi Province Linen W...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Linen, Elm, Lacquer

Antique Chinese Elm Coffee Table with Original Color and Patina
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Chinese Elm coffee table with original color and patina This antique Chinese coffee table is hand carved and has all its original c...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Elm

Chinese Lacquered Wood Table Stone Top with Carved Essay
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese antique table from Northern China likely Shanxi Province circa late Qing dynasty to Republic period (late 19th century). The square for...
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Stone

Antique Shanxi Province Ming Dynasty Opium Bed Elm and Rattan Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Ming Dynasty Opium Bed Elm and Rattan Coffee Table This Shanxi Province elm and woven rattan top Ming dynasty opium bed has been converted into a table. The ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm Coffee Table This Antique Shanxi Province coffee table is made of elm, and has red lacquer. The color and patina...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Elm, Lacquer

Antique Shanxi Province Natural Color and Patina Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Natural color and Patina Elm coffee table This Antique coffee table from the Shanxi Province of China is made of Elm and has all ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Hand Woven Rattan Top Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province hand woven rattan top elm coffee table This elm wood round leghed coffee table and hand woven rattan top is backed with solid elm wood beneath for durabili...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Rattan, Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Elm and Bamboo Small Tea Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm and bamboo small tea table. This antique elm and bamboo small tea table has its original color and patina. Can be used ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Wood, Elm

Asian Round Coffee Table Carved with Dragons and Peacocks, Indonesia, circa 1920
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb Asian side table / tea or coffee table in carved solid wood. The carved top represents a majestic peacock surrounded by two serpents or mythologi...
Category

1920s Indonesian Vintage Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Kang Style Black Linen Wrapped Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Kang style black linen wrapped elm coffee table This antique elm wood coffee table has black lacquer applied in several layers over hand woven linen...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Linen, Elm, Lacquer

Vintage Shanxi Province Elmwood Long Narrow Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Shanxi province elmwood long narrow coffee table This vintage Chinese elm carved coffee table has carved curved legs and stretchers...
Category

1990s Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Elm coffee table This antique Shanxi Province coffee table has been cut down from a bed. It has a stunning finish of its original color and ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Linen, Wood, Elm, Lacquer

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Low Bed Bench / Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province elm low bed bench / coffee table. This antique elm low bed bench can also be used as a coffee table or a display table. It has a ric...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Antique Hand Carved Shanxi Province Coffer Sideboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Hand Carved Shanxi Province Coffer Sideboard With Drawers Circa: 1900 Dimensions: W: 64" D: 21" H: 20.5" The Antique Hand Carved Shanxi Province Coffer Sideboard With Dra...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Elm

Vintage Shanxi Province Elmwood Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Shanxi Province Slate Elmwood Coffee Table with Carved Legs Circa: 1999 Dimensions: W: 71" D: 27" H: 13.5" Introducing our Elegant Elmwood Coffee Table - a masterpiece o...
Category

1990s Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood, Elm, Paint

Modern Asian-Style White Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Asian-style white coffee table, a Classic style inspired by the far east. This table is a large square shape with horse hoof-style legs, a design that dates back to the 14th c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Modern Asian-Style Square Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Asian-style square coffee table of reclaimed pine, a classic style inspired by the far east. This table is a square shape with horse hoof-style legs, a design that dates back to the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Chinese 20th Century Black Laquer & Mother Pearl Inlaid Low Coffee Table
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this gorgeous Chinese black lacquer low coffee table with beautiful colours and design. The wooden and rectangular table is delicately crafted a...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Asian Style Ebonized Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Asian-style ebonized finish square coffee table, a classic style inspired by the far east. This table is a square shape with horse hoof-style legs, a design that dates back to the 14...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Asian Style Reclaimed Pine Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Asian-style reclaimed pine coffee table, a classic style inspired by the far east. This table is a large square shape with horse hoof-style legs, a design that dates back to the 14th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Chinese Style Lacquered Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Chinese style cocktail table, a fresh modern update on a classic Chinoiserie silhouette. The rectangular tabletop with a beautiful pierced and wavy apron is set on inswept legs. Sho...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Faux Bamboo Square Cocktail Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
19th century style square cocktail table with a carved faux bamboo edge to the entire frame, a brushed and textured veneered top, and four bold ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid 19th Century Chinese Hardwood Low Table
Located in London, GB
A mid 19th century Chinese hardwood low table of attractive golden colour, having fielded panelled top, supported on scrolled legs with “roundel” feet.
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Oriental Satin Walnut Low Table, Coffee Table
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Oriental Satin walnut low table, coffee table This is a very attractive piece, the table is in the style of an opium table, it has a carved border beneath the plate glass top The...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Satinwood

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 Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Lovely Vintage Signed Hand Painted Chinese Oriental Coffee Cocktail Side Table
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this lovely vintage hand painted and signed Chinese coffee table A very good looking and well made piece, the top is in some kind of hardwood, its signed...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Brass

Fine Chinese Late 20th Century Carved Green Serpentine Center Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Chinese late 20th century finely carved green serpentine center table. The six-legged pedestal table entirely carved of green serpentine, with a pierced apron in a Cantonese design...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Serpentine

Antique Painted Chinese Coffee Table Shanxi
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Age: 19th century Style: Chinese Antiques Material: elm Origin : Shanxi provence China Condition: Very good Restoration: wax polish Dimensions: 52 H X 203 W X 59 D ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Chinese Elm Coffee Table
Located in Pasadena, CA
One of a pair of newly made elm tables, re-imagined from salvaged pieces of an antique bed. Could be paired with a similar piece (PB2186), though not an exact pair.
Category

1990s Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Elm

Chinese Export coffee and cocktail tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export coffee and cocktail tables 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 coffee and cocktail tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, asian art and furniture, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export coffee and cocktail tables 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 coffee and cocktail tables, popular names associated with this style include Henredon, and Susanne Hollis. 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 coffee and cocktail tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $450 and tops out at $42,500 while the average work can sell for $3,085.

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