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.
$4,331Sale Price / set|20% Off
Midcentury Chinese Table and Eight Chairs in Traditional Taste
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a superior quality dining suite from the midcentury of Classic Chinese design, comprising of a table and eight chairs in the traditional taste. Mellow in color with good g...
Rosewood
Chinese Republic Circa 1930's Hardwood Mother of Pearl Inlaid Table & Stools
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
A very good looking and well made suite, the table is rosewood with mother of pearl inlay, the central section has peacocks which symbolised dignity and beauty and was favoured throughout the Republic period. The peacocks are surrounded by hearts and then on the outer edge flowers. We are delighted to offer this lovely suite of Chinese Republic circa 1930's rosewood with mother of pearl inlay dining...
Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood
Chinese Hard Wood Dining Table & Eight Matching Chairs all with Stylized Carving
Located in London, GB
A super quality Chinese hardwood dining table, with eight matching chairs including two armchairs. The dining table with a wipeable rice impregna...
Teak
Stunning Asian Hardwood And Mother-of-pearl Inset Dining Table And Eight Chairs
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this stunning set of south East Asian hardwood and mother-of-pearl inset extending dining table, and eight chairs en suite, 20th century; the table with cleated panel top decorated with birds and foliage, with conforming friezes and straight legs to in-turned feet; with two extra leaves; 78cm high, 213cm long extended, 112cm wide; the conforming chairs...
Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood
Chinese Rosewood Dining Table & Four Chairs with Etched Decorative Brass Plaques
Located in London, GB
A rare late 19th-century Chinese export square dining table with four matching corner chairs that stow nicely away underneath. The base with four outer legs and a central leg is unit...
Mahogany
“Viking Oak” Dining Set, A Table with Eight “Horse Head” Chairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a distinctive dining set, a perfect addition to a ranch setting or otherwise rustic décor. These furnishings are part of the "Viking Oak" line produced by the Romweber Furniture Company of Batesville, Indiana, known for its solid, hand-carved oak furniture. A solid oak wood dining table with slide...
Oak
Midcentury Italian Set of 4 Chairs and Table, 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The midcentury Italian set of four chairs and table from the 1970s, crafted in giunco wood, exudes a rustic charm and timeless elegance. The chairs feature a stylish and ergonomic de...
Rush
$1,751Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30.32 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Midcentury Bamboo and Rattan Italian Foldable Table and Four Chairs, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful midcentury set, made of bamboo and rattan foldable table and four chairs. It is an Italian production of 1960s and the state of conserva...
Bamboo, Rattan, Glass
Norman Cherner Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of eight sculptural dining chairs, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, American, circa 1950s. They have all been refinished and reupholstered in black vinyl. They measure: 3...
Upholstery, Wood
1970s Lucite Dining Gaming Table and Chairs, Set of 4
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning lucite table set you could hope to find. This is an ultra-rare opportunity to acquire what is, unequivocally, the best of the be...
Glass, Lucite
$5,800 / set
H 42.5 in W 21.5 in D 21 in
Set of Eight French Dining Chairs Purchased from Ralph Lauren
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of eight French dining chairs, originally purchased from Ralph Lauren, NYC, when they were selling antiques in the early 2000s. The chai...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,320Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 38 in W 11 in D 11 in
Pair of Chinese Export Hardwood and Marble Pedestals
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese export hardwood and marble pedestals, each one of square form with inset marble tops, on subtly carved pedestal bases with lower stretchers.
Marble
$1,350Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 30 in W 45 in D 30 in
Midcentury Steelcase Tanker Dining Table and Chairs Set
By Steelcase
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Midcentury steel Tanker dining table and chairs set features a table and four chairs made by Steelcase. Table: 30" tall X 30" Wide X 45" Dee...
Steel
$4,355Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.14 in Dm 47.25 in
Midcentury Giovanni Offredi Paracarro Dining Table and Chairs for Saporiti, 1973
Located in Roma, IT
Unique "Paracarro" model dining table with a set of four chairs. It was designed by Giovanni Offredi and produced by Saporiti in Italy during 1973. Based on a prototype project, i...
Concrete, Steel, Chrome
Knoll Marble Dining Table With 5 Chairs by Eero Saarinen, 1960s
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Magnificent and fully original Tulip dining set designed by Eero Saarinen. It is produced by Knoll International in the 1960s. The set consists of 5 original tulip chairs and the o...
Carrara Marble, Metal
McGuire Style Rattan Dining Table & Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Odd rattan bases with woven faux leather seats with high backs. Table has rattan base with oval glass top. 2 arm chairs measure 49" H x 26 1/4" W x 26" D. Seat height 18 1/2". 6 ...
Rattan
$1,250
H 36.42 in W 20.08 in D 20.28 in
Sculptural Dining Chairs in Black Lacquered Wood with Decorative Carvings
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, lacquered wood, France, 1970s Crafted with unparalleled artistry, these dining chairs epitomize exquisite craftsmanship with meticulously carved details that draw ins...
Wood
Mid Century Chinese Rosewood Dining Table and Eight Chairs
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous Chinese rosewood dining room table with 8 chairs. An exceptional set which includes a table with 2 leaves, and eight chairs, (6 side chairs and 2 arm chairs. All created out...
Rosewood