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.
Set of Three Antique Chinese Lacquered Nesting Tables
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Set of three antique Chinese nesting tables, crafted in wood and finished in traditional black lacquer. Each tabletop is decorated with ...
Hardwood, Lacquer
Vintage Quartetto Of Nest Tables, Chinese, Nesting, Occasional, Mid 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage quartetto of nest tables. A Chinese, rosewood graduated occasional table with Mother of Pearl inlay, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Delightfully prese...
Wood
Circa 1890 Set of 4 Chinese Export Nesting Tables
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1890 set of 4 nesting tables, Chinese export. Exceptional hardwood set with extensive bamboo motif carvings, including the bamboo frond aprons. Shaped stretchers. Gallery edge ...
Hardwood
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Rosewood Chinese Nesting Tables set of 4
Located in Malibu, CA
A set of four Chinese hand‑carved rosewood nesting tables, each crafted with a shapely hand carved apron && is supported by slender legs joined with traditional stretchers. T...
Rosewood
Nest Of Four Chinese Export Lacquer Nesting Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Each table of rectangular form with rounded corners. Trestle bases with paw feet.
Wood, Lacquer
$6,072 / set
Four Chinese Rosewood Nested Tables
Located in London, GB
These beautiful tables were created in China in the early 20th century. They have been carved from rosewood. These ‘nested tables’ vary in their size, so th...
Rosewood
NEST OF THREE ANTIQUE CIRCA 1920 CHINESE CHINOISERIE SiDE TABLES HAND PAINTED
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of three original Chinese Chinoiserie green lacquered and hand painted nested tables Pleas...
Wood
$2,800 / set
Nest Of Four Chinese Export Lacquer Tables
Located in Essex, MA
A graduated set of four with seated figures in a landscape. Trestle base. Giltwood feet.
Wood, Lacquer
Set of Four Diminutive Chinese Export Hardwood Nesting Tables
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Impressive miniature set of four diminutive stacking or nesting tables crafted from hardwood. The Chinese export tables feature gracefully carved aprons in an open geometric fretwork...
Hardwood
Set of Antique Chines Hongmu Nesting Tables
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A set of 2 antique Chinese hongmu hand carved nesting tables. The smaller that fits neatly into the larger table for easy access. 22 wide, 2...
Hardwood
Chinese Hong-Mu Nest of Tables Set of Three
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Chinese nest of tables with slight carving on the aprons. The tops with a slight arched front and tapering sides with a slightly shorter back. T...
Mahogany
Chinese Export Nesting Games Tables, Set of Four, Mid 19th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
An exquisite and unusual set of four Chinese export black lacquer and gilt painted nesting tables, early to mid 19th century, China. The largest table top opens to serve as a games table. This elegant set of four nesting tables crafted in black lacquer and intricately and densely painted in gilt. The table tops all with figural court scenes. The legs of lyre form and set with clawed feet. Delicate paintings of leaves...
Wood
$3,373 / set
Nest of Four Chinese Hardwood Tables, circa 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality nest of four Chinese hardwood tables, each with well carved vine leaf and grape decoration to the frieze. Polished hardwood tops,...
Hardwood
Nest of Four circa 1900 Chinese Chinoiserie Lacqurered Tables Hand Painted
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of four original Chinese Chinoiserie black lacquered tables A good looking, d...
Wood
Sublim Nest of 4 circa 1880 Chinese Export Brown Lacqurered Tables Hand Painted
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this sublime nest of four original Chinese brown lacquered tables with dragon carved feet and gold leaf detailing A good looking, decorative and...
Wood
$2,557 / set
H 20.67 in W 26.97 in D 26.97 in
Art Deco Super Stylish Walnut Nest of Five Tables, English, c1930s
By Harry & Lou Epstein Furniture Co
Located in Devon, England
This is a beautiful and original 1930's Art Deco set of five tables in Burr Walnut. This gorgeous set comprises one large central octagon edged table with four matching sectional tab...
Walnut, Birdseye Maple
Henredon Set of Three Nesting Tables
By Henredon
Located in Highland, IN
A handsome and nicely detailed set of three tables by Henredon. The large table is 20"h X 24"w X 15"d The two small tables are 18"h X 11"w X 11"d
Wood
$1,147 / set
H 27.17 in W 21.26 in D 12.21 in
Nest of Four circa 1900 Chinese Chinoiserie Lacqurered Tables Hand Painted
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of four original Chinese Chinoiserie black lacquered tables A good looking, d...
Wood
$2,557 / set
H 21.26 in W 20.48 in D 14.97 in
Art Deco H & L Epstein Rare Set of Three Nest of Tables, English, c1930s
By Harry & Lou Epstein Furniture Co
Located in Devon, England
A very stylish and distinctive Art Deco nest of walnut tables dating to the 1930s and made by H & L Epstein a highly regarded furniture maker of the period. One large table with two ...
Walnut
1920's Art Deco Figured Walnut Nest of Tables
Located in London, GB
A superb original Art Deco period figured walnut nest of tables, these were made in England and date from around the 1920-30’s. They are of amazing quality and have a very stylish d...
Walnut
Nest of Four 19th Century Chinese Hardwood Tables
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality nest of four 19th century Chinese hardwood tables. Having carved foliate decoration to the frieze.
Hardwood
Danish Modern Set of Rosewood Nesting Tables, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Set of Rosewood Nesting Tables, 1960s. Set of three Scandinavian Modern Rosewood/Palisander nesting tables with tapered legs and beautiful expressive veneer pattern. Th...
Rosewood
Set of 3 Nesting Tables
Located in Annville, PA
The Set of 3 Nesting Tables from Niagara Furniture features three tables, all with attractive inlaid mahogany tops. Supported on hand carved, solid mahogany legs which are turned to ...
Mahogany
$3,407 / set
H 29.14 in W 22.05 in D 14.97 in
Antique Set of French Japonisme Art Nouveau Nesting Tables 1890 table side table
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous & Rare! This set of French Art Nouveau nesting tables in Japonisme minimalist style 1890 with gorgeous inlaid wood displaying birds , butterflies & floral motives. The set...
Wood
Antique Edwardian Lacquered Chinoiserie Nest of Tables
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique Edwardian lacquered chinoiserie nest of tables. They were made in England in the oriental style, they date from around 1900-1920. They are of lovely quality and ...
Wood
Set of Four Chinese Hardwood Nesting Tables
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Set of Four Chinese Hardwood nesting tables The largest 20" wide by 14" deep by 26" tall. The smallest 12 1/2" wide by 8" deep by 14"tall.Nice carving good condition with age appropr...
Hardwood
$1,850 / set
H 28 in W 19.75 in D 14 in
Chinese Rosewood Set of 4 Nesting Tables with Carved Frieze Decoration
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Chinese Rosewood set of 4 nesting tables with carved Frieze Decoration. The largest is 14" deep by 19.75" wide by 28" tall. The smallest is 8.5" deep ...
Rosewood
Antique Chinese Export Red & Gilt Lacquer Quartetto Nesting Tables
Located in San Francisco, CA
consisting of four graduated rectangular tables raised on double-baluster supports over scrolled feet; each table top decorated with fine gilt decoration featuring a five-clawed impe...
Wood
Nest of 4 hardwood Chinese tables by Mayfair and company
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality nest of 4 Chinese made tables circa 1950. Made in Hong Kong by mayfair and company, retailed by tientsin bazaar in san francisco. Rich golden colour with detailed top ...
Hardwood
Nest Of Four Chinese Hardwood Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Each with panelled top and well carved apron , circular legs with stretchers.
Hardwood
19th Century Chinoiserie Lacquered Three Piece Nesting Tables
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Transform your space with these exquisite 19th-century Chinoiserie lacquered nesting tables, crafted specifically for the discerning export market. Each table boasts intricate exteri...
Wood, Lacquer
Nest of 4 hardwood Chinese tables by mayfair and company
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality nest of 4 chinese made tables circa 1950. Made in hong kong by mayfair and company, retailed by tientsin bazaar in san francisco. Rich golden colour with detailed top ...
Hardwood
Chinese Export Black Lacquer and Gilt Decorated Nest of tables
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Nest of 3 Chinese export black lacquer and gilt decorated tables, late 19th century. Each table top with oval central gilt decoration with figures and architectural monuments and gil...
Gold Leaf
Chinese Export Ebonized low Nesting Tables
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Beautiful set of two Chinese nesting tables, hand carved of hard wood / lacquered with a rich ebonized finish with a blackish undertones. Each table is hand carved and hand painted i...
Wood, Ebony
Sold
H 26 in W 23 in D 16 in
Mother of Pearl Rosewood Nesting Tables Set of Four with Ball and Claw Feet
Located in Lomita, CA
This is a rare find--a beautiful set of rosewood tables (4) with mother-of-pearl inlay. A nest of four Chinese export carved and mother-of-pearl inlaid rosewood side tables for the...
Rosewood, Mother-of-Pearl
Sold
H 29.14 in W 22.84 in D 14.97 in
Set of Four Chinese 20th Century Nest of Tables Inlaid with Bone & Abalone
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this beautiful set of four 20th century Chinese nest of tables with stunning decorations. These pretty tables are the perfect decoration for any...
Abalone, Hardwood
Sold
H 25.2 in W 20.08 in D 13.78 in
Vintage Chinese Teak Carved Quartetto Nest of Four Tables with Drawer
Located in Norwich, GB
A good vintage Chinese quartetto nest of tables with drawer, and glass insets. Circa 1950. The tables are in excellent condition for their ...
Glass, Teak
Sold
H 21.66 in W 31.5 in D 15.75 in
UNUSUAL VINTAGE METAMORPHIC ORIENTAL CHINESE NEST OF SIDE TABLES WiTH DRAWERS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare and unusual oriental nest of tables with drawers I have honestly never seen anything like this nest before, they are like a puzzl...
Wood
Nest of 4 Hardwood Chinese Tables by Mayfair and Company
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality nest of 4 Chinese made tables circa 1950. Made in Hong Kong by mayfair and company, retailed by Tientsin Bazaar in San Francisco. Rich golden color with detailed t...
Hardwood