Chinese Export Side 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
19th Century Chinese Side Table - Carved Hongmu
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique Chinese Side table.
Made of Hongmu, with beautiful traditional wood carving, reminiscent of Faux Bamboo.
The table is el...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wood
South East Asian Handcrafted Bone Inlay Rosewood Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A South East Asian Handcrafted Bone Inlay Rosewood Side Table in great vintage condition. Measures 27" in width, 17" in depth and 25" in height.
Category
Late 20th Century Indonesian Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Bone, Rosewood
Chinese Ruyi Stone Drum
Located in Chicago, IL
Drum-form stools such as this were traditionally used in gardens and outdoor pavilions where upper class scholars read, wrote, gathered for discussion and, in general, developed thei...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Limestone
Distressed Chinoiserie Pair Black Lacquered End or Side Tables Ming Style Feet
Located in Topeka, KS
Exquisite vintage distressed Chinoiserie pair of black lacquered end or side tables with straight legs, Ming feet, and hand painted Asian details. Bea...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Unusual & Beautiful 3 Tier Lacquer and Steel Side Table with Goldfish Motif
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautifully designed unusual 3 tier side table having burnished steel and brass form and lovely black lacquer graduated levels of table surfaces decorated with gold fish. Handsome br...
Category
1980s Indonesian Vintage Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Brass, Steel
A Pair of Chinese Rosewood Circular Drum Side Tables with Mother of Pearl Inlay
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A vintage pair of very well made Chinese side tables with mother of pearl inlay. These are a matching pair of good quality with perfect symmetry, unlike some of the cheaper examples...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Pair of Chinese Export Hardwood Garden Stools or Drink Tables
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Handsome matching pair of Chinese export carved hardwood garden stools or drinks tables having a round tabouret or drum form. The stools are are sturdy and solid with excellent joine...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Set of Chinese Side Tables With Drawers Made In Polished Dark Wood From 1880s
Located in Lejre, DK
The set of Chinese side tables with drawers, crafted from polished dark wood and dating back to the 1880s, is a captivating blend of e...
Category
1880s Unknown Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export Style Wicker Elephant Side Table / Stool / Garden Seat
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a fun Chinese Export style wicker elephant form garden stool or side table. The red is not original. The tail is a gilt tassel. He is in very good condition and dates to the ...
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wicker
Chinese Export-Style Chinoiserie Gate-Leg Drop Leaf Tea Table
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese Export style tea table. Hand detailed japanned finish in unusual deep medium blue with polychrome overlay. Chinoiserie bell detailing. Double gate-leg drop leaf style. 17" L ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wood
Small Hand Carved Rosewood Chinese Altar Table
Located in San Diego, CA
High quality small hand carved rosewood Chinese altar table / side table, circa 1960s. The table is in very good vintage condition and measures 29.5"W x...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Rosewood
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 Side Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Chinese Brown Majolica Glazed Elephant Garden Seats / Tables - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century Chinese brown glazed heavy ceramic elephant garden seats or side tables. They have are unmarked and in very good condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Handcrafted Chinese Elm Wood Side Table – Solid Rustic Design
Located in Milano, IT
This 19th-century handcrafted elm wood side table from China is a beautifully rustic piece with timeless appeal. The table features a solid, single piece of elm wood for the top, sho...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Elm
Antique Occasional Table, Victorian, Chinese Elm, Octagonal, Coffee, Moorish
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique occasional table. An English, Chinese elm octagonal coffee or lamp table in strong Moorish taste and dating to the mid-19th century, circa 1850.
Burnt red hues ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Elm
19th Century Tall Chinese Caved Hardwood Flower Stand Marble Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A 19th century antique Chinese heavily carved hardwood octagon stand table with marble top insert, the inset marble top over carved hardwood apron with...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Oriental Deep Side Table or Work Table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Oriental deep side table or work table
This is a very attractive piece, the table has a broad cleated border which has superb worn patina where it...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Fruitwood
19th Century Pair of Chinese Carved Rosewood Flower Stands Marble-Top
Located in Brea, CA
19th century a pair of antique 31.5” large Chinese rosewood flower stands marble top insert, 2 pieces, the inset marble-top over carved rosewoo...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Black Faux Bamboo Two-Tiered End Table
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese black end table with two tiers supported by gold-accented faux bamboo legs, and painted with gold borders and a floral motif decorating...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Flower Stands Marble-Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A antique Chinese heavily carved hardwood circular stand table with rouge marble top insert and dark wood carved with abundant floral motif , the inset marble top over carved hardwoo...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century Chinese Carved Hardwood Flower Stands Marble-Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A 19th century antique Chinese heavily carved hardwood circular stand table with rouge marble top insert, the inset marble top over carved hardwood apron with mother of pear inlay pl...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Baker Michael Taylor Far East Asian Burl Wood Square Occasional Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Baker Michael Taylor Far East Collection Asian Burl Wood Square Occasional Side Table. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 24" H x 26" W x 26" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Petit Taboret, Birds, Branches, Blossoms Motif
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th century Chinese petite taboret. Birds, branches, blossoms motif. Jewelry like fine details.
Dark hardwood with mother of pearl shell blossoms. Openwork carved branches motif with finely carved birds throughout. Fine incised / engraved details on the mother of pearl birds...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Marble
Chinese 19th Century Hardwood Stand
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th century Chinese hardwood stand, having inset rouge marble top, wonderful hand carved palm leaves and exotic bird decoration, raised on tree like cabriole leg...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century Tall Chinese Carved Hardwood Flower Stands Table Marble-Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A 19th century antique tall Chinese heavily carved hardwood circular stand table with rouge marble top insert, the inset marble top over carved hardwood apron with beaded trim, fancy...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
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 Side Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Two Beautiful Chinese Softwood Stand
Located in Crawley, GB
Beautiful chinese lamp table togheter with a similar one from early 20th century , the tables have carved apron shelves , and horse hoof feet . Two...
Category
Early 20th Century British Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Softwood
19th Century Pair of Chinese Coffee or Side Tables
Located in Chicago, IL
19th century pair of Chinese coffee or side tables. Beautifully constructed of wood. Originally used for meals while seated on the floor.
Dimensions: 44.5" W x 22" D x 19" H.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Elm
19th Century English Bamboo Square Occasional Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century. English. Bird and flower lacquered panel. Hand painted.
Category
19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wood, Paint
Antique Large Chinese Carved Hardwood Hanging Woodcarving
Located in Brea, CA
A antique Chinese heavily carved hardwood hanging woodcarving , looks very beautiful smiling face with teeth and hat, see more pictures, measures: 12'' X 5.5'' X 3.5''.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Two Carved Wood, Marble and Onyx Chinese Tables
Located in London, GB
Two carved wood, marble and onyx Chinese tables
Chinese, Early 20th Century
Height 77cm, diameter 51cm
Intricately carved and elegantly formed, the two Chinese tables feature r...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Onyx, Marble
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 Side Tables
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Small Side Table with Carved Apron
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm small side table with Carved Apron
This antique side table from the Shanxi Province of China has its original...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Elm
Two Round Inlaid Hardwood Chinese Tables
Located in London, GB
Two round inlaid hardwood Chinese tables
Chinese, Early 20th Century
Height 77cm, diameter 51cm
The main body of these superb Chinese tables has been crafted from hardwood, and ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Marble
Heavily Carved Chinese Export Occasional Centre Table Black Lacquered Finish
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning heavily carved and black lacquered Chinese export oval centre table, circa 1900.
A very good looking and well made piece, carved a...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Teak
Vintage Shanxi Province Elmwood Side Table Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Shanxi Province elmwood side table / desk
This vintage Chinese side table / desk has four elegantly shaped legs with open friezes o...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Pierced Apron Elm Side Table - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province pierced apron elm side table - pair.
A rare pair of elm side tables from the Shanxi Province of China. These side tables have a ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Square Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm square side table.
This antique Shanxi Province elm square side table from China, has its original color and patina.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
Pair of Chinese 19th Century Hardwood Stands
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of 19th century Chinese hardwood stands. Each having inset marble tops, carved grape vines to the frieze, two shelves beneath an...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Vintage Chinese Oriental Black Lacquer Hand Painted Low Asian Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Oriental Black Lacquer Hand Painted Low Asian Side Table. Item features nice low form, carved and hand painted scenes with women, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wood
20th-C. Chinese Export Imari Style Blue and Orange Garden Seats / Tables, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are lovely. They are a pair of late 20th century Imari or Chinese Export style garden seats or side tables. They have vibrant hand painted blue and Orange hues on a white backg...
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century South East Asian Three-Tier Elmwood Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Centruy South East Asian, probably Chinese, Three-Tier Elmwood Side Table. Measures 15" in width, 15" in depth and stands 26.75" in height. Lower tier clearence is 10.75" and up...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Elm
Mid-Century Chinese Export Style Elephant Form Garden Seats / Stools / Tables -2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century Chinese Export style elephant form garden seats or side tables. They have a vibrant majolica glaze in blue, green and gold and are ceramic/ pottery. The...
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Export Black Lacquer and Gilt Decorated Sewing Table
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Chinese export black lacquer and gilt decorated sewing / occasional table, late 19th century.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Bone, Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer
Pair of Antique Chinese Carved Rosewood Flower Stands Marble-Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A pair of antique Chinese hardwood stands 6 sides marble top insert, 2 pieces, the inset marble top over carved rosewood apron with dogw...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Carved Rosewood Marble Top Stand
Located in Rockaway, NJ
High quality vintage Chinese Asian carved rosewood marble top lamp table stand pedestal.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Chinese Lacquered Wooden Table with Curved Legs, c. 1950
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This elegant lacquered table was crafted in Northern China at the middle of the 20th century. It features elegant legs that are beautifully proportioned with curved ends. It features...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Late 19thC Carved Chinese Rosewood Side End Table
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Antique hand crafted Chinese rosewood side table with a red marble top. Carved fretwork with rosettes. In excellent antique condition with ...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Marble
Asian Modern John Widdicomb Square Lacquered Table with Incised Decoration
Located in Houston, TX
Asian Modern John Widdicomb square lacquered table with incised decoration. This gorgeous low table or end table is lacquered a Chinese burgundy /...
Category
1960s North American Vintage Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Rare Black Lacquer Carved Wood Elephant Garden Seat End Table with Brass Tusks
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Super chic black laquered carved wood garden seat or drinks table having intricately carved seat, red lacquer highlights and marvelous brass tusks.
Conversation piece in any room.
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export Famille Rose and Chintz Style Garden Seat / Side Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is lovely Chinese Export Famille Rose style garden seat or side table. It depicts family pastoral scenes and has almost a chintz-like floral motif throughout the body. Itis in v...
Category
Late 20th Century Asian Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Chinese Hardwood Side Table
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality 19th century Chinese hardwood occasional table, having an inset marble top, carved foliate decoration to the frieze, raised on a wonderful carved pedestal depicting my...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Chinese Export Lacquer Tilt Top Rectangular Side or Center Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Mid 19th century beautiful Chinese Export chinoiserie tilt top table. Tripod base on original castors. Meticulously detailed decoration with pagoda and figures.
Category
1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Rosewood Mid Century Round Occasional Table
Located in Lomita, CA
The form of this rosewood circular table with delicate fretwork and graceful legs is rare and worth a second look. The outstanding feature aside from the design details is the dark c...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Chinese Elm and Rattan Coffee Table, Side, Lamp, Late 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a Chinese elm and rattan coffee table, a side table dating to the late 20th century.
Attractive biscuit hues to the Chinese elm
The woven rattan top in good order through...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Tiered Teak Carved Side Tables Cabinets
Located in Germantown, MD
An absolutely gorgeous pair of Chinese tiered teak carved side tables cabinets. Versatile use. May be used as side table s in the living room, family room ...
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Teak
Chinese Side Table Hand Carved, 1920/30
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice Chinese side table. Black base hand carved
with colored flowers. On top a painted bird, some wear on the top of the table.
Probably bin damaged by a flower pot.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Wood
Oriental Side Table, Chinese Elm Cabinet, Late 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an oriental side table, a Chinese elm cabinet from the late 20th century.
Dark, russet hues with a wax polished finish
Grain interest and in good order throughout
Raised...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Side Tables
Materials
Elm
Chinese Export side tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export side 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 side tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, asian art and furniture, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export side 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 side tables, popular names associated with this style include and John Widdicomb. 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 side tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $295 and tops out at $30,579 while the average work can sell for $1,980.