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.
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...
Wood
Stylish Vintage Red Lacquer Square Side Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A great pop of color in this Chinese square end table having scalloped apron and black finish running through the wood.
Wood
Chinese Octagonal White Washed Side Tables W/ Verdigris Hardware - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a great looking pair of Chinese white washed octagonal side tables with verdigris hardware. They are both lined with calligraphy paper. The interior shows minor wear to the p...
Wood
$1,046Sale Price|30% Off
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.
Bone, Rosewood
$2,096Sale Price|30% Off
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 ...
Teak
$3,880
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...
Limestone
Chinese Carved Rosewood Marble Top Stand
Located in Rockaway, NJ
High quality vintage Chinese Asian carved rosewood marble top lamp table stand pedestal.
Rosewood
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...
Wood
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 ...
Marble
Chinese Rosewood Taboret With Mother of Pearl Inlay
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Chinese rosewood taboret with mother of pearl inlay and a marble top, circa 1920's. With an inset marble top bordered by rosewood with mother of pearl inlay, reticulated and carved a...
Marble
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 ...
Wicker
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...
Hardwood
$971Sale Price / set|25% Off
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...
Wood, Lacquer
$696Sale Price|30% Off
Late 19th Century Chinese Stained Elmwood Low Stand or Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 19th Century Chinese Stained Elmwood Low Stand or Side Table. Very sturdy. Measures 15.5" in width, 17" in depth and stands 21".
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 ...
Elm
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...
Rosewood
$1,396Sale Price|30% Off
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...
Elm
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.
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Chinese Side Table or Stool, Hand-Crafted Wood, 19th Century
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...
Wood
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 /...
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Tall Chinese Carved Rosewood Two Tiered Flower Stands Marble-Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A 19th century antique Chinese carved rosewood two tiered flower stand table with rouge griotte marble top insert, the inset marble top over carved ...
Hardwood
Vintage Chinese Green Two-Tiered Tole Oval Server
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese dark green tole, two-tiered server with a black metal frame holding two oval shelves decorated in a garland border of gold leaves with red...
Metal
Antique Chinese Side Table Amboyna 1900
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Chinese amboyna occasional table Circa 1900 This table stands upon turned legs with carved feet Having typical chinese carved and pierced decoration The top of the table having wonde...
Amboyna
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...
Wood
Vintage Chinese Black Two-Tiered Tole Oval Server
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese black tole, two-tiered server with a black metal frame holding two oval shelves decorated in a garland border of gold leaves with red dots...
Metal
Pair 19th Century Chinese stands with inset porcelain panels
Located in Brighton, Sussex
This exquisite pair of 19th-century Chinese hardwood stands is a stunning example of craftsmanship and artistry. Each stand features an inset Famille Rose porcelain panel, renowned f...
Porcelain, Hardwood
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.
Ceramic
18th Century Pair of Side Cabinets
Located in San Marino, CA
One of a kind elm side cabinets with “key design carving” and calligraphy from Shanshi, circa 18th century.
Elm
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...
Elm
Chinese Carved Rosewood Pedestal or Side Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
What’s Mandarin for “Wow!”? AI informs that it’s 厉害了 pronounced "lì hài le," literally meaning "That’s impressive!" or "Awesome!" Someone must have said it as this extraordinarily ex...
Rosewood
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 ...
Wood, Elm
19th Century English Bamboo Square Occasional Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century. English. Bird and flower lacquered panel. Hand painted.
Bamboo, Wood, Paint
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...
Hardwood
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.
Ceramic
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Natural Patina Square Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Natural Patina Square Side Table This square side table from the Shanxi Province of China has natural patina and color.
Wood, Elm
$2,850 / set
Pair Of Antique Chinese Tables
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Antique Chinese Tables. Offered is a beautiful pair of hexagon shaped carved rosewood Chinese tables, side tables or drink tables. These versatile tables can be used together...
Wood
Contemporary Chinese Black and Leaf Motif Square Side Tables
Located in Queens, NY
"Chinese black lacquer, square side table distinguished by quatrefoil-shaped cutouts on all sides and a gold maple leaf motif throughout Minor scratches to finish."
Wood
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...
Teak
Export Lacquer Side / work table, circa 1820
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality early 19th Century Chinese Export lacquer work / side table. Having wonderful classical oriental scenes hand painted. The top hinged open to reveal a fitted inter...
Lacquer
Vintage Shanxi Province Elmwood Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage shanxi province elmwood side table Chinese elmwood side table having a rectangular top. Beautifully aged patina.
Wood, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm Side Tables, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm side tables - pair These Antique Shanxi Province Elm Side Tables have been wrapped in linen and painted with red...
Linen, Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Wicker Rattan End / Side Tables, Set of 3
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Wicker Rattan End/Side Tables - Set of 3 The Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Wicker Rattan End/Side Tables are a stunning set of three tables with a ...
Rattan, Elm, Bentwood
$32,404 / set
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...
Onyx, Marble
Antique Shanxi Province Elm and Black Lacquer Nightstand / Side Table with Stora
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm and Black Lacquer Nightstand / Side Table with Storage This antique elm wood and black lacquer tall side table from the Shanxi Province has its original ...
Elm, Lacquer
$4,725 / set
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...
Hardwood
$9,500 / set
19th Century Chinese Bronze Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century Chinese bronze end tables.
Bronze
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...
Ceramic
$2,560 / set
Pair of Chinese Glazed Elephant Garden Seats
Located in Chicago, IL
These vintage ceramic garden seats are sculpted in the shape of regal elephants and glazed in high gloss shades of chocolate brown and cornflower blue. Each elephant is adorned in pr...
Ceramic
$1,850Sale Price|51% Off
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 ...
Wood
19th Century 23.5'' Chinese Carved Rosewood Flower Stands Marble-Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A 19th century antique Chinese heavily carved hardwood circular two tiered tables with rouge marble top insert, the inset marble top over carved rosewood apron with dogwood design an...
Hardwood
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...
Elm
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...
Ceramic
Stunning Pair of Lacquered Rectangular Chinese Tables
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Chic pair of vintage Chinese cordovan brown end tables having gold Chinese characters incised on them and a red band of decoration. RHR
Wood
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...
Elm
19th Century Handcrafted Chinese Elm Wood Side Table – Solid Rustic Design
Located in 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...
Elm
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...
Hardwood
$4,600
Large Chinese Elm Stand
Located in Chireno, TX
Large Chinese elm stand dating to the 19th century. Perfect for a large sculpture or planter. Or could be cut down a few inches and serve as a side table. Fitted with two frieze draw...
Elm, Lacquer
$863Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Rosewood Round Occasional Table with Hand-Carved Fretwork
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...
Rosewood
$701Sale Price|20% Off
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.
Wood
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...
Hardwood