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.
Mid-Century Asian Modern Ivory Glazed Koi Fish Box On Stand Side Tables - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century Asian modern side tables with carved koi fish throughout both body and lid. They are painted ivory with an antique brown glaze. The lidded storage reall...
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
$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
Milky White Glazed Cloud Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural and drenched in color, this ceramic garden seat reinvents the classic Chinese drum stool. Slip casted in low relief, the drum stool has s...
Ceramic
20th-C. Modern Chinese Red & Brass Box On Stand / Side Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 20th century Chinese Export style burnt orange or Chinese red lacquer box on stand or side table. It opens to storage. It is unmarked and in very good condition.
Brass
Mid-Century Chinese Export Majolica Glaze Foo Dog Garden Seats Side Tables Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century Chinese Export Sancai foo dog form side tables, garden stools or pedestals with a wonderful ochre and green majolica glaze. They are so decorative and ...
Ceramic, Pottery
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 Rosewood and Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Marble Top Plant Stand
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Rosewood Plant Stand. Stand features an oval insert marble top with a beaded edge that provides both visual contrast and practical durability. The apron is carved with flowin...
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Green Glazed Bamboo Grove Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural and drenched in color, this ceramic garden seat reinvents the barrel shape of classic Chinese drum stools. Slip casted in low relief, the six-sided stool is patterned with...
Ceramic
Chinese Carved Rosewood Marble Top Stand
Located in Rockaway, NJ
High quality vintage Chinese Asian carved rosewood marble top lamp table stand pedestal.
Rosewood
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
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
Drip Glaze Blue & White Prosperity Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural and drenched in color, this ceramic garden seat reinvents the barrel shape of classic Chinese drum stools. Slip casted in low relief, a pattern of boss-head nails rings th...
Ceramic
$551Sale 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
$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
Tall Vintage Art Deco Revival Hall Table, Oriental, Red Lacquer, Side, Reception
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a tall vintage hall table. An Oriental, red lacquer Art Deco revival side or reception table, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. Vibrant lacquer finish and tall fo...
Lacquer
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''.
Hardwood
Caramel Brown Glazed Prosperity Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
This sculptural, ceramic garden seat reinvents the barrel shape of classic Chinese drum stools. Slip casted in low relief, a pattern of boss-head nails rings the top and bottom, imit...
Ceramic
$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
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
Green Glazed Sancai Blossom Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural and drenched in color, this ceramic garden seat reinvents the barrel shape of classic Chinese drum stools. Slip casted in low relief, the stool has six sides, each decorat...
Ceramic
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...
Hardwood
Graphite Black Glazed Prosperity Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
This sculptural, ceramic garden seat reinvents the barrel shape of classic Chinese drum stools. Slip casted in low relief, a pattern of boss-head nails rings the top and bottom, imit...
Ceramic
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
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...
Wood, Elm
$1,574Sale Price|20% Off
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
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.
Bone, Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer
$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
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
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...
Hardwood
$1,646Sale Price|20% Off
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
$962Sale Price|30% Off
Mother-of-Pearl Decorated Rattan Flip Top Side Table Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
A sunning Mother-of-Pearl Decorated Rattan Flip Top side table cabinet in good vintage condition measuring 18.5" in width, 11.5" in depth and stand...
Mother-of-Pearl, Rattan, Wood
Pair of Chinese Sancai Butterfly Garden Drums, c. 1920s
Located in Chicago, IL
Drenched in color, these ceramic garden drums are drip glazed in the manner of ancient Chinese sancai ware, cloaked in luminous shades of emerald green and...
Stoneware
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
19th Century Chinese Bamboo Two-Tier Side Table with Woven Rattan, circa 1880
Located in Hannover, DE
An exceptional late 19th-century Chinese bamboo two-tier side table, dating to circa 1880, distinguished by its elegant proportions, expressive construction, and wonderfully preserve...
Metal
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
White Glazed Chinese Double Coin Garden Table
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusually proportioned ceramic table is a modern interpretation of the classic Chinese drum-form garden stool. Cloaked in a pristine, monochrome white glaze, the wide stool is d...
Ceramic
$743Sale Price|43% Off
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...
Softwood
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.
Wood
Chinese Export, Low Occasional Tables, Hardwood, Marble, China, 19th c.
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese Export, Low Occasional Tables, Side Tables or Plant Stands, Hardwood, Marble, China, 19th c. A pair of 19th-century Chinese carved hardwood low side tables, each with a circ...
Marble
White Glazed Chinese Double Coin Garden Table
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusually proportioned ceramic table is a modern interpretation of the classic Chinese drum-form garden stool. Cloaked in a pristine, monochrome white glaze, the wide stool is d...
Ceramic
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
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
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
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
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
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
Oriental Deep Side Table in Fruitwood, Chinese Export Style, 1920
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...
Fruitwood
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
$1,817Sale 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
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
Pair of Vintage Chinese Carved Wood Garden Seats or Stands
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout pair of mid century Chinese stands hand carved in mahogany with painted faux stone inset tops.
Mahogany
Periwinkle Glazed Peony Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculptural and drenched in color, this ceramic garden table reinvents the barrel shape of classic Chinese drum stools. Slip casted in low relief, th...
Ceramic
Milky White Prosperity Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
This sculptural, ceramic garden seat reinvents the barrel shape of classic Chinese drum stools. Slip casted in low relief, a pattern of boss-head nails rings the top and bottom, imit...
Ceramic
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
Antique Chinese Carved Side Table with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Side Table with Marble Insert & Mother-of-Pearl Inlay A beautifully crafted Chinese carved hardwood side table featuring an octagonal marble inse...
Wood
$33,034 / 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
Vintage Chinese Elm Tall Tea / Side Table with Decorative Feet
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese Elm tall tea / side table with Decorative Feet This Vintage tall tea table/side table ia made of elm and has unique decorative feet. This table has its original colo...
Elm, Lacquer
$33,034 / set
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 ...
Marble
19th Century Chinese Hardwood Display Table or Stand
Located in London, GB
This display table is a refined work crafted in the 19th century of the Chinese Qing dynasty. It would serve as a beautiful ornament upon which to display plants, urns or other decor...
Hardwood