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 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
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
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
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
$32,998 / 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
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
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
Blue Glazed Bamboo Pond 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, the six-sided stool is patterned wit...
Ceramic
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
Vintage Chinese Natural Elm Tall Tea / Side Table with Decorative Feet
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese Natural 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 origi...
Elm
$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
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
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
$1,083Sale Price|20% Off
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
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Coffee Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique shanxi Province elmwood coffee / side table. This antique Chinese rectangle coffee table can be also used as a game table. The table was made in the Shanxi Province. With st...
Elm, Bentwood
20th Century China Deep Ebony Black Pair Of Lacquered Stools
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of lacquered stools in Deep Ebony Black. The deep ebony black surface highlights clean rectilinear legs, black lacquered finish, characteristic of China furniture making in the ...
Wood
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
Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Stand with Burl Top
Located in Brea, CA
A antique Chinese heavily carved hardwood circular stand with burl wood top insert, over carved hardwood and unique 4 legs, see more pictures, measures: 9" height x 6” diameter.
Hardwood
20th Century Chinese Teak Center Table
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
20th century Chinese square teak center table all original.
Teak
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Nightstand Sideboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elmwood nightstand / sideboard This nightstand / sideboard has 3 drawers and 2 shelves.
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
Antique Shanxi Province Black Lacquer Elm Side Table, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province black lacquer elm side table - pair. These beautiful black lacquered elm side tables have all its original color and patina.
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Geometric Frieze Elm Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province geometric frieze elm side table. This antique elm side table from the Shanxi Province of China has a unique geometric f...
Wood, Elm
19th Century Chinese Box, Black Lacquered Rectangular Double Handled Box Handsom
Located in Buchanan, MI
A 19th century Chinese box. Black lacquered rectangular double handled box with gilt decoration throughout 7" x 25" x 21". Would make a great ...
Wood
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.
Wood, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Side Table with Stone Top
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm side table with stone top. This antique Shanxi Province Side Table is made with Elm. It has all its original bea...
Stone
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...
Hardwood
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
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...
Marble
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
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
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
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Accent Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Accent Side Table This antique elm side table from the Shanxi Province of China has its original color and pati...
Wood, Elm
$1,800
Chinese Side Table
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Chinese side table Dimensions: 18" W x 18" D x 20" H.
Wood
$9,500 / set
19th Century Chinese Bronze Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century Chinese bronze end tables.
Bronze
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
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...
Hardwood
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