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.
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
Chinese Export Bamboo Fretwork Library Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Chinese bamboo library table. Amazing Chinese export center or library table featuring intricate bamboo open fretwork on the aprons. ...
Bamboo
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
Chinese Export, Ebonized Wood, Mother-of-Pearl, Center Table, China, 1900
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese Export, Ebonized Wood, Mother-of-Pearl, Center Table, China, 1900 A beautifully crafted black lacquer and mother-of-pearl inlaid Chinese antique tilt-top table, dating from ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Lacquer
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
$1,326Sale Price|30% Off
South East Asian Handcrafted Bone Marquetry Rosewood Console Table
Located in Germantown, MD
South East Asian Handcrafted Bone Marquetry Rosewood console table Measures 36.5" in width, 12.75" in depth c and 30" in height. Excellent vintage condition
Bone, Rosewood
Vintage Chinese Oval Black and Gold Tole Floral Walkway Design Tray
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese oval tole serving tray with a painted gold design of a figures climbing a staircase to a walkway surrounded by flowering plants on a black background with a shallow l...
Metal
$1,641Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
$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
$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
$1,046Sale Price|30% Off
South East Asian Elmwood Six-Drawer Altar / Console Table
Located in Germantown, MD
South East Asian / Korean Elmwood Five-Drawer Altar / Console Table fully Finished on all sides. Measures 35" in width, 15" in depth and 33.25" in height.Very good vintage condition.
Brass
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
Lacquer Coffee Table Made by Gracie, with Handpainted Gilt Landscape Design
By Gracie
Located in New York, NY
A handmade coffee table by Gracie, the family firm establisged in 1898 and known for antiques, handpainted wallpapers and custom cashew lacquer furniture. This table was made in the...
Wood, Lacquer
Early 20th Century Carved Hardwood Chinese Console / Alter Table/ 3 drawer
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early 20th Century Carved Hardwood Chinese Console / Alter Hall Table with 3 drawers... Retains original finish / patina,,Really wonderful carvings,, Great proportions , size . Hand...
Rosewood
$1,102Sale Price|30% Off
Chinese Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Rosewood 3-tier Corner Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Chinese Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Rosewood three-tier Corner Table in great vintage condition. Measures 22.5" in width, 22" in depth and stands 27" tall. Bottom tier clearance is 12 a...
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
19th Century Chinese Lacquered Chest on Stand
Located in Sheffield, MA
A very handsome Chinese lacquered trunk or coffee table with exceptional heavily embellished hand-hammered hardware -- iron handles, hinges, corner plates and lock which uses a cross...
Wood
Near Pair of Chinese Glazed Terra Cotta Pedestals
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking pair of vintage Chinese pedestals handcrafted in terracotta in classic form with open fretwork, decorated in soft floral colors on an alluring cobalt blue background. From ...
Terracotta
$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
Chinese Walnut Console Table, Hand-Carved, Ming Style, c. 1850, China
Located in New York, NY
A graceful 19th century Chinese hardwood altar table, with a carved apron. The table features for decorative carved elements, one on each side, between the top and stretcher . Table...
Walnut
Late 19th Century Elmwood Console China Export
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant elmwood console is handcrafted and so the beautiful details under the top and to the corners, both the sides. This is a piece of glamorous timeless The top is in solid...
Elm
$7,500 / set
Pair of Coromandle Coffee Tables, by Baker
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Executed in the manner of a coromandel screen and having a traditional Asian form, these elegant tables are chinoiserie decorated, comprising a black lacquered base, with an inscrib...
Wool, 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
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
Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Glazed Terra Cotta Pedestals or Stands
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of early 20th century Chinese glazed terra cotta pedestals or stands. These stunning antique Chinese pedestals are executed in an interestin...
Terracotta
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
Late Qing Dynasty Rosewood Export Side Table Carved With Floral Bamboo Theme
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Elegant hand carved late Qing Dynasty Chinese Rosewood table with delicate carving and slender bamboo theme legs. Some chips in relief carving as seen otherwise in good original cond...
Rosewood
c. 1980's Gracie Chinoiserie Red Lacquer Coffee Table
By Gracie
Located in New York, NY
Handmade table by Gracie, established in 1898, in Chinese style, with a vibrant red cashew lacquer finish. Handpainted floral design in gold, with intricate geometric border. Table...
Wood, Lacquer
20th Century Chinese Carved Wooden Pedestal / Table Stand
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese (20th Century) carved wooden pedestal / table stand featuring a waisted circular top followed by a molded openwork apron in a geometric scroll pattern, standing on five curle...
Wood
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 Chinese Carved Wooden Stand with 8 Sides Marble Top
Located in Brea, CA
Antique Chinese hardwood carved flowers stands with 8 sides octagonal marble top insert, 19th century. Measures: H 18.625”, D 16.5”.
Hardwood
Vintage Chinese Relief Carved Ho ho Bird Glass Top Display Black Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Relief Carved Ho ho Bird Glass Top Display Black Coffee Table. Item features a solid wood frame, black and gold painted finish, finely r...
Glass, Wood, Paint
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 Brass Tray Folding Table with Engraved Top and Wooden Base
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This small antique brass tray table shows no maker's signature, but is presumed to have been made in China in approximately 1920 in the period...
Brass
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 Ming Dynasty Elm and Rattan Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Ming Dynasty Elm and Rattan Coffee Table Antique Shanxi Province coffee table crafted in elm wood with woven rattan detailing, inspired by the clean architec...
Rattan, Elm, Wood
Pair of Antique Chinese Wood Stands Pedestal Tables
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of tall Chinese pedestal stands circa 19th century the late Qing dynasty. These types of stands were traditionally used to display vases ...
Hardwood
Late 19thCentury China Export Elmwood Black Lacquered Console
Located in Brescia, IT
This console is an hand crafted piece of furniture and was made in elm wood, typical of asian countries in Late 19th Century. It was cleaned and refreshed the old black finish. This...
Elm
$3,525 / item
Faux Bamboo Square Cocktail Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
19th century style square cocktail table with a carved faux bamboo edge to the entire frame, a brushed and textured veneered top, and four bold ...
Wood
$1,380Sale Price|20% Off
Carved French Oriental Style Two Tier side table in the style of Gabriel Viardot
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 31in W: 27 1/4in D: 16in This is an Exceptional piece of french furniture! Highly uncommon due to the fact that most of the time french furniture was made to look like french furniture. In this case This piece believed to be by Either Gabriel Viardot or Perret et Vibert. Both french cabinet makers specialized in the making or oriental or chinoiserie style furniture...
Wood
Vintage Gracie Lacquer Waterfall Table with Antique Chinese panels on Top
By Gracie
Located in New York, NY
Asian inspired waterfall shape coffee table with graceful open shapes on each leg. The table was constructed by Gracie, c. 1990, but the inset panels in the top are Chinese export p...
Wood, Lacquer
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
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
Chinese Heavily Carved, Occasional Tables or Pedestals, Teak, Marble, 1920s
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese Heavily Carved, Occasional Tables, End Tables Teak, Marble, 1920s Compatible pair of heavily carved large occasional tables or pedestals designed and produced in China in th...
Marble
ANTIQUE CHINESE EXPORT HARDWOOD MOTHER OF PEARL CIRCA 1920's TABLE & CHAIRS SET
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely lovely antique Chinese Export Circa 1920-1940 Rosewood with ornate Bird & Flowers Mother of ...
Hardwood
Vintage Kang Style Chinese Teakwood Red Lacquer Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Kang Style Chinese Teakwood Red Lacquer Coffee Table This red lacquer teakwood coffee table from the south of China has its original color and patina. This stunning vintage ...
Teak, Lacquer
$1,225Sale Price|30% Off
Chinese Carved Hardwood And Glass Tilt-Top Tea Table or Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Beautiful hand-carved Chinese Carved Hardwood And Glass Tilt-Top Tea Table or Side Table Measures 24" in diameter, 22" in height closed and 34" in height tilted.
Glass, Hardwood
Chinese Altar/Scholar's Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and fine Altar Table in traditional form with particularly striking exotic graining. With carved and shaped vertical ends and carved scrollwork on the apron ends. Raised on t...
Wood
19th Century Chinese Console Table
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
Chinese Console Table This striking mid-19th century Chinese altar table, dating to around circa 1860, is a richly carved and visually powerful piece, showcasing the craftsmanship an...
Elm, Lacquer
19th Century Chinese Elm Alter Table
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This 19th-century Chinese Elm Alter Table features dark elm wood with ornate carved legs and a distressed finish, giving it a warm, well-worn character. A classic piece with timeless...
Elm
Antique Chinese Huanghuali Hardwood Round Table
Located in North Miami, FL
Antique Huanghuali hardwood round low center table with great patina. very nice original wear. Elegant appearance. Structurally sound. Apparently unmarked. Measures: Approximate heig...
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
$1,496Sale Price|25% 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
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
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
MID CENTURY MODERN MOROCCAN BRASS TRAY TABLE WITH TEAK FOLDING BASe
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this ornately hand carved Moroccan brass tray table with teak folding base retailed through Liberty's in the...
Brass
19th Century Coffee Table from Antique Chinese Door, Shandong, 1950s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A unique piece, this table was handcrafted from an ancient Chinese door. The wood is vintage elm with a beautiful patina. The table's frame is made from metal and features a mini...
Metal
Rare Antique Shanxi Province Large Elm Calligraphy Desk
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Antique Shanxi Province Large Elm Calligraphy Desk Rare calligraphy table in great antique condition, with original color and patina. Can be used as a large desk, a tall dining table...
Wood, Elm
19th Century Chinese Hardwood Stand
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality Chinese hardwood hexagona; inset marble-topped stand. Having well carved foliate and floral carving to the frieze, raised on six ornately carved legs, united by a carv...
Hardwood
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table Introducing our Exquisite Handcrafted Elm Wood Coffee Table - a remarkable piece repurposed from a traditional Chinese bed, embodying the rich history and artistry of Chinese craftsmanship. This coffee table is a testament to the ingenuity of repurposing, transforming a traditional bed...
Lacquer, Elm
$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
Asian Chinese Style Wooden Rectangular Coffee Table
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese export (mid-20th Century) hong (black) wood low rectangular coffee table with cabriole legs.
Wood