Chinese Export 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
Chinese Export 18th Century Lacquer Bureau on Stand
Located in London, GB
A fine and rare mid 18th century Chinese Export lacquer bureau on stand. Probably made in Canton specifically for the export trade to meet the demands of the European market. Beautifully decorated throughout with gilded decorations on a black lacquer background. The writing section is fitted with double serpentine fronted drawers and pigeon holes - all profusely decorated with sprigs of flowers, foliage and butterflies. The apron frieze contains three working drawers, the central drawer arcaded. With a small pull out pen drawers...
Category
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Lacquer
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 Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Enforced Rattan Top
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Enforced Rattan Top
The Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Reinforced Rattan Top is a stunning vintage piece from the 1900s....
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Rattan, Elm
Oriental Brass Tray Charger on Teak Stand
Located in Vienna, AT
Oriental brass tray charger or coffee table on teak stand.
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Brass
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 Tables
Materials
Wood
Mid 19th Century Chinese Hardwood Low Table
Located in London, GB
A mid 19th century Chinese hardwood low table of attractive golden colour, having fielded panelled top, supported on scrolled legs with “roundel” feet.
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Scroller Leg Low Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Shanxi Province Elm Low Table/Bench with Scroll Legs
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this table showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of the Shanxi P...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Pair of Chinese Marble Tables
Located in Cheshire, GB
Pair of Chinese tables, the rectangular top set with panels of variegated marble, above pierced and carved panels and open shelves, on square tapering legs with carved feet.
Dimensi...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Rosewood Hongmu Faux Bamboo Tiered Etagere Stand
Located in Pasadena, TX
Exceptionally hand-crafted in the early 20th century, high quality richly colored rosewood, with superb grain patterns and soft, warm tones, the faux-bamboo hand carved frame having ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Faux Bamboo
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 Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Oriental Deep Side Table or Work Table
Located in Chillerton, 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 Tables
Materials
Fruitwood
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...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Metal
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 Tables
Materials
Hardwood
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.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Glass, Hardwood
Antique Chinese Two Tiered Brass Occasional Tray Table with Engraved Tops
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique tray table is unsigned, but presumed to have originate from China and date to approximately 1920 and done in a period Chinese Export s...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Lacquered Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Lacquered Elm Coffee Table
The Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Lacquered Elm Coffee Table is a stunning piec...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Linen, Elm, Lacquer
'Kang' Coffee Table, Susanne Hollis Collection
Located in San Marino, CA
Our take on a 19th century Chinese kang table. Clean, simple stretchers on four straight legs. Even in patina and surface. Lead time 4-6 weeks.
Custom sizes available.
Category
2010s American Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Asian low stand / side table in wood carved with Demons, marble top, 1880's
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb low side table / gueridon / pedestal table / plant holder / pot holder / pedestal in carved solid wood.
The sculptures feature dragon/demon heads, tiger/lion paws and plant m...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Set of Antique Chines Hongmu Nesting Tables
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A set of 2 antique Chinese hongmu hand carved nesting tables. The smaller that fits neatly into the larger table for easy access. 22 wide, 2...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Pair of openwork Lacquer Consoles from 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Chinese style wood consoles with a half-moon upper tray. Openwork base in the Asian way of furniture and decoration of tawny lacquer with gilt highlights and flowers ornament...
Category
Early 20th Century French Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Pair of circa 1940 Chinese Export Chinoiserie Side End Wine Games Folding Tables
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this pair of lovely circa 1940s Chinese Export, Chinoiserie decorative, folding side end lamp or wine tables with glass tops
A good looking, well made and decorative pair of folding side tables...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Lacquered Wood Table Stone Top with Carved Essay
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese antique table from Northern China likely Shanxi Province circa late Qing dynasty to Republic period (late 19th century). The square for...
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Stone
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 Tables
Materials
Teak
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 Tables
Materials
Onyx, Marble
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 Tables
Materials
Bone, Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer
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 Tables
Materials
Marble
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 Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
Sublim Nest of 4 circa 1880 Chinese Export Brown Lacqurered Tables Hand Painted
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this sublime nest of four original Chinese brown lacquered tables with dragon carved feet and gold leaf detailing
A good looking, decorative and...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
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 Tables
Materials
Elm
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...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Altar Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm altar table.
This antique elm altar table has its original color and patina. It can be used as a sofa back table for lamps...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Elm
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
Category
Late 20th Century Indonesian Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Bone, Rosewood
19th Century Chinese hardwood Alter table.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th Century Chinese hardwood Alter table, having inset panels to the top and scrolling ends, hand carved and pierced ribbon and scrolling foliate decoration to t...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Inset Circular Carved Hardwood Pedestal
Located in London, GB
A Chinese cloisonné enamel inset circular carved hardwood pedestal
Chinese, early 20th century
Measures: Height 34cm, diameter 45cm
Made in China in the early twentieth century,...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Enamel
Pair of Antique Chinese Hardwood and Veined Marble Stands
Located in London, GB
The stands in this matching pair are made from 'Hongmu' wood (Chinese hardwood). Each stand rests upon four stylised and flared dragon feet, which extend into four ornately carved ca...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Shanxi Province Hallway Bench Altar Console Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Hallway Bench Altar console table
The table features a rectangular top with scrolling patterns. On straight supports this long ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Geo III Chinese Export Occasional Table
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
A rare C18th Chinese export occasional table, of elegant design and constructed of exotic hardwoods including Padouk. The oval tilt top with blonde wood crossbanded edge and repeat...
Category
1780s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Padouk
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 Tables
Materials
Brass, Steel
IMPORTANT COFFEE TABLE Chinese 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
IMPORTANT COFFEE TABLE
Chinese 19th Century
in hardwood, with carvings.
Pink marble top.
Dim.: 76 x 100 x 55 cm
good conditions
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Chinese Elm Demi-Lune Marble Insert Console Demi-lune Table
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Vintage Chinese Elm Demi-Lune Marble Insert Console Table. Two tiered construction, top with a white marble insert.
Dimensions
33ʺW × 16ʺD × 33ʺH
Category
1920s Vintage Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Marble
Nest of Four circa 1900 Chinese Chinoiserie Lacqurered Tables Hand Painted
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of four original Chinese Chinoiserie black lacquered tables
A good looking, d...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
A Pair of Vintage Chinese Elephant Side Tables in Painted Wood
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of matching Chinese elephants in painted wood. Original paint and featuring bejeweled gold head-dresses. The set was made in Asia, probably China during the early to mid 20th ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Paint
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Tall Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Tall Table
This antique shanxi province elm table has its original color and patina.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Low Bed Bench / Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province elm low bed bench / coffee table.
This antique elm low bed bench can also be used as a coffee table or a display table. It has a rich ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Antique Chinese Export Red & Gilt Lacquer Quartetto Nesting Tables
Located in San Francisco, CA
consisting of four graduated rectangular tables raised on double-baluster supports over scrolled feet; each table top decorated with fine gilt decoration featuring a five-clawed impe...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
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 Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Hand Carved Shanxi Province Coffer Sideboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Hand Carved Shanxi Province Coffer Sideboard With Drawers
The Antique Hand Carved Shanxi Province Coffer Sideboard With Drawers is a stunning vintage piece from the 1900s. C...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, 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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Elm
Asian Pedestal Table in Carved Wood on a Mythological Theme, circa 1890
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb Asian high pedestal table in solid wood richly carved.
The tripod base is composed of 3 heads of dragons / demons.
In the center, a dragon walks on clouds. He is surround...
Category
1890s Vietnamese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Pair 19th Century Chinese Hardwood Stands
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of Chinese hardwood stands, having inset Rouge marble tops, carved flower and foliate decoration with birds. Each raised on ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century Chinese Zitan Wood Tall End Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered here is a wonderful 19th century Chinese Zitan wood tall end table, with intricate hand carved relief on it's apron, with a shelf that has a si...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Zitan
Qing Dynasty-Style Set of 4 Chinese Wooden Nesting Side Tables
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Please carefully read the complete description below, where we provide technical and historical details to ensure the authenticity of our items.
This is an original set of four Chinese side tables crafted from black lacquered oak. Known as nesting or interlocking tables, these pieces fit into one another and have a long tradition in China as both functional and decorative furniture. The production of high-quality furniture, including nesting tables, is historically associated with the Suzhou region, renowned for its fine craftsmanship and classical Chinese-style furniture. Interlocking wooden side tables were especially popular during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), although their use dates back to earlier times.
This particular set dates from the late Qing Dynasty, between 1902 and 1905, and was crafted in the Suzhou region by skilled cabinetmakers who executed precise, intricate geometric carvings under each table top. These geometric patterns represent auspicious symbols in Chinese culture and reflect traditional decorative motifs. The tables are made of sturdy oak, ideal for durable furniture, and finished with a black lacquer. The oak used originates from the mountainous northern regions of China, such as Shanxi and Shandong.
Stackable and space-saving, nesting tables are perfect for rooms where space optimization is essential. When needed, they can be easily separated and used individually as tea tables...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Oak
Chinese Qing Style Elm Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive Chinese export writing table or desk made in the Qing style. Constructed from elm with rich grain patterns having mortise and tenon joinery. The...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Brass
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 Tables
Materials
Hardwood
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 Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Vintage Shanxi Province Black Lacquer Wicker Rattan Altar Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage shanxi province black lacquer wicker rattan altar table.
This vintage altar table features a single board flush floating panel with circul...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wicker, Rattan, Wood, Lacquer
Hardwood Chinese Tea Table
Located in Huntington, NY
Hardwood Chinese tea table.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Large Pair Chinese Carved Hardwood Bamboo Motif Scrolled Stands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An impressive pair of 19th century Chinese hand-carved hardwood display stands featuring quality dovetail construction and an elegant bamboo motif. The simplicity of this timeless sc...
Category
Late 19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Export tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export 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 tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, asian art and furniture, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export 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 tables, popular names associated with this style include George Zee, Henredon, John Widdicomb, and Susanne Hollis. 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 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 $54,000 while the average work can sell for $2,543.