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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

Carved Nest of Chinese Tables Depicting Scenes of Noblemen Dragon Boat Flowers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning nest of highly carved tables depicting Chinese noblemen, boats and floral scenes I have never q...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Glass, Teak

Chinese Republic Circa 1930's Hardwood Mother of Pearl Inlaid Table & Stools
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
A very good looking and well made suite, the table is rosewood with mother of pearl inlay, the central section has peacocks which symbolised dignity and beauty and was favoured throughout the Republic period. The peacocks are surrounded by hearts and then on the outer edge flowers. We are delighted to offer this lovely suite of Chinese Republic circa 1930's rosewood with mother of pearl inlay dining...
Category

1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood

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

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint

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...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Elm

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

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 ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Hardwood

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...
Category

Late 20th Century Asian Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Hong-Mu Nest of Tables Set of Three
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Chinese nest of tables with slight carving on the aprons. The tops with a slight arched front and tapering sides with a slightly shorter back. T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Mahogany

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

Hand-Carved Dragon Motif Cypress Wood Console or Sofa Table
Located in Nantucket, MA
A very cool console or sofa table made of cypress wood. Hand-carved on both shelves and the legs in a dragon motif. Very Game of Thrones. A stylized Queen Anne leg. Mid 1900's. Asian.
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Cypress

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

Antique Shanxi Province Rare Elm Coffee Table with Hand Carved Apron
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Rare Elm Table with Hand Carved Apron
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

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...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Elm

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...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Elm

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

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

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...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

Late 19th Century Central Asian Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Elm

Hand Carved Chinese Rosewood Stand / Pedestal
Located in San Diego, CA
High quality vintage hand carved Chinese rosewood stand / pedestal, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good condition and measures 11.5" W x 11.5...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Hardwood Chinese Tea Table
Located in Huntington, NY
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Hardwood Chinese Tea Table
Hardwood Chinese Tea Table
$960 Sale Price
20% Off
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 /...
Category

1960s North American Vintage Chinese Export Tables

Materials

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...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Wood

Italian Black Glass Sofa Table, Oriental Decorations, Mod. Rene
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the entire description, as it provides detailed technical and historical information to ensure the authenticity of our objects. A peculiar and original sof...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Elm

Chinese Carved Wooden Altar Table / Console
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese hardwood altar / console table accented with ornately carved and pierced spandrels and recessed legs and topped with a surface bearing gently sloping sides.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

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...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of Early 20th Century Carved Rosewood Chinese Center Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Chinese carved rosewood center tables that could be used for dining as well. They are part of a suite of dining furniture made Europeans living in China in the early 20th c...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Modern Asian-Style Square Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Asian-style square coffee table of reclaimed pine, a classic style inspired by the far east. This table is a square shape with horse hoof-style legs, a design that dates back to the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Chinese Hardwood Pedestal Stands
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Asian Chinese (18/19th Cent) hardwood pedestal stands with celadon jade bats inserted into a carved apron under top with a box form stretcher.
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Jade

Asian Chinese Style Brown Lacquered Gilt Medallion Coffee Table
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese-style (20th Century) brown lacquered square coffee table with gilt star trim and a large round center medallion with figure...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Gold Plate

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of 18th Century Carved Demilunes
Located in San Marino, CA
Pair of 18th century carved demilunes. Show spectacular workmanship in construction. From Shanshi.
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Wood

Chinese hardwood Long Rectangular Console Table
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese (19th Century) hardwood narrow rectangular console table with open apron featuring interlocking circular design.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Wood

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.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Export Nesting Games Tables, Set of Four, Mid 19th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
An exquisite and unusual set of four Chinese export black lacquer and gilt painted nesting tables, early to mid 19th century, China. The largest table top opens to serve as a games table. This elegant set of four nesting tables crafted in black lacquer and intricately and densely painted in gilt. The table tops all with figural court scenes. The legs of lyre form and set with clawed feet. Delicate paintings of leaves...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Wood

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

Chinese Square Corner Locking Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Perfecting line and proportion, the simple design of this low locking chest celebrates the restraint of classic Chinese furniture forms. Crafted from reclaimed elmwood, the cabinet i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Chinese Cream Lacquered Hand Painted Side Table
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Exceptional vintage Chinese wooden square side table. Features a cream lacquered finish with hand painted gold and floral accents.
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Late 20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Rattan, Wood

Early 20th Century China Export Elmwood Console with Carrara Marble
Located in Brescia, IT
It is not easy to find this elegant console, that has very useful dimensions and has the top made in the precious Carrara marble. This is a piece that find its origin in China, in th...
Category

Early 20th Century Central Asian Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Carrara Marble

Chinese Export Bamboo Fretwork Square Center Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing Chinese export center table featuring intricate bamboo open fretwork on the aprons. The top of the square table has a black lacquered piece of wood supported by round bamboo ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Wood

20th Century Chinese Teak Center Table
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
20th century Chinese square teak center table all original.
Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Teak

Chinese Carved Rosewood Marble Top Stand
Located in Rockaway, NJ
High quality vintage Chinese Asian carved rosewood marble top lamp table stand pedestal.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Rosewood

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 ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Rattan, Elm, Bentwood

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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Terracotta

19th C China Trade Roll Top Lap Desk on Stand
Located in Charleston, SC
A early-19th century Asian hardwood lap desk on stand. A similar one is pictured in "The Decorative Arts of The China Trade," page 248. The stand is a replacement made from pearwood.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Wood

Chinese Export Leather Trunk, circa 1820
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Chinese Export camphor wood and leather trunk with iron carrying handles, painted red with floral borders, corners and escutcheon, decorated with brass tacks; the carved and painted ...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Leather

Chinese Elm Coffee Table
Located in San Marino, CA
One of a pair of newly made elm tables, re-imagined from salvaged pieces of an antique bed. Could be paired with a similar piece (PB2186), though not an exact pair.
Category

1990s 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

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...
Category

1940s French Vintage Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Wood

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 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.
Category

1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Pair of Contemporary Chinese Hand Painted Black and Gold Center Tables
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Chinese center tables hand-painted with Chinoiserie scenes of houses and seated women captured in pastoral settings on tops trimmed in carved gold leaf motifs, supported on g...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Wood

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

Nest of Four Chinese Hardwood Tables, circa 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality nest of four Chinese hardwood tables, each with well carved vine leaf and grape decoration to the frieze. Polished hardwood tops,...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Hardwood Centre Table
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality early 19th century Chinese hardwood centre table. Having an inset rouge marble top with brass inlay to the cr...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Marble

Vintage Chinese Oval Tole Black and Gold Pastoral Scene Tray
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese oval tole serving tray with a painted gold design of a children playing outside, supervised by a parent on a black background surrounded b...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Metal

Antique China Trade Desk
Located in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
Antique China Trade desk A fine China Trade desk in padouk with well-carved hairy paw feet and ebony and bone inlay; recessed military handles and carryi...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables

Materials

Padouk

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.

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