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
Antique Chinese Three-Legged Occasional Table with Inset Marble Top & Carving
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This round antique occasional table shows no maker's markings, but is presumed to have originated from China and dates to approximately ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Marble
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...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
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
19th Century Chinese Export Hardwood Folding Tray Table
Located in Austin, TX
An elegant Chinese export hardwood tray table set on delicate yoke shaped legs and a hinged x-form stretcher decorated with stylized kui dragons. The he...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
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.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
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 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
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table Cut from Chinese Bed
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table Cut From Chinese Bed
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Four Terra Cotta Garden Seats with a Blue Glaze, Priced Per Pair
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking group of four large scale garden seats crafted in terra cotta in a traditional form, featuring a glorious blue glaze with a crackle finish. One with an old repair, as seen i...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century ENGLISH BATTING TABLE
By Europa
Located in Madrid, ES
19th Century ENGLISH BATTING TABLE
in black lacquered wood with gold.
Some flaws and minor defects.
Dim.: 106 x 60 cm
good original conditions
Category
19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Lacquer
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese, hard wood, Kang Table, 20th Century
Located in Camden, ME
A hardwood Kang table, 20th century.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Pair of Chinese Wooden White Painted Contortionist Console Tables
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Chinese console tables comprised of whitewashed wooden bases carved to resemble acrobatic figures supporting gray, rectangular t...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
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
Quality Pair Padouk Tables with Temple Jars
Located in Swadlincote, GB
Super quality pair Oriental padouk low tables with associated large Cantonese temple jars with covers, in overall excellent condition.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Padouk
Asian low stand / side table in wood carved with Demons, marble top, Circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb low side table / gueridon / Coffee table / pedestal table / plant holder / pot holder / pedestal in carved solid wood.
The sculptures feature dragon/demon heads, tiger/lion p...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Marble
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."
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Elm Coffee Table with Original Color and Patina
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Chinese Elm Coffee Table with Original Color and Patina
This antique Chinese coffee table is hand carved and has all its original col...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
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
A Super Example Oa A Chinese Export Amboyna And Ebony Desk
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
An early 19th century Chinese export campaign desk with fine fitted brass handles and reeded ebony around the well figured amboyna drawer fronts and top. The long slim top drawer wit...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Ivory, Ebony, Amboyna
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
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm Coffee Table
This Antique Shanxi Province coffee table is made of elm, and has red lacquer. The color and patina...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
19th Century Hand Carved Stand with Marble Top
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautifully carved hardwood square stand with marble top. Carved rosewood with a figurative rouge marble top with lower shelf. Perfect accent piece or for use as a stand for sculpture...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Marble
Oriental Satin Walnut Low Table, Coffee Table
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Oriental Satin walnut low table, coffee table
This is a very attractive piece, the table is in the style of an opium table, it has a carved border beneath the plate glass top
The...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Satinwood
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...
Category
1880s Unknown Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
18th Century Pair of Side Cabinets
Located in San Marino, CA
One of a kind elm side cabinets with “key design carving” and calligraphy from Shanshi, circa 18th century.
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Elm
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
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 ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
Export Lacquer Side / work table, circa 1820
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality early 19th Century Chinese Export lacquer work / side table. Having wonderful classical oriental scenes hand painted. The top hinged open to reveal a fitted inter...
Category
1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
Lovely Vintage Signed Hand Painted Chinese Oriental Coffee Cocktail Side Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely vintage hand painted and signed Chinese coffee table
A very good looking and well made piece, the top is in some kind of hardwood, its signed...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Shanxi Province Natural Color and Patina Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Natural color and Patina Elm coffee table
This Antique coffee table from the Shanxi Province of China is made of Elm and has all it...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Elm
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...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century English Bamboo Square Occasional Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century. English. Bird and flower lacquered panel. Hand painted.
Category
19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wood, Paint
19th Century Anglo-Chinese Carved Teak and Inlaid Stand, circa 1880
Located in San Francisco, CA
19th century Anglo-Chinese carved teak and inlaid stand, circa 1880
From the China Trade, clipper ship, period. Very in vogue and exotic decor popular in Europe and America in the late 19th century. Ornately carved and inlaid decoration. Boxwood and bone inlays on the top and legs. A "tour de force" Chinese pavilion...
Category
1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Bone, Boxwood, Teak
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Elm, Bentwood
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
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
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.
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
Vintage Kang Style Chinese Teakwood Red Lacquer Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Kang Style Chinese Teakwood Red Lacquer Coffee Table
The Vintage Kang Style Chinese Teakwood Red Lacquer Coffee Table is a stunning piece of furniture that captures the esse...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Teak, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Hand Woven Rattan Top Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province hand woven rattan top elm coffee table
This elm wood round leghed coffee table and hand woven rattan top is backed with solid elm wood beneath for durability...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Rattan, 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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Stone
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
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Sofa Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm sofa table
This Antique Shanxi Province Elm sofa table has its original color and patina. This piece would be great in any...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
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...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Metal
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...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Metal
19th Century Chinese Bronze Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century Chinese bronze end tables.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Bronze
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.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Tea Table with Display Shelf
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm tea table with display shelf.
This antique elm tea table from the Shanxi Province of China has a display shelf and its original color and patina.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Elm
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 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...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Elm, 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...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
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...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Calligraphy Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Calligraphy table
This antique lm wood calligraphy table with original color and patina is from the Shanxi Province of ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Elm
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...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Elm
Chinese Marbel Topped Tea or Coffee Table Using Vintage Carved Giltwood Panels
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage marble topped Chinese tea table constructed with vintage circa 1940 hand carved giltwood panels
A very good looking and well...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Marble
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.