Chinese Export Paintings
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 Watercolor Exotic Bird Paintings on Paper
Located in Downingtown, PA
China Trade watercolor paintings of exotic birds on branches are in watercolor and gouache on Chinese paper.
One picture depicts a pigeon perched on a tree branch with a landscape background. Chinese calligraphy can be seen in the top right corner. The second picture depicts two courting birds in shades of brown, both perched on a branch, also in a landscape background.
Both paintings framed with a green silk mat and contemporary gilt and dark wood frame.
Reference: Chinese Export...
Category
Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paper
19th Century, Chinese Export Junk Ship Maritime Painting
Located in Atlanta, GA
This **19th-century Chinese Export gouache on board painting** presents a striking depiction of a **Chinese junk at harbor**, with delicate brushwork capturing the vessel's ornate co...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Giltwood, Paint
19th Century, Chinese Export Stormy Maritime JunkBoat Painting
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century Chinese Export gouache painting depicts a sailing vessel navigating turbulent seas, executed in the refined style characteristic of Cantonese (Guangzhou) workshops ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Giltwood, Paint
Chinese Ancestral Portrait, Gouache on Paper
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Ancestral Portrait, Gouache on Paper. Portrait shows four family members, each in patterned and richly colored robes. This Chinese portraiture of family elders, done on gouac...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paper
Pair of Chinese Patriarch Matriarch Ancestral Portraits
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stately pair of Chinese export ancestor portraits depicting a patriarch and matriarch of high ranking official status. Both depicted sitting and wearing decorated robes and hats. Mou...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Silk, Plexiglass, Wood, Paper
Two Antique Chinese Gouache Paintings of Birds on Pith Paper
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare 19th Century gouache paintings on pith paper, one of two birds on a tree and one of a blue bird on a branch with flowers and trees both executed in a distinctive traditional del...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paint
19th Century China Trade Ship Portrait of the American Clipper Ship ORIENTAL
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century China Trade Ship Portrait of the American Clipper Ship ORIENTAL, under full sail on starboard tack leaving Hong Kong Harbor for Bost...
Category
1850s Hong Kong Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Antique Chinese School Ink, Watercolor and Gouache on Paper - Framed Under Glass
Located in Morristown, NJ
Chinese School (likely 19th c.), ink, watercolor and gouache on laid paper, apparently mounted on backing sheet, no signature or mark detected, framed under glass.
A traditional Chi...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper
Tall Contemporary Ink Painting Scroll, Chinese, Silk Cotton, Ceramic, Wall Art
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a tall contemporary scroll ink painting. A Chinese, silk cotton and ceramic rolling wall panel, dating to the late 20th century, circa 2000.
Striking contemporary Chinese a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Silk
ZHANG YIZHI LARGE 117 X 98CM OIL ON CANVAS PAINTED PORTRAiT OF A SEATED LADY
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Zhang Yizhi portrait of the Seated Lady in traditional Chinese dress
Please note the shipping fee li...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Fixé Sous Verre, View of a Port in Asia, 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large "Fixé sous verre", painting under glass representing a port scene in China in the background, with boats with different flags, rowers, all life o...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Glass
China Trade Watercolor Paintings of Chinese Sampans and Junks- A Set of Twelve
Located in Downingtown, PA
China Trade Watercolor Paintings of Chinese Sampans and Junks,
A Set of Twelve,
Circa 1850.
A superb set of twelve China Trade watercolors on pith paper mounted in contemporary egl...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paper
Chinese Watercolor Children Portrait
Located in New York, NY
Asian Chinese style (19th Cent) watercolor portrait on paper of fat seated figure surrounded by 6 children in a gilt frame
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paint
Pair of Fine Chinese Export Reverse Paintings on Glass, Circa 1830
Located in Dallas, TX
a pair of 19th century Chinese Export reverse glass paintings depicting scenes of nobles at leisure in a palace that is open to beautiful gardens, original frame, inspired by English...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Glass
Traditional Chinese Painting on Silk, 2 Women. Unusual Carved and Gilt Frame
Located in Buffalo, NY
Traditional Chinese Painting on Silk, depicting 2 Women. Unusual oversized shell motif to carved and gilt frame.
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Silk, Giltwood
Hin Qua Attrib: Chinese Export "Anita" Ship Painting on Canvas C. 1869
Located in Atlanta, GA
Hin Qua (Chinese, 19th century), circa 1869
Attributed to Hin Qua: Chinese Export "Anita" Ship Painting on Canvas C. 1869.
A well accomplished oil on canvas maritime painting of th...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
Verre Eglomise Chinese Export Reverse Glass Painting
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antique Verre Eglomise Chinese Export reverse glass painting.
Beautiful Chinese reverse glass painting of two women in a Chinese garden with a scroll. This painting is particularly vibrant and exquisite in color and detail. The wood frame painting...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Glass, Wood
Chinese Qing Four Panel Carved Soapstone Coromandel Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Impressive Chinese late Qing dynasty four panel folding coromandel screen featuring carved soapstone. The lacquered panels are decorated with idyllic scenes of beauties in a pagoda p...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Soapstone, Brass
(4) Chinese Export Oil on Canvas Exterior Scenes C. 1840 National Gallery Prov.
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Export, mid 19th century.
An exceptional and original 4 piece set of Chinese Export oil paintings on canvas depicting exterior ga...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Gold Leaf
19th Century Pair of China Trade Portraits of an American Sailor and Wife
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Pair of China Trade Portraits of an American Sailor and His Wife, circa 1890s, two oil on canvas half length portraits of a young American Navy seaman (identified by his...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Set Of Six Chinese Export Paintings on Pith Paper
Located in Bradenton, FL
Set of six Chinese Export paintings on pith (rice) paper. The paintings depict Chinese processionals that include men in different settings such as playing instruments, carrying temp...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paper
19th Century Chinese Silk Painting, Framed
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century Chinese silk painting. Framed and matted. Features scene of Chinese characters in a ceremony. Beautiful muted colors of green, red, ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Silk, Wood
Vintage Chinese Watercolor and Ink Landscape of Senjojiki Cirque, Near Nagoya
Located in Lomita, CA
The detail of this mountainous landscape of an area that is akin to the Alps in Japan is stunning. It is a watercolor and ink depiction of Senjojiki Cirque which is at the top of the...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paper
Set of Six Chinese Canton Watercolors on Pith Paper Depicting Royals
Located in Bradenton, FL
A charming and rare set of six Chinese gouaches of male and female nobility in various costumes, with attendants, painted on pith paper. Beautifully framed and matted.
During the 18...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paper
Fixé Sous Verre, Palace Scene in Asia, 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
LargeFixé sous verre, painting under glass representing a Palace scene in China: you can see many courtiers prostrating themselves in front of the Emperor, guards and different areas...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Glass
Vintage Watercolor Painting on Rice Paper - Signed - China - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage large scale watercolor painting on rice paper - indistinctly signed lower right - mid 20th century.
Excellent vintage condition - no ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paper
Large Asian Oil on Silk Paintings by Chelsea House, Floral, Bird, Botanical S/2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
I love the vibrant colors! This is a set of large scale oil paintings hand done on silk by Chelsea House. They are Asian inspired with their birds on branches surrounded by fruit and...
Category
Late 20th Century American Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Silk, Giltwood, Paint
19th Century China Trade Seascape with a Junk, Signed, circa 1870
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century China Trade Seascape with a Junk, by Lee Heng, circa 1870, an oil on board seascape with large Chinese Junk under full sail in the fo...
Category
1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Other
Japonaise Painting in a Wood Frame, Representing a Woman, Japan, XX Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is an genuine painting, of a woman, with green and orange colors. It has been made in Japan, during the XX Century. It is signed.
Category
20th Century Japanese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Wood, Paint
Chinese Export Trade Painting Depicting ‘the Tea Shop', Chinoiserie Chique
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A refined Chinese export painting depicting ‘The Tea shop’
Canton, early 19th century
Ink and watercolour on silk, H. 63.5 x W. 52.3 cm
Framed in giltwood frame.
?The paintin...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Silk
Set of Five Antique Chinese Watercolors on Silk
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Intriguing set of five Chinese watercolor paintings on silk depicting men occupied in their trades, executed in a soft delicate technique and presented under glass in four wood frame...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Silver Leaf
VINTAGE CHINESE OIL PAiNTING OF A BEAUTIFUL VASE & GHASIA GIRL STATUE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely decorative vintage Chinese oil panting of a Geisha girl statue standi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Framed Chinese Ancestor Portrait Depicting a Man in Golden Robes
Located in New York, NY
Chinese ancestor portrait depicting a man in flowing golden robes decorated with medalions featuring dragons, seated above a floor featuring additional dragon designs in a heavy rect...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Chinese Study of Pomegranate Branch Signed Watercolour Painting
Located in New York, NY
Painting measures 16.75" height x 15" width, framed.
0.5" height x 9.3" width within mat.
Introduced to China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), the pomegranate (Chinese: ?...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paper
Set of Eight Chinese Watercolors of Working Women
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Rare antique set of eight Chinese watercolors depicting women in various occupations executed in a traditional delicate style on pith. Presented in a gilt carved wood Asian style fra...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paint
Framed 19th Century Chinese Landscape of House by a River
Located in New York, NY
Asian Chinese landscape painting with house by a river framed in black and red lacquer (19th Century).
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Wood
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Genre Scene Panel
Located in New York, NY
Asian Chinese style oil painting portrait on canvas of figural chinoiserie scene of man holding bird with bowing servant framed by gold leaf painted fretwork (Similar to 058969)
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Gold
Framed Chinese Pen and Ink Ancestor in Navy Robes Portrait
Located in New York, NY
Vintage (20th Century) Chinese pen and ink ancestor portrait capturing the honoree seated in a red chair on a patterned floor and wearing an elabor...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Wood, Paper, Glass, Walnut
Young Elegant Asian Woman Oil on Canvas, circa 1940s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Young elegant Asian woman oil on canvas, circa 1940s
This is one of our favorite paintings. A young Asian woman out on a warm afternoon.
The quality of this painting cannot be ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Antique Chinese Gouache Pith Painting
Located in Bradenton, FL
Fantastic framed and matted antique Chinese painting of a village scene. Painted on pith paper with gouache in bold colors in typical style. Having the expected wear and foxing. 12 1...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paint
Framed Chinese Pen and Ink Ancestor Portrait in Navy Dress
Located in New York, NY
Vintage (20th Century) Chinese pen and ink ancestor portrait capturing the honoree seated in a green chair and wearing an elaborate hat and blue dr...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Walnut, Paper
Late 18th Century Framed Chinese Glass Back Painted Scene of a Family
Located in New York, NY
Chinese (18th/19th century) framed glass back painting depicting a family beneath two flowering trees surrounded by birds and butterflies in a wooden frame with decorative metal top ...
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Glass
Large Antique Chinese Hand Painted Wallpaper Section in Carved Hardwood Frame
Located in Austin, TX
A wonderfully charming large and colorful Chinese hand painted wallpaper section in a carved and shaped hardwood frame. The wallpaper dates to the first half of the 20th century or e...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Hardwood, Paper
Chinese Export Reverse Glass Paintings, Set of Four, circa 1825
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A set of four circa 1825 Chinese Export polychrome reverse glass paintings comprised of figural court views and battle scenes in original 'Chinese Chippendale' parcel-gilt aubergine lacquer frames and reverse backboards. A remarkable and exceptionally rare set of good size and condition.
Provenance: Legendary fine English antiques...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer, Paint
Chinese Panel Art Depicting Birds and Branches in Raised Mother of Pearl Pieces
Located in New York, NY
Chinese panel art featuring a raised bird perched on a flowering tree branch detailed in pieces of mother of pearl against a burgundy and brown floral bordered background in a carved...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Framed Chinese Pen and Ink Family Ancestor Portrait
Located in New York, NY
Vintage (20th Century) Chinese pen and ink family ancestor portrait capturing nine honorees seated in front of scrolls bearing text framed by curta...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Glass, Walnut, Wood, Paper
Chinese Framed Acrylic and Gold Leaf Painted Panel of a Flowering Tree
Located in New York, NY
Mid-century Chinese acrylic still life painting in white, brown and beige on a gold leaf background depicting a flowering tree growing from a rocky base with a bird and dragon fly al...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Wood, Giltwood
Framed Pink and Green Painted Panel Depicting a Chinese Landscape
Located in New York, NY
Chinese partially distressed painted panel in green and pink against a crackle beige background depicting a landscape wtih trees ad architecture inside a floral border.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Chinese Carved Wooden Wall Plaque Depicting Riders on Horseback
Located in New York, NY
Chinese carved wooden wall panel depicting two riders on horseback attempting to capture a wild horse from its herd in a rectangular wooden frame.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Wood
Framed Chinese Pen and Ink Ancestor Portrait in Navy
Located in New York, NY
Vintage (20th Century) Chinese pen and ink ancestor portrait capturing the honoree seated and wearing an elaborate hat and navy dress, on a beige b...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Glass, Wood, Walnut, Paper
Set of Six Chinese Watercolors of Song Birds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Set of six Chinese watercolors on paper of song birds in trees executed in a distinctive delicate style with bold colors. Presented in wood...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paint
Framed Vintage Chinese Acrylic Abstract Painting of Waves and Fans
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Chinese acrylic on canvas abstract painting of black and warm toned multi-colored swirls and waves interspersed with florals, leaves, and fans in a rectangular black painted ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic, Wood
Late 18th Century Chinese Glass Painted Scene of a Family Gathering Fruit
Located in New York, NY
Chinese (18th/19th century) framed glass back painting depicting a family gathering fruit beneath two trees surrounded by birds and butterflies in a wood...
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Glass
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Reverse-Painted Mirror Pictures
Located in Rome, IT
A pair of Chinese reverse glass painting representing women and a child in a garden pavillion. Original "Chinese Chippendale" framing.
China for expo...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Art Glass
Framed Seascape Genre Painting of Fishermen Next to a Lake
Located in New York, NY
Mid-century acrylic genre painting of two people with a small boat, fishing nets, and baskets under a copse of trees on a riverbank with a village and mountains in the background on ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paint
19th Century Chinese Reverse Painting on Glass
Located in Dallas, TX
A 10th century Chinese reverse painting on glass. A snow landscape with people and houses in snow.
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Glass
Chinese Watercolors of Exotic Fruit on Pith Paper- A Set of Eight
Located in Downingtown, PA
The Chine trade watercolors are of fine quality and depict various exotic fruits including pineapples, lychees, finger citrus and orange amongst others. Now framed with a thin gilt f...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paper
Chinese Watercolor of a Sampan on Paper, circa 1800
Located in Downingtown, PA
The large Chinese watercolor on European paper depicts a starboard view of a two-master sailing ship with one man sailing the vessel while two passengers can clearly be seen inside t...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings
Materials
Paper
Chinese Export paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export paintings for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage paintings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, asian art and furniture, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export paintings 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 paintings, popular names associated with this style include and Chelsea House. 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 paintings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $300 and tops out at $50,000 while the average work can sell for $3,600.