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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
Set of Four Framed Chinese T’ang Horse Paintings
Located in Bradenton, FL
Beautiful set of four watercolor Chinese T’ang style horses. Gilt framing on all four. Very good condition with minor wear on frames.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings

Materials

Paint

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

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

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

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

(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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pair of Antique Botanical Pictures of Exotic Flowers and Butterflies
Located in London, GB
A pair of exquisite gouache / watercolour studies of exotic flowers and butterflies; European in the Cantonese style, circa 1900. Why we like them Exquisitely hand-painted with ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Chinese Export Paintings

Materials

Paper

Four Antique Pictures of Flowers and Butterflies
Located in London, GB
A set of four exquisite gouache studies of exotic flowers and butterflies; possibly Cantonese, circa 1900. Why we like them Exquisitely hand-painted with lots of minute details, ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Chinese Export Paintings

Materials

Paper

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

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

Set of Four Framed Chinese Silk Flower and Bird Paintings
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of four Chinese silk paintings, beautifully presented in matching gilt and burl wood frames with brocade borders. The subject of this lovely ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings

Materials

Silk, Wood

Pair of Antique 19th C. Chinese Rice Paper Pith Watercolor Paintings Man & Woman
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Chinese Export rice paper pith watercolor paintings. Featuring a man and woman in blue robes; framed in deeply beveled floral Aesthetic Period giltwood frames. Measures: 1...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Export Paintings

Materials

Giltwood, Paint, Paper

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

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

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

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

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

Mid Century Chinese Silk Paintings of Birds by Signed Artists in Gilt Frames
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Elegant Chinese Export signed Silk paintings from the mid-century era. Excellent condition in gilt frames. Identical birds in differing hue and signature likely painted by different ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings

Materials

Silk

Chinese Study of Pomegranate Branch 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

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

Framed Chinese Pen and Ink Ancestor Portrait in Red Dress
Located in New York, NY
Vintage (20th century) Chinese pen and ink ancestor portrait capturing the honoree seated and wearing an elaborate hat and red dress, on a beige ba...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paper, Fiberglass

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

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 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 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 Vintage Chinese Pen and Ink Ancestor Portrait in Red
Located in New York, NY
Vintage (20th Century) Chinese pen and ink ancestor portrait capturing the honoree seated and wearing an elaborate hat and red dress, on a beige ba...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paper

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

Chinese Republic Period Famille Noire Porcelain Plaque Painted with Parrots
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Republic Period Famille Noire porcelain plaque painted with parrots signed with oblong iron red seal, in a later hardwood and ebonized frame Measures: Plaque 9"x 12" Frame 14...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings

Materials

Brass

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 wooden frame with decorative meta...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings

Materials

Glass

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 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

Wood, Mother-of-Pearl

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 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

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 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

Wood, Acrylic

Pair 19th Century Chinese Hand Painted Scrolls of Processions
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A wonderful quality hand painted pair of Gouache and gilt paper scrolls. Each depicting processions of courtiers in carriages, walking, in boats and pagoda buildings. Mounted in ebon...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings

Materials

Paint

Set of Six Chinese Watercolours on Pith Paper Depicting Artisans Canton, 1835
Located in Uckfield, Sussex
Many export paintings were known for their skillful treatment of subject and brilliancy of color; these paintings are no exception. These types of export paintings were highly regarded Chinese mementos of life in Canton during the 19th century and were created to capture of the atmosphere of that particular region. The subjects varied from colorfully costumed women...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings

Materials

Paper

Xinle Ma 'Chinese, B.1953' Ink and Color on Paper Painting
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Xinle Ma (Chinese, B.1953) ink and color on paper depicting a herd of horses. Signed by artist. Work measures 51" length by 18" height, total measurement of the piece in frame is 62"...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Paintings

Materials

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

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

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

Set of Six Chinese Canton Watercolours on Pith Paper Depicting Interior Scenes
Located in Uckfield, Sussex
Many export paintings were known for their skillful treatment of subject and brilliancy of color; These paintings are no exception. These types of export paintings were highly regarded Chinese mementos of life in Canton during the 19th century and were created to capture of the atmosphere of that particular region. The subjects varied from colorfully costumed women...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings

Materials

Paper

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

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 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

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

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

China Trade Watercolors of Exotic Fruit on Pith Paper, Mid-19th Century
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese China trade watercolors of exotic fruit on pith paper, Gilt frames, Mid-19th century The eight Chinese watercolors on pith paper are of fine quality and depict various e...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Paintings

Materials

Paper

Chinese Botanical Large Watercolors on Paper, Set of Four
Located in Downingtown, PA
China Trade Botanical large watercolors on paper, Set of Four Early 19th Century. The larger than usual Chinese watercolors depict various butterflies and insects such as a drag...
Category

Early 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.

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