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Chinese Export Wall Decorations

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 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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Paint

Framed Chinese Embroidery Southern Bridal Jacket
Located in Atlanta, GA
A framed vintage Chinese embroidered bridal jacket called "Gua", which is the upper part of the two-piece wedding assemble called "Qun Gua", with the low...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk, Glass, Wood

Framed Antique Two-Piece Chinese Embroidery Winter Jacket Ensemble
Located in Atlanta, GA
This two-piece set of Chinese antique winter coat and a neck warmer ensemble circa 19th century (late Qing dynasty) is presented in two matching giltwood shadow boxes. Tailored in light auberge silk with thick padding, the attire was reserved for cold winter weather, which was common in Northern China. The surface is masterfully adorned with embroidery of silver threads. Although the color pallet was nearly minimalistic compared to many other colorful embroidery work at the time, the contrast of silver on auberge background is visually stunning and exudes a noble air of elegance. Floral and foliage motifs are showcased in neat arrangement across the coat and ocean waves and coral rocks...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Giltwood, Silk

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass

Extremely Fine Chinese Silk Embroidered Bed-Cover for the Dutch Market
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A Chinese red silk, embroidered bed cover Guangdong or Macao, mid-18th century The red silk cover, one one side elaborately embroided in co...
Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Gold, Silver

Four Antique 19th Century circa 1880 Chinese Gouaches on Rice Paper Geisha Girls
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of four antique circa 1880’s Chinese hand painted Gouache paintings depicting Geisha girls in traditional settings. A very good looking and beautifully painted suite, they were made for the export market during the British colonialism...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Chinese Paper Scroll in Plexiglass Case
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese paper scroll in a plexiglass case.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass

Framed Chinese Pen and Ink Family Ancestor Portrait
Located in Queens, 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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Paper, Glass, Walnut

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass

Pair of Framed Chinese Figural Carved and Painted Panels
Located in Norwood, NJ
Nicely carved and framed pair of high relief carved and painted panels. Subtle colors with age appropriate worn finish carved depicting cranes (birds) amongst flowers standing in wat...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Elm

Chinese Ancestral Portrait, Gouache on Paper
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Ancestral Portrait of a man and woman. Portrait shows a man and a woman, each in patterned and richly colored robes. This Chinese portraitur...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Paper and Silk King and Queen Portrait Hanging Scroll
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 3 Ming King and Queen scroll wall hangings, shown seated with a paneled wall behind them and a brown rug with dragons underneath against a pale gold silk shantung background w...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Silk, Paper

Vintage Chinese Repouse Framed Copper Panel of a Ceremonial Vignette
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage framed copper repouse panel appears to be signed by an unknown artist and presumed to have originated from China, dating to approximately 19...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Copper

Framed Antique Embroidery Chinese Textile Qing Dynasty Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
A piece wonderful antique textile fragment from China, circa 19th century Qing dynasty, artistically displayed in a giltwood frame with white ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

Framed Antique Chinese Child Tiger-Head Hat
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely textile art was from Central-Northern China circa 1900s, known as "Tiger-head" hat, it was a lavishly made cotton with silk hat in form of tiger for baby boys with a wide...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Cotton, Silk, Plexiglass, Wood

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Other

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk

ZHANG YIZHI LARGE 117 X 98CM OIL ON CANVAS PAINTED PORTRAiT OF A SEATED LADY
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas

Set Of Twelve Chinese Framed Pith Paper Watercolors
Located in Essex, MA
Set of twelve with cream colored faux bamboo frames. Each depicting Chinese furniture and interiors.
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Early 20th Century Framed Antique Chinese Textile Embroideries
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 3 Chinese antique silk embroideries in gilt frames. Purchased in an antique shop in Hong Kong in 1973. The subject is depiction of Courtesans in daily routine with floral bac...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk

Pair of Signed Antique Chinese Watercolour Silk Paintings of Geisha Girl Flowers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of antique circa 1920’s Chinese Export hand painted on silk paintings depicting a Geisha girl and a floral scene with butterfly. A very good looking and beautifully painted pair, they were made for the export market during the British colonialism...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk

Set of Three-Framed Antique Chinese Textiles Qing Dynasty Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of three antique textile fragments from China, circa 19th century Qing dynasty, professionally displayed in matching giltwood frames as a triptych. Originally they were embroidered panels from semi-formal skirt...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

Framed Antique Embroidered Purse Qing Dynasty Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautiful antique embroidered purse from China, circa 19th century Qing dynasty, artistically displayed in a giltwood shadow box frame with...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Linen, Silk, Giltwood

Framed Antique Chinese Textile Groups Qing Dynasty Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
A group of three antique Chinese textiles, arranged and professionally matted and framed. The museum quality display includes two similar pouches symmetrically flanking a fan case...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk, Wood

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Five Extremely Rare Chinese Drawings of Foreigners, 18th Century, Colonial
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Five Chinese paintings of western people by an unknown artist China, circa 1760, captions later All in giltwood frames. “A woman with Portuguese hairdo, with gold, silver and gemstone necklace, a skirt under a vest, a koi on her back, called a cloak, a woman customarily inherited the family business, the male humble, to the threshold (Qianlong year, circa 1735).” Gouache on silk, measures: 32 x 25.4 cm “He is a Westerner who had a white skin. He does not have a heavy beard but plaits his hair. He wears a triangular black hat, short jacket, leather shoes and long stockings...
Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

1920s Asian Framed Silk Embroidery Butterflies & Flowers
Located in Miami, FL
Early 20th Century embroidery probably framed in the 1960s in a gilt faux bamboo frame. Embroidery on black silk background of flowers and wheat sheaths with two butterflies in fligh...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk

Set of Nine Chinese Export Gouache Paintings
Located in London, by appointment only
A set of nine Chinese export gouaches of local idealised landscapes, each depicting waterside architectural settings each mounted in a Gothic pa...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood, Paint

Japanese Framed Prints Reproduction 20th Gilt Frame 20 Century Set of 2
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Very Decorative set of 2 reproductions of Japanese Print . Gilt Frame. Japan 20th Century.
Category

20th Century Japanese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper, Wood

Mid-20th Century Chinese Open Carved Wooden Panel/Wall Art
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese large carved camphor wood interior window panel from the Mid 20th century, with beautiful carving design, Created in China during the mid 20th century, Of this architect...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Embroidery Textile 8" x 8"
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese Embroidery, Origin: China, Circa: Late 19th Century
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk

Chinese Paintings in Rosewood Frames, Set of Four
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Chinese Paintings in Rosewood Frames, Set of Four. Paintings depict scenes of courtly life and marital valor during the Qing...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Carved Wood Panel, China, 20th Century, Interior Decoration
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Carved wood panel, China, 20th century, Interior Decoration Measures: H 48cm, W 66cm, W 3cm.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Gilt Inkwash Painted Screen
Located in Lomita, CA
This is a singular piece, a framed vintage Chinese gilt and inkwash miniature six-fold paper screen, that was possibly a salesman's sample, and it is beautiful. This is from the la...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Giltwood

VINTAGE CHINESE OIL PAiNTING OF A BEAUTIFUL VASE & GHASIA GIRL STATUE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Paint

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 Wall Decorations

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Soapstone, Brass

Very Decorative Chinese Champlevé Enamel Plate in a Japanese Style
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very decorative Chinese champlevé enamel plate in a Japanese style, vividly enameled with a peacock amidst flowering prunus branches and endless kno...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Enamel

Art Deco Chinese Handmade Silk Bautou Tapestry Rug, Early 20th Century
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This exquisite dense and hand-knotted Baotou (sometimes spelled Paotou or Paotow) rug features a deep blue background adorned with a polychrome design, showcasing three lotus flowers...
Category

1920s Mongolian Vintage Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Cotton, Silk

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

China Trade Framed Pith Paper Set of Pictures of Butterflies and Plants
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Watercolours of Flowers and Butterflies on Pith Paper, Set of Eight, Circa 1840-60. The superb set of Chinese watercolours of flowers and insects are painted on pith paper a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Large Antique Chinese Landscape Watercolor Painting
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Large impressive antique Chinese landscape painting, signed and framed under glass. Mixed media on paper, watercolor, ink and gouache.
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

One-of-a-kind Carved Chinese Style Tableaux, 19th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Gorgeous and unusual pair of wood carvings in the Chinese taste, set in beautiful, gold-colored, faux-bamboo frames.
Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Beech

Chinese Carved and Lacquered Wood Framed Mirrored-Back Etagere
Located in Germantown, MD
A rare Chinese Carved and Lacquered Wood Framed Mirrored-Back Etagere. Measures 37.25" in width, 5" in depth and 27.25" in heigth.
Category

20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Mirror, Wood

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Giltwood, Paint

Set of 4 Chinese Black Lacquer Geisha Screen Panels
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 Asian Chinese style (20th Century) black lacquer screen panels depicting geishas, intaglio etched with painting (PRICED AS SET).
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paint

Pair Of Chinese 'Famille Rose' Plaques Depicting Immortals In Rosewood Frames
Located in Germantown, MD
Beautiful Pair Of Chinese Famille Rose hand painted porcelain Plaques Depicting Immortals In Rosewood Frames. Measure 14.5" in width and 14.5" in height.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Porcelain, Rosewood, Paint

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Chinese Chinoiserie Scene Portrait
Located in Queens, NY
2 Asian Chinese style oil painting portraits 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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Gold

Hand-Painted Pictures of Flowers and Butterflies
Located in Richmond, London
A set of eight exquisite hand-painted guaches of exotic flowers and butterflies, early 20th century. Why we like them Exquisitely hand-painted ...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper, Paint

Thangka Depicting the Mandala of Avalokiteshvara, Tibet, Late 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A thangka depicting the mandala of Avalokiteshvara Tibet, Late 20th century. The central deity, flanked to each side by three Lamas, above a central mandala composed of concent...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Textile

Late 18th Century Framed Chinese Glass Back Painted Scene of a Family
Located in Queens, 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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Late 18th Century Chinese Glass Painted Scene of a Family Gathering Fruit
Located in Queens, 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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass

Large Antique Chinese Watercolor Landscape Signed Framed
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Antique Chinese mountaneerous landscape painting, large impressive, 35” by 59”, framed in wooden frame under glass. Watercolor with ink and gouache on paper.
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Framed Chinese Antique Textile Qing Dynasty Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
A spectacular antique Chinese embroidery panel dated from Qing dynasty (circa 19th century), professionally framed with linen mat, pur...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk, Wood

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas

Chinese Export wall decorations for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export wall decorations 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 wall decorations 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 wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export wall decorations 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 wall decorations, popular names associated with this style include Chelsea House, Sunqua, and Totoya Hokkei. 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 wall decorations differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $76,572 while the average work can sell for $2,550.

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