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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
Framed Fine Embroidered Second Rank Badge Chinese Qing Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely embroidered silk civil rank badge panel presented in a giltwood frame circa mid-late 19th century. The square rank badge is known in Chinese ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk

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

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

Blanc de Chine Chinese Export Style Chinoiserie Ancestral Wall Brackets - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of Blanc de Chines style ancestral form wall brackets. They are cast plaster and most likely date to the 1970s. They are in very good condition.
Category

1970s American Vintage Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Plaster

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Paint

Set of Six 19th Century Chinese Export Gouache Paintings on Pith Paper
Located in Stamford, CT
A very unusual and intriguing rare set of six 19th century Chinese gouaches depicting scenes of corporal punishment, and in one, execution. Painted...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas

Chinese Carved Wooden Wall Plaque Depicting Riders on Horseback
Located in Queens, 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 Wall Decorations

Materials

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

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

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

Framed Chinese Embroidery Panel of Longevity Deities
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large Chinese embroidery work of art presented in a carved gilt frame with and silver borders, circa late Qing Dynasty 19th century. The imp...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk, Wood

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

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

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 Fine Embroidered Fifth Rank Badge Chinese Qing Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely embroidered silk civil rank badge panel presented in a giltwood frame circa mid-late 19th century. The square rank badge is known in Chinese ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk

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

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

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

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

Vintage Embroidered Wall Display Panel, Chinese, Silk Cotton, Art Deco, C.1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a striking vintage Art Deco period embroidered panel, showcasing exquisite Chinese craftsmanship, circa 1930. This decorative silk cotton wall piece offers delicate detailing...
Category

1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Cotton, Glass

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk, Wood

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

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

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

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

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

Chinese Silk Hanging Scroll with Original Gold Lined Box
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Chinese silk scroll painting of a peacock surrounded by stunning foliage with calligraphy on the upper left side. Housed in its original...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk

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

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

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

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

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

Small Chinese Export Reverse Painted Mirror, Late 18th Century
Located in London, GB
A Small Late 18th Century Chinese Export Reverse Painted Mirror Depicting two coloured birds perched on a rocky outcrop, with four large peony blooms, the mirror plate with a sligh...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Giltwood

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

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

(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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Gold Leaf

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

19th Century China Trade Seascape with the Ship Avon at Anchor by Lai Fong
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century China Trade Seascape with the Ship Avon at Anchor, by Lai Fong (active: 1875 - 1905), circa 1890, an oil on canvas starboard side view of a square-rigged ship at anchor under furled sails, on placid water with low coastline visible in the background, unsigned. This is one of a series of three paintings by Lai Fong of the Avon offered here. The painting is finely painted in a thin coat on a thin canvas, as is typical with China Port paintings...
Category

1890s Hong Kong Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas

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

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 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

Chinese Lacquered Carved Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese style (19th century) red lacquer and gilt trimmed wall carving with filigree & carved panels with scenes with figures.  
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

Chinese School Seascape Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Bradenton, FL
Mid-19th Century Chinese School Seascape Painting, View of Boca Tigris. Oil on Canvas, in Giltwood Frame. Painting depicts a tranquil harbor scene in the style of Chinese Export trad...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Paint

CHINA EXPORT 1875 Antique Tall Compote With Mythological Dragon-Fish In Sterling
Located in Miami, FL
Chinese export tall tazza in silver by Hung Chong (circa 1830-1925). This is an impressive Chinese Export tall compote tazza created in the 19th Century, circa 1875. Masterfully cra...
Category

1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

19th Century Chinese Filigree Carved Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese style (19th century) red and gold painted filigree carved horizontal wall plaque.  
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Gold

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

Chinese Lacquered Carved Wall Plaques
Located in Queens, NY
4 Asian Chinese style (19th century) red lacquered and gilt trimmed wall plaques with carved scenes with figures.    
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

Chinese Carved Bamboo Root Face Wall Hanging
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese wall plaque made from a bamboo root carved in the shape of a smiling face with a bamboo root fiber beard. (Companion pieces: NWL2543A-G).     
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Chinese Export Glass Picture of a Persian Warrior
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese export glass picture of a Persian warrior, The Chinese reverse glass picture depicts a Persian warrior seated on the back of a dappled horse riding at a trot, a shield slu...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper

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

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

20th Century Bas Relief Chinese Carved Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese style (19/20th century) stripped and carved wall plaque of figures with bull and cart.  
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

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

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 Lacquered Carved Wall Plaques
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Asian Chinese style (19th century) red lacquered and decorated carved vertical wall plaques of ladies (Priced as pair).  
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

China Trade Watercolor & Gouache Set of Twelve Paintings of Fruit & Flowers
Located in Downingtown, PA
Superb quality painting! China Trade Watercolor & Gouache on pith paper, Set of twelve paintings of fruit and flowers, Circa 1850-1860 ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Giltwood, Paint

VIntage Longevity Chinese Symbol Iron Cast Wall Hook
Located in North Hollywood, CA
VIntage Longevity Chinese Symbol Iron Cast Wall Hook. Asian Calligraphy Symbols Prosperity Luck. Vintage solid iron Asian Chinese character wall blessin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Iron

Vintage Asian Chinese Brass Prosperity Dragon Wall Hanging
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Asian Chinese Brass Prosperity Dragon Wall Hanging. As the embodiment of the masculine gender, the dragon has long been an auspicious symbol of power in Chinese culture. Dragons chasing a ball is the auspicious scene of good luck, prosperity and wealth. According to Chinese Feng Shui...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Brass

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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