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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
Period: 19th Century
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

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood, Paint

Original Japanese Woodblock Print by Japanese Artist 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Rare, original 19th century woodblock print. Beautiful Edo period print from the original publisher. Quality framed with conservation glass in an black painted frame. Red Blue Gree...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

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

(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

19th Century Chinese Six Panel Screen, Mario Buatta/Sotheby's Auction 133" x 75"
Located in New York, NY
An impressive six-panel Chinese wallpaper (hand-painted tempura) decoupage screen, the wallpaper dating to the late 18th or early 19th century. The sc...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paint

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

Large Chinese Silk Embroidery, Framed
Located in Bradenton, FL
This tall Chinese silk embroidery depicts Asian figures and scenes of boats, bridges and Asian landscapes. Features red, green, salmon and whit...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

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

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

19th Century Antique Chinese 3d Wood Carving Panel
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this Chinese antique wood carving panel, it has very deep 3D carving works of Chinese folks art - deer and immortal holding a glossy ganoderma- meani...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

Original Japanese Woodblock Print by Totoya Hokkei 19th Century
By Totoya Hokkei
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Rare, original Utagawa Hiroshige 19th century woodblock print. Beautiful Edo period print from the original publisher. Museum quality framed with con...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

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

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Giltwood, Paint, Paper

Exhibited Framed Fine Chinese Embroidery Silk Panel Qing Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A very fine embroidered silk panel in giltwood frame originally from the Annette Martin Collection and exhibited at the Chinese Culture Foundation of San Francisco February 8th - Mar...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

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 Chinese Qing Dynasty Embroidered Sixth Rank Badge
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely embroidered silk civil rank badge panel framed in a giltwood frame circa 19th century. The square rank badge is known in Chinese as Buzi which was displayed in the front and back of the official robe to indicate one's rank status. The design is centered by a white egret of spanning open wings, perched on a rock in above the Li-Shui wave pattern. The bird is the symbol of the sixth rank official in the court of Qing Dynasty. The panel has a split in the middle and the bird looks up at a full red sun on his slight upper right, indicating that it belonged to a frontal robe of the spouse of a male official. Diamond-shape trellis on the black silk provides the background for the elaborate design. The bird is surrounded by scrolling clouds, auspicious symbols such as longevity mushrooms and Buddhist...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk

Fine Quality Embroidery on Silk - Qing Dynasty, China, Mid 19th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Antique fine quality - Qing Dynasty - forbidden or seed stitch silk embroidery panel - metallic and silk threads - densely packed embroidery on a light weight damask pattern silk - m...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk

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

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

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

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

Framed Chinese Qing Dynasty Embroidered Fifth Rank Badge
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely embroidered silk civil rank badge panel matted and framed in an elaborate giltwood frame circa mid-late 19th century. The square rank badge is know...
Category

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 GB
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

Pair Antique 19th Century 1880 Chinese Gouaches on Rice Paper Geisha Girl & Lord
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of antique circa 1880’s Chinese hand painted Gouache paintings depicting a Geisha girl and Lord A very good looking and beautifully painted pairing, they were made for the export market during the British colonialism...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Chinese Lacquered Carved Wall Plaques
Located in New York, 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

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

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

Chinese Lacquered Carved Wall Plaque
Located in New York, 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

Frame Antique Chinese Embroidered Robe Qing Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A woman's coat made of black silk with wide sleeves from Chinese late Qing Dynasty (mid to late 19th century), mounted and presented on blue linen board and framed as a stunning piec...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

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

Pair of Chinese Lacquered Carved Wall Plaques
Located in New York, 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

Chinese Chinoiserie Decorated Lacquer Panels, a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of stylish Chinoiserie panels in a lacquer finish, painted in gold, red & black with landscapes with village and people. The frame also decorat...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Lacquer

19th Century Chinese Filigree Carved Wall Plaque
Located in New York, 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

Framed Antique Chinese Embroidery Qing Dynasty Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese antique embroidery presented in a museum quality frame, originally purchased from Galerie Du Monde in Hongkong. Originally, the te...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Linen, Silk, Wood

China Trade Watercolor Pictures of Junks & Sampans, Set of Five
Located in Downingtown, PA
China trade watercolor pictures of junks & sampans, Set of Five, Circa 1850 The Chinese watercolor paintings on pith paper each depict a diffe...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

19th Century Chinese Carved Scenic Monkey Wall Plaque
Located in New York, NY
Chinese 19th century carved wall plaque with monkeys playing in trees with fruit (finished on back with bamboo trees).  
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Bamboo, Mahogany

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 Chinese Embroidery Panel Qing Dynasty Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
An antique Chinese embroidery panel, originally the sleeve band of a robe from Qing Dynasty, circa 19th century. Nicely presented as a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk, Wood

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 Embroidery 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 contrasting teal blue color cloth matts. O...
Category

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 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

Two Framed Chinese Antique Textile Fragments Qing Dynasty Provenance
Located in Atlanta, GA
A group of two antique textile fragments from China, circa 19th century Qing dynasty, professionally preserved and displayed in giltwood frame...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk, 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 impressive work depicts two well beloved Ch...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Silk, Wood

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 Wall Decorations

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Glass

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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

Chinese Porcelain and Wood Foo Dog Design Split Vase Wall Plaque
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese (Late 19th Century) wall plaque framing a bisected porcelain lidded jar painted with orange foo dogs and characters in wood with a decorative faux bamboo edge.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

Chinese Porcelain Foo Dog Split Vase Wooden Wall Plaque
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese (Late 19th Century) wall plaque framing a bisected porcelain lidded jar painted with orange foo dogs and characters in wood with a decorative faux bamboo edge.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

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

Framed Chinese Antique Brocade Dragon Panel
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique Chinese brocade dragon panel from Imperial Qing Dynasty circa 19th century, beautifully presented with a linen mat and in a silvered wo...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Brocade, 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

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 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 Wall Decorations

Materials

Art Glass

China Trade Set of Six Sunqua Still Life of Fruit & Flowers Paintings
By Sunqua
Located in Downingtown, PA
China Trade set of six Gouache Still Life Paintings of Fruit & Flowers on Pith Paper, Each Signed Sunqua, mid-19th century The fine China Trade pith paper painting...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Paper

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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