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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: Early 1900s
Chinese Export circa 1900 Gold Leaf Painted Fret Work Carved Wall Panel in Teak
Located in GB
We are delighted to this lovely circa 1900 hand carved and paint Chinese Export wall panel A very good looking and well-made piece, would suit any setting its ornately carved in s...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Teak

Pair of Distressed Antique Chinese Hand Painted Wooden Panels
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stunning pair of distressed antique Chinese hand painted wooden panels having red backgrounds and figural decoration of warriors on horseback in black, white and green.
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Wood

Four Chinese Hardwood and Mother of Pearl Inlaid Panels
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A set of four antique Chinese decorative panes with mother of pear inlay. The panels with floral and branch with various birds hand inlaid into a hardwood panel. The four panels may ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wall Decorations

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood

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Antique Chinese Hand Painted Fan with Calligraphy, c. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
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Antique Chinese Hand Painted Fan with Calligraphy, c. 1900
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Located in Pomona, CA
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Antique Chinese Hand Painted Fan with Calligraphy, c. 1900
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Located in Rio Vista, CA
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Pair Chinoiserie Hand Painted Wallpaper Panels of Golden Pavilions on Black
Located in 10 Chater Road, HK
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Previously Available Items
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Portrait of Emperor Yongle on His Throne, Painting on Fabric, Early 20th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Portrait of Emperor Yongle on his throne. Painting on fabric, early 20th century, 3rd Emperor of the Ming dynasty. Measures: H 105cm, W 87cm, W 3cm.
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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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