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Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

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
Chinese Export Painted Porcelain Articles, 2
Located in Astoria, NY
Two Chinese Export Painted Porcelain Articles, circa 1750, comprising: bullet shaped teapot with silver spout, and oval reticulated platter with figural scene to the center. Silver t...
Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Shanxi Province Tall 2 Drawer Elmwood Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province tall 2 drawer Elmwood cabinet This tall cabinet has 2 drawers located at the bottom apron and 2 shelves. The cabinet also has...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Antique 1880 Heavily Carved Chinese Dragon Carver Armchair Must See Pictures
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original 19th century Chinese Dragon heavily carved carver armchair This chair is a pi...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquered Elm Storage Cabinet with Drawers
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province red lacquered elm storage cabinet with drawers This Elmwood Storage Cabinet has 2 doors, 2 shelves, and 9 drawers...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm, Lacquer, Paint

Qing Dynasty Blue and White Porcelain Vase in French Gilt Bronze Mount
Located in Dallas, TX
Qing Dynasty Blue And White Porcelain Vase In French Gilt Bronze Mount, Formerly Drilled as Lamp, Square Shape Square Shape. 20...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Side Table with Stone Top
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm side table with stone top. This antique Shanxi Province Side Table is made with Elm. It has all its original bea...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Stone

Antique Shanxi Province Cabinet with Hand Carving on Lower Apron
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province cabinet with hand carving on lower apron. This cabinet has 4 shelves, 2 drawers, and 2 doors. With original patina and hand carved design on lower apon.  
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Brass

BATTLE SCENE AND HUNTING SCENE Late 18th Century Chinese
Located in Madrid, ES
BATTLE SCENE AND HUNTING SCENE Late 18th Century Chinese Chinese paintings, from the 18th century, on paper. Framed. Small defects. Dim.: 177 x 162 cm
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Paper

Antique Shanxi Province Winged Elmwood Sideboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province winged elmwood sideboard This elmwood winged sideboard with original brown lacquer and patina has 4 drawers, 4 shelves, and ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm, Lacquer

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Bench
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Bench This Antique Shanxi Province Elm Bench embodies the quiet beauty and authenticity of wabi-sabi design, celebrating age, simplicity, and natural imp...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Lacquered Cabinet with Painting on Doors
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Lacquered cabinet with painting on doors This cabinet has 2 drawers and 2 shelves with hand painted doors.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Elm, Lacquer, Paint

Vintage Oriental Hand Painted Trunk or Chest Depicting Immortals and Buildings
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this stunning oriental hand painted trunk or chest with painting depicting immortals amongst buildings A very finely de...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Nightstand Sideboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elmwood nightstand / sideboard This nightstand / sideboard has 3 drawers and 2 shelves.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Elm coffee table This antique Shanxi Province coffee table has been cut down from a bed. It has a stunning finish of its original color and pa...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Elm, Lacquer

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Calligraphy Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Calligraphy table This antique lm wood calligraphy table with original color and patina is from the Shanxi Province of ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Elm

PAIR OF ANTIQUE CIRCA 1900 CHINESE EXPORT CHINOISERIE DRAGON FOLDING SHELVEs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of original Chinese Export gilt and lacquered folding shelves with Chinoiserie Dragon pai...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Stool Antique Shanxi Province Elm Seat with Original Color and Patina
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm

Chinese Silver Repousse Dragon Handle Sauce Boat by Luen Wo
Located in Sarasota, FL
Chinese Export silver repousse sauce boat with dragon handles. Marked for Luen Wo.. Very fine decoration. 7 1/4" long, 4 " tall, 3 1/2", 7 oz weight.
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Silver

Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquered Elm Dining / Office Chairs, Set of 3
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquered Elm dining / office chairs - Set of 3 These Antique Elm Red Lacquers Dining Chairs are from the Shanxi...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Vintage Chinese Natural Elm Tall Tea / Side Table with Decorative Feet
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese Natural Elm Tall Tea / side table with Decorative Feet This Vintage tall tea table/side table ia made of elm and has unique decorative feet. This table has its origi...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Elm

Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Wicker Rattan End / Side Tables, Set of 3
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Wicker Rattan End/Side Tables - Set of 3 The Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Wicker Rattan End/Side Tables are a stunning set of three tables with a ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Elm, Bentwood

Antique Shanxi Province Geometric Frieze Elm Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province geometric frieze elm side table. This antique elm side table from the Shanxi Province of China has a unique geometric f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm

Chinese Antique Export circa 1900 Lacquered Painted Ming Style Armchair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning highly decorative Chinese Export circa 1900-1920 hand painted and lacquered Ming style armchair. ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Hand Carved Shanxi Province Coffer Sideboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Hand Carved Shanxi Province Coffer Sideboard With Drawers The Antique Hand Carved Shanxi Province Coffer Sideboard With Drawers is a stunning vintage piece from the 1900s. C...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm

Antique Chinese Tall Cabinet, Chest
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 44in H x 33in W x 20in D Drawer: 3in H x 11in W x 12.5in D each Door opening: 25in H x 23in W Origin: China Circa: 1950's Material: Wood Condition: Solid wood construction, Well balance, sturdy, normal age wear. Description: This beautiful vintage cabinet...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Beech

Antique Chinese Tall Cabinet, Chest
Antique Chinese Tall Cabinet, Chest
$1,340 Sale Price
47% Off
Antique large circular Chinese Republican period hand painted framed panel
Located in Central England, GB
This superb very large Chinese Republican period porcelain panel depicts a detailed underwater aquatic scene which is illuminated with golden sunlight. It shows numerous shubunkin go...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Enamel

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Bowl, Wing Cheong, Hong Kong c.1890
By Wing Cheong
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique late 19th century Chinese solid silver decorative fruit bowl, of traditional round form, applied with a shaped arched and pierced rim w...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Silver

19th Century Chinese Export Footed Dish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful color. No breaks, cracks or fractures.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

A 19th Century Chinese Cinnabar Panel Inlaid Hardwood Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
A 19th Century Chinese Cinnabar Panel Inlaid Hardwood Cabinet. This marvelous piece showcases a harmonious fusion of artistry and craftsmanship, exuding timeless elegance and allure...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Lacquer

Chinese Export circa 1900 Gold Leaf Painted Fret Work Carved Wall Panel in Teak
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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 Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Teak

LARGE ANTIQUE CIRCA 1920 CHiNESE DRAGON CHINOISERIE EXPORT COFFEE TABLE DRAWERS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Chinese Export Chinoiserie Dragon extra large coffee table for four full sized drawer...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

ANTiQUE CIRCA 1940 S HAND CARVED CHINESE BUREAU WRITING DESK MATCHING ARMCHAIR
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning circa 1940's Chinese Export hand carved Bureau desk with matching...
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Box, Black Lacquered Rectangular Double Handled Box
Located in Buchanan, MI
A 19th century Chinese box. Black lacquered rectangular double handled box with gilt decoration throughout 7" x 25" x 21". Would make a great ...
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Lovely Vintage Chinese Wine Side Table Cabinet with Bottle Glass Storage
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely decorative wine / drinks chest with top space for glasses. A very nice and decorative piece, it seems to...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Pair of Imari Porcelaine Lamp Mounted Gilt Bronze
Located in Marseille, FR
19th century pair of porcelain lamp from Imari. Frame gilt bronze decorations of metal polychrome flowers.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Ormolu and Cloisonné Enamel Vase for the Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Chinese Ormolu and cloisonné enamel vase for the Islamic Market Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 18cm, diameter 25cm Crafted in China...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Pair of 1900 Chinese Blanc de Chine Roosters
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Could be late 19th Century. No cracks, repairs or damage to these.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

A Late C19th Chinese Gouache Painting On Pith Paper
Located in London, GB
A Charming Late C19th to Early C20th Chinese Gouache Painting on Pith Paper. Featuring an array of colourful Koi Carp swimming amongst reeds. Nicely executed with wonderful strong co...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Paint, Paper

Nest of Four circa 1900 Chinese Chinoiserie Lacqurered Tables Hand Painted
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of four original Chinese Chinoiserie black lacquered tables A good looking, d...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese circa 1900-1920 Export Folding Occasional Chair Nice Carvings
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this lovely original Chinese red lacquered fret work carved folding chair with woven seat Please note...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Elm

Sublim Nest of 4 circa 1880 Chinese Export Brown Lacqurered Tables Hand Painted
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this sublime nest of four original Chinese brown lacquered tables with dragon carved feet and gold leaf detailing A good looking, decorative and...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Ormolu and Cloisonné Enamel Vase for the Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Antique Chinese ormolu and cloisonné enamel vase for the Islamic Market Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 10cm...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu, Enamel

19th Century Tall Chinese Carved Hardwood Flower Stands Table Marble-Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A 19th century antique tall Chinese heavily carved hardwood circular stand table with rouge marble top insert, the inset marble top over carved hardwood apron with beaded trim, fancy...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of Chinese Hardwood Chairs with Fretwork Designs and High Relief Panels
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Chinese hardwood chairs with Fretwork designs and high relief panels. Each chair is beautifully hand carved with exceptional d...
Category

1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Side Table
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Chinese side table Dimensions: 18" W x 18" D x 20" H.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Three 18th Century Chinese Export Plates
Located in Buchanan, MI
Set of three Chinese export plates with floral decoration. Three 18th century Chinese exprort plates.
Category

18th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Stunning circa 1800 Chinese Bamboo Primitive Occasional Chairs His Her
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely original pair of circa 1800 primitive Chinese bamboo framed occasional chairs A very rare and highly decorative pair of bamboo framed chairs,...
Category

Early 1800s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Chinese Export asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage asian art and furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export asian art and furniture 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 asian art and furniture, popular names associated with this style include Wang Hing Co., Europa Antiques, Luen Wo, and Hung Chong Co.. 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 asian art and furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $59 and tops out at $145,000 while the average work can sell for $2,132.

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