Skip to main content

Chinese Export Sculptures

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.

to
71
229
4
2
8
38
183
6
39
53
12
2
1
3
1
6
2
1
2
3
6,851
4,656
2,870
881
850
695
627
507
467
443
367
247
196
193
90
83
79
76
84
60
45
41
41
196
29
198
187
181
8
5
Height
to
Width
to
235
235
235
1
1
Style: Chinese Export
Chinese Export Style Rust Fishnet Porcelain Herend Foo Dogs -Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely set of Chinese Export style Herend rust fishnet foo dogs with 24K gold accents. They are marked and in very good condition. They date to t...
Category

Early 2000s Hungarian Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Gold

Chinese Shisa Foo Dog Figurines, A Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Shisa Polychromed Glazed Foo Dogs, also known as Fu dogs. Statues are traditional Chinese guardians, representing protection, wealth, and good fort...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Carved Marble Sitting Guanyin
Located in Bradenton, FL
Marble statue of carved statue of the Buddhist goddess known as Guanyin, sitting in the lotus position. The peaceful and serene expression on her face conveys calm. She ie also know...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Marble

1940s Chinese Pair Foo Dog Glazed Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of antique chinese figurines Foo Dog sculpture green glaze ceramic. Dimensions: 8" H x 3.75" W x 6.5" D Ple...
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Tang Dynasty Pottery Camel
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese (Tang Dynasty) unglazed pottery camel with an open mouth and head turned with a double hump back.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

set of 3 Chinese Porcelain Qing Emperor Decorative Figurines
Located in Den Haag, NL
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Chinese porcelain figurines inspired by the illustrious Qing dynasty. Crafted in a stunning wucai style, the figurine depicts a distingui...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Sancai Glazed Terra Cotta Horse Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta figure of a horse commonly used as a tomb figure for wealthy burials in the 7-8th centuries, and crafted with traditional tri-color gla...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonne Birds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty pair of Chinese birds handcrafted in brass and decorated in cloisonne with floral and symbolic designs on an alluring blue background, featuring brass stylized tail feathers de...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Heavy Hand Carved Rose Quartz Large Owl Sculpture/Figurine
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a very detailed hand carved rose quartz heavy owl sculpture/figurine. It depicts different shades of pink. It is standing over what appears to be a branch of Cercis tree surr...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Rose Quartz

Monumental Chinese Green Glazed Koi
Located in Chicago, IL
A visual pun for "abundance," this monumental ceramic fish sculpture brings an abundance of blessings, wealth and marital bliss. The terracotta statue depicts a large koi, or carp, j...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Antique De Hua Porcelain Kwan Yin Statuary
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a Chinese hand carved De Huang Porcelain Kwan Yin Bodhisattva statuary in off-white ivory color. It is all hand made and hand carved Kwan Yin seating on the lotus Seat with t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Antique Gold Bastet Goddess of Women Cat Figurines Porcelain Sculptures
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Impressive antique Asian pair of sphinx Bastet goddess of women sculptures. Cat like figurines with gold bodies, black enamel heads with turquoise enamel eyes. Porcelain made bear ...
Category

Early 1900s Macanese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Carved Bone Crab
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Remarkable crab sculpture crafted in carved bone with surprising accuracy and lots of moving parts.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bone

Carved Bone Crab
Carved Bone Crab
$1,200 / item
19th Century Architectural Model of a Chinese Temple
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Meticulously carved and gilded architectural model of a Chinese temple makes a fascinating work of art.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Ethereal Terracotta Chinese Ancestor Sculpture on Lucite Base
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Lovely terracotta sculpture of an Asian figure with beautiful weathered patina. Custom lucite base.
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

20" x 12" Tang Horse Sculpture by Austin Studios
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is an Austin Studios Production sculpture. It depicts a Tang period horse. It's cast in durastone.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Mid-19th Century Carved and Painted Wooden Tang Dynasty Horse
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Mid-19th century carved and painted wooden Tang dynasty horse This is a superb piece of Chinese Folk Art, superbly carved in wood, in the classic statue...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

18th-century Chinese Export Porcelain Pair of Court Maiden Lotus Candlesticks
Located in Downingtown, PA
A Transatlantic Glimmer: Chinese Export Porcelain Pair of Maiden Candlesticks, Circa 1760–75 This exceptional pair of Chinese Export porcelain can...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Porcelain Turquoise Foo Dog Figurines - a Pair
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent pair of Chinese Turquoise Glazed Ceramic Lion Statuary are hand made and hand carved in Museum quality. According to historical books, lions were introduced into Mai...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Bronze Deity Figures, 20th Century
Located in Belmont, MA
Pair of Chinese bronze figures of deities standing on dragons. The two sculptures were made in the 20th century. They represent the Tao gods Lu Xing and Fu Xin...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Egg with Wood Stand, Early 20 Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Presenting a cute Chinese cloisonné enamel egg with wood Stand, early 20 century. The Height is including the Height Stand.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Vintage Bronze Asian Horse Sculpture
Located in Pasadena, TX
Elevate your home decoration with this this Stunning of vintage Dynasty style horse. Standing as a testament to intricate craftsmanship, A superb piece of folk art, featuring elegant...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Export Ceramic Pottery Hand Painted Turquoise Ducks - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of Chinese Export ceramic pottery ducks. They are hand painted and unmarked.. They most likely date to the 60s. They are in very good condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Rose Quartz Chinese Guardian Foo Dogs, Fu Lions
Located in Lomita, CA
These noble beasts are often placed near the entrance of a home for fierce protection. The pair of hand-carved rose quartz foo dogs (also known as guardian lions) exudes protective s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Quartz

Vintage Chinese Export Porcelain Celadon Glazed Ducks, Set of 3, 1970 s, China
Located in Austin, TX
An absolutely delightful vintage set of three Chinese export porcelain celadon glazed models of ducks, circa 1970's, China. The three ducks all portrayed in a similar fashion, stan...
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Early 20 Century Chinese Rosewood Panels, Wall Hanging with Jade Inlay Picture
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a set of 3 panels Chinese antique Rosewood with Jade inlay Panels. They were hand made and hand painted. It features beautiful detailed carved painting and jade inlay of Chinese traditional design - 8 immortals...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Chinese Cloisonné War Horse Sculptures on Mahogany Base - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese Cloisonné War Horse Sculptures on Mahogany Base - Pair Exquisite Set of 2 vintage Chinese Cloisonne' war horse sculptures on maho...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Hand-Carved Chinese Malachite Elder on Cloisonné-Inspired Wood Base
Located in Lomita, CA
Description: This exquisite hand-carved Chinese malachite sculpture depicts a wise elder seated in flowing robes, rendered in rich stria...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Malachite

Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonne Roosters
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Stand out pair of antique Chinese roosters handcrafted in enamel on copper or cloisonne in the traditional technique with bold colors of fauna and flora ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Chinese Lapis Lazuli Carved Group of Figures Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a large heavy Chinese lapis lazuli well carved in details group of figures sculpture.`It depicts two young ladies very well dressed in southern and northern dynasty clothes with traditional Chinese hair...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Terra Cotta Horse with Rider Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta tomb figure of a rider wearing robes and a red sash sitting on a horse that is painted in blue dots and a red bridle, with its head bow...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Sancai Glazed Tang Dynasty-Style Horse Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta figure of a horse commonly used as a tomb figure for wealthy burials in the 7-8th centuries, and crafted with its traditional tri-color...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Sancai Glazed Tang Dynasty-Style Terra Cotta Horse Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta figure of a horse commonly used as a tomb figure for wealthy burials in the 7-8th centuries, crafted with traditional tri-color glaze, ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Incredible Pair of Solid Brass Reclining Stags with Impressive Antlers
Located in Hopewell, NJ
An impressive pair of vintage solid brass opposing reclining stags having beautiful detailed casting and fabulous large antlers.
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Early 20th-C. Chinese Warrior Terracotta Roof Tile Mounted On Lucite
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an antique Chinese warrior roof tile that has been mounted on lucite. The composition appears to be glazed terracotta. The piece coul...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta, Lucite

Blue and White Chinese Porcelain Turtle Tortoise Figurine 1970s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage 20th Century Blue & White Chinese Porcelain Turtle, Tortoise Figurine. Vintage Blue and White Ceramic Turtle, Tortoise figurine. Circa: 1970s...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Large Scale Carved Stone Chinese Foo Dogs / Temple Lions
Located in Dallas, TX
a pair of large scale, well carved stone Chinese Foo Dogs / Temple Lions, these are carved out of stone and are traditional Chinese architectural ornaments, China, circa 1920
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Early 20th-C. Asian Bronze Food Dogs or Lions Figurines, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
These are a pair of early 20th century Chinese bronze foo dogs. They are a heavy casting and in very good condition.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Hand-Carved Chinese Rose Quartz Ox on Custom Hardwood Stand
Located in Lomita, CA
Hand-Carved Chinese Rose Quartz Ox on Custom Hardwood Stand Description: This finely carved rose quartz ox is a striking example of Chinese stone artistry, believed to date from the...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Quartz

Early 19th Century Chinese Carved Polychrome Wooden Sculpture of Lucky God
Located in Pomona, CA
A very old Antique Chinese carved wood sculpture from the Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Handcrafted wood carving, exhibiting signs of aging and wear consistent with its potential...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of Large Antique Chinese Porcelain Roosters
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Pair of 1920’s Chinese Porcelain Roosters. Vibrantly painted and decorated in polychrome application. The roosters are shown in their typical...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Chinese Ceramic Tang San Cai (Tri Color)Horse
Located in Pomona, CA
A large vintage Tang style Sancai glazed terracotta horse. This exquisite piece features a striking green and brown color glazed finish, infusing it with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Tigers
Located in Houston, TX
A stunning pair of late 20th century life-size Chinese cloisonné tigers from the Baron Estate. In Chinese symbolism, these tigers represents the ma...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Pair of Blanc-de-Chine Dehua Figures of Guanyin
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Pair Of Blanc - De - Chine Dehua  Figures Of Guanyin Early 20th century Each figure is modelled standing in flowing robes upon a lotus leaf decorated stand, holding a fl...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

1892-1904 Chinese Elder Figure With Staff
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1892-1904 large Chinese mud man figure, an elder with staff in flowing green & yellow robe. Stamped "China". Apparent losses to feet, but possibly from kil...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

A Grouping of Mid-Century Ceramic Polychrome Foo Dogs - A Set of 4
Located in Charleston, SC
Great grouping of four mid-century polychrome glazed ceramic foo dogs, circa 1960s. Great detail and a beautiful color combination of green, brown, cream and blue The largest measu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Large Asian Bronze Foo Dogs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Large Asian Bronze Foo Dogs or Kylin Dragon, probably Chinese, circa 1950s or earlier. They retain their warm original patina. These were purch...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Taoist Han Elder Man Longevity God Porcelain Figurine
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese porcelain figurine with a long beard and raised forehead, clad in yellow and blue robes and holding a staff that symbolizes health ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Figure Set of Miniature Terracotta Chinese Xian Warriors
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful set of Terracotta sculptures representing Xian Warriors. This set of figures is incredibly detailed and presents 4 warriors and a horse. Intrica...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Clay

Mid-20th Century Vintage Chinese Hand Crafted Stone Frog
Located in Pomona, CA
This vintage Chinese stone frog sculpture is hand Craft with exquisite detail which was very common in stone sculptures. This sculpture is handcrafted from Mid-20th century using so...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Pair of Chinese Famille Verte Foo Dogs on Stands
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fierce pair of ceramic Chinese Foo dogs on stands depicted sitting. Made in a beautiful famille verte green with bright yellow accents. Large ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-20th Century Vintage Chinese Handcrafted Stone Frog
Located in Pomona, CA
This vintage Chinese stone frog sculpture is hand Craft with exquisite detail which was very common in stone sculptures. This sculpture is handcrafted from Mid-20th century using sol...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Pair of Chinese Export Hardstone Horses and Stands
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese export hardstone horses and stands, each one finely carved of a standing horse with one leg up, facing left and right. Removable from the associated lacquered stands....
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Precious Stone, Lacquer

Carved Bone Turtle
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical turtle sculpture or object of art crafted in carved bone with an organic palette and amusing stylized form.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bone

Carved Bone Turtle
Carved Bone Turtle
$2,350 / item
Mid-20th Century, Chinese Large Wooden Carved Elaborate Imperial Dragon Ship
Located in Pomona, CA
This large model of imperial dragon ship was intricately and elaborately carved with brilliant lattice work and details on the display stand. It actual a royal palace built on the sh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Chinese Green and Red Lu Xing Wealth and Prosperity Deific Porcelain Figurine
Located in Queens, NY
"Antique Chinese (Early 20th Century) glazed porcelain statue of Lu Xing, one of the deities of the three stars considered essential in Chinese astrology, each...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Bronze Horse Stepping on Flying Swallow Statue
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Horse stepping on swallow was made from Bronze with hand crafted accent Chinese pattern. Very unique and beautiful. It originally from eastern Han dynasty an...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair, Ming Dynasty Gilt Bronze Diminutive Chinese Foo Dogs / Guardian Lions
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, Ming Dynasty. Pair, Ming Dynasty Gilt Bronze Diminutive Chinese Foo Dogs or Guardian Lions of extraordinary quality and casting. Procured from an important New York Collect...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Heavy Pair Of Vintage Horse Figures, Oriental Stone, Fireside Ornament, Bookends
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a heavy pair of vintage horse and groom figures. An Oriental, stone fireside ornament or bookends, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. Charming figures of substanti...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Stone

A Pair of Vintage Chinese Buffalo Horn Carved Eagle Sculptures
Located in Pomona, CA
This pair of vintage Chinese Buffalo horn carved eagle sculptures are 100 percent hand made and hand carved from Buffalo horn. In ancient China, The ea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Horn

Chinese Export sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export sculptures 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 sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export sculptures 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 sculptures, popular names associated with this style include and Europa Antiques. 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 sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $195 and tops out at $98,000 while the average work can sell for $1,895.

Recently Viewed

View All