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
42
259
4
2
8
45
206
6
41
56
17
2
1
4
1
7
4
1
2
3
6,927
4,710
2,928
898
861
714
635
533
470
468
366
245
204
203
97
85
82
77
95
62
49
48
47
224
30
225
214
208
8
5
Height
to
Width
to
265
265
265
1
1
Style: Chinese Export
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
Antique Chinese Carved Jade Pig Statue, Zodiac Sign
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a original hand carved Jade pig statue. the Twelfth Sign of the Chinese Zodiac. Pig symbolizes wealth, lucky and good fortune and prosperity. As you ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Vintage Chinese Glazed Terra Cotta Stack of Frogs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical Chinese sculpture or figure crafted in terracotta and hand decorated with a thick glaze depicting a game of leap frog gone awry.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Chinese Porcelain Qing Emperor Decorative Figure
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Chinese porcelain figurine inspired by the illustrious Qing dynasty. Crafted in a stunning wucai style, the figurine depicts a distinguish...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain, Paint
Striking Turquoise Pair of Chinese Porcelain Bluebirds
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Pair of Chinese porcelain bluebirds having turquoise bodies and aubergine bases.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
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
Asian Hand Carved Wood Sculpture Star of Longevity Shòu Xīng
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an Asian Shòu Xīng hand carved wood sculpture star of longevity
star of old age. Chinese original carving master deity with crane.
Dimensions: 9.75 H x 2.7...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Chinese Stained and Carved Bone Ancestral Figures, A Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
Hand-Carved Bone Chinese Ancestral Figures, a Man and a Woman. The matched figures stand elegantly on a custom acrylic bases. They are rendered in a vertically elongated format, emph...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bone
Chinese Rose Quartz Toad
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese rose quartz figure of a toad standing on a teak base (20th Cent)
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Teak
$2,850
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
$4,800 / set
Vintage Mirrored Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Rooster Sculptures
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice vintage mirrored pair of Chinese cloisonné rooster sculptures, circa early 20th century. The sculptures are in very good condition with no d...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Antique Chinese Carved Wooden Longgui Dragon Turtle Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese carved wooden sculpture of a Longgui or (dragon turtle) holding a coin in its mouth on an ornately carved wooden base.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Chinese Multicolor Glazed Porcelain Pheasant Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (Mid 20th Century) porcelain sculpture of a pheasant with colorful, gold-outlined plumes perched on a rocky formation of green and brown.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Set of Chinese Jade Carved Horse Drawn Carriage Statue
Located in Pomona, CA
This set of Chinese Jade carved horse drawn carriage are hand crafted with exquisite detail. They were carved with a "thallium tool" and jade-resolving sand by skilled craftsmen in t...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Jade
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
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
$880 Sale Price
20% Off
Green Jade Cow and Feeding Calf Sculpture
Located in Pasadena, TX
This sculpture depicts a mother Cow feeding her young.
The piece is sculpted out of Jade.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Jade
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
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
$2,250 Sale Price
25% Off
Chinese Export Famille Rose Pheasant With Ormolu Mounts, Late 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A gorgeous Chinese export famille rose enameled porcelain model of a pheasant mounted on an ormolu stand.
The elegant bird is portrayed perched on a ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Ormolu
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 Wicker Rooster
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chinese rooster expertly crafted with an ambitious weaving technique using bamboo and bamboo wicker with carved wood highlights, from the noted Shanghai ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wicker
$1,400
Pair of Chinese Mid-Century White Porcelain Chickens
Located in Queens, NY
"Pair of Antique Chinese (Mid 20th Century) white porcelain chickens, detailed with tonal feathers and red features and sculpted perched on rocks (P...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Hand-Carved Sculpture of a Buddhist Monk, 21st Century
Located in Greding, DE
Sculpture of a Buddhist monk made of natural stone, masterfully hand-carved. The calm posture, finely folded robes, and engraved dedication give the figure a distinctive spiritual an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Stone
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
$4,800 / set
Chinese Rose Quartz Rooster
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese rose quartz small carved figure of a rooster (as is-repair to base) (20th Cent)
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Rose Quartz
Carved Hardstone Eagle in Smoky Quartz
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This majestic eagle is hand carved from quality smoky quartz. The eagle is standing on a decorative geometric base that has been custom made for this purpose. With faux glass eyes, t...
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Quartz
Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Sancai Glazed Terra Cotta Camel Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta tomb figure of a Bactrian camel, the main form of transport over the Silk Road, with its head tilted back and mouth open to the sky, we...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Chinese papier-mâché golden sphere
Located in LA CELLERA DE TER, ES
Exclusively handcrafted piece. This sphere is created using the ancient Chinese papier-mâché technique – a millennia-old craft that eventually spread worldwide. Traditionally employe...
Category
2010s Spanish Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Gold Leaf
Splendid Impressively Large Life Size Chinese Guan Yin Marble Figure
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Amazing life size beautiful white marble Guan Yin sculpture having meticulous detail and beautiful peaceful expression. Appropriate for display indoors or in the garden.
In Chinese ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Silvered Metal Manjushri, Sino, Tibetan Buddhist Deity
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A silvered figure of Manjusri seated in dhyanasana on a Pala style Indian base, wearing an ornate crown and wearing body jewelry,
Manjushri holds the sword of wisdom in his right hand and above his left shoulder is a lotus flower upon which rests a volume of the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras.
Manjushri - Tibetan Buddhist Deity...
Category
Mid-20th Century Tibetan Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Metal
20th Century Chinese Antique Cloisonne Figurine with Musical Instrument
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this magnificent Chinese Antique Cloisonne Beauty Figurine. It was hand made from gold copper cloisonne. This stand Beauty has very d...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Metal
$1,150 Sale Price
41% Off
Larger Than Life Terracotta Buddha Bust of Guanyin, Early 20th Century, China
Located in Antwerp, BE
Monumental Terracotta Bust of Guanyin — China, Early 20th Century
A striking, larger-than-life terracotta bust of Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, originating from China and ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Multi-Colored Cloisonne Rooster Sculptures
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of early 20th century Chinese cloisonne rooster sculptures with red, white, blue, green, and yellow enamels standing on circular cloisonne bases...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Enamel
Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Large Royal Gold Plated Cloisonne Bull Statue
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent antique Chinese Cloisonne bull statue is made from gold plated bronze/copper and shows very detailed hand craft works of Cloisonne art - a lot of Chinese traditional folks art like Buddhas flower...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Copper
$4,500 Sale Price
54% Off
20th Century Chinese Ceramic Tang SanCai (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 a touch of classic allure.
T...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Chinese Painted Clay Buddha Statue with Red Robes
Located in Queens, NY
"Antique Chinese (early 20th Century, Republic of China) clay Buddha sculpture with painted details and red and green robes. (Similar sculptures: NWL2498, ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Clay
Pair of Chinese Marble Lions from the 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Chinese Marble Lions from the XIX century
Elegant lions of the Quing Dynasty carved in white marble with chisel. They are in good conditio...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Quartz Rock Crystal of a Chinese Goddess
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very rare Carving of a Goddess seated inside of a large Quartz Rock Crystal . Hard to see any details in the photos . No signature found . The stone is appox 9" across an...
Category
Late 19th Century Central Asian Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Quartz
Vintage Goat Figurine in Jade Stone - The Devils Pet
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A small hand-carved/tooled figurine or paperweight of a goat. The devils Pet executed in pale light green jade gemstone. Made in Asia during the 1970s or earlier.
Measurements: 6.5...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Puppies
Located in Essex, MA
Well modeled "lion dogs'" modeled after a Pekingese the companion pet of Chinese royalty. Cream colored ground with brown accents.
Category
1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
$5,800 / set
Large 19th Century Chinese Jade Disc on Stand
Located in Queens, NY
Large 19th Century Chinese Jade Disc on Stand
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Pair of Mid-Century Chinese Tessellated Bone Horses
Located in Palm Beach, FL
With a reference to the Tang Dynasty an impressive pair of Chinese horses, hand crafted in a tessellated technique with carved bone as a symbol ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bone
Pair of Chinese Red Lacquered Foo Dogs
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Asian Chinese style (19th Cent) red lacquered carved figures of squatting foo dogs
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Lacquer
$6,500 / set
Chinese Jade Turtle Sculpture/Figure With Stand
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a Chinese Jade Turtle Sculpture with stand. It depicts a heavy hand carved translucent light green jade turtle with a piece of silk in its mouth pulling a silk ball roll. The tu...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Stone Chinese Soldier Statue
Located in Queens, NY
Small stone statue of a Chinese soldier
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Antique Chinese Painted Clay Buddha Statue
Located in Queens, NY
"Antique Chinese (early 20th Century, Republic of China) clay Buddha sculpture with painted details in red, green, and blue. (Similar sculptures: NWL2497, ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Clay
Fine Chinese Carved Wood Statue of a Fisherman, , circa 1900, Republic period
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
We have a Chinese wooden sculpture. A fisherman who is carrying a fish. The teeth and the eyes are made of glass and, for the eyes, they are p...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Wood
Pair of Chinese Porcelain Foo Dogs
Located in Pasadena, TX
Chinese Foo Dogs sculptures are often placed in pairs at the entrances of temples, palaces, and homes to serve as powerful protectors, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring pro...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
$877 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Chinese Gilt Bronze Buddha Figure
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Gilt Bronze Buddha Figure
7 7/8 H X 3 3/8 D
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Antique Glazed Ceramic Dragon Roof Tile on Custom Stand
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Striking large antique Chinese fragment of a glazed ceramic roof tile in the shape of a dragon in a beautiful shade of green. Mounted on custom stand to make it an unexpected piece ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
19th Chinese Carved Hardwood Figure of an Immortal Holding a Bat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite late 19th-century Chinese carved hardwood figure depicts an immortal holding a bat, symbolizing happiness and good fortune in Chinese culture. The workmanship is exemp...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bone, Hardwood
$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
Chinese Gray Ceramic Figure Depicting a Dignitary
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese molded ceramic figure, fired in a matte gray finish, depicts a mustached dignitary in formal attire standing on a square base with both hands clasped.
Some chipping with a p...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Pair Of Chinese Hardstone Guardian Lions
Located in Norwood, NJ
Pair of hand carved Chinese Jade hardstone Foo Lions or Fu Dogs. This pair of Chinese spinach jade appears to be a nephrite, covered vases having a figural foo lion design with raise...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Jade
$2,840 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Chinese Foo Dog Plaster Sculpture
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice vintage plaster foo dog sculpture in faux bronze finish, circa 1970s.
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Plaster
$180 Sale Price
20% Off
Chinese Green and Orange 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
19th Century Chinese Bronze Incense Vessel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully chased 19th century bronze. In three parts. Great as just a table sculpture.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Ming Dynasty Porcelain Shou Lau Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese (Ming Dynasty-Circa 1500) blue & green porcelain Shou Lau seated figure with oversize head (symbolism of longevity & luck) on a base suppo...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Lingzhi Fungus Table Screen Qing Dynasty
1644-1912
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A lingzhi fungus table screen
Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)
The unusual Chinese scholar’s object,
mounted natural dried and preserved lingzhi fungus.
Lobed asymmetrical outline with dee...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Other
Mid 20th-Century Pair of Chinese Bronze Tang Horse Figurines
Located in Pomona, CA
This pair of statues are vintage Chinese Tang Dynasty style bronze horse figurines. The figurines emulate the elegant and powerful style of horses from the Tang Dynasty (618-906 AD),...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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.
More Ways To Browse
Vintage Black Cat Figurines
Vintage Ceramic Mushrooms
Vintage Hand Carved Wooden Elephant
Vintage Wood Sculpture Stand
Vintage Wooden Mannequins
White Glazed Terra Cotta
3 Dolphins
Antique French Bronze Horse
Art Deco Bronze Deer
Art Deco Ceramic Horses
Arthur Court Brass
Austria Bulldog
Bear Marble Sculpture
Big Cat Sculptures
Bird Sculpture Sterling Silver
Bitossi Bird
Brass Pheasant
Bronze Alligator