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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.

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Style: Chinese Export
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

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

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

Two Ming Style Chinese Pottery Dignitaries
Located in Bradenton, FL
Two Chinese Ming style sancai polychrome glaze terracotta pottery figures of Chinese dignitaries in glazed green and ocher terracotta on hexagonal bases and removable heads. The man ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Neolithic Chinese Red Soapstone Bi Disc Carving on Iron Base
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite red soapstone Bi disc is a remarkable artifact from Neolithic China, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. Set on a modern iron base, the disc reflects the timeless be...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone, Iron

Patinated Wooden Sculpture, Representing Buddha, China Early 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
We have a very nice wooden Buddha sculpture. It dates from the early 20th century, and you can see the aging in its beautiful patina. The work ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Fruitwood

Tang Style Sancai-Glazed Figure of a Court Lady
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Tang style Sancai-glazed Figure of a Court Lady, 20th century. Standing figure with the long amber and green-glazed robe and green-glazed shoes, the delicate features ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Glazed Polychrome Roosters Chinese Porcelain 34cm
Located in Poperinge, BE
Rare pair of rooster figurines, made of polychrome glazed Chinese porcelain, circa mid-20th century. One rooster is numbered on the bottom. These are based on an antique example. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Bronze Buddha Hand Fragment on Walnut Stand
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Buddha Hand Fragment on Walnut Stand from a 19th Century Bronze Buddha Statue
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Large Soapstone Sculpture of Confucius
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a relatively large size sculpture. Carved from a Jade Soapstone it depicts Confucius with a scroll in his hand. The sculpture is finely carved with strict attention to detail.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

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

Vintage Shanghai Wicker Dog Basket or Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Charming mid century lidded dog box ambitiously handcrafted in wicker and wood with an uncanny essence of dog. From the famed Shanghai Collection.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Wicker

Large Fantastic Wood Scholars Rock
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A large fantastic wood 'scholar's rock' The formation of natural knots, gnarled and twisted projections Of the variety greyish brown-toned wood, imitating a vertical scholar’s rock. Much appreciated by Chinese scholars for contemplation, artistic and poetic inspiration. Also in the west these fantastic wood formations resembling organic microcosm habitat Never stopped to inspire some surrealist artists like Max Ernst or Frantisek Muzika. Measures: 27¾" in. (70.5cm.) high. Approx. 10" in. (25.5 cm.) wide, 7" in. (17.5 cm.) deep. On soft wood stand. For comparison see Christie’s sale NY, 19 Sep 2002, lot 104 “Fine Chinese Archaic bronzes...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Other

Small Vintage Carved Oriental Figure, Chinese, Hand Carved, Black Onyx, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small vintage carved Oriental figure. A Chinese, hand-carved black onyx traditional travelling man statue, dating to the late Art Deco period, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Onyx

Massive Chinese Guanyin Statue in Jade-Like Green Hardstone
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Massive 37 1/2"- inch high Chinese Guanyin statue in Green Jade-like hardstone Late 20th century, The reclining deity adorned with a crown emulating ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Other

Brass Buddha with child Incense 1940s China
Located in Den Haag, NL
Chinese Buddha with child . The child is a insert ,can be removed . The holes are for incense ,i think . strange combination .Do you now more than me . Solid Brass .
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Mid-20th Century Chinese Wooden Carved Jiang Taigong Fishing Statue
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a Chinese hand-carved wooden statue, depicting the legendary figure Jiang Ziya (also known as Jiang Taigong), a famous general and strategist from ancient China. In Chinese ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Boxwood

Pair of Carved Wood and Gilt Finished Chinese Foo Dog Figurines or Sculptures
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of intricately hand carved and hand painted Foo dogs are believed to have made in the mid-20th century in the Imperial style. The dogs are composed of a softwood which have...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Softwood

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

Two Chinese Famille Verte Porcelain HeHe Groups Kangxi Period
Located in Dallas, TX
A Pair of Chinese famille verte laughing twins 'HeHe Erxian' biscuit group, Kangxi (1662-1722), the two boys with jovial expressions and seated upon an openwork rock-base studded wit...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Patinated Wooden Sculpture, Representing Buddha, Early 20th Century, Gilt Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Sculpture in patinated wood, representing Buddha, made in China at the beginning of the 20th century. Buddha is depicted with his arms raised. The gold leaf with which it is covered,...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Large Scale Chinese Export Hand Painted Sancai Ceramic Ducks, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of large scale Chinese Export ducks in very good condition. They have vivid colors in the Sancai style of painting. They are not ma...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Tibetan Bronze Standing Gilt Bronze Buddha Offering Protection
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Tibetan bronze standing gilt bronze buddha offering protection China, 20th century A fine example, the Buddha standing on lotus base with the "no fear" abhaya mudra, the figure is ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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

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

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

Pair of Chinese Porcelain Foo Dogs
Pair of Chinese Porcelain Foo Dogs
$877 Sale Price / set
25% Off
A Pair of Blanc de Chine Ceramic Foo Dogs, Ca. 1840
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of Blanc de Chine (Chinese White Glazed) Ceramic Foo Dogs, Ca. 1840 DIMENSIONS Width: 5 inches Height: 11 inches Depth: 6.5 inches ABOUT SCULPTURES There is a small baby lio...
Category

1840s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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

Chinese Foo Dog Plaster Sculpture
Chinese Foo Dog Plaster Sculpture
$180 Sale Price
20% Off
Chinese Export Buddha s Hand Citron Altar Fruit on Tazza, Blanc de Chine
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Export Buddha's Hand Citron Altar Fruit on Tazza, Blanc de Chine. A rare form, realistically modeled Chinese Buddha's Hand Citron, presented on a scalloped compote. This wo...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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 Chinese Export Famille Rose Figures of Immortals, 18th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A near pair of Chinese export porcelain figures of the Taoist immortal Li Tieguai, Qing Dynasty, late 18th century, China. The Daoist Immortal Li Tieguai, on of the Eight Immortals...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Soapstone Buddhist Lions
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A pair of soapstone Buddhist lions Each finely carved seated on its haunches with a fierce expression, modelled in mirror image seated on a rectangu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Terra Cotta Horse and Rider Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terracotta tomb figure of a rider wearing robes sitting on a horse with a bowed head, on a square base.       
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Pair Of Metal Asian Men Busts
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Pair of Patinated Metal Asian Men Busts. It depicts two large busts of an Asian men with long mustache and beards. Both of them are wearing what appears to be like a crown ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Pair Of Metal Asian Men Busts
Pair Of Metal Asian Men Busts
$760 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Terra Cotta Rider and Horse Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terracotta tomb figure of a girl in a red garment holding an object riding a dark brown horse, standing on a textured base.  
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Vintage Asian Green Tole Bonsai Palm Tree Sculptures
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Vintage Asian tole bonsai palm tree sculptures with green and gold painted leaves and trunks, mounted on oval bases. (PRICED AS PAIR)
Category

20th Century Asian Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Carved Vintage Tibetan or Thailand Polychromed and Giltwood Mandalay Statue
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This carved vintage Mandalay statue is a striking example of Southeast Asian artistry, likely originating from Tibet or Thailand. Crafted from solid giltwood and richly decorated wit...
Category

1940s Asian Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Walnut

Antique Chinese Carved Wood and Parcel Gilt Swans
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking pair of 19th century Chinese swan garnitures or sculptures hand carved in hardwood with an ebonized and gilt finish.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Two Chinese Wood Lion Foo Dogs Incense Holder
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Two Chinese wood Foo Dogs Incense holder burners. Featuring a pair of highly detailed lion foo dogs, one male and one female which were thought to protect the home from harmful spiritual influences and harmful people that might be a threat. The Foo Dogs...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Asian Bronze Elephant Sculpture Statue 19th c.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Asian Bronze Elephant Sculpture Statue late 19th c. Asian Chinese antique cast bronze elephant sculpture. Ceremonial cast metal elephant with beautiful detailed carving on hi...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Terra Cotta Woman and Horse Tomb Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta tomb figure of a woman dressed in gray and red robes sitting atop a blue and green saddle, on a horse that is standing on a square base...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Wicker Elephant Box from the Shanghai Collection
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Chinese elephant sculpture ambitiously hand crafted in woven wicker with rattan and wood highlights, having a removable head as a lid. From the famed Shanghai collection.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Wicker

Vintage Chinese Tang Tri-Colored Glazed Tomb Ceramic Statue
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Vintage Chinese Tang tri color glazed ceramic beautify figure was hand made with famous tri-colored glaze on the ceramic. It has beautiful color and detailed carving...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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

Chinese Porcelain Figure of Woman Standing on Clouds
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese style white porcelain standing figure of woman standing on clouds, possibly and alter figure.  
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Sancai Glazed Terra Cotta Tomb Guardian
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta tomb guardian figure seen in its typical stance of one foot higher than the other as it rests on an anima...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Guanyin in Carved Wood and Polichrome, China, Early 20th Century, Asian Art
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Guanyin in carved wood and polichrome, China, early 20th century, Asian art Measures: H 56cm, W 16cm, W 15cm.
Category

1910s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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

Pair of Chinese Carved Stone Foo Dogs on Rectangular Plinths, 20th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Chinese hand carved stone Foo dogs resting on rectangular decorative carved plinths. 20th Century
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Carved Jade Old Man with Child Figurine
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a small jade Asian old man with a child figure. It depicts a carved orange jade old man holding a child. The small sculpture is standing over a gilt ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Jade, Metal

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

SEATED BUDDHA KUAN YIN/GUANYIN 19th-century
Located in Madrid, ES
SEATED BUDDHA KUAN YIN/GUANYIN 19th-century Chinese sculpture in polychrome and gilded wood. Rests on a later painted wood base. Signs of wear. Height: (sculpture) 82 cm; (total) 17...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Pair of Chinese Porcelain Foo Dogs
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Asian Chinese (19/20th Cent) green and yellow small porcelain reclining foo dog figures
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

1950s Fine Antique Chinese White Jade Fish Sculpture Figurine
Located in Chula Vista, CA
an antique decorative fish sculpture made in white stone jade. unmarked Preowned Very good vintage condition unrestored. Refer to images. 5.13 D x 1 W x 2 H
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Jade

Vintage Chinese Tang Tri-Colored Glazed Tomb Ceramic Statue
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Vintage Chinese Tang tri-color glazed ceramic beautify figure was hand made with famous tri-colored glaze on the ceramic. It has beautiful color and detailed carving...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Vintage Asian Green and Gold Tole Bonsai Palm Tree Sculptures
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Vintage Asian tole bonsai palm tree sculptures with green and gold painted leaves and trunks, mounted in circular pot bases. (PRICED AS PAIR)
Category

20th Century Asian Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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

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

Chinese White Small Cabbage Sculpture
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Chinese White Jade Small Cabbage Sculpture . It depicts a very well hand carved delicate white cabbage sculpture. It stands over an elongated wood base. In Chinese culture,...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures

Materials

Jade

9" tall Bronze Foo Dog w/ patina
Located in Pasadena, TX
This Foo Dog casting was made in Asia. Its a bronze depicting a Foo Dog. Has lots of nice patina.
Category

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.

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