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Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

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
Tall Chinese Bridal Cabinet with rural motivs
Located in MIJDRECHT, NL
This tall, antique Chinese bridal cabinet is an impressive piece of furniture that exudes a rich Chinese culture. The earthy orange images against a black lacquered background makes ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

1920 s Chinese Export Oriental Heavily Carved Camphor Wood Wardrobe Part Suite
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning hand made Chinese Export circa 1900-1920 Camphor wood wardrobe which is part of a set I have the matching super rare chest of draw...
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1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

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Campaign Style Thomasville Furn Mystique 3 Section Modular Queen Bed Armoires
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful campaign style modular wall unit bedroom or bed set up with side armoires comprised of dark wood, removeable mirrors, lights, full/queen headboard, and brass hardware by Thomasville Furniture. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. The top of the headboard has been refinished but the rest of the pieces have their original finish. No outstanding flaws that we have detected. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1970’s. Can a girl (or guy) ever have Too many options??? We think Not!!! Seriously!! Take another look at this Extremely cool, Extremely modular “Mystique” wall unit or bedroom set up by Tomlinson Furniture. So many options…We say that because the center, larger unit can be used as a headboard for a full or queen-sized bed. You just need a Hollywood frame, and it backs right up against the headboard which has drop front storage for extra pillows or blankets! The four mirrors are removeable so if you prefer you could take them off and expose a blank wall or hang your favorite piece of artwork. Plus, there are lights at the top of the crown unit and a shelf to hold a lamp, books, or décor! Now, it’s nice to have the two side cabinets in your bedroom if you need the space for storage…there is hanging space in the top wardrobe area and three nice sized drawer’s underneath…AND there are knobs immediately beneath the wardrobe section that pull out into a nightstand surface with a black laminate top!! SO NICE!! BUT…maybe it’s a little much for the space you have, and you want to break it up a bit. NO PROBLEM! The two side pier cabinets are modular and can stand individually in separate rooms or could set side by side in one room. Maybe you want to use the two pier cabinets in a second bedroom and put a beautiful brass bed between them and use the center unit in a different bedroom. The whole unit is comprised of a gorgeous sultry dark wood and the cabinets have beautiful brass escutcheons, teardrop pulls, and hardware. There are truly so many interchangeable possibilities with this wonderful campaign style wall unit and it is made with impeccable quality by an iconic manufacturer. You just can’t go wrong! The original Thomasville furniture company was founded in 1904. At the time, it was called the Thomasville chair company since the company focused on producing chairs exclusively. Over the next few decades, the catalog expanded to include additional furniture pieces. During this time, the original company went through several owners; despite this, the company still experienced financial success even through economic hardship of the 1930s. Vintage pieces from the Thomasville Furniture company run the gamut from chairs to dining room furniture and many different types of furniture in between. The earliest pieces from the company when it was still known as the Thomasville Chair Company are considered the most rare and valuable. If you are looking for authentic Thomasville vintage pieces, you will need to find them on the secondhand market. Thomasville Furniture is one of the most recognized furniture companies in America. You can count on Thomasville furniture for incredible dining room and bedroom furniture. – vintage furniture guide...
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1970s American Vintage Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Brass

Gillow s of Lancaster, an Aesthetic Movement Walnut Armoire Wardrobe Compactum
Located in London, GB
Gillow's of Lancaster, an Aesthetic Movement walnut armoire wardrobe compactum with lots of useful storage space. The moulded cornice and b...
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Late 19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

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Mid Century Modern Teak Tambour Door Fitted Gentleman s Wardrobe / 1960 England
Located in Leicester, GB
A beautiful mid century fitted wardrobe by Austinsuite. England C1960. This piece is beautifully made with an elegant tambour door design and fitted interior. The tambour door sets...
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Mid-20th Century English Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

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19th Century Chinese Tapered Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
19th century painted tapered Chinese cabinet. Having elaborate panels with gilt painting and raised moldings. Warm red lacquer adorned with black lacquer and gilt painting. Framing the panels recessed into the molding are remnants of crushed seashell used...
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1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

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Cypress, Fir

19th Century Chinese Tapered Cabinet
19th Century Chinese Tapered Cabinet
$2,880 Sale Price
37% Off
H 59 in W 43 in D 19 in
German folk art bridal cabinet, 1826
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A beautiful cabinet from the rural south of Germany dating from 1826. The cabinet was once given as a wedding gift. This cabinet is made of solid pine and is hand-painted in vibrant ...
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1820s German Antique Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

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German folk art bridal cabinet, 1826
German folk art bridal cabinet, 1826
$4,788
H 71.26 in W 50.79 in D 18.9 in
Art Deco Bedroom Set: Armoire, Bed and Mirror - France, 1920s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Lovely and lively exotic bedroom set comprised of one three-door wardrobe, a double bed and a large mirror. The set is lacquered in red and black with gilt and silvered decor repr...
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Early 20th Century French Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

Art Deco Bedroom Set: Armoire, Bed and Mirror - France, 1920s
Art Deco Bedroom Set: Armoire, Bed and Mirror - France, 1920s
$11,732 / set
H 72.05 in W 89.77 in D 25.99 in
Arcate sideboard, in Canaletto walnut by Accardibuccheri Medulum for Medulum
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Il settimanale Arcate fa parte di una collezione esclusiva che include comodini e comò, ideata dal rinomato studio milanese Accardi Buccheri per il brand MEDULUM. La scocca, realizza...
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2010s Italian Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Cloud Figured Walnut Wardrobe, English, c1930
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this fabulously styled Art Deco wardrobe dating to the 1930's. Small and well proportioned this wardrobe has stunning Walnut grain with book paged veneers w...
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Mid-20th Century English Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Walnut

Art Deco Cloud Figured Walnut Wardrobe, English, c1930
Art Deco Cloud Figured Walnut Wardrobe, English, c1930
$2,523
H 50.4 in W 32.29 in D 16.93 in
Tall Cabinet in Carved Oak, France, 20th Century
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Monolithic in stance yet intricate in surface, this tall French cabinet reveals a façade of concentric rosettes and squared panels, arranged with the solemn rhythm of a liturgical ob...
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20th Century French Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

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Oak

Tall Cabinet in Carved Oak, France, 20th Century
Tall Cabinet in Carved Oak, France, 20th Century
$4,200
H 71.66 in W 29.93 in D 18.71 in
Rosewood Ocean Liner Furniture Suite from Ducrot, 1920s, Set of 6
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Main suite set from the liner Giulio Cesare launched in 1920 in Palermo with first voyage from Genoa in 1922. Completely fitted out by the Ducrot firm of Palermo. Excellent cabinetry...
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1920s Italian Vintage Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

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Steel

Rosewood Ocean Liner Furniture Suite from Ducrot, 1920s, Set of 6
Rosewood Ocean Liner Furniture Suite from Ducrot, 1920s, Set of 6
$50,281 / set
H 88.19 in W 83.86 in D 25.6 in
Art Deco bed, Carved wood, France, Circa 1920
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
In the style of the productions of Dufrène, Follot, DIM (Petit & Joubert). Art Deco, France, Circa 1920 In walnut and mahogany carved with roses, fruits, grapes, flowers, baskets.....
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1920s French Vintage Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Art Deco bed, Carved wood, France, Circa 1920
Art Deco bed, Carved wood, France, Circa 1920
$3,256 Sale Price
20% Off
H 54.34 in W 61.03 in D 82.68 in
Chinese Wedding Cabinet Black on Red Lacquer with Circular Brass Medallion
Located in Hanover, MA
Chinese Qing Dynasty wedding cabinet in black lacquer with red accents featuring large circular brass medallion hardware on two 45 inch high doors above two drawers. The interior is...
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Early 20th Century Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

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Previously Available Items
Asian ironwood cabinet / Wardrobe inlaid with bone, Indochina, circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Indochina or south china. Circa 1880-1900 Brass hinges, handles and padlocks Double door cabinet with two shelves Pretty marquetry: vegetation, birds, mythological creatures / deitie...
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1880s Vietnamese Antique Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

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Wood, Bone

Chinoiserie Inlaid Armoire 19th Century Chinese Mirror Door Wardrobe
Located in Labrit, Landes
19th century armoire inlaid chinoiserie with mirror doors Stunning Chinese wardrobe very rare find and in very good condition for its age This will take a sideways hanging rail if ...
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1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

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Wood

1970 s Carved Elm Wood Chinese Wardrobe
Located in Valladolid, ES
Stunning Chinese wardrobe in carved elmwood with a big door and four drawers.
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1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

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Wood

1970
s Carved Elm Wood Chinese Wardrobe
1970
s Carved Elm Wood Chinese Wardrobe
H 77.56 in W 44.49 in D 22.45 in
Chinese Black Lacquer Painted Scholars Cabinet
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Whimsical Chinese painted cabinet from north China decorated with floral vases and scholars objects. Fronted by two large doors that open up to...
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20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

Large Chinese Two-Door Armoire Cabinet
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Large Chinese lacquer two-door armoire cabinet with two large doors on top that open to the interior with three large shelves fronted in the middle by two small drawers. The bottom h...
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20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Wardrobes and Armoires

Chinese Export wardrobes and armoires for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export wardrobes and armoires for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage wardrobes and armoires created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, lacquer and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export wardrobes and armoires made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 wardrobes and armoires differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,799 and tops out at $5,116 while the average work can sell for $4,205.

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