Skip to main content

Chinese Export 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.

to
652
2,936
866
3,926
43
40
198,241
115,263
44,187
33,226
16,614
12,237
10,884
10,818
9,985
8,961
7,348
6,663
6,503
6,389
6,223
6,160
4,907
3,742
217
1,304
2,405
83
863
545
206
82
16
89
34
31
43
24
24
22
5
1,707
1,347
1,206
940
381
3,638
3,506
3,422
112
55
4,009
4,003
4,003
31
14
12
6
6
Style: Chinese Export
Pair of Vintage Chinese Gold and Green Tole Palm Tree Table Lamps
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Vintage Chinese tole table lamps in the shape of palm trees, painted with golden leaves and green trunks, resting on octagonal bases and mounted with brass hardware. (PRICED ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Rare Antique Ironstone Mason s Ashworth Chinoiserie Large Serving Platter
Located in New York, NY
Rare early antique Mason's Ashworth Ironstone Chinoiserie pattern hand enameled and transfer decorated large serving platter 19th Century Vibrant, joyful colors of orange, mulberry, ...
Category

19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ironstone

Chinese White Figurative Scene Porcelain Table Lamp
Located in Queens, NY
"Antique Chinese (Early 20th Century) table lamp made from a white porcelain urn painted with a scene of children playing in orange, pink, and red, mounted on a brown wooden base and...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Set of 4 Chinese Imari Style Porcelain Plates
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 4 Chinese Export Imari style porcelain plates with red, white, and blue designs (PRICED AS SET)
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Spode “Tabacco Leaf” Punch Bowl after Chinese Export Design, England, ca. 1820
Located in Atlanta, GA
Spode “Tabacco Leaf” Punch bowl after Chinese Export design, England ca. 1820.
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue and White Perpetual Harmony Baluster Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This contemporary lidded baluster jar continues the centuries-old tradition of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain ware. Painted with cobalt pigments for a brilliant blue finish, the ja...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Shan xi Console Table/Sideboard
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 33 1/2in H x 44 1/2in W x 19 1/4in D Drawer: Large: 5 3/4in H x 27in W x 15inD Small: 6in H x 12in W x 15in D Origin: Shan Xi, China Circa: 1850 - 1900 Material: Elm wood Cond...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Circa 1850 Chinese Export Papier Mache Footed Tray
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1850 Chinese export papier mache footed tray. Exquisitely hand painted & gilded. Minor rubbing & darkening commensurate with age, material & use. 11 3/8" dia., 1.75" h. We are...
Category

1850s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Paint, Paper

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 Furniture

Materials

Jade

Antique Chinese Blue And White Porcelain Vase As Lamp
Located in Norwood, NJ
Chinese 19th century porcelain blue and white vase converted as a lamp. Hand painted with Chinese figures in a courtyard setting with a light celadon ground and decorated with applie...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

Early 20 Century Vintage Chinese Dark Green Glaze Pottery Vase/Liquor Bottle
Located in Pomona, CA
Our wonderful collection of handmade old vintage Chinese hand made glazed pottery vase/liquor bottle will make great accent pieces for any room of your house. It has some imperfection signs of age and usage on the mouth of vase and distressed patina. Take a close look at the pictures, there are some Buddha symbols...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

STUNNING ANTiQUE CHINESE EXPORT CIR 1920 HAND PAINTED LACQUERED CHEVAL MIRROR
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning circa 1920's Chinese Export hand painted and lacquered Cheval mirror which is part of a suite Plea...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Chinese Paper Scroll in Plexiglass Case
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese paper scroll in a plexiglass case.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Glass

Antique Blue White Canton Pattern Chinese Export Porcelain Open Vegetable Dish
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese export porcelain open vegetable bowl or dish. In the Canton pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue depicting a mountainous Chinese village to the top of the l...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Mid Century Rose Medallion Porcelain Enamel Vase
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid Century Rose Medallion Porcelain Enamel Vase Measures 6 " in width, 6" in depth and 12" height
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Vintage Chinese Brown and Gold Tole Serving Tray with Lake Scene
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese brown and gold tole serving tray featuring a lake scene with trees, bridges, boats, and fishermen.  
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal

Mid-20th Century Chinese Hand Carved Cinnabar Lacquer Plate
Located in Pomona, CA
This stunning Chinese hand carved cinnabar lacquered plate has Intricate lacquer carving arts of Chinese traditional archetecture and landscape design. It named The Sense of Tough, a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

CHINESE ARK Ching Dynasty 1892 19th Century with Certificate
Located in Madrid, ES
CHINESE ARK Ching Dynasty 1892 19th Century with Certificate in black lacquered wood with gold, representing plant motifs and figures. Metal hardware. Signs of use and minor flaws. ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese export silver goblet; an addition to our wine and drinks related silverware collection. This exceptional antique Chinese Export silver (CES) goblet has a circular bell shaped form a shaped stem and plain circular stepped foot. The drinking vessel of this silver wine goblet is embellished with impressive engraved bamboo stems emanating from the lower portion. The embossed stem of this impressive solid silver goblet...
Category

Early 1900s Hong Kong Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Opulent Black Lacquer Chinese Export Collector s Cabinet on Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
an opulent black lacquer Chinese Export Collector's Cabinet on Stand with detailed gilt landscape and figural decoration, the shaped hinges and corners all appear to be gilt on brass...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Framed Chinese Pen and Ink Ancestor in Navy Robes Portrait
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage (20th Century) Chinese pen and ink ancestor portrait capturing the honoree seated in a red chair on a patterned floor and wearing an elabor...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper, Glass, Walnut

Footed Dish, 19th Century Famille Rose, China
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This 19th century dish is an unusual scalloped form. It shows wear but it in excellent condition. This colorful porcelain bowls dates to the mid-19th century and was originally used as a serving dish for ritual offerings, placed before a home altar...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Footed Dish, 19th Century Famille Rose, China
Footed Dish, 19th Century Famille Rose, China
$1,152 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artist-made koi is a traditional symbol of harmony and wealth. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The scales ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

19th Century Antique Chinese Hand Chiseled Stone Trough, Planter
Located in Pomona, CA
This stone trough is retrieved from the village in northern China. It is hand carved out one piece of stone and hand chiseled by the local stone master. It's originally for feeding h...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Stone

Chinese Celadon and Blue Dragon Motif Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
"Chinese celadon porcelain vase painted with a blue dragon amid the clouds and made with a small mouth opening. Some wear to finish."
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Green and Botanical Hand-Made Tole Lidded Urn
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese hand-made, light green tole urn painted with branches, fruit, and a dark green band at the base and finished with a finial atop its lid.  
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal

Chinese Lacquered Wood Table Stone Top with Carved Essay
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese antique table from Northern China likely Shanxi Province circa late Qing dynasty to Republic period (late 19th century). The square for...
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Stone

Chinese White Green and Yellow Vegetal Winter Melon Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (early 20th century) winter melon-form porcelain vase decorated with an incised, white bottom half that grows into verdant abstracted vegetal and peacock shapes on th...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Shanxi Province Elm Natural Patina Square Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Natural Patina Square Side Table This square side table from the Shanxi Province of China has natural patina and color.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm

Chinese Export Prunus Vase Lamp, circa 1900
Located in Lucenec, SK
A large Chinese blue and white porcelain prunus vase lamp, on wood base. No hairline, no restoration. The height of the vase is about 25cm. Traces of usage...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

20th Century Blue Chinese Antique Famille Rose Porcelain Vases
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this magnificent Chinese antique Famille Rose porcelain vases. It was hand made and hand paint from famous Chinese Porcelain. Ea...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Rare Collectable Vintage Chinese Export Hardstone Folding Screen Room Divider
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this extremely well made and highly collectable Chinese Export circa 1940’s Hardstone room divider folding screen. A truly stunning and exquisit...
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Stone

Antique Serving Bowl, English, Ceramic, Fruit Dish, Oriental Taste, Circa 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique serving bowl, an English ceramic fruit dish with Oriental taste, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. With dazzling colour and striking dragon motif, this...
Category

1920s British Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Chinese Rectangular Tole Black and Gold Monestary Scene Tray
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese rectangular tole serving tray with a painted gold design of a figures in a monestary courtyard on a black background surrounded by a shallow lip with rounded corners....
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal

Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Pots with Stands
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Asian Chinese (19/20th century) blue and multi-colored cloisonnv small rectangular cachepots. (priced as pair).       
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Pair of Chinese White and Umber Floral Design Porcelain Vases
Located in Queens, NY
"Pair of Chinese white porcelain vases decorated with umber and pink floral motifs wrapping the bulbous forms, accented in blue, pink and yellow patterned bands around the tops and b...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Antique Chinese Open Carved Altar Table/Sofa Table/Console
Located in Pomona, CA
Size: 35in H x 87in W x 13.5in D Origin: China Circa: 1800 - 1900 Material: Elm Wood Condition: Original finish, solid wood construction, hand carved, very heavy, sturdy, normal age wear. Look at this Antique Open Carved Altar table from China. It was made in 19 century and still maintained very good condition. It shows the traditional style of Northern China's cultural. This Chinese antique altar table...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

A pair of palatial carved white marble Chinese Lions
Located in Dallas, TX
A large and impressive pair of palatial Chinese hand carved large and heavy Chinese lions. These lions were used as a symbol of good fortune and to keep away evil spirits . Very heav...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Marble

20th Century Chinese Rorsewood Carved Armchairs Set
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous set of Vintage Chinese Horseshoe Back Armchairs with center tea table are made from solid rosewood. Very solid and sturdy. It features a beautiful carving works on the ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Chinese White Jade Open Late Qing Dynasty Plaque
By Alba China
Located in Sarasota, FL
Chinese white jade openwork plaque late Qing Dynasty depicting birds and flowers. Very fine and detailed work. Small loss on the back side of the pl...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Jade

Pair of Chinese Celadon Glaze Porcelain Vases Mounted as Table Lamps
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Chinese Celadon Glaze Porcelain Vases Mounted as Table Lamps Dimensions: 5" in width, 5" in depth and 21.5 inches in height.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Celadon, Porcelain

Chinese Navy Blue Ginger Jar
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (Early 20th Century) ceramic ginger jar vase in navy blue with a brown earthenware opening.  
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Sancai Glazed Terra Cotta Woman Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta figure of a woman wearing robes bearing the Tang Dynasty's traditional tri-color glaze, or Sancai, utilizing brown, green and off-white...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Antique Chinese Silver Hung Chong Co. Beaker Set Figural Salamanders Spiders
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Set of four sterling silver antique Chinese export beakers or drinking cups made by the Hung Chong Co. of Shanghai with detailed applied figu...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Famille Rose Bowl with Pheasant and Chrysanthemums, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
During the 18th century, Europeans provided an eager market for Chinese export porcelain, especially the colorful and fanciful ware known as “famille rose.” Named for a palette of op...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Wooden White Painted Contortionist Console Tables
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Chinese console tables comprised of whitewashed wooden bases carved to resemble acrobatic figures supporting gray, rectangular t...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Double Crane Headrest
Located in Chicago, IL
This simple, square ceramic block is actually a form of Chinese headrest or neck pillow. Popular during the Qing dynasty, rigid headrests such as this were used by upper-class women ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Chinese Porcelain Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully painted 19th Century Chinese vessel converted to lamp. Wooden base. Custom parchment shade is 10" high x 16" wide.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Antique Shanxi Province Pierced Apron Elm Side Table - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province pierced apron elm side table - pair. A rare pair of elm side tables from the Shanxi Province of China. These side tables have a ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm

Chinese Export Silver Card Case
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Card Case, circa 1900, embossed and chased with a dragon amidst clouds on one side, and with a vacant shield-shaped cartouche. The reverse side features chrysan...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

19th Century Antique Chinese Framed Groups of Textile Embroidery Pieces
Located in Pomona, CA
A group of three antique Chinese textiles embroidery arranged and professionally matted and framed. The museum quality display includes two Identical pieces symmetrically on the top ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Textile, Silk

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 Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Chinese Pale Green and Pink Blossom Lidded Jars
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Chinese pale green lidded jars decorated with lily pads and pink lotus blossoms on one side of their round forms and extending up to the lids,...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Bactrian Camel Terra Cotta 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 Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Antique Chinese Hand Painted Porcelain Carved Rosewood Frame Room Divider
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Chinese Hand Painted Porcelain with Ornate Carved Rosewood Dragon Motif Frame Room Screen/Room Divider This beautiful ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Rosewood, Paint

19th Century Chinese Porcelain Dish
Located in Brea, CA
19th century Chinese porcelain dish with beautiful hand painted. Diameter 12.4 inch, with a mark.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Male Mingqi Spirit Attendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Molded of earthenware, this petite sculpture is a type of centuries-old burial figurine known as míngqì. Such model figures were placed in tombs of individuals with high status to ensure a safe journey to the afterlife. Meant to depict the pleasures of daily life, common burial figures...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Blue and White Jar with Mythical Fu Lions
Located in Chicago, IL
This round, porcelain storage jar is brightly glazed in the classic blue-and-white manner. A combination of stenciled linework and hand-brushed shading, the sides of the jar are deco...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Silver Pair of Scenic Beakers
Located in Sarasota, FL
Chinese export silver pair of repousse scenic beakers. Each beaker marked "HC" for well listed maker and retailer Hung Chong, and weighs 66g or 2.1 troy ounces.
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Antique Chinese Rug, Tan and Blue Oriental Handmade Wool Rug
Located in Port Washington, NY
China has a long tradition of carpets and the original ones, probably used as merchandise, are dated at over 2000 years ago. The art of knotting carpets was however, introduced somewhere around the 15th century in China. The patterns on some of the older Chinese carpets...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wool

Chinese Export furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export 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 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 ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Wang Hing Co., 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $40 and tops out at $216,780 while the average work can sell for $1,998.

Still Thinking About These?

All Recently Viewed