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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.

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Style: Chinese Export
Midcentury Pictorial Chinese Handmade Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful vintage pictorial hand knotted wool rug with an abstract brown field. This rug has multi-color accents in an all-over gorgeous Oriental pictorial design. This rug measur...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wool

Yixing Zisha Teapot, Bamboo Handle Flower Finial, Signed, China, 20th C
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage Yixing Zisha teapot - featuring a bamboo form handle and spout with a chrysanthemum flower finial to the lid - impressed seal marks to the base an...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Export Porcelain oval Lidded Box Hand Painted, circa 1920
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a Chinese Export porcelain Lidded Box, hand painted with a figural decoration, made in China, circa 1920 The box is well potted in an oval shape, the lid having a domed top...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique 19th Century Oriental Hardwood Table
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A late 19th century oriental hardwood stand or coffee table having marble inset Shaped top and carved decoration raised on cabriole legs with under t...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

20th Century Chinese Rose Medallion Palace Vase of Monumental Size
Located in Milford, NH
An exceptional polychrome Chinese Rose Medallion palace vase of monumental size with flared decorated lip, several different cartouche scene...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

2 Chinese Coromandel 4-Fold Screens
Located in Queens, NY
2 Asian Chinese style (20th Century) black coromandel 4 fold screens with scene with people on one side and floral & bird design on back. (PRICED EACH)
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

19th Century Chinese Famille Rose Zodiac Figure Snake
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Chinese Famille Rose Zodiac Figure 'Snake' China, 19th Century A rare 19th Century Chinese famille rose zodiac figure of the 'Snake,' representing a significant symbol in Chinese astrology...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Hand-painted Flower Motif Porcelain Table Lamp, Qing Dynasty, China
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Hand-Painted flower motif porcelain table lamp, Qing dynasty, China, late 19th or early 20th century. This stunning cylinder-shaped table lamp has been expertly repurposed from a va...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early English William Whiteley Ltd of London Ironstone Imari Plates, S/10
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely set of early 20th century English ironstone Imari plates by William Whitely Ltd. of London. There are no chips or cracks, and ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ironstone

Black Chinese Pottery Vase Designer Table Lamp
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Huge Black Chinese Pottery Vase Now a Designer Table Lamp Additional information: Materials: Pottery Color: Black Designer: Randy Esada Designs...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Chinese Soapstone, Semiprecious Hardstone and Lacquer Folding Screen
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning Chinese screen is an exceptionally well-crafted piece, beautifully decorated with intricate semiprecious hardstone carvings. Measuring ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Precious Stone, Wood

Pair of Porcelain and Brass Table Lamps with Chinese Decoration
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and fine pair of table lamps is made of porcelain in the blue and white tons with Chinese decoration on a brass base. This is a French work. Circa 1970
Category

Late 20th Century French Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Chinese Yellow Peaking Glass Scenic Hardstone Snuff Bottle Stand, Signed
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Yellow Peaking Glass Scenic & Hardstone Snuff Bottle & Stand, Signed China, 1900s- 20th Century A beautiful Chinese yellow Peking glass scenic & hardstone snuff bottle & s...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Vintage Tibetan Brass Dharma Instrument
Located in Pomona, CA
This is handcrafted Tibetan Brass Dharma Instrument. It is all hand made and used in practice Tibetan religious law. Look at the pictures, fine craftsmanship and sturdy construction ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

6 Antique Chinese Cloisonne Teapots
Located in Brea, CA
Collection of 6 Chinese cloisonne teapots in varying shapes and designs of flora and fauna. The highest one is 5.5'' H x 2 W x 2.5'' D. the sm...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Nest Of Four Chinese Export Lacquer Tables
Located in Essex, MA
A graduated set of four with seated figures in a landscape. Trestle base. Giltwood feet.
Category

1850s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Pair Chinese Carved Hardwood Foo dogs with Rolling Pearls Puzzle Balls
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Carved Hardwood figure of Foo dogs with Rolling 'Pearls' & Puzzle Balls China Mid 20th Century A fine pair of Chinese carved hardwood figures of Foo dogs from mid-20th century China. These exquisite hand-carved wooden Foo dogs display the exceptional craftsmanship of Chinese artisans. Each Foo dog is well carved, capturing the regal and protective essence of these revered guardian lions. Adding to their allure, these Foo dogs feature a unique and captivating detail: a rolling wood...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Asian Wooden Decorative Storage Box
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid 19th Century Asian Wooden decorative storage box with lid. Measures 13.5"W x 11"D x 11.5"H.
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal

20 Canton Woven Bamboo Gallery Trays
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
20 Canton Woven Bamboo Gallery trays, each one of woven and bent bamboo.  
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

20 Canton Woven Bamboo Gallery Trays
20 Canton Woven Bamboo Gallery Trays
$1,015 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Pair of 20th Century Chinese Ginger Jar Lamps with Birds of Paradise and Vines
Located in New York, NY
Lovely pair of vintage Chinese table lamps, crafted in porcelain sometime during the 20th century. Designed in a traditional ginger jar shap...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

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 Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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 Furniture

Materials

Wood

Carved Soapstone Buddha
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a heavy carved light yellow-green soapstone Buddha seated over an oval stone base with bracket feet.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Soapstone

Carved Soapstone Buddha
Carved Soapstone Buddha
$220 Sale Price
20% Off
East Asian Porcelain Warming Bowl
Located in Queens, NY
East Asian porcelain warming bowl with two spouts, decorated with figures, showing an antique repair to the bottom
Category

20th Century Asian Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Two Polychrome Roosters
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of Chinese export glazed ceramic roosters with polychrome plumage in pinks, greens and orange with and striking red crowns and wattles, perched on weathered green striated tre...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Imari Porcelain Trumpet Neck Floor Vase, 1930, Samourai
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Japanese Imari floor vase offer porcelain construction with each vessel having ruffled rim, hand painted allover floral enamel decoration and...
Category

1930s Japanese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Zabihi Collection Floral Antique Chinee Rug
Located in New York, NY
an early 20th Century Chinese rug with a floral design in cream, blue, yellow and brown Measures: 8'11'' x 11'5''.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair of Chinese Porcelain Covered Jars with Floral Decoration Calligraphy
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Chinese blue & white porcelain ovoid jars with calligraphic characters on the lids plus a double border, the bodies identically painted with a keyfret border surrounding the ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Paint

Pair of Chinese Blue White Porcelain Covered Jars with Figural Scenes
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Chinese blue & white porcelain ovoid jars, painted with a mirrored figural scene consisting of a family and elder. Decorative lids cover the unglazed necks with a keyfret bor...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Mirror

Pair of Chinese Mahogany Wall Plaques
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Asian Chinese style (19th Century) mahogany wall plaques with carved and filigree birds (PRICED AS PAIR).
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Antique Chinese Black Glazed Phoenix-Tail Form Porcelain Vases
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Antique Chinese (late 19th-early 20th Century) porcelain phoenix tail-form vases with black glazed exteriors and white interiors (PRICED AS PAIR) Condition: Good; Wear consi...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Export Famille Rose Vases Gilt Foo Lion Handles
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 19th-Century Chinese Export Famille Rose Vases with Gilt Foo Lion Handles China, Qing Dynasty, circa 1880 Dimensions: 7.75” high × 3” diameter × 2.5” base diameter A vibra...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Blue Beige Chinese Silk Scatter Rug
Located in New York, NY
A late 20th-century Chinese Silk rug in beige, light blue and navy Measures: 3' x 4'11''.
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wool, Silk

Vintage Rosewood Hand Carved Table with Marble Top
Located in Lomita, CA
The beautiful captured top makes this table a standout. The rosewood table is also interesting for its hand-carved birds and flowers around the front, back and sides of the piece. Ou...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

19th Century Antique Tibetan Hand Painted Buddhist Thangka
Located in Pomona, CA
Very beautiful and colorful Antique Tibetan Buddhist Thangka. It is all hand painted with Tibetan natural mineral painting material which can last for...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Fabric

Large Cizhou Ware Sgraffiato Ceramic Bowl, Signed, China, Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Large Cizhou ware sgraffiato bowl - wheel thrown slip decorated buff colored ceramic - unglazed foot rim - signed on the base (as photographed) - China - l...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Large Antique Etched Brass Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Antique Etched Brass Bowl with dragon Detail. China, circa early 20th century.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Chinese Blue and Orange Fish Design Round Lidded Porcelain Jars
Located in Queens, NY
4 antique Chinese (Mid 20th Century) similar porcelain vases with orange fish swimming around blue backgrounds - some displaying sponged effects - inspired...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 4, Chinese Export Style Porcelain Rooster Figures, Mid-20th C
Located in Atlanta, GA
A whimsical and well-modeled set of four porcelain rooster-form figures in the Chinese Export style, likely dating to the mid-20th century. Each figure is delicately hand-painted, wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Canton Enamel Bracket-Lobed Dish Guangxu Period, 1875-1908
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A canton enamel bracket-lobed dish, Guangxu period (1875-1908), with a centre medallion in vibrant colors painted with a pheasant perched on an ornament...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Enamel

19th Century Asian Two-Tier Lacquered And Decorated Handled Basket
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century Asian Two-Tier Lacquered And Decorated Handled and covared Basket.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Set of Small Porcelain Serving Dish, in Wooden Box, China, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
In a wood box, a set of serving Dish in porcelain. there are Hand painted, with a mark underneath. Some have a small chip, see detailed pictures. It has been made in China 19th centu...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Watercolor and Ink Landscape of Senjojiki Cirque, Near Nagoya
Located in Lomita, CA
The detail of this mountainous landscape of an area that is akin to the Alps in Japan is stunning. It is a watercolor and ink depiction of Senjojiki Cirque which is at the top of the...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Paper

Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Flowers" with Wood Stand, Early 20th Century
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg depicting flora theme with a wood stand, early 20th century. #5
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Copper

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 Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique English Porcelain Pseudo Tobacco Leaf Pattern Tea Cup Saucer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique English porcelain cup & saucer. Attributed to Copeland Spode. In the Pseudo-Tobacco Leaf pattern, mimicking the Chinese Export pattern of the late 18th Century. Both cup and saucer have a gilt scalloped rim, are decorated in underglaze blues, and cold painted in reds, purples, and greens. Each is richly gilt. Simply a wonderful early English tea cup and saucer! Date: Early 19th Century Overall Condition: They are in overall good, as-pictured, used estate condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. Condition Details: There is fine and tight crazing visible to the saucer (mostly on the underside). Otherwise each cup and saucer have tiny spots of crazing here and there, some rubbing to the gold, and some wear to the enamel decoration. Otherwise, there are some fine & light surface scratches and other signs of expected light wear consistent with age. Maker: Attributed to Spode Copeland Pattern: Pseudo Tobacco Leaf...
Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Peach Bloom Water Pot
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a superb pair of Chinese Peach Bloom water pots or jugs. These small vessels were used to hold water for mixing ink. The Peach Bloom glaze is a mottled, copper-based glaze, o...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

FiVE CHINESE CH IEN LUNG PERIOD 1736-1796 WATERCOLOUR BIRD PIANTINGS FRAMED
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of five original Watercolour paintings dating to the Ch'ien Lung Period 1736-1796 publishe...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Paper

Pair Chinese Export Turquoise/ White Famille-Verte Floral Vases Now as Lamps
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair Chinese Export Turquoise/ White Famille-Verte Floral Vases now as Lamps Each one of square form, finely decorated with intricate turquoise enameled necks, the sides hand paint...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

Chinese Export Porcelain Platter from Macao, 20th Century, Holiday Gift Idea
Located in Lisbon, PT
A 20th-century Chinese Export porcelain platter from Macao, featuring delicate floral motifs in pink and green with a gold-trimmed edge. Rich in detail, this small platter blends t...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Very Decorative Chinese Champlevé Enamel Plate in a Japanese Style
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very decorative Chinese champlevé enamel plate in a Japanese style, vividly enameled with a peacock amidst flowering prunus branches and endless kno...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Antique A Rare Butterfly Shape Large Chinese Red Lacquer Box
Located in Brea, CA
Antique a rare shape Chinese red lacquer box, possibly early 20 century, featuring symbolic decorations. It is made of lacquered wood, a traditional Chinese craft. The box is red wi...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Lacquer, Wood

Wood Chinese Table Lamp, with Hand Carved Butterfly Decoration Pa, China 1880
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is a table lamps in wood, handcarved. With butterfly decor pattern. It has been made in china circa 1880. Brown color. Rond Shape.   USA PLUG A...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Chinese Pink and White Porcelain Double Gourd Vases
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Chinese (late 19th Century) white porcelain vases with pink pastoral scenes sweeping around the double gourd forms, and red and gold patterned bands at the bottoms, centers a...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Camphor Wood Sailor s Large Brass-Bound Sea or Campaign Chest Lock
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Sailor's Large Brass-bound Camphor Wood Sea or Campaign Chest, Mid-19th Century. A large rectangular dramatic campaign or sailor's trunk lined with Camphor wood and with interior inset drawer, the exterior with brass corners and clasp. There is the original Chinese lock...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Chinese Hand-crafted Porcelain Medicine King Sculpture
Located in Pomona, CA
Up for your consideration is 孙思邈 (Sūn Sīmiǎo), a renowned Chinese physician and Daoist from the Tang dynasty, often referred to as the "King of Medicine" (药王). The figurine depicts h...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Gilt Decorated Ink Sticks - Original Box - China - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage gilt decorated ink sticks for calligraphy - inscriptions to the back of each stick - China - mid 20th century. Excellent vintage condition - pre-owned but not used - no loss...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Crayon

Small Antique 18th Century Famille Rose Chinese Export Tray or Dish
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A small Chinese Export porcelain tray or dish. Decorated in Famille Rose flowers and leafwork with a gilded rim and interior edge. Having a wonderful orange peel finish to the glaz...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Marble Foo Dog Resting on Squared Decorative Plinth, 20th Century
Located in Charleston, SC
Chinese marble foo dog resting on squared decorative floral plinth with egg and dart motif, 20th Century
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Marble

Room Size Antique Art Deco Chinese Wool Rug Handmade, Floral Design In Purple
Located in Norwalk, CT
This stunning hand-knotted wool rug features a purple field with a navy blue border and multicolored accents, all arranged in a beautiful Chinese floral pattern. This rug measures 6...
Category

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.

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