Chinese Export Tables
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
Chinese Export Rosewood Carved Altar Console Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exceptional Chinese Huali rosewood table with remarkably straight wood grain patterns and distinctive carving. The aprons are carved in an intricate lattice work of blossoms and bird...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Rosewood
A Pair Chippendale Antique Export Chinese Low Sofa Tables Sold By Christie
s
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Matching Pair of Chippendale Designed Chinese Export Red Lacquered Square Low Sofa Tables
Auctioned at Christies 2542 3rd April 2012 (USA).
Swing tag to the leg.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Carved Hardwood Plant Stand / Pedestal with Marble Top Insert
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Chinese carved hardwood plant stand / pedestal with white marble top insert, circa 1980s. There are two stands available, but they are priced separately. The stands are i...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Marble
19th Century Chinese Lacquered Chest on Stand
Located in Sheffield, MA
A very handsome Chinese lacquered trunk or coffee table with exceptional heavily embellished hand-hammered hardware -- iron handles, hinges, corner plates and lock which uses a cross...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Chinese Green Two-Tiered Tole Oval Server
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese dark green tole, two-tiered server with a black metal frame holding two oval shelves decorated in a garland border of gold leaves with red...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Metal
Large Gilt Iron and 18th-Century Coromandel Top Coffee Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large Gilt Iron and Chinese Chinoiserie 18th-Century Coromandel Coffee Table. The rectagular top with inset 18th century coromandel panels decorated with polychrome landscape scene. ...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Carved Wood Pedestal Table With Marble Inset Top
Located in Bradenton, FL
20th Century Chinese ornately carved wood pedestal table with marble insert. Table has intricately carved flowers on four curved legs with a...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Huanghuali Hardwood Round Table
Located in North Miami, FL
Antique Huanghuali hardwood round low center table with great patina. very nice original wear. Elegant appearance. Structurally sound. Apparently unmarked. Measures: Approximate heig...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Nest Of Four Chinese Export Lacquer Nesting Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Each table of rectangular form with rounded corners. Trestle bases with paw feet.
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Set of Chinese Side Tables With Drawers Made In Polished Dark Wood From 1880s
Located in Lejre, DK
The set of Chinese side tables with drawers, crafted from polished dark wood and dating back to the 1880s, is a captivating blend of e...
Category
1880s Unknown Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Chinese Relief Carved Ho ho Bird Glass Top Display Black Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Relief Carved Ho ho Bird Glass Top Display Black Coffee Table. Item features a solid wood frame, black and gold painted finish, finely r...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint
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 Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
19th Century Chinese Elm Alter Table
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This 19th-century Chinese Elm Alter Table features dark elm wood with ornate carved legs and a distressed finish, giving it a warm, well-worn character. A classic piece with timeless...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Elm
Small Hand Carved Rosewood Chinese Altar Table
Located in San Diego, CA
High quality small hand carved rosewood Chinese altar table / side table, circa 1960s. The table is in very good vintage condition and measures 29.5"W x...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Rosewood
Antique Chinese Brass Tray Folding Table with Engraved Top and Wooden Base
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This small antique brass tray table shows no maker's signature, but is presumed to have been made in China in approximately 1920 in the period...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Chinese Black Elmwood Coffee Table with Carved Legs
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese black elmwood coffee table with carved legs.
This vintage elm low coffee table has been lacquered with a unique slate / black c...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Chinese Export 18th Century Lacquer Bureau on Stand
Located in London, GB
A fine and rare mid 18th century Chinese Export lacquer bureau on stand. Probably made in Canton specifically for the export trade to meet the demands of the European market. Beautifully decorated throughout with gilded decorations on a black lacquer background. The writing section is fitted with double serpentine fronted drawers and pigeon holes - all profusely decorated with sprigs of flowers, foliage and butterflies. The apron frieze contains three working drawers, the central drawer arcaded. With a small pull out pen drawers...
Category
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Lacquer
Vintage Chinese Cream Lacquered Hand Painted Side Table
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Exceptional vintage Chinese wooden square side table. Features a cream lacquered finish with hand painted gold and floral accents.
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
$159 Sale Price
59% Off
Antique Chinese Two Tiered Brass Occasional Tray Table with Engraved Tops
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique tray table is unsigned, but presumed to have originate from China and date to approximately 1920 and done in a period Chinese Export s...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Brass
19th Century English Bamboo Square Occasional Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century. English. Bird and flower lacquered panel. Hand painted.
Category
19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wood, Paint
Antique Occasional Table, Victorian, Chinese Elm, Octagonal, Coffee, Moorish
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique occasional table. An English, Chinese elm octagonal coffee or lamp table in strong Moorish taste and dating to the mid-19th century, circa 1850.
Burnt red hues ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Sofa Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm sofa table
This Antique Shanxi Province Elm sofa table has its original color and patina. This piece would be great in any...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
Rustic Antique Chinese Stool or Side Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
The antique Asian stool has a square top and a balanced form with timeless rustic appeal. Beautifully worn from a century of use, the aged wood pat...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
19th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Plant Stand with Marble Inset
Located in Hudson, NY
The exquisitely carved rosewood plant stand, shown here, reflects the character of its age and intricate detailing. Made in China in the mid 19th ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Marble
Vintage Chinese Black and Gold Tole Lake Scene Oval Tray
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese tole serving tray with a painted gold design of a lake scene on a black background with a shallow lip with two cut out handles.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
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 Tables
Materials
Stone
Vintage Shanxi Province Elmwood Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage shanxi province elmwood side table
Chinese elmwood side table having a rectangular top. Beautifully aged patina.
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
Chinese Carved Wine Entry Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Chinese Ming style wooden wine table featuring a floating top panel and a simple carved apron and spandrels. Finished in a light natural clear lacque...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
$720 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Tables
Materials
Metal
Monumental Chinese Export Gilt and Painted Low Coffee Table
Located in Queens, NY
Monumental Chinese Export low coffee table with a raised scalloped gallery surrounding a gold texture painted tabletop, surrounded by a dark brown apron with gold painted floral deta...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
NEST OF THREE ANTIQUE CIRCA 1920 CHINESE CHINOISERIE SiDE TABLES HAND PAINTED
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of three original Chinese Chinoiserie green lacquered and hand painted nested tables
Pleas...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Asian Chinese Style Wooden Rectangular Coffee Table
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese export (mid-20th Century) hong (black) wood low rectangular coffee table with cabriole legs.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Chinese Oriental Black Lacquer Hand Painted Low Asian Side Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Oriental Black Lacquer Hand Painted Low Asian Side Table. Item features nice low form, carved and hand painted scenes with women, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Oriental Brass Tray Charger on Teak Stand
Located in Vienna, AT
Oriental brass tray charger or coffee table on teak stand.
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Brass
Four Chinese Rosewood Nested Tables
Located in London, GB
These beautiful tables were created in China in the early 20th century. They have been carved from rosewood. These ‘nested tables’ vary in their size, so th...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Rosewood
$6,148 / set
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Small Side Table with Carved Apron
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm small side table with Carved Apron
This antique side table from the Shanxi Province of China has its original...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Elm
Antique Chinese Carved Wooden Stand with 8 Sides Marble Top
Located in Brea, CA
Antique Chinese hardwood carved flowers stands with 8 sides octagonal marble top insert, 19th century. Measures: H 18.625”, D 16.5”.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Export Bamboo Fretwork Square Center Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing Chinese export center table featuring intricate bamboo open fretwork on the aprons. The top of the square table has a black lacquered piece of wood supported by round bamboo ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Wood
Two Ebony Black Chinese Tall Sculpture Stands
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add class and elegance with these highly stylish sculpture or plant stands in ebonized black. The sleek styling lends itself to be used in various styles of decor. Wonderful statemen...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
$5,400 / set
Export Lacquer Side / work table, circa 1820
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality early 19th Century Chinese Export lacquer work / side table. Having wonderful classical oriental scenes hand painted. The top hinged open to reveal a fitted inter...
Category
1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Lacquer
19th Century antique Chinese Tea Table Lacquered with Porcelain inclusions
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Chinese black lacquerd tea table with gilt highlights, circa 1930's.
Needs restauration in left side, but the design and style is precious because it reunites black lacquered with a...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Bentwood
Vintage Chinese Rosewood Pedestal Plant Stand w/Mother of Pearl Inlaid Details
Located in Topeka, KS
Fantastic vintage Chinese Rosewood plant stand or pedestal table with Mother of Pearl details. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, there may be missing MOP. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 19th to Early 20th Century.
What an absolutely GRAND PLANT STAND!!!!! This is a GORGEOUS plant or fern stand OR pedestal table composed of Chinese Redwood...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Chinese Qing Style Elm Writing Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive Chinese export writing table or desk made in the Qing style. Constructed from elm with rich grain patterns having mortise and tenon joinery. The...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Brass
Chinese Red
Black Lacquer Altar Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Striking black and red laquered Chinese vintage altar table having beautiful brass and copper accents and wonderful shape with one drawer, Makes a fabulous accent table.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Chinese Altar/Scholar
s Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and fine Altar Table in traditional form with particularly striking exotic graining. With carved and shaped vertical ends and carved scrollwork on the apron ends. Raised on t...
Category
20th Century Asian Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Tall Chinese Carved Rosewood Two Tiered Flower Stands Marble-Top Insert
Located in Brea, CA
A 19th century antique Chinese carved rosewood two tiered flower stand table with rouge griotte marble top insert, the inset marble top over carved ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Enforced Rattan Top
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Enforced Rattan Top
The Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Reinforced Rattan Top is a stunning vintage piece from the 1900s....
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Rattan, Elm
Carved French Oriental Style Two Tier side table in the style of Gabriel Viardot
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions- H: 31in W: 27 1/4in D: 16in
This is an Exceptional piece of french furniture! Highly uncommon due to the fact that most of the time french furniture was made to look like french furniture. In this case This piece believed to be by Either Gabriel Viardot or Perret et Vibert. Both french cabinet makers specialized in the making or oriental or chinoiserie style furniture...
Category
1940s French Vintage Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
$1,380 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Chinese 19th Century Hardwood Stands
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of 19th century Chinese hardwood stands. Each having inset marble tops, carved grape vines to the frieze, two shelves beneath an...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Hardwood
$4,782 / set
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 Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm Side Tables, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm side tables - pair
These Antique Shanxi Province Elm Side Tables have been wrapped in linen and painted with red...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Linen, Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Vintage Chinese Black Two-Tiered Tole Oval Server
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese black tole, two-tiered server with a black metal frame holding two oval shelves decorated in a garland border of gold leaves with red dots...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Metal
Beautiful Chinese Lacquered Coffee Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful black lacquered Oriental style coffee table having gold detailed landscape embellishments. The legs are wonderfully shaped with Chinese flair.
RR
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Pair of 18th Century Carved Demilunes
Located in San Marino, CA
Pair of 18th century carved demilunes. Show spectacular workmanship in construction. From Shanshi.
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
$8,400 / set
Kang
Coffee Table, Susanne Hollis Collection
Located in San Marino, CA
Our take on a 19th century Chinese kang table. Clean, simple stretchers on four straight legs. Even in patina and surface. Lead time 4-6 weeks.
Custom sizes available.
Category
2010s American Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
$2,800 / item
Antique Shanxi Province Hallway Bench Altar Console Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Hallway Bench Altar console table
The table features a rectangular top with scrolling patterns. On straight supports this long ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Wicker Rattan End / Side Tables, Set of 3
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Wicker Rattan End/Side Tables - Set of 3
The Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Wicker Rattan End/Side Tables are a stunning set of three tables with a ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Rattan, Elm, Bentwood
19th Century Chinese Bronze Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century Chinese bronze end tables.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Bronze
$9,500 / set
Pair 19th Century Chinese stands with inset porcelain panels
Located in Brighton, Sussex
This exquisite pair of 19th-century Chinese hardwood stands is a stunning example of craftsmanship and artistry. Each stand features an inset Famille Rose porcelain panel, renowned f...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Porcelain, Hardwood
Chinese Export-Style Chinoiserie Gate-Leg Drop Leaf Tea Table
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese Export style tea table. Hand detailed japanned finish in unusual deep medium blue with polychrome overlay. Chinoiserie bell detailing. Double gate-leg drop leaf style. 17" L ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Chinese Export Tables
Materials
Wood
$1,850 Sale Price
51% Off
Chinese Export tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export tables 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 tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, asian art and furniture, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export tables 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 tables, popular names associated with this style include George Zee, Henredon, John Widdicomb, and Susanne Hollis. 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 tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $295 and tops out at $54,000 while the average work can sell for $2,543.
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