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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
Vintage Chinese Relief Amber Snuff Bottle
Located in San Diego, CA
A vintage Chinese relief amber snuff bottle, circa 1970s. Amber is fossilized tree resin that has been appreciated for its color and natural beauty since Neolithic times. Much valu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Resin

Chinese Carved Rose Quartz and Jade Immortal Figure
Located in Atlanta, GA
An immortal figure carved from rose quartz with a jade or nephrite base. Comes in export box. Unmarked. Approx: 3.375" H x 2.25" W x .875" D.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Jade

Antique 19thC Chinese Solid Silver Picture Frame, Qingxiang, Tianjin c.1875
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century Chinese export solid silver picture frame, of rectangular form, with chased decoration and pierced in high relief, depi...
Category

1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Large Chinese Natural Translucent Untreated Jadeite Flower Cat Birds Carving 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
This modern Chinese sculpture, standing at an impressive 10 inches on its stand, is a masterful representation of contemporary jadeite craftsmanship, particularly from the renowned Suzhou tradition. Carved from natural, untreated jadeite, the sculpture presents a captivating scene of a blooming flower, complete with two small birds perched atop and a preying feline lurking beneath the intricately carved canopy of leaves and petals. The jadeite material selected for this piece is of exceptional quality, exhibiting a pale celadon green hue that is both translucent and rich in lustre, reminiscent of the finest examples of jadeite. The translucency of the material enhances the sculpture's visual appeal, allowing light to filter through and illuminate the delicate details of the carving, while the wet lustre finish adds a sense of depth and vibrancy to the piece. The scene depicted is one of natural harmony and beauty, yet it is imbued with the dynamic tension of the natural world, as evidenced by the presence of the preying feline. This juxtaposition adds a layer of narrative depth to the sculpture, making it not just a decorative item but a work of art that tells a story. Crafted with the fine modern techniques of Suzhou jadeite craftsmanship, this sculpture is a testament to the skill and artistry of contemporary jade carvers, who continue to uphold the rich traditions of Chinese jade carving...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Jade

Camphorwood Campaign Chest - Late 19th Century Chinese Export Case (Medium)
Located in Soquel, CA
Camphorwood Campaign Chest - Late 19th Century Chinese Export Case (Medium) This hardwood chest has brass hardware, including handles. It has a plaque on the top that would have bee...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair, Chinese Export Cloisonne Enameled Dragon Figurines on Stands
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, 20th century. A pair of Chinese export style cloisonne dragon figurines on stands. Each dragon is detailed with brass wiring and hand enamel decorated across the surfaces. ...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Antique Pair of Chinese Dehua Porcelain Figures of Boys on Water Buffalos
Located in Brea, CA
A pair of antique Chinese measures: 8” x 8'' dehua porcelain figures of boys on water buffalos, republic period, 3'' see more pictures. buy from Bonham...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Chinese blue and white Ginger jar vases / lamps, C19th.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An unusual pair of late 19th Century Chinese blue and white ginger jar lamps. Each with hand painted motif decoration to the gro...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese 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

Pair Blue & White Temple Jar Lamps
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Pair blue and white temple jars converted to lamps in the style of the Chinese period of the 18th Century depicting stylised figurative decoration and geometric patterns. The pair si...
Category

Early 20th Century Irish Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Petite Blue and White Chinese Pear Vase
Located in Chicago, IL
Contrasted by a crisp white field, this small porcelain vase is decorated in the timeless blue-and-white style with bold brushwork and deep cobalt-blue color. The gracefully curved f...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Large Chinese Martaban Jar, Ming Dynasty
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a large Chinese 17th Century Stoneware Martaban Jar. Martancan Jars were created to store food items such as grain, tea, oil, etc. The ...
Category

Late 17th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

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

Chinese Export Porcelain Figures of Attendants, Set of Five
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain Figures of Attendants, Set of Five, Circa 1780 The set of five Chinese Export porcelain figures are painted in famille rose enamels with a purple robe and s...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-20th Century Chinese Handmade Low Coffee Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This lovely Chinese carved low coffee table was hand made from elm wood with carving works and Hand painted lacquer painting of floral pattern on the table. Look at the pictures, the...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Early 20th century carved Chinese hard wood floor lamp
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century carved Chinese hard wood floor lamp circa 1920. Carved in heavy hardwood. Carved dragons head forming the outlet for the light fitment, long stem leading down to ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Export Oval Cinnabar Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Chinese Export Oval Cinnabar Box This 19th Century Chinese Export Oval Cinnabar Box is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and artistr...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal

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

Antique circa 1900 Hand Carved Chinese Camphor Wood Travelling Trunk
Located in Miami, FL
1900’s Chinese export Camphor wood travelling chest which has been ornately carved throughout A good looking and well made piece, this is a med...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Sang du Bouf vase / lamp
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality late 19th Century Chinese Sang du Boeuf vase / lamp with French gilded ormolu rococo style base. (slight restoration to neck) Batch 75 TNKZ. G100041/23
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Cloisonne Decorative Box w/ Jade Panel
Located in New York, NY
Chinese cloisonne decorative box with jade panel and floral motifs, unmarked. Dealer: S138XX
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Jade

19th Century, Chinese Blue and White vase / lamp. 56cm (22") high
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An impressive, good quality late 19th Century Chinese export blue and white crackleware vase / lamp. Having wonderful hand painted scenes of soldiers on horseback and running holding...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Bronze Asian Lamps Style of James Mont Pair
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite pair of bronze Asian lamps. These lamps are well designed, heavy and would look extra special in an Asian inspired room. James Mont styl...
Category

1940s Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Chinese Oxblood Glazed Porcelain Rouleau Vase
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Oxblood Glazed Porcelain Rouleau Vase, blue underglaze six character mark to underside, drill hole to bottom. 12.5" H x 4.75" diameter.
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Fine Chinese Qing Period Carved Giltwood and Lacquered Console Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fine Chinese Qing-period Carved Giltwood and Lacquered Console Table  China, 19th Century A stunning example of the elegance of the Qing Period in Chinese furniture. Dating back to ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer

Chinese Export Bamboo and Rattan Pair of Chairs and Stand
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive three piece set of Chinese Export furniture having a pair of armchairs and matching stand handcrafted with bamboo, bent bamboo and rattan, featuring bone finials, pegged c...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Pair of Chinese Porcelain Green and White Vases
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Delightful pair of Chinese porcelain vases with classic form and hand decorated in green and white floral designs.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Model of Chinese Beauty Pink Rose Quartz Goddess Quan Yin Hand Carved Figurine
Located in Tustin, CA
Exquisitely hand made and hand carved pink rose quartz figurine of the goddess Quan Yin. She is depicted holding a festoon of lotus blossoms and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rose Quartz

Vintage Pair Chinese Pewter Guardian Foo Lions Hong Kong NG AN Signed Mid 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
Pair of vintage Chinese pewter guardian lions, in fierce sitting pose, with copper accents for sharp claws, and each topped with an adjustable height brass ball attached by a threade...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass, Pewter

Early Monumental Framed Chinese Ancestral Portraits -Guache on Paper , 76”h - S/
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of early Chinese ancestral portraits, male and female. The medium is guache on paper with soothing neutrals. The frames are taupe with iridescent tones. There is foxing...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood, Paint, Paper

Chinese Export Qing Dynasty Porcelain Figural Story Vase
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, late Qing Dynasty.
A good quality antique porcelain vase depicting two women picking flowers under a colorful tree. Lion head handles and story marked to verso.
Ap...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Scholar Object Oxblood Porcelain Bowl - Kangxi Mark
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Scholar Object Oxblood Porcelain Bowl - Kangxi Mark. A porcelain bowl in oxblood glaze with a Kangxi type mark to underside. Approx: 3...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese 19th Century Blue and White crackleware vases / lamps
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of late 19th Century Chinese export Blue and White crackleware vases / lamps. Each with faux bronze mounts above and below the central blue and white hand painted...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

A Good Pair of Chinese Export-style Floral Decorated Vases Mounted as Lamps
Located in San Francisco, CA
each of shapely baluster form with flaring neck above a bulbous body with a flared foot; hand-painted overall with iron-red floral and foliate vines and clusters with flying birds on...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Peachbloom Oxblood Porcelain Amphora Style Vase - Kangxi Mark
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese. A porcelain peachbloom oxblood porcelain vase with fitted base. Kangxi type mark to underside. Approx: 8.25" H X 2.5" W.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Mallet-shaped Blue and White Decorated Porcelain Lamps
Located in San Francisco, CA
each with cylindrical neck above a tapering body adorned overall with lappet and scrollwork perimeter bands and chevron decoration; raised on wooden bases
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

A Large Pair of Chinese Blue and White Baluster-form Vases now as Lamps
Located in San Francisco, CA
each tall vase with flaring neck above a bulbous body ending in a splayed foot; adorned overall with hand-painted lappet perimeter bands and floral vines; raised on custom wooden pai...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Stunning 20thC Chinese Export Solid Silver Filigree Gem Set Cup & Cover c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Stunning mid-20th Century rare Chinese solid silver-gilt filigree cup & cover, the cup is richly gilded and applies with jade and amethyst cabochons stones. The cup stands proudly on...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold Plate, Silver

1980's Solid Brass Chinese Censer Pot Incense Burner
Located in Charlotte, NC
A vintage Chinese table top censer pot incense burner. Unsigned, artisan unknown. Solid brass of two pieces; round pot with serpent-like protrud...
Category

Late 20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large Scale Chinese Export Style Blue & Orange Center Table Bowl W/ Dragons
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 20th century large scale Chinese Export style bowl. It has vivid blues and oranges with a dragon motif. It is marked and in very good condition.
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

A highly decorative pair of Chinese pottery Buddhist lions circa 1900.
Located in Central England, GB
An unusual pair of 19th century Chinese hand painted and richly glazed pottery seated Buddhist lions. They are each raised onto a stepped plinth with gilt character marks on the fron...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Antique 19th C Blue and White Chinese Porcelain Footed Incense Burner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 19th C Blue and White Chinese Porcelain Footed Incense Burner. Item features blue and white scenes with birds and trees, scrolling handles, footed tripod base, pierced lid, v...
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Cloisonne Vase on Stand with Floral Motif
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice Chinese cloisonne vase on stand with floral motif, circa 1970s. The vase is in very good condition with no dings or dents and measure 5.75"D x 11.75"H on a beautiful dark blue...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Chinese Taihu Scholar Stone on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elegant Taihu scholar rock balanced on a custom wood stand, in a mushroom cloud form and full of grottoes. The weather-smoothed surface is of grayish...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Stone

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 Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Hongxian Marked Story Bowl
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, Hongxian mark circa 1915-1916.
An antique famille rose porcelain story bowl marked with 4 character Hongxian stamp.
A...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Mid 19th century Chinese export hand painted tea caddy
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid 19th century handpainted Chinese export tea caddy. This tea Caddy stands on four hand carved miniature foo dog sculpted feet. This tea caddy has its original pewter lin...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

A Chinese export reverse-glass painting after an English print in original frame
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Canton, late 18th century In original hardwood frame with ruyi-shaped metal mount for suspension. H. 38.7 x W. 44.3 cm (incl. frame) H. 31.8 x W. 37.5 cm (image) Chinese reverse glass paintings for export are known since mid 18th century. By the 1780's the copying of European, mainly English, engravings came into vogue in Chinese paintings on glass...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Chinese Qing Dynasty Lacquered Six-Panel Screen
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
Chinese hand-painted and lacquered Coromandel 6-Panel Room Divider/Screen dating back to the late Qing dynasty. A truly stunning example , each panel is created using gesso before b...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Wang Jida "Lion" Bronze Sculpture, 1988
Located in New York, NY
Wang Jida (Chinese, b. 1935), "Lion", Burnished and Patinated Bronze, signed "WJ" to rear left foot, and marked "c RFA 1988 / CRF / 41/300". Approx. 7.5" H x 9" L x 3.5" W.
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Chinese reddish elm and bamboo scholar chairs
Located in London, GB
An attractive pair of reddish coloured bamboo and elm decorative scholar chairs.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Silk Road Sideboard
Located in Westwood, NJ
Inspired by Silk Road, an expressive portrayal of the infamous road from Xi'an to Constantinople as painted by artist Iris Feng. A reproduction of original artwork was digitally prin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

9 Pc, Chinese Export Porcelain Instant Starter Collection Including Armorial
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, mostly 18th century.
A grouping of 9 Chinese porcelain objects including a blue and white floral bowl, a Famille rose bowl heavily enamel decorated with figural scenes, a "thousand...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Petite Chinese Fu Dog Guardians
Located in Chicago, IL
With curly manes and playful expressions, these petite stone fu dogs are adorable companions and benevolent guardians of the home. Also known as shizi, the pair represents yin and ya...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Set of Five Graduated Hand Painted Brass Temple Bells Chinese 19th C.
Located in New York, NY
Set of five graduated hand painted brass temple bells, in good, original, vintage condition, We believe there charming bells are 19th C vintage, made in China, however we are not exp...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

18th Century Antique Chinese Export Armorial Blue & White Dinner Plates 11"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of 18th century Chinese Export porcelain plates featuring slightly scalloped edges, hand painted blue and white borders and armorial crest / coat of arms at the center. Includes...
Category

18th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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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