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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
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 Polychrome Lucky Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artisanal koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The f...
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

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

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

Pair Chinese Cloisonné Fu Dogs
Located in Houston, TX
Copper base cloisonné Fu Dogs made for Chinese export with gilded, mane, ears and accents. This pair from 1910s or earlier.
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Copper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

Dramatic Chinese Silver Dragon Centerpiece Bowl by Luen Wo
Located in New York, NY
Dramatic Chinese silver centerpiece bowl, ca 1890. Oval with solid well. Sides open with scaly, slithering wraparound dragons; haunches and legs terminating in talon-gripped balls fo...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Mid-Century Chinese Export Style Elephant Form Garden Seats / Stools / Tables -2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of mid-century Chinese Export style elephant form garden seats or side tables. They have a vibrant majolica glaze in blue, green and gold and are ceramic/ pottery. The...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

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

Pair of Asian side tables / coffee tables in carved wood and marble tops, 1880's
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb pair of side tables / stools / pedestal tables/ plant holders / pot holders in carved solid wood. The sculptures represent floral motifs and berries. The top is in marble, bo...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Marble

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 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

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

3 Pc., Antique Chinese Export Wang Hing WH90 Sterling Silver Tea Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
Wang Hing (Chinese, 1854-1941), circa early 20th century. A 3 piece set of Chinese export silver tea service by renounced maker Wang ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Large Pair of Antique Chinese Porcelain Foo Dogs
Located in Houston, TX
Large pair of antique Chinese porcelain foo dogs. Stunning pair of antique Chinese hand decorated porcelain foo dogs or foo lions. T...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Chinese porcelain lamp decorated with flowers and peacocks, China, Early 20th
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Asian porcelain vase mounted as a lamp. Floral and animal decor: peacocks. China, first part of the 20th century. Very good condition, electricity OK. Dimensions: Height:40cm Diamet...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Chinese Green and White Porcelain Lidded Jars
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty pair of Chinese porcelain ginger jars hand crafted in classic form and hand decorated in delightful green and white floral designs.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary 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

Rare Black Lacquer Carved Wood Elephant Garden Seat End Table with Brass Tusks
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Super chic black laquered carved wood garden seat or drinks table having intricately carved seat, red lacquer highlights and marvelous brass tusks. Conversation piece in any room.
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Year of the Dragon Elaborate Hand Carved Stone Dragon Sculpture on Rosewood Base
Located in Tustin, CA
Intricately hand carved from a single block of richly variegated stone, this incredibly detailed and elaborate, Chinese sculpture is a true work of art. It features a dragon on a car...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Stone, Carnelian

19th Century Chinese Nyonya Ware Porcelain Vase Mounted as a Lamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, 19th century. A Peranakan porcelain or Nyonya ware vase decorated with flowers and a flying bird. Approx: 17.5" H x 4.25" W (vase measur...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Famille Rose Double Fish Enameled Decorated Snuff Bottle
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, likely 19th century.
An unusual Famille Rose porcelain snuff bottle depicting two leaping fish. There is a rose quartz and silver collar.
Approx: 4" H x 1.875" W x...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Rose Quartz

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

Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Pedestal Table/Plant Stand
Located in Pomona, CA
This Gorgeous Antique Chinese carved Rosewood Pedestal Table/Plant Stand was hand made from solid Rosewood with traditional carving works design of dragon symbols on the shoulder of ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

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

A Set of Four Hexagonal Blue & White Chinese Ginger Jar Form Lamps
Located in San Francisco, CA
each ginger jar decorated with individuals at varied pursuits with dragons, clouds, and floral vines
Category

1980s Asian Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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 Chinese Reverse Glass Painting
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
A good quality C19th Chinese reverse painting on glass of large size, brightly coloured with depicting dignitaries, ladies and attendants in a courtyar...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Glass

Cloisonné Vase with Lid Flower Decoration China circa 1950
Located in Milan, Italy
Chinese lidded vase in cloisonne and gilt bronze enamel, probably from the first half of the 20th century. The domed lid with finial in the shape of a seated Buddhist lion overlooks ...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

19th Century Chinese Reverse Glass Painting
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
19th century unusual Chinese reverse painting on glass, depicting a busy Hong Kong harbour scene with trade boat flying different countries flags, loca...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint

Asian ironwood cabinet / Wardrobe inlaid with bone, Indochina, circa 1880
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Indochina or south china. Circa 1880-1900 Brass hinges, handles and padlocks Double door cabinet with two shelves Pretty marquetry: vegetation, birds, mythological creatures / deitie...
Category

1880s Vietnamese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Bone

Mid 20th Century Chinese Export Porcelain Hand Painted Vase on Stand
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Mid 20th Century Chinese Export style decorative porcelain vase with stand, unbranded. A beautiful multi-color porcelain broad urn shaped vase with hand painted Chinoiserie scenes, a textured finish, and a separate decoratively carved round wood stand...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Wood, Paint

Pair Chinese 19th Century Blue and White lidded vases.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of late 19th Century Chinese Blue and White lidded vases, Foo dog finials to the lids, wonderful hand painted scenes of mountains, lakes and pagoda buildings, boa...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Large Chinese Famille Rose Medallion Palace Size Floor Vase
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, late 19th century. A palace size Rose Medallion floor vase. The vase is decorated with polychrome enameled surface, several figura...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this artisanal koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. The f...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Pair of 19th Century Qing Dynasty Faux Bamboo Chinese Vases
Located in Ixelles, BE
Faux bamboo Chinese vases were a type of decorative art that emerged during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) in China. These porcelain vases were designed to mimic the appearance of bamboo, a plant highly regarded in Chinese culture for its resilience, elegance, and symbolism. Bamboo is associated with attributes such as flexibility, strength, and modesty, making it a popular motif in Chinese art. In the Qing Dynasty the color yellow held significant symbolism and represented imperial authority, power, and the emperor himself. Yellow was considered the most sacred and prestigious color in Chinese culture, and it had strong associations with the emperor's position as the Son of Heaven and the ruler of all under heaven. The marks at the bottom of the vases indicate that these were crafted more specifically during the Tongzhi period – an emperor who reigned from 1861 to 1875, which effectively lasted nthrough his adolescence and was largly overshadowed by the rule of his mother, Empress Dowager Cixi. Although he had little influence over state affairs, the events of his reign gave rise to what historians call the “Tongzhi Restoration”, an unsuccessful modernization program. The polychrome enamels representing on one vase a traditional Chinese kite...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair, Chinese Export 'Yonge' Armorial Porcelain Plates Yongzhen Circa 1731
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Export Porcelain Armorial Soup Plates China, c. 1731 Centering the arms of Yonge, enclosed by the motto of the order of the Bath, flanked by a boar and griffon, surmounted by...
Category

Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Ornately Carved Antique Ebonized Chinese Center Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Gorgeous ornately carved antique ebonized center table having glistening burgundy and gold highlights.
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique 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

Mid Century Monumental Chinese Calligraphy Vases, A Pair
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Mid-20th century Monumental brown, white and red glazed ceramic hand painted calligraphy floor vase. Interior finished in white. Signed in red by artist on body, no base marks. Pie...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Round Lidded Box 19th Century CO#01
Located in Norton, MA
Antique Chinese cloisonné enamel round box with lid depicting floral patterns all around, blue, yellow, pink, yellow, and red flowers and leaves, cyan, green and yellow leaves, 19th ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Copper

Pair of Terra Cotta Painted and Glazed Foo Dogs
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a dramatic, colorful large pair of Chinese foo dogs hand painted in rich tones of green, blue and gold, 20th century.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

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

Important Chinese blue ceramic lamp with butterflies, Quing Thongzhi, China 1865
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Important Chinese lamp in blue ceramic decorated with butterflies and flowers. China. QING dynasty, Tongzhi era, 1861-1875 Blackened wooden base In excellent condition, electricity ...
Category

1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain, Wood

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 Famille verte style Samson Jardiniere , circa 1890
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very decorative late 19th Century Chinese Famille Verte style Samson porcelain jardinière. Having wonderful bold green ground with motif, floral and foliate decoration. Inset hand ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

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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