Chinese Export Sculptures
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
Antique pair of Homunculus Sculptures
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Unique and charming set of homunculus type figures on wooden base. Unknown origin and date but probably early 20th century. See pics
Category
20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair Of Metal Asian Men Busts
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Pair of Patinated Metal Asian Men Busts. It depicts two large busts of an Asian men with long mustache and beards. Both of them are wearing what appears to be like a crown ...
Category
20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Pair of Early 20thc Antique Bone Carved Elephant Sculpture
Located in Pasadena, CA
Pair of Early 20thc Oriental Antique Bone Carved Elephant sculpture.47w x 16w x 30h
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bone
Antique Tibetan Buddhist Conch Shell with Turquoise, Coral and DZI inlay
Located in Pomona, CA
This is handcrafted Tibetan Buddhist Natural Conch Shell made from 100% natural Conch shell with Tibetan silver, Turquoise, Coral and stones. Also, there are three Tibetan Dzi beats ...
Category
Early 20th Century Tibetan Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Shell
Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
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. And b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
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. And b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
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. And b...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Early 20 Century Antique Carved Bronze 3 Generations of Buddha Statues
Located in Pomona, CA
Three generations of Buddha represents Past, Present and Future three generations of Buddha. They are Dipamkara Buddha, Sakyamuni Buddha and Maitreya Buddha. They wer hand made from ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Large Antique Chinese Carved Nephrite White Jade Belt Buckle
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century hand-carved nephrite white jade waist buckle. Features a mythical bird with possible chilong creature on front. Unique Asian jade piece. Very fine and detailed carving.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Early 20th-C. Chinese Warrior Terracotta Roof Tile Mounted On Lucite
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an antique Chinese warrior roof tile that has been mounted on lucite. The composition appears to be glazed terracotta. The piece coul...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta, Lucite
Chinese Wicker Elephant Box from the Shanghai Collection
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage Chinese elephant sculpture ambitiously hand crafted in woven wicker with rattan and wood highlights, having a removable head as a lid. From the famed Shanghai collection.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wicker
Massive Pair of Mid Century Silvered Bronze & Enameled Tang Style Horses
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Massive Pair of Mid Century Silvered Bronze and Enameled Tang Style Horses, Style of Tony Duquette
Late 20th Century
Presenting an exceptional find: a pair of Mid Century Silvered B...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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 Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Cylindrical Picture Jasper Tower on Wood Stand More Views Vintage Cyli
Located in Pomona, CA
As a nurturing and protective stone, the picture jasper meaning helps to bring you comfort, alleviating any fear, stress or anxiety you may be feeling. It’stimulates the root chakr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Brass Buddha with child Incense 1940s China
Located in Den Haag, NL
Chinese Buddha with child . The child is a insert ,can be removed .
The holes are for incense ,i think . strange combination .Do you
now more than me . Solid Brass .
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Chinese Jade Foo Dogs, Set of Two
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Chinese Jade Foo Dogs. The jade, or stone resembling its pale green hue, beutifully exhibits shades that span from milky white to pale jade green.
The Foo Do...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Chinese Porcelain Qing Emperor Decorative Figure
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Chinese porcelain figurine inspired by the illustrious Qing dynasty. Crafted in a stunning wucai style, the figurine depicts a distinguish...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain, Paint
Pair Antique Emperor & Empress Figure Figurine Statue Hand Painted Qing Dynasty
Located in Wayne, NJ
Sold as a Pair. Antique emperor and empress figure figurine statue hand \painted 12.5" Qing Dynasty. This is an old pair of Asian Figurines. They are heavy, so believe they must be s...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Porcelain Qing Emperor Decorative Figure
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Chinese porcelain figurine inspired by the illustrious Qing dynasty. Crafted in a stunning wucai style, the figurine depicts a distinguish...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain, Paint
Chinese Porcelain Qing Emperor Decorative Figure
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Chinese porcelain figurine inspired by the illustrious Qing dynasty. Crafted in a stunning wucai style, the figurine depicts a distinguish...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain, Paint
Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Green Sancai Glazed Parrots
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Green Sancai Glazed Parrots
China, Early 20th Century
A Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Green Sancai Glazed Parrots, originating from China in the...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Asian Carved Composite Stone Buddha Head
Located in New York, NY
Asian Carved Composite Stone Buddha Head, Buddha with closed eyes, mounted on wood base. Sculpture: 12.75" H x .75" W x 8.5" D; with base: 3" H x 8.25" W x 6" D.
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Stone
A Pair of Vintage Chinese Buffalo Horn Carved Eagle Sculptures
Located in Pomona, CA
This pair of vintage Chinese Buffalo horn carved eagle sculptures are 100 percent hand made and hand carved from Buffalo horn. In ancient China, The ea...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Horn
Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
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. And b...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Pine
Chinese Antique De Hua Porcelain Kwan Yin Statuary
Located in Pomona, CA
This is a Chinese hand carved De Huang Porcelain Kwan Yin Bodhisattva statuary in off-white ivory color. It is all hand made and hand carved Kwan Yin seating on the lotus Seat with t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Chinese Hand Carved Jade Sculpture
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent vintage Chinese Jade sculpture is all hand made and hand carved with corn and bitter melon. The corn has beautiful meanings such as a house full of gold and jade, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Mid-20th Century, Chinese Large Wooden Carved Elaborate Imperial Dragon Ship
Located in Pomona, CA
This large model of imperial dragon ship was intricately and elaborately carved with brilliant lattice work and details on the display stand. It actual a royal palace built on the sh...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Chinese Polychrome Harmony Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this large koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. Much of t...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Pine
Chinese Polychrome Harmony Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this large koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. Much of t...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Pine
20th Century Chinese Gilt carved Wooden Tang Horse Sculpture
Located in Pomona, CA
Chinese Gilt Polychrome Wooden Carved Tang Dynasty Style Horse Sculpture. Featured nicely hand carved and hand painted with gilt highlighted on...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Brass & Turquoise Glass Beads Cloisonné Style Rhinoceros -S/2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a set of two brass rhinos with a cloisonné style glass bead bodies. They are purported to be Tibetan. The horns are wood. The set has some lite age wear.
Category
Mid-20th Century Tibetan Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Brass
Chinese Polychrome Harmony Fish, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-crafted from reclaimed wood, this large koi sculpture is a traditional symbol of harmony and luck. For Buddhists, such a fish represents a freedom from all restraints. Much of t...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Pine
Vintage Asian Glazed Ceramic Foo Dogs - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Stunning pair of glazed ceramic foo dogs. A chic deep green color with flashes of deep blue. Lots of intricate detail on the face and body. Areas of wear from age add to the effect. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Large Scale Carved Stone Chinese Foo Dogs / Temple Lions
Located in Dallas, TX
a pair of large scale, well carved stone Chinese Foo Dogs / Temple Lions, these are carved out of stone and are traditional Chinese architectural ornaments, China, circa 1920
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Vintage Chinese Cloisonne Hawk or Falcon
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Standout near life size Chinese cloisonne or enamel on copper bird of prey ambitiously decorated in a feather motif and presented on a wood base.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Pair Of Chinese Glazed Terracotta Foo Dogs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Chinese Glazed Terracotta Foo Dogs.
Stunning pair of antique Chinese hand decorated glazed terracotta foo dogs or foo lions. This beautiful pair of Chinese foo dogs are execu...
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
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 Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
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 Sculptures
Materials
Brass
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 Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
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 Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Export White Porcelain Birds, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese Export porcelain bird sculptures.
Dealer: S138XX
Category
20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonne Roosters
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Stand out pair of antique Chinese roosters handcrafted in enamel on copper or cloisonne in the traditional technique with bold colors of fauna and flora ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Mid 20th Century Chinese Wood Carved Kwan Yin Statuary
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent vintage Chinese Wood Carved Kwan Yin Statuary has intricate carving works. It is all hand made and hand carved Kwan Yin sitting under the tree and holding a flower i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Boxwood
Petite Chinese Fu Dog Guardian
Located in Chicago, IL
With a curly mane and a lively expression, this petite stone fu dog is an adorable companion and a benevolent guardian of the home. Known as shizi, the mythical dog is thought to off...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
20th Century Wooden Carved Eight Immortals Statues
Located in Pomona, CA
The Eight Immortals are the eight immortals in Taoism, representing eight different groups of people, men, women, old and young, poor, lowly, rich and noble.
Since the Eight Immortals are mortals who have attained Taoism, their personalities are closer to those of the common people. Recently, they have become very important
representatives of the immortals in Taoism. The Eight Immortals are Tieguai Li, Zhong Liquan, Lan Caihe, Zhang Guolao, He Xiangu, Lu Dongbin, Han Xiangzi, Cao Guojiu.
They are well known in Chinese folks.
Size: 11in H x 4in W x 3.5in D each
Origin: China
Circa: 1950's
Material: Boxwood
Condition: Original condition, hand made and hand carved, normal age wear.
Disclaimer: Due to differences in monitor/screen settings, product colors may differ slightly between product photos...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Boxwood
Chinese Bronze Sculpture Of A Lady
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Bronze Sculpture of a Chinese Lady. It depicts a semi nude Chinese lady standing up and wrapped with a robe around one of her shoulders, the back, below the hip and one of ...
Category
20th Century East Asian Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
1940s Antique Chinese Pair Foo Dog Figurines Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Pair of Antique Chinese Figurines Foo Dog Sculpture
Green Glaze Ceramic
8 tall x 3.75 w x 6.5 d
Preowned original vintage condition.
Refer to...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Mirrored Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Rooster Sculptures
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice vintage mirrored pair of Chinese cloisonné rooster sculptures, circa early 20th century. The sculptures are in very good condition with no d...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Petite Chinese Fu Dog Guardian
Located in Chicago, IL
With a curly mane and a lively expression, this petite stone fu dog is an adorable companion and a benevolent guardian of the home. Known as shizi, the mythical dog is thought to off...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
Striking Turquoise Pair of Chinese Porcelain Bluebirds
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Pair of Chinese porcelain bluebirds having turquoise bodies and aubergine bases.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Emperor and Empress Wooden Statues
Located in Pomona, CA
This pair of Antique Chinese Emperor and Empress Statues are 100% hand made and hand carved with paint and gilt on them. Some of the paint and gilt has been worn off but overall they are in good condition. Look at the pictures, you can see that they are in many years history with some age wear. Now you can have them on your collection shelf.
Size: 6in H x 2 3/4in W x 2in D each
Origin: China
Circa: Late Qing era
Material: Wood
Condition: Hand made, hand painted, normal age wear.
Disclaimer: Due to differences in monitor/screen settings, product colors may differ slightly between product photos...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Petite Chinese Fu Dog Guardian
Located in Chicago, IL
With a curly mane and a lively expression, this petite stone fu dog is an adorable companion and a benevolent guardian of the home. Known as shizi, the mythical dog is thought to off...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
Asian Shòu Xīng Hand Carved Wood Sculpture Star of Longevity
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Asian Shòu Xīng Hand Carved Wood Sculpture Star of Longevity
Star of Old Age
Chinese original carving master deity with crane.
Patina unrestored fair original vintage condition nic...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Three Mid-20th Century Stone's Patinated Wood Statues of Chinese Figures
Located in Catania, Sicilia
Three hand-carved wood chinese figures with a patina that makes them look like stone in good conditions with just signs of age. The finish applied to the wood that mimics the appeara...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Wood Sculpture from Old Water Mill Gear, China 1890
Located in Round Top, TX
This wood accent piece originally served as a section of gear work from a water mill in China. Note the carved upper section that created the "gearworks."
The deep worn patina of the...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Vintage Set of Chinese Jade Carved Horse Drawn Carriage Statue
Located in Pomona, CA
This set of Chinese Jade carved horse drawn carriage are hand crafted with exquisite detail. They were carved with a "thallium tool" and jade-resolving sand by skilled craftsmen in t...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Jade
Chinese Export Porcelain Models of White Doves
Located in Downingtown, PA
Chinese Export Porcelain Models of White Doves,
Circa 1780
The pair of Chinese Export white doves face each other. The figures, all in white, stand on a tree stump base, their eyes...
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Wood Sculpture Container from Old Water Mill Gear, China 1820-40
Located in Round Top, TX
This wood accent piece originally served as a section of gear work from a water mill in China. The deep worn patina of the rich hard wood is warm and inviting. May be used as a conta...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export sculptures 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 sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export sculptures 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 sculptures, popular names associated with this style include and Europa Antiques. 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 sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $195 and tops out at $98,000 while the average work can sell for $1,895.
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