Chinese Export Decorative Objects
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
Blue and White Brush Pot with Shan Shui Landscape
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush pot, or bitong, was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. This porcela...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Chinese Hand Painted Porcelain Floral Ginger Jar
Located in Pomona, CA
This large porcelain ginger jar with lid has a stunning hand painted design of flowers, vines, leaves and butterflies. Beautiful colors of Pink, Orange, Green, Yellow and Blue plants...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Shell
Vintage Chinese Cloisonné - Vase, Beaker and Owl Ornament - Blue Toned
Located in Glasgow, GB
This vintage Chinese cloisonné collection features a trio of miniature blue ornaments, with each exuding its own unique charm and delicate design....
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Jade
Early 20th century lacquered vanity box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century lacquered vanity box circa 1910.
Good quality Chinese export table top vanity box. Hand painted in a plum and black colour scheme in a lacquered finish.
Cube sh...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Green Glazed Lotus Motif Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese green glazed lotus motif vase, with three handles.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Blue and White Four Flowers Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Loosely brushed with cobalt blue pigments, this round, blue-and-white storage jar is underglazed with lush garden scenery featuring the flowering plants of the four seasons. Tree peo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair Chinese Export Porcelain Vases and Covers, c. 1775
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine pair of Chinese Export porcelain vases and covers. Dating from the third quarter of the 1700s, and originating in the Jingdezhen region of China, near the important China Trad...
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Famille Verte Porcelain Vases, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese Famille Verte Porcelain Vases, hand-painted with figures and interior scenes. 13.75" H x 6.75" Diameter.
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Porcelain Bowl Hand Painted Blue and White, 17th Century Ming Export
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a hand painted Chinese Export porcelain bowl, which we date to the 17th century, Ming Dynasty.
The bowl is fairly thickly potted with a fairly high, slightly undercut foot and an everted rim.
The bowl is decorated inside and outside, in varying shades of under-glaze cobalt blue with various symbols and designs separated by curvy lined panels...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Chinese Gourd Shaped Vase
Located in Bradenton, FL
20th century Chinese gourd shaped vase in crackled light blue-green color. Vase has a rounded bottom with tall neck. The mouth of vase is 2" in diameter....
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Export Pigskin Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Chinese export pigskin box now on custom made stand as a side table. Early 20th century. Foo dogs, birds, flower & auspicious symbols. 15 1/2" w., 9 1/2" d., 20 1/2" h.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Animal Skin
Large Jewelry or Decorative Box Brown Red colors Color Japan 19th
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Jewelry or Decorative Box Brown Red colors Color Japan 19th
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export Snuff Bottle in Overlay Cameo Glass Finely Carved, circa 1925
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good Chinese cameo or overlay glass snuff bottle with a spoon top, which we date to circa 1925.
These overlay glass cameo snuff bottles are very decorative and sought after, particularly with two different colour/ shades of overlays and this level of good carved detail.
It is made of a clear / yellow tinged opaque glass which has been over-layed with an orange glass which shades to red at the base, producing a very decorative detail. It has then been well hand carved and polished to produce a scene with a basket of fruit, ribbon bow, musical instrument and other motifs.
The bottle has a rounded red glass / stone stopper which is fitted with a bronze spoon.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Pair of Pink Porcelain Pink Floral Vases
Located in Pasadena, CA
Pair of Pink Porcelain Pink Floral Vases circa 1960s.
Category
1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Blue and White Botanical Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This round, porcelain storage jar is brightly glazed in the classic blue-and-white manner with an allover pattern of botanical motifs. A combination of stenciled linework and hand-br...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Blue and White Botanical Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This round, porcelain storage jar is brightly glazed in the classic blue-and-white manner with an allover pattern of botanical motifs. A combination of stenciled linework and hand-br...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Mid-20th Century Chinese Blue and White Peony Porcelain Vases with Lid
Located in Pomona, CA
An exquisite pair of Chinese porcelain lidded vases, in Ginger Jar shape and beautifully hand-painted with a traditional decoration of Peony flower on the lid and body. This magnific...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Peking Glass Bird & Floral Vase, Signed
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Peking Glass Bird & Floral Vase, Signed
China, 20th Century
A magnificent 20th-century Chinese Peking Glass Vase, a true testament to exquisite craftsmanship. This stunnin...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Large Chinese Rose Medallion Fish Pot on Stand
Located in Houston, TX
This 20th-century Chinese Rose Medallion Porcelain Fish Pot possesses timeless elegance. Adorned with intricate village scenes, vibrant floral motifs, and delicate birds, it captivat...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain, Wood
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Bone
Pair of Mid-20th Century Chinese Blue and White Dragon Porcelain Vases with Lid
Located in Pomona, CA
An exquisite pair of Chinese porcelain lidded vases, in baluster form and beautifully hand-painted with a traditional decoration of Foo Dog and flower on the lid and Dragon, Flora...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Rose medallion bowl, 19th Century, 15" diameter
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th Century Chinese Canton / Rose Medallion porcelain bowl, having the classical green ground, gilded decoration to the floral boarders with hand painted scenes ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Export Black Leather Box On Stand
Located in Essex, MA
Rectangular box with brass tacks and hinged lid set in a brass base.
Category
1850s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Chinese Blue and White Jar with Birds and Flowers
Located in Chicago, IL
Loosely brushed with cobalt blue pigments, this round blue-and-white storage jar is adorned with a ribbon-tailed bird perched on a cluster of rocks, a symbol for a long and happy lif...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Export Bud Vase Famille Rose Porcelain Hand Painted, Qing, Circa 1850
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good, decorative Chinese export, Imperial Canton, porcelain, Famille Rose, Small or Bud Vase which we date to the mid-19th century, Qing dynasty, circa 1850.
The vase ha...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Blue and White Brush Pot with First Scholar
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush pot, or bitong, was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. This porcela...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Apple Green Chinese Crackle Vase
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Antique Apple Green Chinese Crackle Vase.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Chinese Blue and White Four Flowers Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Loosely brushed with cobalt blue pigments, this round, blue-and-white storage jar is underglazed with lush garden scenery featuring the flowering plants of the four seasons. Tree peo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Chinese Blue and White Jar with Scholars' Objects
Located in Chicago, IL
This porcelain storage jar has a rounded, tapered form and is brightly glazed in the classic blue-and-white manner. The jar is decorated on three sides with cartouches enclosing stil...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Pine
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Famille Rose Sweetmeat Dishes set with Wooden
Located in Pomona, CA
A set of antique Chinese famille rose porcelain nine-piece combined square dishes for sweetmeats or nuts, each dish decorated with floral patterns, smooth glazed bases, late Qing Dyn...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
19th Century Asian Two-Tier Lacquered And Decorated Handled Basket
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century Asian Two-Tier Lacquered And Decorated Handled and covared Basket.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Blue and White Brush Pot with Koi & Lotus
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush pot, or bitong, was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. This porcela...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Set Of Two Diminutive Carved Chinese Jade Beads
Located in Bradenton, FL
Set Of two diminutive carved jade beads. Beautiful intricate carvings on both. Both have tiny hole in top and at bottom.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Jade
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Fish Bowl, Planter
Located in Pomona, CA
Very large Chinese famille rose porcelain bowl. It is hand made and hand painted porcelain fish pot with a thick bull nose ring on the top. A beautiful hand p...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Jade
Antique Chinese Tea Caddy Cloisonne Enamels on Copper 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Handcrafted using the Cloisonné technique, this tea caddy has an original shape, decorated with stylized bats and flowers, and signed at the bottom. Perfect for tea enthusiasts, it w...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Blue and White Brush Pot with Fish & Flora
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush pot, or bitong, was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. This stonewa...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Export Porcelain Tea Caddy Jar
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Export hand-painted porcelain tea caddy jar. Pictures of a boy and his dog adorn both sides of jar in rich colors of dark blue, gold, red and turquoise. Greek key border fram...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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 Decorative Objects
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Wicker
Chinese Porcelain Ginger Jar, Qing Dynasty Yongzheng Period
Located in seoul, KR
A Chinese porcelain ginger jar, Yongzheng period, painted in underglaze blue with lotus blooms and shou(水, meaning 'Water') characters beneath a ruyi border, underglaze blue double r...
Category
1720s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Blue and White Brush Pot with Birds and Peonies
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush pot, or bitong, was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. This porcela...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Bai Tea Leaf Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Rendered in a striking cool white glaze, this contemporary porcelain jar offers a modern take on a classic form. Lidded jars like these were used in tea shops in China, where tea dri...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
1970's Yin Yang Scorpio Lucite Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
1970's lucite encased scorpio with Yin Yang , nice condition very rare and unique item.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Lucite
Pair of Chinese Export Blue and White Porcelain Cachepots
By Mario Buatta
Located in New York, NY
Each of hexagonal form; decorated with blue borders and roundels.
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Wang Hing Chinese Export Silver Dragon Moon Vases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese export silver vases, ca 1910. Each: Flat and round moon body on domed foot; animal-head handles mounted to shoulder. On front and back is chased dragon—a horned and t...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Porcelain Vase Blue & White Hand Painted 31cm, 19thC Qing Tongzhi
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful, fairly tall 31+cm, Chinese Export, blue and white porcelain Baluster Vase, which we date to the 19th century, Qing Tongzhi period, Circa 1870.
This is a well ha...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Asian Brass Mounted Rosewood and Felt Lined Jewelry Box
Located in Germantown, MD
This is a Chinese jewelry box that is made out of rosewood with beautiful Chinoiserie brass trim. It is a nice heavy box that measures 12”W x 8”L x 6”H. The top layer inside holds 5 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Large 20th Century Famille Verte Porcelain Decorative Piece
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Add a touch of traditional Chinese artistry to your space with this large 20th Century Famille Verte Porcelain Decorative Piece. This striking piece features a classic bottle shape a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Famille Rose/Verte 'Chicken' Ewer, Qing Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
Beautiful 'chickens and flowers' painted familie rose/verte ceramic ewer from Qing dynasty. Excavated from cargo underwater.
This piece is from the early Qing dynasty, and it is not...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Chinese Export decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export decorative objects 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 decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, 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 decorative objects 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 decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Hung Chong & Co., Mottahedeh, and Samson & Cie. 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 decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $68 and tops out at $216,780 while the average work can sell for $1,500.
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