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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
Antique 19th Century Chinese Silver Cherry Blossom Box, Wang Hing 1890
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century Chinese export solid silver box, of elongated rectangular form, decorated with stunning repousse decoration cherry blossom pattern. Hallmarked Chinese Export sil...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

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 Furniture

Materials

Jade

Antique Chinese Blue&White Porcelain Double Happiness Ginger Jar Vase c.1900
Located in Richmond, CA
Antique Chinese Qing dynasty blue and white ginger jar, hand painted with two double happiness characters on scrolling foliage background with large peony blossoms in cobalt blue. ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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 Furniture

Materials

Wood

American Market Chinese Export Eagle Armorial Porcelain Oval Reticulated Tray
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Market Chinese Export Eagle Armorial Porcelain Oval Reticulated Tray China, 19th Century  This exquisite 19th-century Chinese Export Eagle Armorial Porcelain Oval Reticulat...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Chinese Solid Silver Cherry Blossom Tea Set, Wang Hing c.1890
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique late 19th Century Chinese export solid silver exquisite three piece tea set, comprising of a teapot, sugar bowl and milk jug, each spherical body applied with blooming cherry...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Pair of Chinese hand painted blue and white vases, Circa 1930
Located in Central England, GB
Pair of Chinese Hand Painted Blue and White Vases, Circa 1930 An impressive and unusual pair of Chinese porcelain vases made to a traditional shape with a raised foot and bulbous shaped body narrowing to a flared neck. The vases have four panels of different decoration separated by three pairs of circular raised mouldings which run around their circumference. The blue and white hand painted decoration has been very well done. Around the neck there is a continuous painted leaf boarder, below the two central panels have a trailing leaf and flower design and around the lower section there is a water and...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Late 19th Century Chrysanthemum Chinese Painting on Silk
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century Chinese painting on silk. For the export market. Dark blue vase on stand filled with flowering branches & white & pink chrysanthemums. Framed with inner gilt liner....
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk

Chinese Export Nanking Porcelain Sauceboat And Undertray, 19th Century
Located in Free Union, VA
An unusual serving piece: an early 19th century Nanking sauceboat with associated leaf form undertray. This pattern is a close cousin to blue and white Canton porcelain...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Massive Carved Rusty Style Country Bench, Love seat
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this gorgeous Chinese Antique Massive Carved Country Style Love-seat. It has about 150 years history and still has its original condition, very smooth to touch, full of patin...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Vintage Michael Taylor for Baker 'Far East' Collection Lounge Chairs
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Pair of Chinese Style lounge chairs by Baker Furniture and designed by Michael Taylor. Dark Brown wood with brass accents. Labeled on bottom. Horseshoe design.
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Red Lacquered Opium Canopy Bed
Located in Richmond, VA
Opt for drama with this late 19th century Chinese opium canopy bed, crafted of elmwood. The exterior is heavily decorated with gold leafing, carvings, ornate carved figurine pillars,...
Category

19th Century Asian Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Cane, Wood, Elm, Giltwood, Lacquer

Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Long Bench, Sofa
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous Antique Chinese Rosewood Carved Long Bench, Sofa was made in early 20th Century and still has its original condition, very smooth to touch, full of patina. It was hand ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Chinese Export Silver Tray
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export Silver Tray engraved with prunus on a matte background, with applied chrysanthemum decoration to the border, and with two b...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Large Antique Chinese Porcelain Blue White Prunus Ginger Jar 7" Qing 19/20c
Located in Richmond, CA
Antique Chinese late Qing dynasty blue and white ginger jar, reserve decorated in underglaze blue and white, with blooming prunus branches on underglaze blue wash ground, and double ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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 Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

19th or 20th Century Antique Asian Mirror Frame
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large 19th or 20th century Asian, possibly Chinese, carved mirror frame. Heavy Asian wood. The top with carving similar to a crest and two Foo dogs facing each other. Probably made...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese flower table around 1900 made of rosewood with marble top
Located in Aachen, DE
Blumentisch China um 1900 aus Rosenholz mit Marmorplatte Reich geschnitzt, unbeschädigt, in sehr gutem Zustand, max. Durchmesser ca. 67cm, Höhe 80cm.
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Marble

Antique Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Large Bowl with Colour Emamels
Located in Brea, CA
an antique important fine gold Chinese famille rose porcelain 12'' bowl with very beautiful colour enamels, hand painted, mark DaQingQianLongNianZhi, excellent condition, Measures: 1...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

A 20th Century Chinese Porcelain Table Lantern (SINGLE ITEM)
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of very fine Chinese butterfly decorated table lanterns, 20th century. In the tradition of marriage lanterns. Composed of four parts each. Finely enameled decorated borders wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Vintage Porcelain Foo Dog - Hand Painted - Unsigned - China - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage hand painted porcelain foo dog - unsigned - mid 20th century. Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - no restoration - minor signs of age and use. Size - 2 3/8...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pair Of Antique Chinese Export Porcelain Butterfly Serving / Shrimp Dishes
Located in Bradenton, FL
Rare pair of antique Chinese export porcelain butterfly serving/shrimp dish. Unique pair of dishes that include large gilt rim and trim on plates decorated with butterflies in green,...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Sang de Boeuf Porcelain Vases, Pair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Chinese Sang de Boeuf Glazed Porcelain Baluster Form Vases. 22" H x 12" Diameter.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Polychrome Lucky Fish
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

Large Pair Very Fine Chinese Blue & White Hawthorn Covered Jars 11" 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
Pair of very fine vintage Chinese export blue and white hawthorn ginger jars, finely decorated with reserve plum blossoms. The white porcelain bisc...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Chinese Imari Bowl
Located in Richmond, VA
Offered is an exquisite 19th century Chinese imari polychrome bowl with a lightly scalloped edge. Salt glazed and in excellent antique condition. Some expected age crazing.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Petite Neolithic Chinese Terracotta Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite ceramic jar is believed to be a later example of Neolithic Chinese redware pottery of the Yangshao culture. Although its exact age is unknown, the jar was likely created ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

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

19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Secretary/Writing Desk
Located in Pomona, CA
This beautiful carved secretary/writing desk is traditional simply design with three drawers on the front and lattice foot rest on the bottom. Both si...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

Large 19th Century Chinese Carved Cinnabar Vase as Table Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
This is a stunning 19th Century Chinese lacquer Cinnabar vase lamp. Lamp features carved scenes of scholars in a landscape with foliage in Cinnabar, along with intricate brass detail...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Antique Chinese Country Rusty Style Wagon Wheel Dining Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This gorgeous Massive Chinese Antique Country Style dining table was made in about 1940s. It has about 80 years history and still ha...
Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Chinese Export Four Panel Coromandel Folding Screen Room Divider
Located in Charlotte, NC
A hand painted Chinese Export Asian style four-panel folding screen room divider, artisan unknown. Solid wood with Coromandel black lacquer, front and reverse sides both having hand ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Large Vintage Chinese Ox-Blood Flambe Glaze Covered Vase Lamp D: 10"
Located in Richmond, CA
A large vintage Chinese porcelain ox-blood flambe glaze covered jar, electrified and made into a lamp E26 socket Overall size: H: 19", D: 10" Vase size: H: 12.5" D: 10" Lamp circa...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

A Chinese Export Black and Gold Lacquer Desk
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautiful Chinese Export black and gold lacquer desk, elaboratly decorated with detailed Chinoiserie scenes, three drawers and beautiful base wi...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Gold

Stunning Asian Hardwood And Mother-of-pearl Inset Dining Table And Eight Chairs
Located in Crawley, GB
We delight to offer for sale this stunning set of south East Asian hardwood and mother-of-pearl inset extending dining table, and eight chairs en suite, 20th century; the table with cleated panel top decorated with birds and foliage, with conforming friezes and straight legs to in-turned feet; with two extra leaves; 78cm high, 213cm long extended, 112cm wide; the conforming chairs...
Category

Late 20th Century British Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood

Chinese Export Five Panel Coromandel Screen Pagoda Landscape
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare Chinese export five panel lacquered coromandel double sided screen featuring figures amid a pagoda landscape. The panels have thick lacquer incised with colorful pigments that h...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Antique Canton 'Famille Rose' Porcelain Vase, Unsigned, China, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Antique 'famille rose' (also referred to as 'rose medallion') porcelain vase - hand painted with enamels of a courtyard scene - floral and foliate borders - gilt decorated applied fi...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Porcelain Pastel Toned Famille Rose Vases - Mismatched Pair
Located in Glasgow, GB
Embrace the charm of these small, mismatched Chinese porcelain vases, likely crafted in the 1980s. While the maker remains unknown, as the vases are unstamped, their allure is unmist...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Chinese Apothecary Cabinet with Drawers
Located in Pasadena, CA
A remarkable 19th century Chinese apothecary cabinet. With 24 drawers and 2 larger lower drawers. Each smaller drawer with Chinese script and brass pull handles.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

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 Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Pair Antique 19c Chinese Blue & White Prunus Blossom Vase Table Lamps Early 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
A matching pair of antique 19c Chinese blue and white vase of elongated barrel form, hand painted with sprays of prunus blossoms in reserve on cobalt blue ground, drilled four charac...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Hongmu Stands Pedestals / Plant Stands
Located in Germantown, MD
A Stunning slender Pair of mid 20th century Chinese Hongmu Stands Pedestals / Plant Stands. Measures 12.5" in width, 12.5" in depth and stand 36...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Large Chinese Export Dish or Plate Porcelain Blue & White, Circa 1920s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very beautifully hand painted Chinese porcelain blue and white large Dish or Plate, marked to the base with the Qing, Kangxi mark( 1662-1722) but dating to the Kangxi reviv...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

2 Vintage Mottahedeh Lowestoft Reproduction Cachepot Vase Planters 8"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid to late 20th century pair of Lowestoft reproduction planters / cachepots, produced by Mottahedeh. Features orange and gold scalloped rim, dou...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

A LARGE FAMILLE VERTE OCTAGONAL BALUSTER VASE
- China, KANGXI (1662-1722)
By General Porcelain
Located in TOULON, FR
A LARGE FAMILLE VERTE OCTAGONAL BALUSTER VASE
China, KANGXI (1662-1722)
Of square form with canted corners, sloping shoulder and slightly flaring neck, brightly and boldly enamelled ...
Category

Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Tea Set, Rockefeller Pattern
Located in Dallas, TX
Chinese expChinese export tea set, Rockefeller pattern, covered tea pot, lidded creamer and lidded sugar urn, purchased at Sotherby's auction by previous owner. China. 18th Century....
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Antique Chinese Famille Rose Rouleau Figural Vase Table Lamps Early 20c ROC
Located in Richmond, CA
A matching mirror pair of antique Chinese early 20th century famille rose figural rouleau vase turned into lamps. The finely painted decorations depict a scene of a general looking u...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique 18th/19th C. Chinese Export Porcelain Tea Caddy with European Decoration
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese export porcelain tea caddy. Made for the European market. Likely Qianlong period. With puce painted cartouches d...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Chinese Export Famille Verte Foo Dog Joss Stick 'Candlestick'
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century Chinese Export Famille Verte Foo Dog Joss Stick (Candlestick) China, circa 1850 A stunning 19th-century Chinese Export Famille Verte Foo Dog Joss Stick, also known as a ...
Category

19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Set of Four 19th Century Chinese Export Harbor / Seascape Paintings
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Set of Four 19th-Century Chinese Export Harbor and Seascape Paintings  Chinese School, Hand Painted on Silk, Measuring 14.5 inches wide by 11 inches high (sight), Laid on Board Imme...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk, Glass, Giltwood

19th C. Chinese Lacquered and Polychrome Scholars Block/Paperweight
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th-C. Chinese Lacquered and Polychromed Scholars Block/Paperweight with Custom Box China, 19th century, complete with later custom box This 19th-century Chinese lacquered and polyc...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

High Relief Carved Camphor Wood Trunk
Located in Fulton, CA
Highly carved camphor wood trunk / hope or blanket chest. Trees, figures and sail boat motif. Very nice original condition and finish. Brass ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Qianlong Mark Dragon Motif Porcelain Vase
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Dragon Motif Blue and White Porcelain Floor Vase, blue underglaze Qianlong mark to underside. 24.5" H x 1.5" Diameter.
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porphyry

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 Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Near Pair of Chinese Glazed Terra Cotta Pedestals
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking pair of vintage Chinese pedestals handcrafted in terracotta in classic form with open fretwork, decorated in soft floral colors on an alluring cobalt blue background. From ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Fine Antique Chinese 19c Relief Carved Celadon Porcelain Vase Table Lamp 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
A fine 19c Chinese relief carved celadon glaze handled vase, decorated with scrolling vines, lappets and borders, with faux ring handles to neck, and "S...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Early 20th Century Chinese Altar Console: Timeless Elegance Restored
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the timeless elegance and exceptional artisanship of our early 20th-century Chinese altar console, meticulously revived by our dedicated craftsmen. Originating from a rich h...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Chinese Export Bamboo Rattan Partners Desk
Located in Bradenton, FL
A rare and unique Mid Century Chinese Export Partners Desk, Applied Bamboo over Hardwood. A partner's desk describes a desk in which two people...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Hardwood

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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