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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
19thc Chinese Export Scalloped Rose Medallion Set of Ten Dessert or Bread Plates
Located in Savannah, GA
This very rare set of ten Chinese export Rose Medallion bread or small dessert plates were hand painted in the first half of the 19th century with overglaze enamels of pink, green, b...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Exceptional Rose Medallion Porcelain Jugs
Located in Free Union, VA
An unusual pair of sizable Rose Medallion jugs, much larger than cream pitchers, with fine details and of unusually high quality. These would be stunning used for flower arrangements...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Circa 1915 Pair of Rose Canton Chinese Export Plates
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1915 pair of Rose Canton Chinese export plates. Brightly enamelled butterfly design. Made in China mark. Brought back from China by Dr. Hugh McCormick Smith, famed ichthyologis...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

18th Century Style Chinese Export Armorial Chop Plate
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
An 18th century style Chinese Export Armorial Chop Plate. With multiple hairlines. Dramatic design. Possibly Samson. Early 20th century. 13"dia., 1 1/4"h.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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 Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

1920s Antique Peking Wool Rug Handmade In Purple with Classic Chinese Design
Located in Norwalk, CT
This elegant antique Peking Chinese wool rug features a light purple field with a decorative border and vibrant multi-colored accents in a stunning classic Chinese motif. This rug m...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Other

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 Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 8 Chinese Export Green "Cabbage" Dishes
Located in Free Union, VA
Set of 8 Chinese Export Green Cabbage Dishes A highly collectible pattern, often called the “Cabbage Pattern,” more precisely, a bold leafy pattern based on bok choy. This is a rare ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

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 Furniture

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 Furniture

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 Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese furniture “Ningbo Cabinet”, carved, lacquered and gilded wood
By O-Asian Designs Inc.
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind Chinese furniture “Ningbo Cabinet”, carved, lacquered and gilded wood, ff. 19th century - China Large cabinet or sideboard from the late 19th century, original from the...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Nest Of Four Chinese Hardwood Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Each with panelled top and well carved apron , circular legs with stretchers.
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Set Of Eight Framed Chinese Export Pith Paper Watercolors Of Birds
Located in Essex, MA
Beautifully framed in black lacquer chinoiserie frames, matted. The images of a variety of birds in various environments.
Category

1850s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

A superb Chinese export famille rose porcelain VOC teapot and pattipan saucer
Located in Amsterdam, NL
China, circa 1730 Porcelain decorated in rose-pink, yellow and soft blue- green enamels, on a shield a lion rampant crowned, holding in his left paw a bunch of seven arrows symbolis...
Category

1730s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Large Antique Blue & White Canton Pattern Chinese Export Porcelain Serving Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese export porcelain serving tray. In the Canton pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue depicting a mountainous Chinese village. The background has houses, a moun...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Peking Glass Bird & Floral Vase, Signed
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese Peking Glass Bird and Floral Vase, Signed  China, 20th century  A magnificent 20th-century Chinese Peking Glass Vase is a true testament to exquisite craftsmanship. This stu...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Glass

Antique South East Asian 40-Drawer Apothecary Cabinet, Circa 1920s
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique Chinese 40-Drawer Apothecary Cabinet, Circa 1920s. All drawers are divided in two. Drawers measure 2.75" W x 5.75" D or 11" without the divider x 2.5" H
Category

Early 20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Elm

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 Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Apple Green Chinese Crackle Vase
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Antique Apple Green Chinese Crackle Vase.
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

18th Century Chinese Export porcelain Can/Mug Depicting Archery, As Found*
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
18th Century Chinese Export Porcelain Can/Mug Depicting Archery, As Found* A rare and unusual subject in Chinese export porcelain. This large-handled can or mug depicts a front vign...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Chinoiserie 4 Panel Carved Elm Room Divider Privacy Screen
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Chinese Chinoiserie four panel room divider or dressing screen. Made of Elm featuring inset silk screen, reticulated floral design, and four carved high relief panels - one ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk, Elm

Antique Chinese Cloisonné Salt Cellar and Pepper Shaker Sets
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese enamel on copper cloisonné salts and pepper shaker sets. There are 12 pieces in total. 6 salt cellars, and 6 matching pepper shakers. Colors include blue, dark green, red, black , and light green. The light green salt...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Copper

Antique Rose Mandarin Chinese Export Porcelain Moon Flask
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese porcelain moon flask. In the Rose Mandarin pattern (with a very green palette bordering on Famille Verde). With a flattened circular body having two cartouches to either side with medieval warfare scenes of men & horses. With two applied figural dragon gilt porcelain handles to either shoulder. The body is gilt throughout with extensive painted pink and green floral devices. There are also white cartouches with flowers to the body, foot, and neck. Simply a wonderful antique Chinese moon flask...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

ANTIiQUE DECORATIVE HAND HAMMERED CHINESE RICE MEASURE MASKET GREAT FRUIT BOWL!
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique Chinese rice bowl measure which can be used as ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Iron

Set of 8 Blue Canton Rice Ware Salad or Dessert Plates, Chinese Export
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 8 Blue Canton Rice Ware Salad or Dessert Plates, Chinese export, circa 1900-1925. Combining the best attribues of the traditional lake scene with a rice border. Brought back b...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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 Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Early 20th Century Set of 10 Chinese export Blue Canton Luncheon Plates
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Early 20th century Set of 10 Chinese export Blue Canton Luncheon Plates. Brought back in the early 20th century by the famous ichthyologist Dr. Hugh McCormick Smith & by descent to h...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

PAIR OF ANTIQUE CIRCA 1900 CHINESE EXPORT CHINOISERIE DRAGON FOLDING SHELVEs
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of original Chinese Export gilt and lacquered folding shelves with Chinoiserie Dragon pai...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

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 Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Asian Low Chess Table
Located in Denton, TX
Mid century Asian style Chess board with carved wood chess pieces and drawer for storage. This would be great on the floor with two big pillows.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Beech, Mahogany, Walnut

EXQUISITE ANTIQUE CIRCA 1900 CHiNESE EXPORT CAMPHOR WOOD STEAMER LUGGAGE TRUNK
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this original circa 1900-1920 original Chinese Export Camphor wood and Iron steamer trunk with the original ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Blue & White Canton Pattern Chinese Export Porcelain Shrimp Bowl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Chinese export porcelain shrimp bowl. In the Canton pattern. Decorated in underglaze blue depicting a mountainous Chinese village. The bac...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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 Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

Set of 10 Rice Ware Dinner Plates, Chinese export, circa 1900-1925
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 10 Rice Ware Dinner Plates, Chinese export, circa 1900-1925. For 7 the central decoration features an Egret by an abundance of flora at water's edge and for 3 there is a duck ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese porcelain vase with Floral decorations
Located in Milano, IT
Explore the artistry and elegance of traditional Chinese craftsmanship with this stunning porcelain vase. Adorned with intricate floral decorations, this piece showcases the meticulo...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Famille Rose Porcelain Umbrella Stand
Located in Houston, TX
A 20th-century Chinese Famille Rose porcelain umbrella stand, featuring intricate hand-painted designs in vibrant hues on a white glazed background. Traditional motifs such as floral...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Set of Eight Antique Pictures of Flowers and Butterflies
Located in Richmond, London
A set of eight exquisite hand-coloured botanical prints of exotic flowers and butterflies, early 20th century. Why we like them Exquisitely hand-painted with lots of minute details...
Category

Early 20th Century European Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Paper, Paint

2 Chinese Won Tai Mandarin & Wife Ancestor Portrait Paintings 44"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Chinese chinoiserie ancestral portraits by artist Won Tai of Peking, China. Shows a pair of male and female figures seated on throne chairs draped in turquoise silks, dressed...
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Paint, Paper

Pair of Chinese Rose Medallion Lamps
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of 19th century Chinese Rose Medallion Lamps. Beautiful painted florals, butterflies and birds on sides with Chinese figures in blue, red, gre...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

Chinese Export Sterling Silver Walking Stick Handle, circa 1900
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Chinese Export sterling silver walking stick handle, circa 1900. Monogram of the famous ichthyologist Dr. Hugh McCormick Smith, "H...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Buddha statuette in green jade
Located in Milano, IT
Dive into the serene world of spiritual art with this exquisite jade Buddha statue, dating back to the mid-20th century. Carved from the finest jade...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Jade

Set of 12 Rice Ware Dessert or Salad Plates, Chinese Export, circa 1900-1925
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Set of 12 Rice Ware Dessert or Salad Plates, Chinese export, circa 1900-1925. Central decoration features an Egret by flora at water's edge. Diamond geometric border, inner border wi...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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 Furniture

Materials

Bone

A Pair of Red Lacquered Chinese Style Square Low Sofa Tables
Located in High Wycombe, GB
A Pair of Red Lacquered Chinese Style Square Low Sofa Tables Simple clean lines, and elegance. Was auctioned at Christies 2542 3rd April 2012 (USA). Swing tag to the leg.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Antique Chinese Silver Hand Mirror Decorated with Dragons, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Antique Chinese Silver Hand Mirror Decorated with Dragons among clouds, circa 1920 This beautiful mirror is made in a very heavy gauge of silver. The quality of the engraving and fin...
Category

1920s Hong Kong Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

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 Furniture

Materials

Glass

Lacquered Wood Cabinet with Chinese Seenes
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This beautiful two doors cabinet is made of black and red lacquered wood presenting Chinese sceens and decorations in gold tones. This is a French work. Circa 1940
Category

1940s French Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Antique Chinese Export Porcelain Canton Famille Rose Elephant Candlestick 1860
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique Chinese Qing dynasty famille rose porcelain candleholder, circa 1860. This very attractive antique Chinese porcelain elephant...
Category

1860s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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 Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

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 Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Gianni Versace Silk Rug: Mandarin's Garden Collection by Atelier Versace
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This vintage Gianni Versace collection rug, titled "Mandarin's Garden Silk", was designed and manufactured by Atelier Versace circa 1980. Measuring 200 x 200, this luxurious silk rug is in good original condition, with minor wear that is consistent with its age and use. This rug was manufactured in China, and combines the quality of ancient Chinese tradition with the creativity and love for Gianni Versace's Classic style. It is part of a collection of hand-knotted rugs made from the finest silks by master craftsmen whose artistry has been handed down through the generations. As an extremely high-quality product, this rug is perfect for art lovers and collectors alike. Add a touch of luxury and elegance to any room with this stunning vintage rug from the iconic Italian fashion house. ______ Rug designed and manufactured by Atelier Versace Mandarin's garden silk 200 x 200 In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use A vintage Gianni Versace Home...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silk

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 Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Tibetan Buddhist Handcrafted handheld Spinning Prayer wheel
Located in Pomona, CA
This is handcrafted Tibetan handheld spinning Prayer Wheel. This spinning prayer wheel was made from Sky Iron and has detailed handcrafted Tibetan traditional design with Copper wire...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal

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 Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Stoneware Famille Verte Planters or Fishbowls on Hardwood Stands
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pretty pair of Chinese export planters or fish bowls in the famille verte palette depicting robed men and women in a fantastic garden setting with animals, plants, flowers, fans an...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Antique Samson Chinese Export Style Porcelain Bianco Sopra Bianco Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique French porcelain plate. Attributed to Samson. In the Chinese Export porcelain style. With a painted floral motif to ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

2 Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Bowls from the Ship Wrecked "Tek Sing"
Located in Palm Beach, FL
In 1822 the Chinese Junk "Tek Sing" or true star sank in the south China sea, where the ship and its cargo remained until salvaged in 1999. These antique blue...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export furniture made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Wang Hing & Co., Luen Wo, and Hung Chong & Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $40 and tops out at $216,780 while the average work can sell for $1,998.

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