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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 Chinese Export Porcelain Blue White Prunus Ginger Jar 5" Qing 19c
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

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique 19thC Chinese Solid Silver Picture Frame, Qingxiang, Tianjin c.1875
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century Chinese export solid silver picture frame, of rectangular form, with chased decoration and pierced in high relief, depi...
Category

1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Silver

Chinese Scholar Object Oxblood Porcelain Water Pot or Dropper - Kangxi Mark
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, 20th century. Chinese. A porcelain oxblood red porcelain horseshoe water pot of bell shaped body. The deep red glaze has an underglaze cloud motif as photographed. Kangxi...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Blue & White Temple Jar Lamps
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Pair blue and white temple jars converted to lamps in the style of the Chinese period of the 18th Century depicting stylised figurative decoration and geometric patterns. The pair si...
Category

Early 20th Century Irish Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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 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

Bronze Asian Lamps Style of James Mont Pair
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite pair of bronze Asian lamps. These lamps are well designed, heavy and would look extra special in an Asian inspired room. James Mont styl...
Category

1940s Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Chinese Oxblood Glazed Porcelain Rouleau Vase
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Oxblood Glazed Porcelain Rouleau Vase, blue underglaze six character mark to underside, drill hole to bottom. 12.5" H x 4.75" diameter.
Category

20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Scholar Object Oxblood Porcelain Bowl - Kangxi Mark
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Scholar Object Oxblood Porcelain Bowl - Kangxi Mark. A porcelain bowl in oxblood glaze with a Kangxi type mark to underside. Approx: 3...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Large Chinese Natural Translucent Untreated Jadeite Flower Cat Birds Carving 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
This modern Chinese sculpture, standing at an impressive 10 inches on its stand, is a masterful representation of contemporary jadeite craftsmanship, particularly from the renowned Suzhou tradition. Carved from natural, untreated jadeite, the sculpture presents a captivating scene of a blooming flower, complete with two small birds perched atop and a preying feline lurking beneath the intricately carved canopy of leaves and petals. The jadeite material selected for this piece is of exceptional quality, exhibiting a pale celadon green hue that is both translucent and rich in lustre, reminiscent of the finest examples of jadeite. The translucency of the material enhances the sculpture's visual appeal, allowing light to filter through and illuminate the delicate details of the carving, while the wet lustre finish adds a sense of depth and vibrancy to the piece. The scene depicted is one of natural harmony and beauty, yet it is imbued with the dynamic tension of the natural world, as evidenced by the presence of the preying feline. This juxtaposition adds a layer of narrative depth to the sculpture, making it not just a decorative item but a work of art that tells a story. Crafted with the fine modern techniques of Suzhou jadeite craftsmanship, this sculpture is a testament to the skill and artistry of contemporary jade carvers, who continue to uphold the rich traditions of Chinese jade carving...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Jade

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 Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Antique Chinese Hand Chiseled Stone Trough, Planter
Located in Pomona, CA
This stone trough is retrieved from the village in northern China. It is hand carved out one piece of stone and hand chiseled by the local stone master. It's originally for feeding h...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Stone

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

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Chinese Carved Rose Quartz and Jade Immortal Figure
Located in Atlanta, GA
An immortal figure carved from rose quartz with a jade or nephrite base. Comes in export box. Unmarked. Approx: 3.375" H x 2.25" W x .875" D.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Jade

Fine Chinese Qing Period Carved Giltwood and Lacquered Console Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fine Chinese Qing-period Carved Giltwood and Lacquered Console Table  China, 19th Century A stunning example of the elegance of the Qing Period in Chinese furniture. Dating back to ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer

Chinese Export Bamboo and Rattan Pair of Chairs and Stand
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive three piece set of Chinese Export furniture having a pair of armchairs and matching stand handcrafted with bamboo, bent bamboo and rattan, featuring bone finials, pegged c...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

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 Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

Pair of Chinese Red and White Porcelain Jars or Vases
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Enchanting pair of Chinese porcelain jars handcrafted in classic form and hand decorated in red and white floral designs.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Early 20th century carved Chinese hard wood floor lamp
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century carved Chinese hard wood floor lamp circa 1920. Carved in heavy hardwood. Carved dragons head forming the outlet for the light fitment, long stem leading down to ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Blue and White Perpetual Harmony Baluster Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This contemporary lidded baluster jar continues the centuries-old tradition of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain ware. Painted with cobalt pigments for a brilliant blue finish, the ja...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Petite Blue and White Chinese Pear Vase
Located in Chicago, IL
Contrasted by a crisp white field, this small porcelain vase is decorated in the timeless blue-and-white style with bold brushwork and deep cobalt-blue color. The gracefully curved f...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Chinese Porcelain Green and White Vases
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Delightful pair of Chinese porcelain vases with classic form and hand decorated in green and white floral designs.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Model of Chinese Beauty Pink Rose Quartz Goddess Quan Yin Hand Carved Figurine
Located in Tustin, CA
Exquisitely hand made and hand carved pink rose quartz figurine of the goddess Quan Yin. She is depicted holding a festoon of lotus blossoms and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Rose Quartz

19th Century Chinese Sang du Bouf vase / lamp
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality late 19th Century Chinese Sang du Boeuf vase / lamp with French gilded ormolu rococo style base. (slight restoration to neck) Batch 75 TNKZ. G100041/23
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-20th Century Chinese Handmade Low Coffee Table
Located in Pomona, CA
This lovely Chinese carved low coffee table was hand made from elm wood with carving works and Hand painted lacquer painting of floral pattern on the table. Look at the pictures, the...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Peachbloom Oxblood Porcelain Amphora Style Vase - Kangxi Mark
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese. A porcelain peachbloom oxblood porcelain vase with fitted base. Kangxi type mark to underside. Approx: 8.25" H X 2.5" W.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Qing Dynasty Porcelain Figural Story Vase
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, late Qing Dynasty.
A good quality antique porcelain vase depicting two women picking flowers under a colorful tree. Lion head handles and story marked to verso.
Ap...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

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

Mid-20th Century Asian Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Stunning 20thC Chinese Export Solid Silver Filigree Gem Set Cup & Cover c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Stunning mid-20th Century rare Chinese solid silver-gilt filigree cup & cover, the cup is richly gilded and applies with jade and amethyst cabochons stones. The cup stands proudly on...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold Plate, Silver

Pair Chinese blue and white Ginger jar vases / lamps, C19th.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An unusual pair of late 19th Century Chinese blue and white ginger jar lamps. Each with hand painted motif decoration to the gro...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Pair Chinese Pewter Guardian Foo Lions Hong Kong NG AN Signed Mid 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
Pair of vintage Chinese pewter guardian lions, in fierce sitting pose, with copper accents for sharp claws, and each topped with an adjustable height brass ball attached by a threade...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass, Pewter

A highly decorative pair of Chinese pottery Buddhist lions circa 1900.
Located in Central England, GB
An unusual pair of 19th century Chinese hand painted and richly glazed pottery seated Buddhist lions. They are each raised onto a stepped plinth with gilt character marks on the fron...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Pottery

A Good Pair of Chinese Export-style Floral Decorated Vases Mounted as Lamps
Located in San Francisco, CA
each of shapely baluster form with flaring neck above a bulbous body with a flared foot; hand-painted overall with iron-red floral and foliate vines and clusters with flying birds on...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

A Chinese export reverse-glass painting after an English print in original frame
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Canton, late 18th century In original hardwood frame with ruyi-shaped metal mount for suspension. H. 38.7 x W. 44.3 cm (incl. frame) H. 31.8 x W. 37.5 cm (image) Chinese reverse glass paintings for export are known since mid 18th century. By the 1780's the copying of European, mainly English, engravings came into vogue in Chinese paintings on glass...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

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

1980s Asian Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Red & Black Lacquer Altar Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Striking black and red laquered Chinese vintage altar table having beautiful brass and copper accents and wonderful shape with one drawer, Makes a fabulous accent table.
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Hongxian Marked Story Bowl
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, Hongxian mark circa 1915-1916.
An antique famille rose porcelain story bowl marked with 4 character Hongxian stamp.
A...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Mallet-shaped Blue and White Decorated Porcelain Lamps
Located in San Francisco, CA
each with cylindrical neck above a tapering body adorned overall with lappet and scrollwork perimeter bands and chevron decoration; raised on wooden bases
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

A Carved White Ware 'peony' vase, Song-Yuan dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The vase is raised on a slightly splayed foot and flanked on the tall cylindrical neck by a pair of mask handles. The body is molded with lotus scroll pattern between a floral scroll...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Wang Jida "Lion" Bronze Sculpture, 1988
Located in New York, NY
Wang Jida (Chinese, b. 1935), "Lion", Burnished and Patinated Bronze, signed "WJ" to rear left foot, and marked "c RFA 1988 / CRF / 41/300". Approx. 7.5" H x 9" L x 3.5" W.
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Bronze

A Large Pair of Chinese Blue and White Baluster-form Vases now as Lamps
Located in San Francisco, CA
each tall vase with flaring neck above a bulbous body ending in a splayed foot; adorned overall with hand-painted lappet perimeter bands and floral vines; raised on custom wooden pai...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese reddish elm and bamboo scholar chairs
Located in London, GB
An attractive pair of reddish coloured bamboo and elm decorative scholar chairs.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Mid 19th century Chinese export hand painted tea caddy
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid 19th century handpainted Chinese export tea caddy. This tea Caddy stands on four hand carved miniature foo dog sculpted feet. This tea caddy has its original pewter lin...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Gilt Brass Mounted Celadon Porcelain Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
Mid 20th Century Chinese Gilt Brass Mounted Celadon porcelain lamp with molded elephant ring handles and matching finial. Harp and finial included. Molded blue floral motif throughou...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

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

1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

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

1970s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Silk Road Sideboard
Located in Westwood, NJ
Inspired by Silk Road, an expressive portrayal of the infamous road from Xi'an to Constantinople as painted by artist Iris Feng. A reproduction of original artwork was digitally prin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

9 Pc, Chinese Export Porcelain Instant Starter Collection Including Armorial
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese, mostly 18th century.
A grouping of 9 Chinese porcelain objects including a blue and white floral bowl, a Famille rose bowl heavily enamel decorated with figural scenes, a "thousand...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Floral Kilim Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
77814 vintage Chinese Floral Kilim rug 04'02 x 06'03. This hand-woven wool vintage Chinese kilim rug features a color blocked field and border festoon...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood, Pine

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

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Stone, Carnelian

Camphorwood Campaign Chest - Late 19th Century Chinese Export Case (Medium)
Located in Soquel, CA
Camphorwood Campaign Chest - Late 19th Century Chinese Export Case (Medium) This hardwood chest has brass hardware, including handles. It has a plaque on the top that would have bee...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Brass

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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