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.
FINE ORIENTAL ANTIQUE CHINESE HAND PAINTED LACQUERED LARGE SiDE TABLE CUPBOARD
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1920's hand painted and lacquered Chinese Wedding cupboard...
Wood
Pair of Antique Chinese Apothecary Bedside Cabinets
Located in Faversham, GB
A wonderful pair of Chinese table top apothecary cabinets in elm with tortoiseshell coloured and enamel decoration. The spacious over sailing molded tops beneath a configuration of...
Elm, Paint
20th C. Vintage/Antique Bureau, Bookcase, Chinese, Painted Red Roll-Top Desk
Located in Austin, TX
Gorgeous 20th C. Vintage/Antique Bureau, Bookcase, Chinese, Painted Red Roll-Top Desk! Roll-Top Desk, Bureau, Bookcase, Chinese, Painted Red Lacquer, Vintage / Antique, 1900's, 20...
Wood
Very Rare 19th Century Chinese Mother of Pearl Inlaid Cabinet Cupboard Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning exceptionally rare original circa 1820 Chinese Mother of Pearl inlaid cabinet A ver...
Mother-of-Pearl
Large 19th Century Chinese Elm Sideboard 6-Door Cabinet Buffet
Located in IT
A striking and generously proportioned 19th century Chinese elm sideboard, celebrated for its rich, timeworn patina and simple architectural form. Crafted from solid elm wood, this i...
Elm
19th Century Chinese Elmwood Sideboard Cabinet
Located in IT
Authentic 19th century Chinese sideboard cabinet handcrafted from solid elmwood with a beautifully aged dark patina and naturally distressed finish. Featuring three paneled cabinet d...
Elm
Important CONSOLE With Mirror Chinese 19th Century in Hongmu Wood
Located in Madrid, ES
Important CONSOLE WITH MIRROR Chinese 19th Century in Hongmu wood, with carvings of birds and fruits. Pink marble top. Dim: Dimensions: 219 x 132 x 54 cm Compare a zitan demi-lune ...
Wood
Vintage Asian Pine Etagere Display Cabinet
Located in Westfield, MA
Introducing a Vintage Asian Pine Etagere Display Cabinet, a captivating fusion of Eastern aesthetics and practical design. Crafted from sturdy pine wood, this etagere features multip...
Pine
A Very Fine & Rare 18th Century Chinese Export Padouk Block-Front Bureau
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The richly figured case showing a drop-down panel affixed with a lectern bar, opening to an interior fitted with an arrangement of banks of small drawers, pigeonhole compartments &am...
Other
$5,995 / set
Vintage Chinese Elm Display Cabinets / Bookcases
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese Elm display cabinets / bookcases These elm sliding glass cabinets that have a brown lacquer finish has 6 drawers and 3 shelves. Can be used as display cabinets or g...
Glass, Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Chinese Export Oriental Heavily Carved Camphor Wood Chest of Drawers Part Suite
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Delighted to offer for sale this stunning hand made Chinese Export, circa 1900-1920 Camphor wood chest of drawers which is part of a set Please note the delivery fee listed is...
Wood
Lovely circa 1900 Oriental Hand Painted Side Cupboard Bookcase Metal Strap Work
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely circa 1900 eastern hand painted with floral details side pot cupboard with original metal strapwork door supports A very well made a...
Metal
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Open Shelf Display Bookcase with Original Brown
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood open shelf display bookcase with original brown lacquer This bookcase has 3 shelves and 4 drawers at the bo...
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Winged Elmwood Sideboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province winged elmwood sideboard This elmwood winged sideboard with original brown lacquer and patina has 4 drawers, 4 shelves, and ...
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
South East Asian Hardwood Brass Hinged Storage Side Table Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
A South East Asian, probable Chinese, Hardwood Brass Hinged Storage Side Table Cabinet. Workd well as an occasional low stool. Measures 16.25" in width, 16.5" in width and 18.5" in h...
Brass
Chinese Export Lacquer Bureau on Stand and Toilet Glass Dressing Table
Located in London, by appointment only
A Chinese export lacquer bureau on stand decorated with an unusual polychrome flower design This Chinese lacquer bureau on stand was made in ...
Lacquer
$680Sale Price|20% Off
Late 19th Century Chinese Red Lacquer Blanket Chest
Located in Sacramento, CA
Late 19th century Chinese red lacquer blanket chest with rattan top. These chests were often used for storage in homes, particularly for bedding and textiles, combining functionality...
Wood
Antique Chinese Camphor Chest Luggage Box Painted 1910
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Elegant antique Chinese painted camphor chest Circa 1910 The side panels each feature a bold, stylised dragon painted in red, green, and gold, symbolising strength and protection in ...
Wood
Antique Shanxi Province Cabinet with Hand Carving on Lower Apron
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province cabinet with hand carving on lower apron. This cabinet has 4 shelves, 2 drawers, and 2 doors. With original patina and hand carved design on lower apon.
Brass
19th Century Antique Chinese Chinoiserie Hand-Painted Lacquer Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique Chinese lacquer cabinet from the original Spago restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, currently being remodeled. Patinated bronze hardware.
Bronze
19th Century Chinese Elm Sideboard Bleached Rustic Cabinet with Four Doors
Located in IT
A beautifully aged 19th century Chinese elm sideboard showcasing a soft bleached finish that highlights the natural grain, character, and patina developed over generations. Crafted f...
Elm
Chinese Camphor Wood Travelling Trunk Silk Lined Multi Compartments, circa 1920
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very nice circa 1920’s Chinese export Camphor wood travelling chest with silk lining A good looking and well made piece, they are very rare in this size, it would make a great side or coffee table or perhaps a luxury toy...
Silk, Wood
Chinese Carved Wood and Red Accented Bogu Etagere Shelf
Located in Queens, NY
"Chinese Bogu wooden etagere featuring open display shelving connecting ornately carved, red framed doors, two red drawers with golden foliage ornamenta...
Wood
Chinese Parchment Leather Trunk on Stand Brass Mounts and Handles
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large Chinese parchment leather bound trunk on stand with brass mounts and handles. Used to store linens, clothing and other miscellaneous items, trunks were used in every room of th...
Wood
Antique Chinese Bar Cabinet, Hardwood with Shou Carvings, 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese hardwood bar cabinet with a paneled exterior and brass-hinged top and doors that open to reveal ample storage for glassware, slide-out bottle trays, two drawers and S...
Wood
$5,963Sale Price|36% Off
Chinese Camphor Wood Secrétaire Campaign Chest
Located in Cheshire, GB
19th century Chinese camphor wood secrétaire Campaign chest in two sections, the secrétaire frieze drawer with fall-front writing surface and vari...
Wood
$22,000 / set
Pair of Chinese Black Lacquered Coromandel Cabinets
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Asian Chinese style (19th Century) black lacquered and decorated coromandel cabinets with 4 doors with carved panels (PRICED AS PAIR). Antique condition, minor losses and cr...
Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Elm 2 Door Cabinet with Original Patina and Lacquer
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm 2 door cabinet with original patina and clear lacquer
Elm, Lacquer
A Beautiful & Rare Napoleon III 19th Century, Chinese Lacquer & Gilt Secretaire
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Beautiful & Rare Napoleon III 19th Century, Chinese Lacquer & Gilt Secretaire On Lion Paw Feet A fall front reveals a letter rack and inkwells and pen holder...
Brass
Chinese Silverware Cabinet Collectors Chest Relief Carved Chinoiserie
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A nicely carved Chinese storage or silverware cabinet, circa 1960s. It features beautiful Chinese wood relief carved scenes throughout. The hinged top lifts to reveal a green velvet ...
Brass
CHINESE ARK Ching Dynasty 1892 19th Century with Certificate
Located in Madrid, ES
CHINESE ARK Ching Dynasty 1892 19th Century with Certificate in black lacquered wood with gold, representing plant motifs and figures. Metal hardware. Signs of use and minor flaws. ...
Wood
Vtg Oriental Chinese Asian Lacquered Figural Painted Mirrored Cabinet Curio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Striking & Unique Vintage Oriental Lacquered Storage Cabinet. The piece features lovely relief painted figures, a distress yellow painted finish, a mirrored back interior with 2 glas...
Wood
19th Century Chinese Hardwood Armoire, Bronze Hardware, Export Style
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese (19th Century) hardwood cabinet / armoire with large bronze barrel pin closure on the front 2 doors which have 2 interior pull drawers with 2 add...
Hardwood
Antique Chinese Hand Carved circa 1880 Compound Cabinet Cupboard Campaign Handle
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very fine circa 1880 Antique Chinese hand carved stackable compound cupboard with military campaign style side handles A very rare, important and collectable piece of antique Chinese furniture...
Brass
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
Chinese Ming Style Altar Cabinet, Red Lacquered Elmwood, 1950
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Chinese Ming style hand painted red and brown lacquered cabinet with carved sides, drawer and doors. The piece features intricate hand carved details and an antique look patina. Behind its two doors is ample storage, including a single drawer. Exquisite Chinese altar elmwood cabinet features a rectangular top, sitting above an elegant façade, presenting a drawer fitted with teardrop pulls. Double doors below open to reveal a convenient storage space. The sides are accented with scrolled motifs. Raised on straight legs with carved apron, this Chinese altar dresser cabinet charms our eyes with its lovely patina and graceful lines, This early 20th century Chinese lacquered sideboard...
Wood, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Lacquered Cabinet with Painting on Doors
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Lacquered cabinet with painting on doors This cabinet has 2 drawers and 2 shelves with hand painted doors.
Elm, Lacquer, Paint
Decorative Vintage Chinese Gold Leaf Floral Painted and Lacquered Sideboard
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very nicely made, Chinese floral gold leaf painted and lacquered sideboard cupboard This is a very good-loo...
Wood
Vintage Asian Modern Pagoda Style Chinese Rosewood Altar Storage Chest
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Asian Modern Pagoda Style Chinese rosewood altar storage chest Gorgeous Asian Modern pagoda style Chinese rosewood single lined top dra...
Brass
1970s Antique Chinese Red-Painted Wooden Commodes with Two Drawers
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Chinese red-painted wooden commodes / side tables with two drawers and breakfront doors with brass pulls (PRICED AS PAIR).
Brass
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Red Lacquer Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province elmwood red Lacquer cabinet This tall cabinet has 2 drawers and 3 shelves.
Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Hand Painted Black Lacquer Apothecary
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Hand Painted Black Lacquer Tall Apothecary / Medicine Cabinet This stunning antique apothecary/medicine cabinet hails from th...
Brass
Vintage Chinese Pierced Screen Scholars Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Chinese Pierced Screen Scholars Cabinet Decorate this your living room with this beautiful and versatile Chinese pierced screen scholars cabinet. The cabinet is in Asian har...
Wood
Antique Shanxi Province Original Hand Painted Elmwood Sideboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province original hand painted elmwood sideboard This Antique Sideboard from the Shanxi Province of China has its original paintings ...
Paint, Lacquer, Elm, Wood
Antique Wooden Bedside Cabinet with Carved Chinese Scenery
Located in Monrovia, CA
Antique Chinese Wooden Bedside Cabinet with Intricately Carved Chinese Scenery. Beyond The Decorative Carvings The Carvings Can Therefore Be Enjoyed At Their Face Value For The Skill...
Wood
Antique circa 1900 Chinese Export Burr Elm & Brass Engraved Sideboard Butterfly
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely circa 1900 Chinese Export burr elm sideboard A very good looking and well made decorative antique ...
Brass
Antique Custom Shanxi Province Elmwood Cabinet - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique custom Shanxi province elmwood cabinet - pair. These custom cabinets made in the Shanxi Province of China has two drawers and two shelves. A...
Elm, Paint
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Cabinet with Hand Carved Arpon
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm cabinet with hand carved arpon. This Elmwood cabinet with original color and patina and hardware is from the Shanxi Province of China. It has carving details at the bottom with original lacquer. The cabinet suitable to be used for an elegant storage for clothing, beddings, china and crystal...
Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquered Elmwood Storage Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquered Elmwood storage cabinet The storage cabinet has 6 drawers and 2 shelves.
Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Winged Elmwood Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Small Winged Elmwood Cabinet This cabinet has 2 drawers and 2 shelves.
Wood, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Teak and Glass Display Cabinet/Bookcase
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Teak and Glass Display Cabinet/Bookcase 2 Shelves and 4 Doors
Glass, Wood, Teak
Lovely Chinese Burr & Burl Elm Apothecary Chest of Drawers with Cupboard Base
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely small Apothecary Burl Elm Chinese chest of drawers with cupboard base A good looking and decorative piece, it’s the right size as a ...
Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Brown Black Lacquered Elmwood Bookcase
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province brown black lacquered elmwood bookcase. This bookcase has 2 shelves and 2 two drawers. This elm and patina piece can also double as a bar.
Wood, Elm
Chinese Export Leather Trunk, circa 1820
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Chinese Export camphor wood and leather trunk with iron carrying handles, painted red with floral borders, corners and escutcheon, decorated with brass tacks; the carved and painted ...
Leather
Antique Shanxi Province Tall 2 Drawer Elmwood Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province tall 2 drawer Elmwood cabinet This tall cabinet has 2 drawers located at the bottom apron and 2 shelves. The cabinet also has...
Elm, Lacquer
Lovely Vintage Chinese Wine Side Table Cabinet with Bottle & Glass Storage
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely decorative wine / drinks chest with top space for glasses. A very nice and decorative piece, it seems to...
Wood
Antique Shanxi Province Red Elm Lacquered Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Red Elm Lacquered cabinet This cabinet had 2 side doors, 2 shelves, and 2 drawers. Can be used as a bar, storage for fine china and crystal...
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Rare Oriental Chinese Export Vintage Pagoda Top Red Cabinet Very Decorative
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely large vintage circa 1930's hand painted and lacquered Chinese Pagoda top cabinet A very good look...
Wood
VERSATILE HARDWOOD CHINESE BUFFET WiTH GOOD SIZE TRAY SINGLE TIER & WHEELS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely rosewood Chinese buffet sideboard with tray, single tier, and cupboard. This versatile, unique and well made piece compromises a good ...
Hardwood
Antique Chinese Export circa 1900 Redwood Lacquered Inlaid Wash Stand Sideboard
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely circa 1900 Chinese Export redwood & inlaid wash stand sideboard with glass top A very good looking and well made decorative antique...
Teak
ANTIQUE CHiNESE HAND CARVED CIRCA 1890 CHEST OF DRAWERS VERY DETAILED HANDLES
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale these absolutely stunning, ornately hand carved Chinese export circa 1890 chest of drawers in Camphor wood ...
Wood