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.
Antique Chinese Three-Legged Occasional Table with Inset Marble Top & Carving
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This round antique occasional table shows no maker's markings, but is presumed to have originated from China and dates to approximately ...
Marble
Antique Shanxi Province Black Lacquer Elm Side Table, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province black lacquer elm side table - pair. These beautiful black lacquered elm side tables have all its original color and patina.
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Set of Antique Chines Hongmu Nesting Tables
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A set of 2 antique Chinese hongmu hand carved nesting tables. The smaller that fits neatly into the larger table for easy access. 22 wide, 2...
Hardwood
Chinese Hardwood Kang Table, Hand-Crafted, 20th Century, Export Style
Located in Camden, ME
A hardwood Kang table, 20th century.
Hardwood
Antique Chinese Hardwood Kang Coffee Table with Glass Top, 1900
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
A Chinese table produced around the 1900s from hardwood with great light colour with light carved details, lattice work top and new glass top, the table is in original condition with minor losses and wear has benefitted from a wax finish Age: 1900 Style: Chinese Antiques Origin: China Material: Hardwood Condition: Original Restoration: new toughened glass...
Wood
Antique Chinese Carved Hardwood Stand with Burl Top
Located in Brea, CA
A antique Chinese heavily carved hardwood circular stand with burl wood top insert, over carved hardwood and unique 4 legs, see more pictures, measures: 9" height x 6” diameter.
Hardwood
Chinese 19th Century Hardwood Stand
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality 19th century Chinese hardwood stand, having inset rouge marble top, wonderful hand carved palm leaves and exotic bird decoration, raised on tree like cabriole leg...
Hardwood
Antique Chinese Elm Coffee Table with Original Color and Patina
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Chinese Elm Coffee Table with Original Color and Patina This antique Chinese coffee table is hand carved and has all its original col...
Wood, Elm
1920 Oriental Satin Walnut Coffee Table in Chinese Export Style
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Oriental Satin walnut low table, coffee table This is a very attractive piece, the table is in the style of an opium table, it has a carved border beneath the plate glass top The...
Satinwood
$3,418 / set
Nest of Four Chinese Hardwood Tables, circa 1880
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality nest of four Chinese hardwood tables, each with well carved vine leaf and grape decoration to the frieze. Polished hardwood tops,...
Hardwood
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Tall Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Tall Table This antique shanxi province elm table has its original color and patina.
Wood, Elm
Late 19th Century Chinese Petit Taboret, Birds, Branches, Blossoms Motif
Located in San Francisco, CA
Late 19th century Chinese petite taboret. Birds, branches, blossoms motif. Jewelry like fine details. Dark hardwood with mother of pearl shell blossoms. Openwork carved branches motif with finely carved birds throughout. Fine incised / engraved details on the mother of pearl birds...
Marble
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Coffee Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique shanxi Province elmwood coffee / side table. This antique Chinese rectangle coffee table can be also used as a game table. The table was made in the Shanxi Province. With st...
Elm, Bentwood
Antique Hand Carved Shanxi Province Coffer Sideboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Hand Carved Shanxi Province Coffer Sideboard With Drawers The Antique Hand Carved Shanxi Province Coffer Sideboard With Drawers is a stunning vintage piece from the 1900s. C...
Wood, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Geometric Frieze Elm Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province geometric frieze elm side table. This antique elm side table from the Shanxi Province of China has a unique geometric f...
Wood, Elm
$476Sale Price|20% Off
Unique Asian Character Tablet Top Faux Bamboo End Table
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This unique Asian character tablet top faux bamboo end table is a striking piece of furniture that blends artistic design with functional purpose. The tabletop is decorated with engr...
Slate, Metal
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Small Side Table with Carved Apron
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm small side table with Carved Apron This antique side table from the Shanxi Province of China has its original...
Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Carved Figural Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Carved Figural Table This 6 leg antique elm table has carvings of animals and people and beautiful patina.
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 Pierced Apron Elm Side Table - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province pierced apron elm side table - pair. A rare pair of elm side tables from the Shanxi Province of China. These side tables have a ...
Wood, Elm
Pair Chinese Pedestal Stand Tables Asian Interiors
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous pair of Chinese pedestal stand tables Classic tall pair perfect for displaying urns or vases Vases pictured are available but not included Some of our items are in storage s...
Wood
Vintage Shanxi Province Black Lacquer Wicker Rattan Altar Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage shanxi province black lacquer wicker rattan altar table. This vintage altar table features a single board flush floating panel with circul...
Wicker, Rattan, Wood, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Nightstand Sideboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elmwood nightstand / sideboard This nightstand / sideboard has 3 drawers and 2 shelves.
Elm
Vintage Chinese Green Two-Tiered Tole Oval Server
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese dark green tole, two-tiered server with a black metal frame holding two oval shelves decorated in a garland border of gold leaves with red...
Metal
Vintage Chinese Black Two-Tiered Tole Oval Server
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage Chinese black tole, two-tiered server with a black metal frame holding two oval shelves decorated in a garland border of gold leaves with red dots...
Metal
Antique Shanxi Province Elm and Black Lacquer Nightstand / Side Table with Stora
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm and Black Lacquer Nightstand / Side Table with Storage This antique elm wood and black lacquer tall side table from the Shanxi Province has its original ...
Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Tall Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Tall Table This Antique Shanxi Province Tall Table is made out of elm and has its original color and patina. It has a stun...
Wood, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Square Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm square side table. This antique Shanxi Province elm square side table from China, has its original color and patina.
Wood, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Side Table with Stone Top
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm side table with stone top. This antique Shanxi Province Side Table is made with Elm. It has all its original bea...
Stone
Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Linen Wrapped Elm coffee table This antique Shanxi Province coffee table has been cut down from a bed. It has a stunning finish of its original color and pa...
Linen, Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Vintage Shanxi Province Elmwood Side Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage shanxi province elmwood side table Chinese elmwood side table having a rectangular top. Beautifully aged patina.
Wood, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Wicker Rattan End / Side Tables, Set of 3
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Wicker Rattan End/Side Tables - Set of 3 The Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Wicker Rattan End/Side Tables are a stunning set of three tables with a ...
Rattan, Elm, Bentwood
Nest of Four circa 1900 Chinese Chinoiserie Lacqurered Tables Hand Painted
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of four original Chinese Chinoiserie black lacquered tables A good looking, d...
Wood
Pair of circa 1940 Chinese Export Chinoiserie Side End Wine Games Folding Tables
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this pair of lovely circa 1940s Chinese Export, Chinoiserie decorative, folding side end lamp or wine tables with glass tops A good looking, well made and decorative pair of folding side tables...
Hardwood
$9,500 / set
19th Century Chinese Bronze Side Tables
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century Chinese bronze end tables.
Bronze
Geo III Chinese Export Occasional Table
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
A rare C18th Chinese export occasional table, of elegant design and constructed of exotic hardwoods including Padouk. The oval tilt top with blonde wood crossbanded edge and repeat...
Padouk
Chinese Marbel Topped Tea or Coffee Table Using Vintage Carved Giltwood Panels
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage marble topped Chinese tea table constructed with vintage circa 1940 hand carved giltwood panels A very good looking and well...
Marble
$1,800
Chinese Side Table
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Chinese side table Dimensions: 18" W x 18" D x 20" H.
Wood
19th Century Chinese Box, Black Lacquered Rectangular Double Handled Box Handsom
Located in Buchanan, MI
A 19th century Chinese box. Black lacquered rectangular double handled box with gilt decoration throughout 7" x 25" x 21". Would make a great ...
Wood
19th Century ENGLISH BATTING TABLE
Located in Madrid, ES
19th Century ENGLISH BATTING TABLE in black lacquered wood with gold. Some flaws and minor defects. Dim.: 106 x 60 cm good original conditions
Lacquer
Lovely Vintage Signed Hand Painted Chinese Oriental Coffee Cocktail Side Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely vintage hand painted and signed Chinese coffee table A very good looking and well made piece, the top is in some kind of hardwood, its signed...
Brass
Four Terra Cotta Garden Seats with a Blue Glaze, Priced Per Pair
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking group of four large scale garden seats crafted in terra cotta in a traditional form, featuring a glorious blue glaze with a crackle finish. One with an old repair, as seen i...
Porcelain