Chinese Export Sterling Silver
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
Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
A rare Chinese Export Silver Goblet depicting the story of the Three Kingdoms. The goblet embossed and chased with characters of army of General Dian Wei (典韦) and General Lü Bu (吕布)....
Category
1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Antique early 20th Chinese Exceptional Solid Silver Teapot, Wu Hua物華, Tianjin
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
Antique early 20th Century exceptionally rare Chinese solid silver teapot, of traditional round form, the body finely engraved in traditional Chinese style, suggesting this teapot was made for the Chinese market. The body engraved with bamboo and butterflies , the unusual handle imitating bamboo, the removable lid set with a peach finial (Peaches are the symbol of longevity). According to Daoist lore, the peaches of immortality grew in the garden of the Queen Mother of the West - Xi Wangmu.
the spout with a hedged cover in the shape of a lingzhi mushroom and a FU symbol of good furtune.
the top frieze is decorated with 8 Chinese symbols: a scroll, a Ruyi scepter, a qin, The Endless Knot, a pendant, an old book, a wrist rest, and two overlapping squares.
The teapot is very unusual, fine and exceptionally crisp. it is made of heavy Gauge silver and the attention to detail and design is simply outstanding.
"WU HUA...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
c1900 Chinese Export Silver Dragon Dish by Wang Hing
Located in Southampton, NJ
A c1900 90% silver Chinese Export Shallow Dragon Bowl by Wang Hing. The reticulated bowl is exportly cast, carved, engraved hammered and chased throughout. The bowl features a centra...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Silver Cocktail Shaker
Located in London, GB
Chinese Silver Cocktail Shaker, of traditional form with a matte backgound around most of the body, a plain circular space for any requ...
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
A Chinese silver goblet profusely decorated with chased, richly defined chrysanthemum against a matte background and is supported by two intertwi...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Jardiniere with Dragons and Figures
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export Silver Jardiniere circa 1890, of rectangular form and variously pierced to all four sides. The side with the vacant cartouche has two opposing dragons separated by a...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Collection of 80 Chinese Silver & Gilt Table Wares, 19th-20th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This group of 80 silver and gilt table wares is a delightful selection of Chinese and Japanese export wares, comprised of 56 spoons, 2 sugar tongs, 6 butter spreaders, 7 lemon forks and 9 napkin rings. Nearly every piece is unique, decorated in an array of motifs and metalworking techniques, including repoussé, chasing, mold casting and engraving.
Amidst the cutlery are two stand-out spoons: a small spade carved from mother-of-pearl and a petite silver spoon inset with a green jadeite charm...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Gold Plate, Silver Plate, Silver
Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker, circa 1925, embossed and chased with dragon decoration Retailed by Hung Chong, and made by Sheng (声).
There is a bold single dragon, with prot...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Tray
By Luen Wo
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 Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver Tea Set with Dragon & Bamboo Decoration
By Luen Hing
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique handcrafted sterling silver tea set was made in China in circa 1880 in the period Chinese export style. The set is composed of a teapot, creamer and lidded sugar bowl an...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pair of Chinese Export Silver Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
A Pair of Chinese Export Silver Candlesticks, each with coiled dragon chasing a fire pearl around the plain column, with the dragons rising in opposing directions to face each other....
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
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 Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Antique Chinese Export Silver Three Piece Tea Service
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Chinese Export Silver Three Piece Tea Service - Antique Circa 1920
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese export silver three piece tea service; an addition to our diverse silver teaware collection
This exceptional antique Chinese silver tea set...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese, Export Silver Set of Three Soy / Salt Cellars, Marked Zhen Hua on Side
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 3 silver soy , salt cellar, spices with a divider and marking that reads Hua. All pieces engraved with birds and flowers .
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Tea and Coffee Service
By Yu Chang
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stunning and complete seven-piece Chinese export silver tea and coffee service was crafted by Yu Chang of Shanghai and Hong Kong, a firm re...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Chinese Export Silver Tea or Coffee Service by ZeeSung
By Zee Sung
Located in Atlanta, GA
A three-piece set of Chinese export sterling silver tea or coffee service circa early 20th century. The service consists of a lidded tea or coffee pot, a creamer and a sugar bowl. Th...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Chinese Export Silver Biscuit Box
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Biscuit Box, circa 1895, with British import marks for Glasgow 1902, and a later blue-glass liner.
The box is pierced with two pairs of opposing dragons, and th...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Dragon Serving Tray
Located in Atlanta, GA
An elaborately decorated silver serving dish or butler's tray, likely dated to the turn of the 20th century, made in China for the export market. The round tray has a solid center in...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Early Chinese Export Silver Tea Service by Cutshing
By Cutshing
Located in Atlanta, GA
An early set of Chinese export sterling silver tea service circa 1840-70s. The service consists of a lidded tea pot, a creamer and a sugar bowl. The surface was beautifully decorated with chased high-relief dragons with tightly chased scales, slithering with open claws...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Rare Chinese Export Sterling Silver Tea Set with Dragon Design Tianjing Wuhua
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese export sterling silver tea set comprised of 13 pieces including tea pot, sugar, creamer, four tea bowls and six tea spoons, circa 1910s-1920s. Featuring matching chased rel...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
A rare Chinese Export Silver Goblet depicting the story of the Three Kingdoms. The goblet embossed and chased with characters from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, including Zhuge ...
Category
1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Silver Trinket Box with Chinese Scene, Late 19th-Early 20th Century
Located in St. Catharines, ON
A heavy silver box with canted corners, the hinged cover in the style of an ancient traditional woodcut featuring a Chinese traveling figure or salesman w...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Small Chinese Export Silver Dessert Fork, Marked KH, Early 20th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A charming, small Chinese export silver dessert fork marked KH and Bai Xi, early 20th century, China.
The small dessert fork with three tines. The ha...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Sugar Tongs by Luen Wo, Early 20th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A wonderful pair of Chinese export silver small sugar tongs in a bamboo pattern by Luen Wo, late 19th or early 20th century, Shanghai, China.
The small silver tongs wonderfully cr...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Bowl
By Luen Wo
Located in London, GB
A Chinese export silver bowl, profusely decorated with dragons among clouds on a matte background. The bowl has a vacant cartouche, and is fro...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
3 Piece Antique Chinese Silver Tea Set
Located in London, GB
Classic Chinese export silver tea set comprising teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl made in the Liang Sheng ?? workshop. For thousands of ye...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Goblet
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Goblet, with prunus decoration. The goblet weighs 258g and dates from around 1885. Marked WH for Wang Hing '宏兴‘ whi...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Bowl
By Luen Wo
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Bowl, profusely decorated with chrysanthemum, prunus, iris, and bamboo, and with a vacant circular cartouche. The bowl d...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Biscuit Box
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Biscuit Box circa 1890, of quatrefoil form. The front and back panels are embossed and chased with court and battle scenes, and the two side panels with bamboo....
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Sterling Silver Creamer and Sugar by Cutshing
Located in Atlanta, GA
A two-piece set sterling silver creamer and sugar signed "CUT" and "TienXing" in Chinese, circa second half of 19th century. Cutshing was a Chinese silversmith located at 8 New China...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pair of Chinese Export Silver Vases - Made by Wang Hing circa 1900, Dragons
Located in London, London
Made circa 1900 by Wang Hing, this handsome pair of Antique Chinese Export silver vases, are of traditional form, decorated with a dragon motif. Each vase measures 7.25"(18.5cm) tall...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Bowl with applied decoration depicting various plants and birds, and with three dragon handles. The retailer's mark is...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
STUNNING ANTIQUE CIRA 1900 STERLING SILVER CHiNESE EXPORT DRAGON COCKTAIL SHAKER
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, circa 1900 Chinese Export Dragon cocktail shaker
A good...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Set of Chinese Export Silver Overlay Bottle with Five Cordials Tianjin Wuhua
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of Chinese Export silver drinking set consists of a pinch bottle and five cordials circa 1910s-1920s. Featuring matching elaborate chased relief dra...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Chinese Export Silver Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Turn-of-the-century Chinese export silver picture frame. Oval window in shaped surround with scrolls and flower heads at top, and leaves, stars, flowers, and heart cartouche vacant o...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Mug
By Leeching
Located in London, GB
A Chinese export silver mug with flowers and foliage engraved within decorative panels; and a dragon handle. Marked with LC, for Leeching, 利升 (...
Category
1870s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver & Enamel Bowl
Located in London, GB
A rare and exquisite Chinese Export silver & enamel bowl, made in Shanghai around 1895 by Huang Qui Ji, and retailed by the firm of Woshing.
The bowl feat...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Dragon Motif Knife or Letter Opener
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese Export silver dinner knife. Overall motif on the handle of dragons with clouds. Single knife could also be used as a letter opener. Stamped markings on the blade.
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Chinese Export Silver Tray
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Salver/Tray, circa 1890, chased and engraved with bamboo and prunus blossom on a matte background, with a pierced bamboo gallery, and 3 fluted feet.
Retailed b...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Two Chinese Export Silver Place Card Holders by Wang Hing, Early 20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
Two delightful Chinese export silver place card holders in the form of fans, by Wang Hing & Co., early 20th century, Canton, China.
The place card holders crafted of silver in the...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
19th Century Wang Hing Sterling Silver Cherry Blossom Bowl
Located in San Francisco, CA
Rare Chinese export sterling silver bowl by Wang Hing & Co. with applied relief cherry blossom flowers on each side of the bowl where it transitions into the feet, casted and styliz...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Chinese Export Silver Dragon Spoon by Wang Hing & Co., Late 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A very fine and charming Chinese export silver spoon in the form of a dragon, by Wang Hing & Co., Qing Dynasty, late 19th century, China.
...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Luen Wo Signed Antique Ladies Sterling Silver Chinese Export Belt
By Luen Wo
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique sterling silver ladies belt was made by Luen Wo of Shanghai China in circa 1900 in the period Chinese Export style. The belt is done with indi...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Chinese Export Silver Candelabrum & Dish
Located in London, GB
Chinese Centrepiece circa 1895, formed as a 2-light candelabrum with a central dish supported by two flying dragons.
The underside of the candle holders and the dish are fluted, and...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Antique Pierced Chinese Silver Egg Cup, Kwong Man Shing, Hong Kong circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Pierced Chinese silver egg cup
Made by Kwong Man Shing of Hong Kong.
Good gauge of silver depicting a dragon and clouds.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Peranakan Chinese Export Silver Tankard with Dragon Handle, 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A heavy and well cast Chinese export silver tankard with a dragon handle, made of the Southeast Asian market, mid-late 19th century, China.
The double walled mug or tankard featur...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
1800s - A Chinese Antique Silver Stand / Tazza, Handcrafted, Nanking
Located in Skien, NO
**Rare and Collectible Primitive Chinese Antique Silver Stand / Tazza, 1800s**
Elevate your collection with this exquisite and rare Chinese antique silver stand, or tazza, dating ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Antique Chinese Export Silver Bamboo Mug
By Khe Cheong
Located in New York, NY
Chinese export silver mug, ca 1850. Straight and upward tapering sides applied with leafing bamboo on stippled ground. Branch-form handle and rims. Applied rondel engraved with single-letter monogram in buckled belt. On underside is engraved “H. J. T. / 1855”. Interior gilt washed. Chinese mark...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Hexagonal Chinese Silver Salt Cellar, Cumwo, Hong Kong, circa 1890
By Cumwo
Located in London, GB
Hexagonal Chinese silver salt cellar, Cumwo, Hong Kong, circa 1890.
Depicting bamboo, Prunus blossom and Chinese Iris.
Heavy quality with original clea...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Chinese Export Powder/Talc Shaker
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Export, sterling silver powder/talc holder/shaker, China, Ca. 1900. Decorated with an etched, full dragon that wraps itself around the holder/shaker. Holder is also lightly h...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Sterling Silver
Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
A Chinese Export silver bowl decorated with chrysanthemum against a matte background.
Made by the firm of Lian xiang sheng of Shanghai and Ca...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Silver Christening Mug by Hung Chong, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Chinese silver christening mug, by Hung Chong, circa 1900.
This maker made in Canton and Shanghai.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Antique Chinese Silver Battle Mug with Dramatic Dragon Handle
Located in New York, NY
Chinese silver mug, ca 1865. Straight and upward tapering sides with dense low-relief frieze: Spearmen and swordsmen on foot and horse thrust and lu...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker, Tray & Beakers
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker, Tray and 6 Beakers, Hong Kong circa 1920. The cocktail shaker and shot size beakers have applied dragon decoration and a round vacant cartouche...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Cocktail Shaker, c1925, embossed and chased with bamboo decoration against a matte background, with a single round vacant cartouche.
Marked with TC, for Tuck C...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Bowl
Located in London, GB
Round Chinese Silver Bowl, of segmented form, variously decorated with chrysanthemum, prunus, dragons and birds, all beautifully detailed. Retailed by the firm of Wang Hing which was...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export Silver Box
Located in London, GB
Chinese Export Silver Table Box circa 1890 of long rectangular form, embossed and chased with prunus branches and blossom against a matte background.
The box is marked with WH, for ...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Pair of Chinese Export Silver Candlesticks
Located in London, GB
Pair of Chinese Export silver candlesticks with the character for "Luck" on one and "Longevity" on the other. They are attached to round wood stands.
Marked with SW, for Shing Wo, “...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Sterling Silver
Materials
Silver
Chinese Export sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export sterling silver for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sterling silver created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, asian art and furniture, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export sterling silver 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 sterling silver, popular names associated with this style include Wang Hing & Co., Luen Wo, Hung Chong & Co., and Leeching. 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 sterling silver differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $145 and tops out at $34,500 while the average work can sell for $4,142.