Chinese Export Cabinets
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
Mid Century Chinese Cabinet with Small Drawers
Located in Troy, MI
This circa 1950s small Chinese cabinet has four small drawers at the top, chow style feet and an open storage compartment with two hinged drawers. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Brass
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 Cabinets
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Contemporary Red Lacquered and Ornate Asian Storage and Filing Cabinet on Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
A Contemporary Red Lacquered and Ornate Asian Storage cabinet or Filing Cabinet on Stand. Inside Felt lined and stand top. Very good vintage condition. comes with removable filing ra...
Category
Early 17th Century Unknown Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Felt, Hardwood, Lacquer
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.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Export Coromandel Lacquer Cabinet on Stand, Mid-19th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A delightful Chinese coromandel brown lacquer cabinet on stand, made for the export market, early to mid-19th century, China, presented on an early 20th century custom fitted stand.
The gem of a cabinet is fitted with doors and drawers, and decorated on all sides.
The top, back and sides with lacquer painted scenes of birds and flowers.
The front of the cabinet featuring a pair of stunning coromandel doors carved with a shanshui (mountain and water) landscape scene, complete with temples and pagodas, boats and bridges, and figures, all set against craggy mountains shrouded in clouds and rippling water.
The cabinet mounted with brass hinges and lock plates (key included) and a pair of carrying handles.
Opening the doors reveals eleven wondrous black lacquer drawers...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Black Lacquer and Rosewood Cabinet with Soapstone and Bone Inlay
Located in Lomita, CA
This cabinet makes a dramatic statement in black lacquer with rich rosewood trim and brass pulls. But the whimsical figural bone inlay carvings are what makes this most memorable. Th...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Lacquer
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.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Bronze
Pair Vintage Chinese Red Lacquer Table Cabinets.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Pair Vintage Chinese Red Lacquer Table Cabinets.
Beautiful pair of matching red lacquer diminutive Chinese storage table cabinets. Created...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Exquisite Rosewood Hand-Carved Oriental breakfront– Late 19th /Early20th Century
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This magnificent two-part Oriental China cabinet is a true testament to masterful craftsmanship, designed to serve as a grand curio or china dis...
Category
Late 19th Century Singaporean Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Rosewood, Paint
Pair of 20th Century Chinese Black and Gold Lacquered Three-Tiered Cabinets
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Chinese black lacquered three-tiered glass and wooden cabinets decorated with landscape scenes and carved borders with brass hardware and detailed interior ( Early 20th Centu...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Glass, Wood
Chinese Black Lacquer Wedding Chest
Located in Pasadena, TX
Keep your throw blankets stored neatly inside this late 20th Century wedding chest. The hand painted figural scenes featuring warriors on the top, change on every side with natural e...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood
18th Century Chinese Kitchen Cabinet
Located in San Marino, CA
An 18th century Chinese export kitchen cabinet with six cabinet doors, two of them featuring beautifully intricate carved designs, and four drawers.
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Export Lacquered Flora Fauna Cabinets
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic pair of Chinese export black lacquered cabinets decorated with colorful flora and fauna. The cabinets are fronted by two large doors that open to a storage area. The doors h...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Iron
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...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Chinese Elmwood and Brass Credenza or Sideboard, Mid 20th Century
Located in Hamburg, PA
A handsome Chinese credenza or cabinet made of elmwood with brass hardware. This Asian sideboard has beautiful amber tones with mortise and tenon joints. The cabinet is functional wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Chinese Qing Dynasty Altar Piece Shrine Cabinet
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Antique Asian Wing Dynasty altar piece or shitine. Made of hardwood, probably huanghuali. Decorated with carved symbols of bats.
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Carved Rosewood Altar Form Side Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
A Chinese Carved Rosewood Altar Form Side Cabinet
Measures 37.5" in width, 16" in depth and 31.5" in height.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Rosewood
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 ...
Category
1960s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Walnut Brass Mounted Hardwood Silver / Jewel Chest
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 19th Century to Ealy 20th Century Chinese Export Walnut Brass Mounted Hardwood Silver Chest or Jewel Chest in great vintage condition. Soft Chinese motif textile lined inte...
Category
Early 20th Century Hong Kong Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty Hardwood Armoires
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Asian Chinese (Qing Dynasty) hardwood cupboard cabinets with carved relief on 2 front doors over 2 drawers with a carved apron on base (Priced as pair).
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Unique Pair of Teak Asian Carved Dragon Canoe Form Etagere Bookcases
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a very cool and unique pair of canoe form pair of etageres or bookshelves. They are incredibly rare in form and have their original finish and whimsical carved dragons and in...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Teak
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood
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.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
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...
Category
1820s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
Chinese Cabinet Armoire, circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
The superb quality of this Chinese cabinet is largely due to the exceptional finish. The old brown painted finish has slight red undertones and is accentuated by a hand buffed finish...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Chinoiserie Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Chinoiserie Cabinet
The Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Chinoiserie Cabinet is a vintage pie...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Chinese Hardwood Bar Cabinet with Shou Carvings
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...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Square Corner Locking Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Perfecting line and proportion, the simple design of this low locking chest celebrates the restraint of classic Chinese furniture forms. Crafted from reclaimed elmwood, the cabinet i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Metal
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
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Altar Red Lacquered Cabinet
Located in North Hollywood, 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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Elm
Mid-20th Century Chinese Parchment Cabinet
Located in CABA, AR
Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the Orient with this exquisite mid-20th century Chinese cabinet, imported from France and crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Ma...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Parchment Paper
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Lattice Carved Door Panel Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elmwood Lattice Carved Door Panel Cabinet
Introducing our Exquisite Antique Shanxi Elmwood Door Panel Cabinet - a captivatin...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Elm
18th Century Chinese Hardwood Tapered Cabinet
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
A very simple and plain Chinese round corner and tapered cabinet produced early 18th century from mixed hardwoods, with later restorations and rep...
Category
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
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...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Teak
Fine Antique Chinese Butterfly Hand Painted Lacquered Large Side Table Cupboard
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage circa 1900's hand painted and lacquered Chinese Wedding cupboard decorated with gold l...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood
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.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Elm, Lacquer, Paint
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...
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood
19th Century Chinese hardwood side cabinet.
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality 19th Century Chinese hardwood hand carved side cabinet. Having this wonderful shaped cornice with mythical carved Dragons and a...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Hardwood
THREE VINTAGE CHINESE HARDWOOD MILITARY CAMPAIGN BOOKCASE DRINKS CABINET DRAWERs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of three, Chinese Rosewood, Military Campaign style bookcases...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Brass
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.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Brass
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.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
ORIENTAL CHINESE STYLE TEAK SiDE TABLE SIZED CABINET FOR MEDIA BOX STORAGE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Oriental style side table cabinet designed for media box / games console storage
Please note t...
Category
20th Century English Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Glass, Teak
Chinese Wooden Bar Cabinet with Shou Carvings
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...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Large Chinese Modern Style Cabinet Credenza by Baker Milling Road Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular two part cabinet by Baker Furniture as part of their Millertown Road collection.
The cabinet consists of a large upper case, that features two center doors which open to...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Chinese Square Corner Locking Cabinet
Located in Chicago, IL
Perfecting line and proportion, the simple design of this low locking chest celebrates the restraint of classic Chinese furniture forms. Crafted from reclaimed elmwood, the cabinet i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquered Elm Storage Cabinet with Drawers
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province red lacquered elm storage cabinet with drawers
This Elmwood Storage Cabinet has 2 doors, 2 shelves, and 9 drawers...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Elm, Lacquer, Paint
Vintage Glazed Display Cabinet, Chinese, Walnut Collector's Whatnot, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage glazed display cabinet, of Chinese craftsmanship and with fine Art Deco period charm, dating to circa 1940. Beautifully crafted in walnut, the cabinet offers refine...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Glass, Walnut
19th Century Chinese Hardwood Armoire
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...
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Hardwood
Early 20th Century Chinese Red Carved Wooden Display Cabinet
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (early 20th Century) red wooden display cabinet with an open main shelf framed above a cabinet, and intricate gold figurative sc...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Chinese Scholar’s Low Kang Hardwood Cabinet, circa 1880
Located in Faversham, GB
An ebonised burgundy Chinese scholar’s low kang hardwood cabinet. Featuring six small drawers, four across the top above a central cupboard that sits behind two doors and two hidden ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Hardwood
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...
Category
20th Century Chinese Export Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Chinese Export cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export cabinets for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage cabinets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export cabinets 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 cabinets, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, and Europa Antiques. 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 cabinets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $487 and tops out at $145,000 while the average work can sell for $4,022.