Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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
China 4 hongmu wood nesting tables early 20th century
Located in Miami, FL
Chine, 4 nesting tables in hongmu. Beginning XXe century
Very interesting for end sofa tables , elegant and easy to use in any decoration style even minimalist design.
- Table 1 - ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Large Gilt Iron and 18th-Century Coromandel Top Coffee Table
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large Gilt Iron and Chinese Chinoiserie 18th-Century Coromandel Coffee Table. The rectagular top with inset 18th century coromandel panels decorated with polychrome landscape scene. ...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Lacquer
Early-Mid 20th Century Chinese Red & Gilt Coffee Table Trunk
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Early-mid 20th century Chinese red & gilt coffee table trunk on custom iron stand. Parchment leather applied to wood - various losses & scuffs commen...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Iron
Chinese Black Lacquer Mother of Pearl Oval Nesting Coffee Table Set 6 Stools - A
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Black Lacquer Mother of Pearl Oval Nesting Coffee Table Set - 6 Stools - A. Item features a custom oval glass top, black lacq...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Chinese Export Dowry Box / Trunk On Stand Or Coffee Table Depicting Horses.
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Chinese Export style dowry trunk on ebonized base. It is beautifully painted and depicts a Chinese ceremonial horse parade. The brass hardware is intentionally weathered. I...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
20th Century Vietnamese Hand-Carved Asian Coffee Low Table with Elephant Scene
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Inset glass top deep relief carved Vietnamese low table. Heavily carved throughout depicting elephants working in a forest. Very nicely done with figural carved legs/feet and floral ...
Category
Late 20th Century Vietnamese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Mahogany, Teak, Glass
Monumental Chinese Export Gilt and Painted Low Coffee Table
Located in Queens, NY
Monumental Chinese Export low coffee table with a raised scalloped gallery surrounding a gold texture painted tabletop, surrounded by a dark brown apron with gold painted floral deta...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Chinese Relief Carved Ho ho Bird Glass Top Display Black Coffee Table
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Chinese Relief Carved Ho ho Bird Glass Top Display Black Coffee Table. Item features a solid wood frame, black and gold painted finish, finely r...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint
19th. C. Chinese Hardwood Low Coffee Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Just in this area looking 19th. C. Chinese Hardwood Low Coffee Table.
Chinese hardwood low table with a paneled top with a an openwork apron of linked C-scroll and oval carvings rais...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Mid-Century Chinese Coffee Table with Mother of Pearl Inlay
Located in Chicago, IL
This beautifully hand-carved coffee table features a marble inset top with mother-of-pearl inlay decoration. These tables are popular due to their beautiful aesthetic, craftsmanship,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Marble
Fine Chinese Late 20th Century Carved Green Serpentine Center Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Chinese late 20th century finely carved green serpentine center table. The six-legged pedestal table entirely carved of green serpentine, with a pierced apron in a Cantonese design...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Serpentine
South East Asian Handcrafted Bone Inlay Rosewood CocktailTable
Located in Germantown, MD
A South East Asian Handcrafted Bone Inlay Rosewood Cocktail / Coffee Table in great vintage condition. Measures 42" in width, 20.5" in depth and 18" in height.
Category
Late 20th Century Indonesian Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Bone, Rosewood
Modern Asian-Style White Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern Asian-style white coffee table, a Classic style inspired by the far east. This table is a large square shape with horse hoof-style legs, a design that dates back to the 14th c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Lattice Work Coffee Table
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...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Shanxi Province Elmwood Long Narrow Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Shanxi province elmwood long narrow coffee table
This vintage Chinese elm carved coffee table has carved curved legs and stretchers. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
Chinese 20th Century Black Laquer & Mother Pearl Inlaid Low Coffee Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this gorgeous Chinese black lacquer low coffee table with beautiful colours and design.
The wooden and rectangular table is delicately crafted a...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Antique Elm Woven Rattan Top Opium Bed Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Elm Woven Rattan Top Opium Bed / Coffee Table
Introducing our Elegant Antique Elm and Woven Rattan Top Opium Bed Coffee Table - a capti...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Rattan, Elm
Faux Bamboo Square Cocktail Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
19th century style square cocktail table with a carved faux bamboo edge to the entire frame, a brushed and textured veneered top, and four bold ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Enforced Rattan Top
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Enforced Rattan Top
The Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Reinforced Rattan Top is a stunning vintage piece from the 1900s....
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Rattan, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Scroller Leg Low Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Shanxi Province Elm Low Table/Bench with Scroll Legs
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this table showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of the Shanxi P...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Asian Style Ebonized Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Asian-style ebonized finish square coffee table, a classic style inspired by the far east. This table is a square shape with horse hoof-style legs, a design that dates back to the 14...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Vintage Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table with Carved Apron
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Shanxi Province Elm coffee table with Carved Apron
This Vintage elm coffee table is from the Shanxi Province of China. It has a hand ...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Elm
Elegant Elmwood Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Low Coffee Table
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sophisticated and elegant elm Chinese coffee table having handsome carvings on all sides and beautiful Asian style legs that turn in at the ends.
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Elm
Octagon Chinoiserie Decorated Mirror Top Low Coffee Table with Carved Wood Base
Located in Manhasset, NY
Octagon chinoiserie decorated mirror top low coffee table with carved wood base.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Glass
Oriental Brass Tray Charger on Teak Stand
Located in Vienna, AT
Oriental brass tray charger or coffee table on teak stand.
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Chinese Huanghuali Hardwood Round Table
Located in North Miami, FL
Antique Huanghuali hardwood round low center table with great patina. very nice original wear. Elegant appearance. Structurally sound. Apparently unmarked. Measures: Approximate heig...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Linen, Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Asian Style Vintage Blue Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Asian Style Vintage Blue Coffee Table, a classic style inspired by the far east. This table is a square shape with horse hoof-style legs, a d...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
'Kang' Coffee Table, Susanne Hollis Collection
Located in San Marino, CA
Our take on a 19th century Chinese kang table. Clean, simple stretchers on four straight legs. Even in patina and surface. Lead time 4-6 weeks.
Custom sizes available.
Category
2010s American Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Chinese Lacquered Wood Table Stone Top with Carved Essay
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese antique table from Northern China likely Shanxi Province circa late Qing dynasty to Republic period (late 19th century). The square for...
Category
19th Century Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Stone
Chinese Elm Coffee Table
Located in San Marino, CA
One of a pair of newly made elm tables, re-imagined from salvaged pieces of an antique bed. Could be paired with a similar piece (PB2186), though not an exact pair.
Category
1990s Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Elm
Mid 19th Century Chinese Hardwood Low Table
Located in London, GB
A mid 19th century Chinese hardwood low table of attractive golden colour, having fielded panelled top, supported on scrolled legs with “roundel” feet.
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Hardwood
19th Century Pair of Chinese Coffee or Side Tables
Located in Chicago, IL
19th century pair of Chinese coffee or side tables. Beautifully constructed of wood. Originally used for meals while seated on the floor.
Dimensions: 44.5" W x 22" D x 19" H.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Elm
Shanxi Province Opium Bed Elm and Rattan Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Shanxi Province Opium Bed Elm and Rattan Coffee Table
This Shanxi Province elm and woven rattan top Ming style dynasty opium bed has been converted into a table. The woven rattan to...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Rattan, Elm
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Low Bed Bench / Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province elm low bed bench / coffee table.
This antique elm low bed bench can also be used as a coffee table or a display table. It has a rich ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Hand Woven Rattan Top Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province hand woven rattan top elm coffee table
This elm wood round leghed coffee table and hand woven rattan top is backed with solid elm wood beneath for durability...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Rattan, Elm
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
Qing Dynasty-Style Set of 4 Chinese Wooden Nesting Side Tables
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Please carefully read the complete description below, where we provide technical and historical details to ensure the authenticity of our items.
This is an original set of four Chinese side tables crafted from black lacquered oak. Known as nesting or interlocking tables, these pieces fit into one another and have a long tradition in China as both functional and decorative furniture. The production of high-quality furniture, including nesting tables, is historically associated with the Suzhou region, renowned for its fine craftsmanship and classical Chinese-style furniture. Interlocking wooden side tables were especially popular during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), although their use dates back to earlier times.
This particular set dates from the late Qing Dynasty, between 1902 and 1905, and was crafted in the Suzhou region by skilled cabinetmakers who executed precise, intricate geometric carvings under each table top. These geometric patterns represent auspicious symbols in Chinese culture and reflect traditional decorative motifs. The tables are made of sturdy oak, ideal for durable furniture, and finished with a black lacquer. The oak used originates from the mountainous northern regions of China, such as Shanxi and Shandong.
Stackable and space-saving, nesting tables are perfect for rooms where space optimization is essential. When needed, they can be easily separated and used individually as tea tables...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Oak
Antique Tibetan Polychrome Decorated Lift Top Trunk
Located in Antwerp, BE
A charming Tibetan-Chinese painted storage trunk, 18th century, Tibet.
In red paint.The front with hand-painted decoration depicting two central dragons among scrolled clouds. The...
Category
19th Century Tibetan Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wrought Iron
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 ...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Leather
19th Century Coffee Table from Antique Chinese Door, Shandong, 1950s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A unique piece, this table was handcrafted from an ancient Chinese door.
The wood is vintage elm with a beautiful patina.
The table's frame is made from metal and features a mini...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal
19th Century Chinese Lacquered Chest on Stand
Located in Sheffield, MA
A very handsome Chinese lacquered trunk or coffee table with exceptional heavily embellished hand-hammered hardware -- iron handles, hinges, corner plates and lock which uses a cross...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Asian Round Coffee Table Carved with Dragons and Peacocks, Indonesia, circa 1920
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Superb Asian side table / tea or coffee table in carved solid wood.
The carved top represents a majestic peacock surrounded by two serpents or mythologi...
Category
1920s Indonesian Vintage Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique 19th Century Oriental Hardwood Table
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A late 19th century oriental hardwood stand or coffee table having marble inset
Shaped top and carved decoration raised on cabriole legs with under t...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table Cut from Chinese Bed
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Elm Coffee Table Cut From Chinese Bed
Introducing our Exquisite Handcrafted Elm Wood Coffee Table - a remarkable piece repurposed from a traditional Chinese bed, embodying the rich history and artistry of Chinese craftsmanship. This coffee table is a testament to the ingenuity of repurposing, transforming a traditional bed...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Modern Asian-Style Square Coffee Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Asian-style square coffee table of reclaimed pine, a classic style inspired by the far east. This table is a square shape with horse hoof-style legs, a design that dates back to the ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm
Asian Chinese Style Wooden Rectangular Coffee Table
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese export (mid-20th Century) hong (black) wood low rectangular coffee table with cabriole legs.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Low Rosewood Table
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Chinese (Early 19th Century) low narrow hardwood table or bench with a smooth, top slanting upward at each end, supported by two legs with subtly-scalloped cutouts.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Rosewood
Asian Chinese Style Brown Lacquered Gilt Medallion Coffee Table
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Chinese-style (20th Century) brown lacquered square coffee table with gilt star trim and a large round center medallion with figure...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Gold Plate
Chinese, hard wood, Kang Table, 20th Century
Located in Camden, ME
A hardwood Kang table, 20th century.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Red Lacquer Elm Coffee Table
This Antique Shanxi Province coffee table is made of elm, and has red lacquer. The color and patina...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Elm, Lacquer
Oriental Satin Walnut Low Table, Coffee Table
Located in Chillerton, 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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Satinwood
Antique Shanxi Province Elm and Bamboo Small Tea Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi province elm and bamboo small tea table.
This antique elm and bamboo small tea table has its original color and patina. Can be used as...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Bamboo, Wood, Elm
20th Century Black Lacquer Low Table
Located in London, GB
A mid-20th century black lacquer square low table, the top in set with rattan above an apron and shaped feet.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Shanxi Province Natural Color and Patina Elm Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Shanxi Province Natural color and Patina Elm coffee table
This Antique coffee table from the Shanxi Province of China is made of Elm and has all it...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Elm
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...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Vintage Kang Style Chinese Teakwood Red Lacquer Coffee Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Kang Style Chinese Teakwood Red Lacquer Coffee Table
The Vintage Kang Style Chinese Teakwood Red Lacquer Coffee Table is a stunning piece of furniture that captures the esse...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Teak, Lacquer
Chinese Export coffee and cocktail tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Chinese Export coffee and cocktail tables 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 coffee and cocktail tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, asian art and furniture, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Chinese Export coffee and cocktail tables 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 coffee and cocktail tables, popular names associated with this style include Henredon, and Susanne Hollis. 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 coffee and cocktail tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $450 and tops out at $42,500 while the average work can sell for $3,085.