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.
Rare and Beautiful Architectural Pagode Display Cabinet, China
Located in Antwerp, BE
Made of carved wood with transparent fences and scrollwork panels, two dragons at the front and pagoda roofs on top. A beautiful realization by the Chinese woodcarver and furniture m...
Sapele Wood, Ivory
Large Chinese Apothecary Cabinet, 56 Drawers, Early 20th Century
Located in BORGO, FR
Large Chinese apothecary cabinet with 56 drawers, early 20th century. Originally used in traditional Chinese medicine, this exceptional piece carries a rich narrative, each drawer on...
Metal
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
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
$479Sale Price|46% Off
H 24 in W 27 in D 13 in
Antique Asian Chinoiserie Pagoda Shaped Tea / Apothecary Cabinet
By Beaufort
Located in East Freetown, MA
Antique Asian tea/apothecary cabinet.. Pagoda shaped cabinet has two doors and four drawers. Wood with detailed brass fittings. Painted Chinoiserie ...
Wood
$4,699
H 74.81 in W 40.95 in D 19.3 in
Chinese Lacquered Medecinchest, Second Quarter of the 19th Century
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese lacquered apothecary, circa 1820-1840. 77 drawers each with Chinese script for, herbs, minerals and natural remedies. Original restored lacquer with a wonderful warm color...
Elm
$2,617Sale Price|24% Off
H 57.88 in W 53.55 in D 19.3 in
Antique French Oak Apothecary Cabinet, Early 20th Century
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This oak apothecary cabinet with brass hardware was made in the early 20th century in France and was used in a hardware store. It is very well made and it remains in a good restored ...
Oak
$959Sale Price|20% Off
H 57 in W 30.75 in D 22.5 in
Antique Oak Apothecary Filing Cabinet With Brass Handles
Located in San Carlos, CA
Breathe New Life into Your Space with this Stunning 10-drawer Oak Apothecary Cabinet! Vintage Charm Meets Modern Functionality: This exquisite 10-drawer oak apothecary cabinet is a rare find, offering timeless elegance and exceptional storage capacity. Crafted from solid oak, the cabinet boasts a warm, inviting presence that complements a variety of design styles. Perfect for the home or office, its ten drawers provide ample space to organize anything from paperwork and files to linens, crafting...
Brass
$1,969
H 27.17 in Dm 13.98 in
LOVELY ANTiQUE CHINESE CHINOISERIE LACQUERED & HAND PAINTED SIDE LAMP WINE TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite hand made in China Chinoiserie painted and lacquered side table Please note the delivery fee...
Wood
$4,065
H 31.89 in W 65.36 in D 24.02 in
Antique French Oak & Fruitwood Apothecary / Filing Cabinet, Early 20th Century
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This apothecary cabinet was made in the early 20th century in France from oak and fruitwood. It features 9 large drawers with ornate cast iron handles. The interior dimensions of the...
Oak
$3,452
H 67.33 in W 44.49 in D 22.05 in
19th Century Chinese Apothecary Medicine Cabinet with 45 Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Beautiful Chinese apothecary medicine chests dating to circa 1840-1860 from the Shanxi province, China. 45 drawers and original lacquer. ...
Metal
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. ...
Brass
$2,195
H 36.5 in W 21.5 in D 17.75 in
Early 20th Century Oak 20 Drawer Labeled Plumbing Apothecary Cabinet 2 Available
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Rare and Fabulous oak 20 drawer apothecary cabinet with labeled plumbing supplies on the door fronts with Brass pulls. Created by the Sexa...
Brass
$3,000
H 34 in W 47 in D 22 in
Early 20th Century Antique Pine Apothecary Store Counter Cabinet Kitchen Island
Located in Round Top, TX
Fun and function abound in this free standing pine kitchen island with 24 drawers. This delightful pine apothecary originally served as a shop counter or storage cabinet. Counters si...
Wood, Pine
$5,221
H 79.53 in W 81.11 in D 18.9 in
Large Antique German Pine Apothecary Cabinet / Vitrine early 20th Century
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This stunning rustic apothecary cabinet was made in Germany around the turn of the century. It was very well made and retains a nice patina and colour. The cabinet has been restored ...
Pine
Oak Apothecary cabinet
Located in MILL, NL
Very nice apothecary cabinet / chest of drawers. Made of solid oak. Dark in color. Probably from Belgium, ca. 1900. Cabinet is very solid and heavy. Drawers run properly. Dimension...
Oak
Chinese Apothecary Cabinet with 40 Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Apothecary cabinet with 40 drawers and sliding door below. Metal drawer pulls. Some wear from age and use. Please note of wear consistent with age.
Metal
Sold
H 77 in W 39 in D 22.25 in
19th Century Apothecary Cabinet Having 45 Drawers, Large and Impressive
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century apothecary cabinet having 45 drawers. Large and impressive. This fine cabinet is from the late 19th or early 20th century Ming style herbal cabinet...
Metal
19th Century Laohuali Qing Dynasty Chinese Traveling Medicine Chest
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful antique apothecary or medicine chest traditionally used to store household medicinal herbs. The rectangular low chest has a variety of different sized drawers, original bra...
Hardwood
19th Century Chinese Elm Apothecary Cabinet Chest
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Impressive 19th century Chinese Elm apothecary cabinet or chest. Features 27 carved drawers with each small drawer divided into 2 sections inside. The drawer fronts feature later brass shaped pulls. The chest was constructed using mortise and tenon joinery and has beautifully paneled sides. The rich finish showcases the lovely grain patterns in the wood. Provenance: From an estate in Malibu who purchased the piece from Steven Thomas...
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Apothecary Cabinet
Located in Benington, Herts
This very ornate medicine chest in red lacquer has its original finish, including the drawer labels and brass handles. Once used by an apothecary to hold the herbs and remedies used...
Paint, Hardwood