Chinese Works of Art
Chinese art is one of the world’s great artistic traditions, shaped over centuries by court culture, religion, scholarship, and trade. From the powerful sculptural forms of the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties to later ceramics, lacquer, bronzes, and export wares, it is marked by extraordinary technical accomplishment, refinement, and continuity. Across these different mediums runs a distinctive confidence of vision, uniting beauty, symbolism, and craftsmanship.
Its influence on Europe was immense. From the 17th century onward, Chinese porcelain, lacquer, and decorative arts transformed European interiors and collecting, introducing new ideas of ornament, colour, and design. In turn, Chinese artists and workshops responded with great sophistication to foreign demand, producing works for export that combined Chinese craftsmanship with European taste and forms.
This exchange became one of the most important artistic dialogues between East and West. From the cosmopolitan energy of the Tang dynasty to the outward looking brilliance of 18th and 19th century export art, Chinese works of art reflect a tradition that was both deeply rooted and remarkably responsive. Below you will find pieces that embody this rich history, including rare and important examples chosen for their quality, character, and significance.
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A Pair of Chinese Export Canton Enamel Candlesticks China, Qing dynasty, 18th century -
A Pair of Chinese Export Nodding Head Figures
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A gilt bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin)
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Howlett & Horne, London: Miniature Ormolu and Enamel Musical Table Clock
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A rare and special Chinese clay figure of a Merchant
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A set of six Chinese export enamel plaques, possibly produced in Beijing or Canton 清代外銷銅胎畫琺瑯一組（六件）
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A gilt bronze standing figure of a dharma protector 銅鎏金護法立像
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An unusual Chinese gilt bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara 北魏或周代 中國銅鎏金觀音菩薩像
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A gilt bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara 鎏金銅觀音菩薩立像
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A seated gilt bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara 隋 / 唐初 銅鎏金觀音坐像
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A standing gilt bronze figure of Guanyin 觀音菩薩立像
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A RARE AND IMPORTANT SET OF THREE IMPERIAL CLOISONNE PANELS
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A PAIR OF CANTON ENAMEL AND IVORY EUROPEAN TRIBUTE FIGURES
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A Magnificent Twelve-Panel Coromandel Lacquer Screen Depicting Guo Ziyi
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A PAIR OF CARVED SOAPSTONE FIGURES OF A MANDARIN AND FEMALE ATTENDANT
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A PAIR OF FIGURES, OF FOREIGNERS ON BUDDHIST LIONS
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A LIMESTONE FIGURE OF A FEMALE ATTENDANT
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A CHINESE EXPORT REVERSE-PAINTED MIRROR DEPICTING THE SHEPHERDESS AND FALCONER
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A CHINESE EXPORT GOUACHE ON PAPER PAINTING OF A SEATED LADY
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A CHINESE EXPORT REVERSE-PAINTED MIRROR
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A PAIR OF CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE ENAMEL SCONCES
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A PAIR OF CHAMPLEVE ENAMEL QUAIL
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A Chinese Export Landscape with Waterfall and Figures
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A PAIR OF GOUACHE ON SILK PAINTINGS OF LANDSCAPES
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MARRIOTT. AN EXCEPTIONAL TURTLE SHELL QUARTER CHIMING TABLE CLOCK
