What defines Chinese Export furniture from the Qing period?

Chinese Export furniture produced during the Qing dynasty was crafted specifically for Western markets, blending traditional Asian materials and motifssuch as pagodas, dragons, and florawith European furniture forms tailored to Western domestic life.

What materials and construction techniques are typical of inlaid rosewood tables?

These tables are primarily constructed from dense hardwoods like rosewood or blackwood, utilizing traditional joinery without metal fasteners. The surfaces feature intricate marquetry and inlays crafted from contrasting woods, bone, mother-of-pearl, or brass.

How can one identify authentic 19th-century Chinese export centre tables?

Authentic pieces exhibit hand-carved details, timber cut before modern industrial milling, and natural aging on the underside of the tabletop and joinery. Stamping or labeling by prominent 19th-century retailers, such as London cabinetmakers Edwards & Roberts, often verifies imported or adapted origin.

How do you style an antique inlaid centre table in a modern interior?

Position the piece as a focal point in an entry hall, foyer, or grand living room to highlight its circular silhouette and intricate surface pattern. Balance its dark wood and detailed marquetry by pairing it with minimalist contemporary architecture, neutral walls, and clean-lined seating.

What is the proper care and maintenance for antique inlaid rosewood furniture?

Keep the wood in a climate-controlled environment away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent shrinkage or lift in the detailed inlay. Clean dust regularly with a soft dry cloth and apply natural beeswax sparingly to preserve the timber and protective polish.

for sale €8,775 $9,525

£7,500

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2024

View Dealers Stock Page

Relevant Links

Brown Inlaid Table

Chinese Export Table

Inlaid Circular Table

Rosewood Circular Table

Inlaid Rosewood Furniture

Edwards and Roberts Table

Chinese Rosewood Furniture

Id #SA1221372

PDF

SAVE

Antique Qing Chinese Export Rosewood Inlaid Centre Table by Edwards & Roberts

Name: Antique Qing Chinese Export Rosewood Inlaid Centre Table by Edwards & Roberts
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1221372
Price: 7500 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

Description

An impressive mid-19th century Qing period (1644-1912), Chinese export centre table, made in Chinese rosewood and retailed by Edwards & Roberts. The table is richly inlaid with ivory and contrasting woods, and represents a high-quality example of Chinese decorative furniture produced for the Western market during this period.

The tabletop is finely inlaid with a detailed scene depicting daily life along a southern Chinese river. Using contrasting woods and ivory set into a rosewood ground, the composition shows boats on calm water, figures travelling and working, riverside buildings, and birds in flight. Interwoven throughout the scene are traditional Chinese auspicious symbols, including bats (happiness), phoenixes (peace and harmony), and dragons (strength and protection). Rather than illustrating a single narrative, the scene presents an idealised vision of harmony between people, nature, and symbolic creatures, reflecting themes of prosperity and balance.

The table is supported by an octagonal central column, also inlaid, which rises from a square base. From the column extend four carved supports, each decorated with phoenixes and floral carvings, providing both structure and visual richness. The base stands on ogee feet, fitted with 19th century castors, most likely added by Edwards & Roberts when the piece was retailed in Britain.

The table is stamped “Edwards & Roberts” three times beneath the top. Edwards & Roberts were among Britain’s leading 19th century cabinet makers and retailers, known for supplying high-quality furniture to an affluent clientele. Pieces such as this were often imported in sections, with the central column and leg supports designed to dismantle and reassemble using wooden dowels, before being stamped and finished for the British market.

What Is Chinese Export Furniture?

Chinese export furniture refers to pieces made in China specifically for Western buyers, particularly for the European and British markets, from the 18th to the mid-19th century. These works were produced by highly skilled Chinese craftsmen using traditional materials and techniques, often incorporating Western furniture forms alongside Chinese decorative motifs and symbolism. Such pieces were prized for their craftsmanship, exotic materials, and detailed inlay, and were retailed by leading firms in London and other European cities.

Edwards & Roberts

Edwards & Roberts were one of Britain’s leading cabinet makers and furniture retailers of the 19th century, based in London. Founded in the early 1800s, the firm became known for supplying high-quality furniture to a wealthy clientele, including pieces inspired by Asian, classical, and historic European styles. Edwards & Roberts frequently imported fine furniture and decorative works, which were then assembled, finished, stamped, and retailed in Britain. Their stamp is widely regarded as a mark of quality and careful selection.

Ivory Compliance

This table contains historic ivory inlay and is registered under UK Ivory Exemption Reference: 5S9A9W27, allowing legal sale and delivery within the UK. International delivery may be restricted due to import regulations relating to ivory.

Dimensions

• Diameter: 135 cm / 53.15 in

• Height: 76 cm / 29.92 in

Delivery

Free UK mainland delivery (excluding Scottish islands and other UK islands).

International delivery may be restricted due to ivory regulations — please contact us prior to purchase to discuss options.

Physical Dimensions

Height

76cm (29.92")

Width

135cm (53.15")

Depth

135cm (53.15")

Declaration

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables has dated this Rosewood Inlaid Centre Table to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1221372

Dealers Notes

Delivery:

Free UK mainland delivery (excluding Scottish islands and other UK islands).

International delivery available — please contact us or request a quote.

Description

An impressive mid-19th century Qing period (1644-1912), Chinese export centre table, made in Chinese rosewood and retailed by Edwards & Roberts.

“

The table is richly inlaid with ivory and contrasting woods, and represents a high-quality example of Chinese decorative furniture produced for the Western market during this period.

Knight Fine Antiques and Collectables

fig 1. Circular rosewood centre table featuring detailed marquetry depictions of ships, pagodas, and floral motifs resting on a square inlaid pedestal base. — fig 1. Antique Qing Chinese Export Rosewood Inlaid Centre Table by Edwards & Roberts

The tabletop is finely inlaid with a detailed scene depicting daily life along a southern Chinese river. Using contrasting woods and ivory set into a rosewood ground, the composition shows boats on calm water, figures travelling and working, riverside buildings, and birds in flight. Interwoven throughout the scene are traditional Chinese auspicious symbols, including bats (happiness), phoenixes (peace and harmony), and dragons (strength and protection). Rather than illustrating a single narrative, the scene presents an idealised vision of harmony between people, nature, and symbolic creatures, reflecting themes of prosperity and balance.

fig 2. Circular rosewood centre table featuring detailed marquetry depictions of ships, pagodas, and floral motifs resting on a square inlaid pedestal base. — fig 2. Antique Qing Chinese Export Rosewood Inlaid Centre Table by Edwards & Roberts

The table is supported by an octagonal central column, also inlaid, which rises from a square base. From the column extend four carved supports, each decorated with phoenixes and floral carvings, providing both structure and visual richness. The base stands on ogee feet, fitted with 19th century castors, most likely added by Edwards & Roberts when the piece was retailed in Britain.

fig 3. Circular rosewood centre table featuring detailed marquetry depictions of ships, pagodas, and floral motifs resting on a square inlaid pedestal base. — fig 3. Antique Qing Chinese Export Rosewood Inlaid Centre Table by Edwards & Roberts

The table is stamped “Edwards & Roberts” three times beneath the top. Edwards & Roberts were among Britain’s leading 19th century cabinet makers and retailers, known for supplying high-quality furniture to an affluent clientele. Pieces such as this were often imported in sections, with the central column and leg supports designed to dismantle and reassemble using wooden dowels, before being stamped and finished for the British market.

fig 4. Circular rosewood centre table featuring detailed marquetry depictions of ships, pagodas, and floral motifs resting on a square inlaid pedestal base. — fig 4. Antique Qing Chinese Export Rosewood Inlaid Centre Table by Edwards & Roberts

What Is Chinese Export Furniture?

Chinese export furniture refers to pieces made in China specifically for Western buyers, particularly for the European and British markets, from the 18th to the mid-19th century. These works were produced by highly skilled Chinese craftsmen using traditional materials and techniques, often incorporating Western furniture forms alongside Chinese decorative motifs and symbolism. Such pieces were prized for their craftsmanship, exotic materials, and detailed inlay, and were retailed by leading firms in London and other European cities.

fig 5. Circular rosewood centre table featuring detailed marquetry depictions of ships, pagodas, and floral motifs resting on a square inlaid pedestal base. — fig 5. Antique Qing Chinese Export Rosewood Inlaid Centre Table by Edwards & Roberts

Edwards & Roberts

Edwards & Roberts were one of Britain’s leading cabinet makers and furniture retailers of the 19th century, based in London. Founded in the early 1800s, the firm became known for supplying high-quality furniture to a wealthy clientele, including pieces inspired by Asian, classical, and historic European styles. Edwards & Roberts frequently imported fine furniture and decorative works, which were then assembled, finished, stamped, and retailed in Britain. Their stamp is widely regarded as a mark of quality and careful selection.

fig 6. Circular rosewood centre table featuring detailed marquetry depictions of ships, pagodas, and floral motifs resting on a square inlaid pedestal base. — fig 6. Antique Qing Chinese Export Rosewood Inlaid Centre Table by Edwards & Roberts

Ivory Compliance

This table contains historic ivory inlay and is registered under UK Ivory Exemption Reference: 5S9A9W27, allowing legal sale and delivery within the UK. International delivery may be restricted due to import regulations relating to ivory.