The last imperial dynasty from 1644 to 1912 was a time of change in China, beginning with the invasion by Manchurian forces that ended the Ming dynasty and established the Shunzhi Emperor. The expansion of exportation and trade that had bolstered the arts during the Ming era continued, as Qing dynasty furniture involved the same attention to craftsmanship with expert construction techniques in hardwood pieces that were assembled with mortise and tenon joints rather than nails or glue. Together, these eras comprise a golden age of Chinese furniture design.
Ming-style furniture is simple and elegant with clean lines. Chairs of the period and other Ming furniture made an impression on Scandinavian modernist Hans Wegner and his streamlined seating, for example. Whereas Qing-style furniture is elaborate, with an increasing influence from the West leading to lavish carving inspired by the European Baroque and Rococo styles. And while many of the forms that define examples of the latter are common within classical Chinese furniture, such as curving and folding chairs as well as large screens, Qing designs are laden with ornamentation. Frequently, the carved motifs and inlaid designs in mother-of-pearl were auspicious, such as peonies for wealth or dragons for luck. Bats were symbols of happiness in the design of Qing furniture, with one of the characters in the word for bat, bianfu, being a homophone for fu, or “fortune.”
While several types of wood were used in the construction of Qing beds, tables, storage pieces and seating, today’s collectors know that the most prized were the rare rosewoods zitan and huanghuali. They were both sourced from Hainan, China’s largest island, and are marked by a rich luster that occurs naturally, without the application of lacquer or other decorative materials. Many of the most popular woods were imported from southeast Asia, adding to their value. Red sandalwood was also sought after for its durability and connection with Chinese medicine, with some chairs being made for health benefits.
Find a collection of antique Qing tea tables, stools, benches, decorative objects and more furniture on 1stDibs.
Chinese Woven Bamboo Foot Soldier's Helmet, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This conical woven hat originates from 19th century China and is expertly crafted entirely of bamboo. The outside consists of slivers of bamboo woven together with rattan strips, sec...
Bamboo
Miniature Huanghuali Wood Chinese Sideboard
Located in New York, NY
Miniature Huanghuali wood Chinese sideboard. An expertly crafted miniature architectural model in Huanhuali wood with brass hardware. A late 20th centu...
Rosewood
Everoak Motorcycle Helmet, Acu Approved Pudding Basin Helmet
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage A.C.U. motorcycle racing crash helmet, Everoak. A fine silver painted motorcycle helmet made in England by Everoak. This helmet has a cork i...
Silver
$549
H 5.91 in W 8.08 in D 9.85 in
Cromwell Motorcycle Helmet, ACU Approved Pudding Basin Racing Helmet
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
A.C.U approved Cromwell racing motorcycle crash helmet. A silver painted motorcycle, pudding basin shape helmet made in England by Cromwell. This helmet has a cork interior, fitted with a fabric headband and straps keeping a space between the head and outer case of the helmet. Strong leather neck and ear flaps are also fitted as is a chin strap and goggle strap to the rear. Inside the helmet is a cloth Cromwell trade label stating it conforms to A.C.U requirements, it has the British kite mark and is sized 7. This is an ACU (Auto-Cycle Union) approved racing helmet...
Leather
Vintage Patinated Corinthian Greek Helmet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This striking miniature bronze sculpture is a masterfully rendered Corinthian-style Greek helmet, capturing the martial elegance of antiquity. Reminiscent of the historic Grand Tour ...
Bronze
$1,004
H 11.03 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in
World War II original gas mask with nameplate and soldier's rank, circa 1940
Located in Praha, CZ
Original gas mask with adjustable straps, with filter and tin box Suitable for collectors, or as decoration Nameplate and soldier's rank see photo We also have other artifacts of thi...
Metal
Vintage Prosthetic Foot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage authentic prosthetic foot. Interesting piece of medical history. Great vintage condition.
Rubber
Victorian HOME SERVICE HELMET of the WELSH REGIMENT
Located in TEYJAT, FR
VICTORIAN HOME SERVICE HELMET OF THE WELSH REGIMENT - retailed by T McBride & Sons, 17 Charles Street, London, SW of dark blue felt over cork body, with large fire gilded plate with...
Felt, Cork
Indo Persian Steel and Brass Khula Khud Helmet
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Indo Persian steel and brass Khula Khud Helmet. Central Asia, Indo-Persian culture, circa early 20th century. A fine hammered metal steel and brass Islamic khula khud helmet of a domed form with an additional brass top finial. The top features radiating striations etched across the exterior and a tall brass spike finial with hammered line the lower periphery of the helmet, and a contiguous swath of chain mail hangs down to protect the wearer's neck. Dimensions: 22 in height total x 8 diameter. top hat is 8 in. x 7 in h to top finial. Metal base is 6.5 in. x 6.5 in. Indo Persian reproduction of an antique Islamic Helmet...
Metal
$2,250 / set
H 2.5 in W 2.25 in D 0.25 in
Canadian WW1 21st Regiment Soldier's Uniform Buttons, Badges & Medals Grouping
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This grouping of some three dozen WW1 items come from the estate of CPL. D.C Stewart who served in the Infantry of the 21st Regiment of the Canadian Armed Fo...
Brass
Vintage Campaign Anglo Indian Wicker Pith Helmet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Transporting British Colonial Anglo Indian pith helmet or hat ambitiously handcrafted in woven reed or wicker in classic form with metal breather holes and plenty of tropical charm. ...
Wicker, Reed
Vintage Leather Football Helmet c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Middlebury college leather football helmet. Hand block not included. CREATOR Uknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940. MATERIALS...
Leather, Plastic
Marching Military Soldiers Mechanical Toy
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Antique mechanical toy ambitiously crafted with a metal mechanism moved by a crank in the back, sending civil war union soldiers, carved in pine...
Metal
Sold
H 1 in W 23 in D 3 in
19th Century Chinese Jian Sword with a Double-Edged Metal Blade and Scabbard
Located in North Miami, FL
19th century chinese decorative Jian medium sword with a double-edged metal blade and scabbard By: unknown Material: iron, metal, paint, brass, copper, wood, animal skin, zinc Technique: forged, hammered, painted, gilt, carved, metalwork, hand-crafted, hand-painted, hand-carved Dimensions: 3 in x 23 in x 1 in Date: 19th century Style: Qing Place of origin: China This 19th century Chinese Jian sword exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of Qing dynasty decorative weaponry. The double-edged blade, forged from iron, exhibits a quadrangular cross-section and tapers to a sharp point. Its wooden hilt, intricately carved, is complemented by a brass pommel and guard, both featuring delicate chiseled ornamentation. The sheath, a testament to the artisan's skill, is constructed of wood wrapped in animal hide, displaying a distinctive black-and-white spotted pattern that adds texture and visual interest. Brass fittings, including an elaborately decorated chape, two suspension rings, and a locket, secure and embellish the scabbard. While the Jian was a classical Chinese weapon...
Zinc, Brass, Metal, Iron, Copper
Chinese Jade Archer's Ring Lined in Sterling
Located in Chicago, IL
An 18th century gentleman-scholar probably wore this Archer’s ring, which was carved by hand in Northern China out of a block of the highest quality jade. ...
Jade, Sterling Silver
Pair of Chinese Qin Dynasty Archaic Style Brass Swords
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Large archaic patinated swords inscribed with ancient classical Chinese characters dating to the unification of china under the Qin emperor. One includes an elaborately decorated and patinated brass sheath. Each weighs approximately 4 pounds. The smaller sword...
Brass