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
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
$544
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
Stormtrooper Croco Helmet
Located in Paris, FR
Helmet Stormtrooper Croco fully covered in genuine crocodile leather in white Himalayan finish. Base is fully covered in genuine crocodile leather in black finish. Numbered piece ...
Crocodile, Resin
Scandinavian Armor, C. 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A beautiful decorative unique piece. An old Scandinavian Armor in metal, can either be hung on the wall or placed on a pidestall for decoration. Wear consistent with age and use.
Iron
Gladiator Croco Brown Leather Helmet
Located in Paris, FR
Helmet Gladiator Croco Brown Leather. The helmet is made of fiberglass and resin covered with real natural crocodile leather in brown finish. Stand is covered with real natural croc...
Crocodile, Resin, Fiberglass
F1 Helmet Hamilton Speaker
Located in Paris, FR
Speaker F1 Helmet Hamilton made from Lewis Hamilton formula 1 for Ferrari, unique piece. Headset includes: power supply 110-220 Volt / 50-60Hertz, PCF-05watt electrical absorbtion. B...
Resin
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
Vintage Prosthetic Foot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage authentic prosthetic foot. Interesting piece of medical history. Great vintage condition.
Rubber
19th Century Austrian Helmet
Located in Buchanan, MI
Handsome 19th century Austrian helmet. Helmet has been separated into two parts so they can be flush mounted to a wall.
Metal
Gladiator Croco Green Leather Helmet
Located in Paris, FR
Helmet Gladiator Croco Green Leather. The helmet is made of fiberglass and resin covered with real natural crocodile leather in green finish. Stand is covered with real natural croc...
Crocodile, Resin, Fiberglass
$997
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
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...
Metal, Copper, Iron, Brass, Zinc
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