Regency Camel Coat

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.

Antique and vintage Chinese and East Asian rugs and carpets often include images of trees, animals and abstract forms. A colorful carpet offers a focal point for conversation and curiosity.

China has a long history of rug making. Some Chinese carpets date back thousands of years. Many designs resemble delicate Chinese porcelain, such as those with depictions of vines, plants and flowers. Others are pictorial with mythical creatures, local animals and people, while others have shape-based designs featuring lovely geometric patterns.

Small prayer rugs or larger pieces with audacious patterns and colors can be a meaningful part of any collection. Neutral-toned rugs predominated interior design for a while, but bolder is better. Through fine materials and vibrant hues, one is drawn into the stories of beautifully woven rugs from China and East Asia.

Wool, silk and chinoiserie rugs add grace to rooms by contrasting or complementing antiques and modern furniture. By pairing Chinese rugs from the 1960s with your mid-century modern credenza or coffee table, you can create a synthesis of modern American design with a sensibility toward materials more commonly associated with an Asian tradition of craft.

Explore the beauty of antique and vintage Chinese and East Asian rugs and carpets through an extensive collection on 1stDibs. Find the perfect floor covering for your home, office or other space.