Qing Metalwork
QING STYLE
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.
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Style: Qing
Chinese Bronze Vessel with Tripod Feet, c. 1750
Located in Chicago, IL
This 18th century bronze vessel with tripod feet was crafted by hand in a traditional Chinese shape known as "ding," that dates back to 1600 BC. Tripod bowls were originally used for making religious offerings to ancestral gods. This ding is mounted on a finely carved hardwood...
Category
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Qing Dynasty Silver Tea Strainer, Late 19th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A wonderful Chinese silver tea strainer, Qing Dynasty, possibly Tong Zhi period (1861 to 1875), late 19th century, China.
The silver tea strainer elegantl...
Category
1870s Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Silver
Early and Fine Chinese Iron Water Bath
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Early 19th to mid 19th century Chinese, Iron, water bath.
With the patina of decades, this cast-iron sarcophagus-shaped bath has its original handles and exudes a timeless floral dec...
Category
1820s Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Iron
Chinese Qing Bronze Sauce Boat with Flying Cranes
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish and impressive antique Chinese Qing bronze sauce boat decorated with cranes and dating from the 19th century. The sauce boat has been created in ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Floral Apothecary Mortar, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This vintage mortar and pestle from Shanxi, China was cast in iron with a floral relief. It was originally used in a traditional apothecary t...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Iron
1880's Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Censer, Ducks on the Fitted Wood Base
Located in Norton, MA
Chinese bronze cloisonne enamel censer in a form of ducks sitting on the fitted wood base. It's been carefully designed in every detail.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Copper
Large Gilt Bronze Statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara with Four Arms
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely cast bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara in his four-arm form with gilt and polychrome surface. The Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion is worshiped in all Buddhism sect as one ...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Qing Twin Handled Miniature Bronze Tripod Censer
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish and heavily made antique Chinese Qing (1644-1911) twin handled bronze tripod censer dating from the 18/19th century. The censer stands raised on three simply formed legs wh...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Double Butterfly Charm Ring, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the late 19th century, this silver charm ring was crafted by the Miao peoples of the Guizhou province and was believed to protect the wearer from bad luck and malevolent spi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Silver
Japanese Bronze and Champ Leve Censer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Japanese bronze and champleve censer jar. Large elephant handles and a standing elephant finial on the top lid. Six hexagonal sides. Bronze with fine ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
QING DYNASTY 1880 Seated Enthroned Mazu Quan-Yin In Solid Gilt Bronze
Located in Miami, FL
A 19th century enthroned Mazu Quan Ying from the Qing Dynasty.
This is a beautiful antique sculptural figure of an enthroned Mazu Quan Yin, cast in bronze in high relief in the late...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze, Gold
QING DYNASTY 1850 Sculptural Enthroned Mazu Quan-Yin In Solid Gilded Bronze
Located in Miami, FL
A 19th century enthroned Mazu Quan Ying from the Qing Dynasty.
This is a beautiful antique sculptural figure of an enthroned Mazu Quan Yin, cast in bronze in high relief in the late...
Category
1850s Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze, Gold
Chinese Late Qing Pair Cloisonne Floral Pattern Vases
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional and stunning pair antique Chinese Qing cloisonné enamel vases decorated with floral patterning dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. The bulbous bottle shap...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Chinese Qing Fine Quality Black Cloisonne Lidded Container
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and quality Chinese Qing black cloisonne enamel lidded container dating from the latter 19th or early 20th century. The container is brass b...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Chinese Asian Antique Qing Water Bottle Vessel Bed Warmer With Floral Design
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautifully decorated Chinese late Qing-dynasty (1644–1911) hot water bottle, originally used to heat a bed or warm the body. This piece is made of brass (it could be bronze but w...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass
Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Archaic Style Bronze Enamel Champlevé Censer 1900
Located in Portland, OR
Antique Chinese archaic style bronze enamel Champlevé Censer / Incense Burner, circa 1900.
The lidded censer having a male Foo dog finial, below the ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Chinese Qing Yellow Cloisonne Writing Set
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare and exceptional antique Chinese Qing yellow cloisonne enamel writing or desk dating from the latter 19th century. The set comprises a lidded inkwell, a hinge lidded box, a pen...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Copper, Enamel
QING DYNASTY 1800 Early 19th Century Pair of Bronze Censers With Lids & Bases
Located in Miami, FL
An early 19th century dragons censer from the Qing Dynasty.
This is a beautiful antique pair of censers, heavily cast in high relief in the early of the 19th century during the Qing...
Category
Early 1800s Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Antique Casting Handbell Made of Copper Alloy / Temple Bell
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
A Chinese antique handbell made of copper alloy.
I think it is from the late Qing dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty.
Although it is a casting, ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Chinese Silver Repoussé Box with Warriors, Early 20th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A fine late Qing or early Republic Period Chinese silver repoussé box featuring a scene possibly from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Silver
Chinese Floral Incised Brass Brazier, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th century handcrafted bronze hand warmer would have been owned by a woman of means and filled with coals so she could warm her hands on cold...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass
Large Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Winged Horses on the Original Fitted Wood Base
Located in Norton, MA
An old top quality and design of a Chinese bronze cloisonne enamel winged horses standing on the fitted wood base.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Copper
A Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer with Handles with Ming Xuande Mark, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Bronze Tripod Censer with Handles with Ming Xuande Mark, 19th Century
Home decor, Interior design and collectibles.
Provenance: Private Sydney C...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Brass Hot Water Bottle with Floral Relief Pattern
Located in Chicago, IL
This squat brass vessel is an early Qing-dynasty hot water bottle, originally used to heat a bed or warm the body. The round container would have been filled with hot water through t...
Category
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass
18th Century Chinese Qing Bronze Duck Incense Burner Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
18th century Chinese bronze duck incense burner, Qing period
Please note that one foot is missing, broken off, see detailed image.
Category
Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Canton Enamel Quatrefoil Tray, Republic Period, circa 1920, China
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely large Chinese Canton enamel quatrefoil tray, Republic Period, circa 1920, China.
The copper tray of lobed quatrefoil form, and decor...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Qing Metalwork
Materials
Copper, Enamel
A Chinese Brass Fish Shaped Lock, Early 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Brass Fish Shaped Lock, Early 20th Century
Provenance: Private Australian Collection.
Dimension: Length: 10cm Height: 1.5cm Depth: 6cm.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass
China, Bronze incense burner with archaic decoration, Qing Dynasty, 19th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
China, Bronze incense burner with archaic decoration, Qing dynasty.
Brown original patina and traces of aged use
19th century
Diameter body 10.5 cm, heigth 8 cm
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Vintage 1997 Hu Jie Chinese porcelain PROC Liling Landscape Vase China
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Lovely Chinese porcelain vase. Underglaze Liling. Dating to 1990's
Marked Base
Condition
Perfect. Size 20CM high
Period
20th century PRoC (1949 - now)
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Five Blessings Brass Brazier, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Filled with burning coals, this exquisitely crafted 19th-century brazier once warmed the cold hands of a wealthy woman on a winter night in northern China. The brazier is hand-wrough...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass
Chinese Bronze Chilong Garlic Head Scholar's Vase, Qing Dynasty, 17th C, China
Located in Austin, TX
A small and lovely Chinese cast bronze garlic head scholar's "chilong" vase, early Qing Dynasty, Kangxi period, late 17th century, China.
The elegant vase of beautiful proportion...
Category
Late 17th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Vasi Cinesi in Bronzo
Located in Brescia, IT
Coppia di vasi di draghi cinesi in bronzo, ben fusi e di grande effetto, periodo Qing, inizio XIX secolo.
Sono due vasi pesanti vasi di bronzo a forma anfora con due grandi e complic...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Etched Baitong Brass Hat Stand, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
In 19th century, China government officials wore different hats to show their various ranks of office—the styles and designs changed depending on the season. A one of a kind folding ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass
18th C. Chinese Bronze and cloisonné enamel wine cup for ritual ceremonies
Located in Bilzen, BE
China - Bronze and cloisonné enamel wine cup for ritual ceremonies with archaic Jue decoration, body decorated with a Chilong head, Qianlong, 18th century.
Heigth 15.5 cm
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Chinese Petite Brass Brazier with Embroidered Pouch, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Filled with burning coals, this petite 19th-century brass brazier once warmed the hands of a well-to-do person on a cold winter's night in northern China. The brazier is crafted of w...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass
Chinese Blessings Charm Ring, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the late 19th century, this silver charm ring was crafted by the Miao peoples of Guizhou province and was believed to protect the wearer from bad luck and malevolent spirits...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Silver
An Unusual Chinese Cloisonne Vase with Elephant Shaped Handles, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
An Unusual Chinese Cloisonne Vase with Elephant Shaped Handles, 19th Century
Home decor, Interior design and collectibles.
Provenance: Private Perth Collection.
Dimension:
Height: ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
A Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Vases, Late 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Vases, 19th Century
Provenance: Private Australian Collection.
Description:
Each on rolled foot with undulating standard rising to a tape...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Grand Chinese Qing Dynasty Village Bell, circa 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This lovely Qing-dynasty bell once pealed in a Chinese village, sounding out in celebration or giving notice of important events. Expertly forged, the cast-iron bell is detailed with characters in intricate relief, and its exaggerated scallop rim is traced with oversized rivets. Frosted with snow or lit from within by flickering candles, this sculptural bell takes on a magical presence in the winter...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Iron
A Chinese Metal Lock with Key, Late 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Metal Lock with Key, Late 19th Century
Provenance: Private Brisbane Collection.
Dimension: Height: 5cm Length: 14cm Depth: 2cm.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Metal
Chinese Blacksmith Iron Scissors on Mount, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This hand-forged metal sculpture, with its delicate appearance and whimsical shape, was once an integral tool to a 19th century Chinese cobbler’s trade. Made of iron, these scissors ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Iron
Bronze Wrathful Deity Ring, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This sculptural bronze object is a charming example of 19th-century metalwork. The bronze figure is formed as a Buddhist wrathful deity, weari...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
A Chinese Brass Etched Lock with Key, Early 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Brass Etched Lock with Key, Early 20th Century
Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in 1980s
Dimension: Width: 11cm Height: 2.5cm Depth: 1.5cm
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass
Pair of Chinese Gu Form Vases with a Tall Arched Handle Censer
Located in Chicago, IL
The gu vase form dates back as far as 1600 BC, when it was originally cast in bronze. This set of early 20th century pewter gu vases would have been used in traditional Southern Chin...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Pewter
Chinese Baitong Etched Brass Folding Hat Stand, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
In 19th century China government officials wore different hats to show their various ranks of office—the styles and designs changed depending on the season. A hand-crafted, one of a ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass
Large Chinese Cloisonné Enamel on brass Dish 19th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
A large Chinese cloisonné dish with dragon decoration from the 19th century
Good condition, no chips or loose enamel parts
Diameter 36.5 cm
Cloisonné is an ancient technique for dec...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Antique 1880s Chinese Export Silver Fruit Dish
By Luen Hing
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, large antique Chinese Export Silver fruit dish; part of our Chinese / Asian silverware collection.
This exceptional antique Chinese Export Silver (CES) fruit dish has a circular rounded form onto three plain swept bracket style feet.
The sides of this antique dish are ornamented with eight pierced decorated panels.
Each panel is embellished with applied decoration depicting individual scenes, such as a bird sitting in a cherry blossom tree, a crane flying over iris flowers, and a chrysanthemum amidst foliage.
The rim of this impressive dish is encompassed with an applied incurved shaped border.
The well of this large antique silver dish...
Category
1880s English Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
A Chinese Brass Double Fish Shaped Lock with Key, Early 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Brass Double Fish Shaped Lock with Key, Early 20th Century
Provenance: Private Australian Collection.
Dimension: Width: 13cm Height: 1cm Depth: 7cm.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Brass
19th Century Oriental Bronze Bottle Bud Vase, Circa 1890
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The bottle shaped body decorated with foliate & geometric motifs within petal shaped panels, rising to a slender tapering neck to a flaring rim, raised overall upon a circular foot.
Category
Late 19th Century Asian Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Large Japanese Bronze Relief Enameled Vase, Early 20th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
Large Japanese, Bronze Relief Enameled Vase, Early 20th Century
The vase's surface is adorned with intricate relief work that depicts a stunning tableau of flowers and birds. The re...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Antique Chinese Silver Gilt, Agate & Enamel Censer
Located in New York, NY
Chinese silver censer, circa 1910. Drum-form agate body set in silver gilt mounts with scrollwork and lunettes. Leaf-capped side bracket handles. Upward tapering support and stepped ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork
Materials
Agate, Silver, Enamel
Qing metalwork for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing metalwork for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage metalwork created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing metalwork made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original metalwork, popular names associated with this style include Wang Hing & Co., and Luen Hing. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for metalwork differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $128 and tops out at $58,800 while the average work can sell for $1,424.