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Qing Scholar's Objects

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
Antique Ruby Red Glass Overlay Snuff Bottle Fisherman Wood Gatherer Qing c.1900
Located in Richmond, CA
Antique Late Qing to Republic period ruby red glass overlay snuff bottle on snow storm ground, depicting a landscape scene with a wood gatherer figure to one side, and a fisherman fi...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Silver

Chinese Archaisitc Bronze Small Scholar Vase, 17th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A fine small archaistic scholar's vase in the form of a zun, Ming to Qing Dynasty, 17th century, circa 1650, China. The small vessel of elegant proportions and wonderfully cast. T...
Category

Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Bronze

Rare Antique Chinese Azurite Malachite Double Snuff Bottle 19c Qing Dynasty
Located in Richmond, CA
Discover a piece of history with this 19th-century double snuff bottle, hand carved from the captivating azurite malachite stone, renowned for its vibrant interplay of green and purp...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Malachite

Chinese Carved Hardwood Scholar's Tray, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A sophisticated Chinese carved and pierced hardwood scholar's tray, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, China. The tray of rectangular form with high sides and rounded corners. The sides...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Mustard Jade Archer's Ring, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-carved of the highest quality jade, this 19th century Archer's ring was likely worn by a gentleman-scholar in Northern China. Traditionally, Chinese archers wore these rings to ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Jade, Sterling Silver

Extraordinary Chinese Scholar Rock Ying Stone on Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
The Chinese scholar rock on offer here is a wonderful example of Ying (also known as Yingde stone), a less common type than Lingbi or Taihu. Gray in color, it has an extraordinary up...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone

Chinese Wood Puppet Head, 19th Century, Mounted on Contemporary Stand
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Chinese wood puppet head, 19th century, mounted on contemporary stand. Simple puppet head of a male figure, carved out of a single piece of wood, with ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Celadon Green Jade Carving, Triple Vase, Qing Dynasty
Located in New York, NY
An extremely finely carved antique Chinese Qing dynasty, Celadon green triple vase/brush washer with an Imperial Dragon from behind attacking a bird in fro...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Jade

Chinese Carved Longyan Wood Stand, Late Qing Dynasty
Located in Austin, TX
An exquisite late Qing dynasty display Stand of longyan wood, carved as a miniature "kang" table. The center panel features an amazing grain that delights the eye, while a soft glo...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Fruitwood

China, Carved Agate Brush Rinser / washer, 19th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
China, single piece carved Agate Brush washer / Rinser, 19th Century 7.5 x 9.3 cm, height 4.5 cm
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Agate

Chinese Calligraphy Brush, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Along with paper, ink, and inkstone, the brush was part of the four treasures found in a scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Wood

Large Horizontal Chinese Lingbi Scholar Stone on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese scholar stone of Lingbi type in horizontal form presented on a carved conforming wood base. Impressive in size and form, this Lingbi stone manifests itself in a silouette o...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone

Chinese Table Screen Mirror, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Screens served numerous functions as portable architecture in Chinese homes. The largest examples sectioned off entire rooms, allowing a family to shape the spaces in their home to a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Mirror, Hardwood

Chinese Scholar’s Mirror Screen.
Located in Nantwich, GB
Rare, early 19th Century Antique Chinese Scholars Table Mirror/Screen from the Qing Dynasty. This collectors item is signed by the craftsman who ...
Category

1820s Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Artefacts of the Literati Pattern Plate c 1725, Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Era
Located in seoul, KR
In the center, a vase adorned with a floral pattern suggests appreciation for nature. Notably, there is an object resembling a Go board, indicative of the intellectual pursuits favor...
Category

1720s Vietnamese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Guardian's Tail Inkstone, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Scholarly pursuits such as painting, calligraphy, and poetry were a highly respected and revered subculture in ancient China, and demanded their own set of tools that were not only functional, but also beautiful. One of the "Four Treasures of the Study," inkstones such as this were used to mix dry ink with water for use in calligraphy painting. This 19th century inkstone is guarded by a mythical fu dog, or shizi, depicted with open jaws and a long mane of flowing curls. Resembling a Buddhist fly whisk...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone

Chinese Set Two Hand Carved Jade Bi
Located in South Burlington, VT
This is a set of two (2) very fine quality (2) authentic Chinese jade bi disc from the 20th century or older. These come from our private collection. Quality: very fine translucen...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Jade

A Finely Cast Standing Bronze Figure of Guanyin, 17th / 18th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The finely cast bronze figure of Guanyin - Bodhisattva Goddess of Compassion, Kindness & Mercy. Shown wearing an outer robe finely modelled with cascading folds tied at her waist, h...
Category

1690s Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Double Gourd "Root" Amber Snuff Bottle, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Other

Chinese Kangxi Very Rare Blanc De Chine Porcelain Cockerel, 1662-1722
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An extremely rare and finely made Chinese Kangxi porcelain blanc de chine figure of a cockerel. The cockerel stands on a shaped base with good feather detailing and stands crowing wi...
Category

Late 17th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Cameo Carved Mother-Of-Pearl MOP Snuff Bottle PRoC 5/6/7 period
Located in Richmond, CA
This vintage Chinese snuff bottle, exquisitely crafted from mother of pearl (MOP), is a fine example of cameo carving, a technique that c...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Exquisite Signed Chinese Carved Bamboo Root Brush Pot
Located in Hampstead, QC
This beautifully carved bamboo root brush pot is in excellent condition. No chips on the carving or any of the wood. It has a smooth finish with no ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Bamboo

Rare Chinese Xuan Scholar Stone on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare Xuan type Chinese scholar stone on a carved wood stand circa 19th century Qing dynasty. Xuan stone was traditionally collected in Xuan Zhou, Anhui Province in China. The stone...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone

Chinese Enamel Milk Glass Snuff Bottle Guyuexuan Old Moon Pavillion Mark 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
This Chinese snuff bottle is a delicate and vibrant piece, crafted from milk glass and adorned with enamel painting. The bottle features a cabochon jade stopper, adding a touch of el...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Milk Glass

Chinese Scholar Rock Lingbi Stone on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tall Chinese scholar stone (also known as Gong Shi in Chinese; meditation stone and spirit rock in the West) of significant weight and volume is gracefully balanced on the wood dis...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone

Large Chinese Scholar Rock Lingbi Stone on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
An impressive Chinese scholar Lingbi stone (also known as Gong Shi in Chinese; meditation stone and spirit rock in the West) of substantial height and mass on a carved wood display s...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone

Chinese Qing Simulated Bamboo Brown Glazed Pottery Brush Pot
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual and stylish antique Chinese simulated bamboo brush pot decorated in brown glazes and dating from the 19th century or possibly earlier. The ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Pottery

Antique Chinese Inside Painted Mini Snuff Bottle Shanshui Late 19-20c
Located in Richmond, CA
An antique Chinese inside painted mini glass snuff bottle ( IPSB ), both sides delicately hand painted with shanshui scene circa: 1900, Late Qing to ROC period, late 19-20c
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Cut Glass

Vintage Chinese Porcelain Famille Rose Snuff Bottle Birds Blossoms Late 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
This vintage Chinese snuff bottle from the Republic of China period is a charming example of famille rose porcelain, renowned for its soft...
Category

1980s Chinese Vintage Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Large Chinese Inside Painted Glass Snuff Bottle Water Margin IPSB Ya Qin c.2009
Located in Richmond, CA
This remarkable glass snuff bottle, crafted by the esteemed artist Ya Qing in the spring of 2009, is a masterful example of inside painting. The bottle showcases...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Cut Glass

Antique Chinese Qing Molded Infinite Huiwen Ruyi Scepter w White Jade Medallion
Located in Danville, CA
Antique Chinese Qing Molded Infinite Huiwen Ruyi Scepter with White Jade Medallion A beautiful Chinese Qing ruyi scepter with carved white jade medallions. The scepter is decorated ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Jade

Antique Chinese Carved Celadon Jade Mini Vase Archaic Beast Ring Handle Qing 19c
Located in Richmond, CA
This exquisite 19th-century Qing Dynasty celadon jade miniature vase is a masterwork of Chinese craftsmanship. The vase features intricately carved beast handles, each adorned with free-moving rings, adding a layer of complexity and artistry to the piece. The body of the vase is embellished with archaic carvings, a nod to China's rich artistic heritage. The vase culminates in a trumpeting mouth, elegantly flaring outward, and is raised on a meticulously carved footring. The jade itself is of a celadon hue, highly prized for its subtle, translucent quality. The vase is presented on a matching hardwood stand, enhancing its visual appeal. This piece is not just a vase, but a testament to the high level of artistry and skill that defines Qing Dynasty jade...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Jade

Chinese Huanghuali Brush Pot
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Huanghuali brush pot 18th century Carved cylindrical Chinese scholar’s brush pot, composed from the extincted Huanghuali wood. Beautifu...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Carved Bamboo Brush Pot
Located in Hampstead, QC
This antique hand carved Chinese bamboo root brush pot is in excellent condition. No cracks in the wood and all carving is in great condition with no chips or missing pieces. The w...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Bamboo

Chinese Gnarled Root Brush Pot, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush pot was a fixture of every traditional scholars' desk. This wooden brush pot...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Burl

Chinese Black Lingbi Scholar Stone with White Crystal on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese scholar stone of white Lingbi type in upright mushroom form presented on a carved conforming wood base. The type of special Lingbi known to the collector as white Lingbi fe...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone

Vintage Chinese Blue Cloisonne Snuff Bottle Multicolour Butterfly & Blossoms 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
A vintage Chinese cloisonne snuff bottle on royal sapphire blue ground, decorated with a colourful blossoming tree scene and a multi-coloured b...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue Glass Overlay Globular Snuff Bottle Carved Buddhist Treasures 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
A Chinese blue color Peking glass overlay snuff bottle in globular form, on pale white ground, hand carved and decorated with four Buddhist treasures , on a slightly raised footring,...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Cut Glass

Antique Pair early 20C Chinese Porcelain Marked Vases Guangxu/Republic Period
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nice and Beautifully painted pair of hatstand vases with Rice paddy scene and calligraphy. Great quality. Featuring a great landscape Marked at base. Condition Both vases with some...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Porcelain

China, Brush holder in agate (carnelian) carved with relief decoration, 20th C.
Located in Bilzen, BE
China Brush rinse washer in agate (carnelian) carved with relief decoration with flowers Early 20th century natural structure in the agate
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Agate

A Chinese Carved Inkstone, 18th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Carved Inkstone, 18th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection Acquired in 1980s. Dimensions: Height: 12.5cm. Width: 28.5cm. Depth: 17.5cm.
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone

Chinese Pair Year of Rabbit Fine Jade Rabbit Sculptures
Located in South Burlington, VT
China, In commemoration of the year of the rabbit- we are proud to offer these rare carvings. A finely carved pair (2) of antique celadon jade crouching rabbits. These handsome ja...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Jade

Antique Chinese Carved Celadon Jade Peach Brush Wash w Stand Qing 19c
Located in Richmond, CA
This exceptional celadon jade brush wash epitomizes the pinnacle of Chinese craftsmanship. Carved in the form of a hollowed peach, the piece showcases intri...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Jade

Chinese Stone Dali Panels
Located in Sherborne, GB
This is a set of four antique Chinese Dali stone panels which depict wonderful landscape images. The stone is set in an ebonized panel frame. They look wo...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Marble, Brass

Antique Chinese Composite Amber Carved Beast Taotie Snuff Bottle Qing Late 19c
Located in Richmond, CA
A late Qing period Chinese snuff bottle, crafted from composite amber. This bottle is adorned with meticulously carved beast and ring taotie motifs on its shoulders, and slightly rai...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Organic Material

Jiulongbi Mountain Meditation Stone
Located in Chicago, IL
A well-chosen stone is a focal point of both a traditional Chinese garden and a scholar's studio, evoking the complexities of nature and inspiring creative thought. Polished to bring...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Stone

Antique Chinese Porcelain Famille Rose Sancai Meiping Mounted Lighter mid 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
A small antique late Qing to early Republic Chinese porcelain meiping vase, ingeniously converted into a functional butane table lighter. The intricat...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Porcelain Iron Red Dragon Snuff Bottle Jade Stopper 20th Century
Located in Richmond, CA
A Chinese porcelain snuff bottle, with a four claw dragon in clouds in iron red to each side, and two character red Qianlong mark to bottom weight: 38 Grams circa: early to mid 20t...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Fine Antique Chinese Inside Painted Glass Snuff Bottle Birds Flower Qing 19c-20c
Located in Richmond, CA
This exquisite Chinese snuff bottle, dating from the late Qing to early Republic period, is a remarkable example of inside-painted glass artistry in the classic Chinese water-color style. The bottle features a square form, providing four distinct canvases for the artist's work. Each side of the bottle is finely painted with a bird amidst a group of flowers, capturing the essence of traditional Chinese painting. The meticulous brushwork and attention to detail are evident, making each scene a standalone masterpiece. The bottle is complemented by a large red stopper...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Cut Glass

Qing Dynasty Burl Scroll Pot 'Scholars Pot', China
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Qing dynasty (1644-1911) burl scroll pot (Scholars Pot), China.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Wood

Vintage Chinese Porcelain Snuff Bottle Fencai Dog in Courtyard Jade Stopper 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
A vintage Chinese porcelain snuff bottle, decorated in fencai with a dog in a garden court yard scene to each side, a three character re...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Chinese Inside Painted Glass Snuff Bottle IPSB Court Ladies Poem 20c
Located in Richmond, CA
A vintage Chinese inside painted faceted glass snuff bottle, hand decorated with 3 court ladies in traditional dress on one side, with poetic versus to verso, and raised on a carved ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Cut Glass

Antique Chinese Lapis Lazuli Relief Carved Snuff Bottle on Stand c.1920
Located in Richmond, CA
Antique Chinese hand carved lapis lazuli snuff bottle, relief carved with a boy figure to one side, and a flying bat to the other side, havin...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Carved Chinese Soapstone Water Dropper
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A carved Chinese soapstone water dropper, boat shaped receptacle with spout and handle, carved with trailing floral stems and a domed cover with a bird f...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Soapstone

Antique Chinese Cinnabar Lacquer Tray/Stand with Dragon Design
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique Chinese Cinnabar Lacquer Tray/Stand with Dragon Design, Guangxu Period (1875-1908). A dark vermillion red carved cinnabar lacquered Scholar’s tray on raised and footed supports. The top and sides of the tray carved in tight geometric diminishing square hatch ground with blossom centers. The aprons carved in deep relief on each side with two opposing auspicious five-clawed dragons chasing the flaming pearl amongst the clouds. The four corners with square curved feet supports. The underside lacquered black and unmarked. 4.75 in. high x 15 in. wide x 12.75 in. deep (12 x 38 x 32.5 cm). 4 lbs. 6 oz. (1983g.) Guangxu Period (1875-1908) Provenance: Property removed from a residence at the Pierre Hotel, New York, 2021. U.S.A. art market. For similar cinnabar dragon...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Antique Chinese Tea Pot Caddy
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese Tea Caddy. Late 19th century early 20th century Elm Wood carved gilt red lacquered tea caddy. In very good condition a beauti...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Elm

Chinese Late Qing Carved Soapstone Jar Shaped Brush Pot
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A well carved Chinese soapstone brush pot of jar shape believed to date from the latter Qing dynasty and probably around 1900. The brush wa...
Category

Early 1900s Asian Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Soapstone

19th Century Pair of Chinese Scholar's Carved Bamboo Brush Pots Brass
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Hand carved intricate Chinese scholar's bamboo brush pots with brass rings and script. Original warm patina and some cracks as photographed present, c...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Bamboo

Qing scholar's objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Qing scholar's objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage scholar's objects 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 wood, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing scholar's objects made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 scholar's objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $98 and tops out at $29,500 while the average work can sell for $1,315.

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