Qing Sculptures and Carvings
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
Late 19th Century Chinese Glazed Terracotta Seated Luohan Figure
Located in Hudson, NY
This hand-shaped and incised terracotta Luohan or seated figure of a scholar was made in China at the end of the imperial dynastic period circa 1900. Luohan or a term for an Arhat who are the historical disciples of the Buddha. These figures have been seen throughout Buddhistic artist tradition for as long as the Buddhas religious teachings have existed. The figure seated on a rock rests...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Terracotta, Wood
Chinese Immortal Peach Finial, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This carved limestone charm promises longevity in the form of the immortal peach. According to Chinese mythology, the Jade Emperor’s palace was surrounded by peach trees that provided ripe fruit every three thousand years. A single bite of this charmed fruit...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Limestone
19th Century Chinese Hand Carved Wood Case
Located in Brea, CA
19th century Chinese hand carved wood case with intricately designed carvings of people, villages, and foliage.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
19th Century Chinese Carved Figure
Located in Southampton, NY
19th century Chinese carved figure. While this sculpture may be small it isn't lacking in its attention to detail.
Across the chest of the figure you cans see two overlapping carved...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Relief Carved Daybed Panels, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These carved wooden panels were once a part of the railing to a grand Qing-dynasty daybed or canopy bed enclosure. Expertly crafted, the panel displays a beautiful relief carving wit...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Elm
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 Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Carved Stone Snuff Bottle
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
20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
Set of Three Chinese Gilt Fragments, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-carved and lavishly pigmented, these gilt fragments originated as decorative elements of ornate Qing-dynasty furniture or architecture. Elevated by ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Chinese Footed Stone Basin, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite footed basin carved of solid limestone was likely once used in the courtyard of a wealthy Qing-dynasty home. Unusual decorative elements elevate...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Soapstone Carving of a Buddhist Village Scene, Mid-20th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
The soapstone is characterized by a smooth and polished surface, with the choice of stone allowing for a nuanced exploration of color and form. The central focus of the scene is vill...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
Chinese Bamboo Pomegranate Teapot, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Tea drinking has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries, resulting in a wide range of social customs and material traditions. In addition to tea leaves, water, and heat, the art of drinking tea (chayi) calls for a variety of teaware and utensils - both practical and decorative.
This charming teapot dates to the late Qing dynasty and is hand-carved from a hollow length of bamboo in the shape of a ripe pomegranate. The handle is carved to resemble a thin branch, which forks to either side of the teapot bearing long, slender leaves. The teapot has a squat, rounded form and a dark brown finish, reminiscent of Yixing red clay teapots...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bamboo
Chinese Charm Token Shoe with Compartment, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Originally tucked in a pocket as a charm, this tiny shoe was kept close at hand as a talisman for marital happiness. Meticulously carved from wood, the shoe is decorated with a double happiness symbol, the traditional symbol for conjugal bliss. A lovely Valentine’s Day or anniversary gift, the charm has a compartment ready to be filled with a note or small gift...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Pine
Chinese Celestial Cloud Column Base, c. 1750
Located in Chicago, IL
This 18th century architectural object, hand-carved out of a single block of white marble, is intricately finished with an all-over celestial cloud motif—an ancient and auspicious Bu...
Category
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Marble
Chinese Limestone Foot Rest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century foot rest from China's Shanxi province is simply designed with a rounded body and four square feet. Hand carved of limestone, the footstool is patterned with rhythmic etchings and adorned on the ends with an eight-sided star, a symbolic depiction of the universe. It was believed that the Sky Emperor T'ai-Yi, a deification of primordial unity, resided at the top point of this star and ruled over all eight divisions of Heaven. Unlike wooden footstools that would have been placed before chairs or daybeds as a signal of status, this limestone foot rest was likely used in a garden before a drum seat...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Limestone
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Hardwood Hand-Carved 5-Claw Dragon Mirrors
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 20th century or earlier Chinese hardwood hand carved five-claw dragon mirrors. Each is hand carved with high relief Imperial five-claw dragons flying in the air. They also ...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Early 20th Century Kitchen God Deity Statue
Located in Singapore, SG
A handsome wooden figure of the Kitchen God (灶神 in Chinese, pronounced zào shén), the Chinese name can also be translated into Stove God. He is a popular a...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Sandalwood
Chinese Soapstone Carving of a Buddhist Village Scene, Mid-20th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
The Chinese yellow soapstone carving from the mid-20th century is depicting a village scene, is a stunning piece of art with intricate details and cultural significance. Yellow soaps...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
Early 19th Century Chinese Carved Agate Urn Set on a French Gilt Base
Located in Hudson, NY
This fine Chinese urn carving from the early 19th century has been in the late 19th century placed on a carved wood base that has been gilded creating a dramatic foil for the carving...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Agate
Fine Chinese Soapstone Carving of a Buddhist Village Scene, Mid-20th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
The finely detailed Chinese soapstone carving from the 20th century portrays a picturesque mountain village nestled in a serene landscape. Crafted with exquisite precision, the carvi...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
Radiating Yellow Buddhist Soapstone Carving, 20th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
The radiating yellow soapstone carving depicts a serene and spiritually evocative scene set in the elevated hills, capturing the essence of Buddhist monks in the 20th century. The so...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
Asian Soapstone Carving of a Buddhist Village Scene, 20th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
The Chinese mustard soapstone carving from the mid-20th century, depicting a village scene centered around a tree, is a captivating piece of art with a distinct color palette and a f...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Carved Stone Lions
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
An unusual pair of Chinese carved Stone models of lions, each depicted with opposing heads and seated on lotus bases. In good condition and retaining a nicely weathered surface. Circ...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
Qing dynasty standing oriental lady in carved turquoise
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Qing Dynasty oriental lady standing in carved turquoise
Elegant figure of a woman carved in turquoise stone, with traditional Chinese clothes and in one ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
Asian Soapstone Carving Of Travelling Villagers, 20th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
The soapstone carving, with its smooth and polished surface, unfolds a scene of movement and journey across the warm, earthy tones of the stone. The composition centers around a grou...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
Asian Mustard-Yellow Soapstone Carving Depicting Village Scene, 20th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
The soapstone carving, with its smooth and polished mustard yellow surface, serves as a canvas for a scene that exudes life and detail. In the foreground, three villagers are expertl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
Finely Carved Soapstone Buddhist Stele of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Guanyin
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
In Indian Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara is a male Bodhisattva, however in Chinese Buddhism he takes the form of the female Bodhisattva, Guanyin - ‘The One Who Hears the Cries of the Worl...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
Gilt Bronze Figure of Xi-Wang-Mu, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Kingdom
Located in Torino, IT
The queen mother of the west is cast in a seated position with her hands held before her chest holding a "gui". She is dressed in long-sleeved robes. Her face is framed by an elabora...
Category
1790s Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Reclining Ho Ho Boy Charm Weight, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th century weight originally used its heft domestically to protect a child. A simple yet ingenious concept, the stone anchored the baby’s swaddling cloth to the bed so the chi...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Ceramic
Buddhist Stele in Marble from Hebei Province, China w/Custom Stand
Located in Austin, TX
This exquisite stele, hewn from pristine marble, beckons visitors with its ethereal presence. The scene was originally commissioned in 537 by Yuan’ning, prince of the Gaoping branch ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Marble
Chinese Stone Shoemaker's Weight with Mother, Cub, and Embroidered Ball
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved from a solid piece of stone, this weight was originally used by a Shoemaker to press down large pieces of leather. Surrounded by intricate scrollwork and peony blossoms, a gua...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
Bamboo wood sculpture depicting a fisherman, Chinese origin, early 1900s
Located in Vicenza, VI
Bamboo wood sculpture depicting a fisherman with oriental features, with a long beard and wearing a headdress, while holding two fish in his hand.
The lower part is embellished with an elaborate carved fishing net.
The work is of Chinese provenance...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bamboo
Qing sculptures and carvings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing sculptures and carvings 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 sculptures and carvings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing sculptures and carvings made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China 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 sculptures and carvings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $148 and tops out at $100,000 while the average work can sell for $1,927.