Qing Asian Art and Furniture

Chinese Carved Jade Covered Hu Vase, with two mask head with rings handles, incised taotie design to each side, and on a fitted carved wood stand. Overall: 7.5" H x 4.25" W x 2.25" D...

Prior to the 10th century, Chinese society eschewed raised seats in favor of mats. The rising popularity of chairs and other forms of elevated seating led craftsmen to adapt traditional cabinetry and architecture techniques to the human body. In the case of this Yuanyi, or round chair, the flowing crestrail is a direct descendant of the simple armrests that had traditionally supported individuals on mats in their homes. This homage to an ancestral form, combined with traditional mortise-and-Tenon joinery techniques, created an elegant, functional chair that has endured for centuries and inspired many contemporary furniture designers...

Antique 19th century hand painted Chinese fan with mother of pearl faces, Qing dynasty, the fan features black and gold lacquered handled a colorful screen with a figural, hand painted, scene in shades of blue, green, purple and brown and red. With antique lacquer fan box...

The entire surface of the vase is adorned with elaborate chrysanthemum motifs, elegantly connected by flowing, curved stems, while the background's leaf patterns enhance its sense of...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period side cabinet from the 19th century, with brown lacquer and two pairs of double doors. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period, this side cabinet...

19th century Chinese lacquer sewing box from the Qing dynasty. Colored black and gold all-over beautifully with intricate designs.

This cinnabar snuff bottle from the Republic of China period is a masterful blend of intricate craftsmanship and symbolic artistry. The bottle, i...

An excellent and unusual set of 3 bowls for the Islamic market. Qianlong or Jiaqing in our opinion. These bowls are all with a very nice and unusual decoration. Condition 2 bowls ...

A very nice example of 18th c export porcelain A SAILOR'S FAREWELL AND HOMECOMING PUNCHBOWL QIANLONG PERIOD (1735-96) The farewell embrace on one side, a British vessel nearby, on th...

Description: A singular example of Guanyin. Deviating from the Bodhisattva’s conventional pose of ‘royal ease’, the figure is instead seated in the meditative padmasana, or ‘lotus position’, rendering this Guanyin something of a rarity. An Apana more typically associated with depictions of Buddhas, Guanyin assuming this pose immediately signifies this figure as one of particular spiritual reverence. Both feet are revealed crossed upon one another from beneath fabric which spills before her, her left palm turned upward with her hand resting upon her left knee and her right raised in a relaxed gesture. Adorned with a diadem housing a depiction of Amitabha Buddha, her own spiritual guide, she exudes an air of tranquil regality, further characterised by her numerous strings of beads and elaborately fastened dhoti, attire traditionally reserved for Indian princes. Though the figure’s dress is Indian her face is undoubtedly exemplifying artistic Chinese beauty standards. Her face is soft and rounded, full in both the lips and cheeks, with eyes that restfully peer down, as though she is watching over the worries of mankind with compassion. Notes on the item: Guanyin is the Chinese interpretation of Avalokiteshvara, the Indian Bodhisattva of compassion. The term “Bodhisattva” is derived from the Sanskrit “Bodhi”, meaning ‘awakening’ or ‘enlightenment’, combined with “Sattva”, meaning ‘spirit’ or ‘being’, referring to one on the path to achieving enlightenment. Bodhisattvas in Mayahana Buddhism are recognised as figures who have effectively achieved enlightenment yet relinquish their accension to nirvana in order to remain amongst mankind in the ultimate act of compassion to aid as spiritual guides. As such, the Bodhisattva inhabit a liminal space between samsara and nirvana; enlightened beings that maintain a relationship with humanity that buddhas cannot, as attaining Buddhahood necessitates the abandonment of all worldly attachments, including mankind. Guanyin’s very name, ‘One who hears the cries of the world’ highlights this role as a compassionate figure who acknowledges the suffering and strife of man. Along with Mahāsthāmaprāpta, a fellow bodhisattva, Guanyin serves as an attendant to Buddha Amitabha, with these three deities recognised as the Three Sages of Western Pure Land Buddhism, a sect of Mayahana Buddhism popular in East Asia. Avalokiteshvara is commonly posited to have been adopted from Indian Buddhism into China as Guanyin around 200-400 CE, however it was the Tang dynasty (618-907) which saw the popularisation of the deity. By the Ming (1358–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, Guanyin held the position as the most popular female deity in China. The unique state of religion in China held no monolithic canon regarding Buddhism and saw the assimilation of several belief systems, primarily Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Consequently, Guanyin became a deity to be revered beyond Buddhism alone, appointed as both an official imperial deity and Daoist deity in the 12th century. Guanyin may also be seen to fulfil the role of idealised femininity as prescribed by Confucianism, with the scarcity of female Chinese deities perhaps accounting for the gradual gender shift Guanyin underwent. The Indian Avalokiteshvara is unequivocally recognised as male, whilst the supposed gender of Guanyin remains contentious. Although there is a clear shift from the masculine Avalokiteshvara towards a more feminine representation, it is unclear if Guanyin is understood to be entirely feminine, to inhabit qualities of both genders or to be elevated beyond gender entirely, embodying neither. Depictions of Guanyin are highly androgynous, which some believe lends credence towards Guanyin symbolising the unity of dualistic forces as recognised in Daoism, displaying the anthropomorphism of yin and yang. Comparative Analysis: Market comparisons of similar Qing Dynasty polychrome figures of Guanyin include lot 767 (no.2) From Christies ‘Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art,’ New York, 25 March 2022, with the price realised USD 52,920 (Estimate USD 20,000 – USD 30,000). Christies also auctioned a comparable polychrome Guanyin...

A classic piece of Chinese furniture, this striking red lacquer cabinet was likely part of a traditional wedding dowry, bestowed upon the groom by the bride's family filled with fine...

Exquisite Pair of Century Chinese Famille Rose Decorated Porcelain Vases with Striking Foo Dog Handles, 1800s. Presenting an awe-inspiring and opulent duo of antique Famille Rose Chinese Porcelain vases, adorned with elaborate motifs and breathtaking craftsmanship. Standing almost waist-high, these vases command attention with their majestic presence and captivating artistry. The prominent aqua background, gracefully envelops each vase, setting the stage for an enchanting display of visual splendor. Delicate white rectangular panels on the neck of each vase feature whimsical scenes portraying highly detailed pheasants, resplendent flowers, intricate foliage, and gracefully entwined tree limbs. The necks culminate in a tulip-edged gold dipped design, lavishly adorned with turquoise enamel that gracefully flows from the lips of the vases into the very heart of their being. The body of each vase showcases larger white rectangular panels, showcasing meticulously hand-painted graceful tree limbs, vibrant pheasants, sprightly sparrows, and charming lyre birds. Amidst this lively scene, an array of multi-colored flowers and leaves effortlessly breathe life into the composition, while charming aqua blue funghi add a touch of whimsy to the spectacle. The aqua background of the remaining surfaces of the vases, is skillfully adorned with enamels in relief, showcasing a plethora of resplendent hand-painted multi-toned colorful blossoms and foliate, meticulously hand painted in mild relief and scattered to create an elegantly harmonious and evenly spread-out design. Gracing the upper belly of each vase, magnificent tiny dragons take center stage in intricate high relief, lavishly painted with 24K gold enamel. Their sinuous forms and exquisite detailing bring a sense of majestic energy to the vases, adding a touch of awe-inspiring grandeur. However, it is the handles of these vases that truly steal the limelight. Crafted with unparalleled artistry, they feature larger Foo Dogs...

An Imari Porcelain Barber's Bowl/Basin, used for shaving, bleeding and much more. Late 17th or early 18th century, Painted with central flowers, hares and Birds. Size: 25.8x6.5cm dia...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period elm wood coffee table from the 19th century with woven rattan top, cabriole legs and reddish brown patina. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty peri...

This 19th-century altar coffer displays many traditional elements of Chinese cabinetry, such as its overhung, floating panel top flanked by curving spandrels or its painted doors sec...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period brown lacquered kitchen cabinet from the 19th century with geometric fretwork motifs, doors, drawers and butterfly hardware. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this tall Chinese cabinet...

Our friend and client Mario Buatta owned a dozen Laughing Boys* in his private collection, which we purchased and sold several years ago (see last image). These three would have fit ...

A wonderful pair of turquoise glazed Chinese Foo dog statues- circa 1880. Foo dogs were actually lions, yet they resemble a Chow Chow and/or Shih Tzu (dog breeds) which led them to b...

A small Chinese Qing Dynasty period basket from the 19th century hand-woven with rattan on a bamboo armature. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this rustic basket features a ...

Magnificent Chinese scroll ancestor painting showing patriarch and matriarch of a high ranking status civil official. This unusual scroll depicts the dignitary couple seated below a ...

The teapot on the left features a rounded body densely adorned with blooming flowers and intertwining vines, creating a flowing and repetitive pattern. The delicate brushstrokes emph...

A Qing dynasty period opium bed coffee table from the 19th century, with rattan insert and scrolling legs. This exquisite Qing dynasty period op...

Filled with burning coals, this finely crafted 19th-century brazier once warmed the hands of a wealthy lady on a cold winter's night in northern China. The portable brazier is hand-w...

Spectacular pair of Chinese Buddhist guardian temple foo dogs or foo lions intricately crafted from bronzed metal. The lions are depicted sitting with one having a paw on a ball or o...

Antique Qing peach-bloom glazed ceramic bottle neck vase - featuring an elegant form with a single string to the elongated neck - mottled glaze with red splashed over a pinkish beige...

This remarkable Elm Wood bench from the Qing Dynasty, dating back to the late 19th century, is a stunning representation of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. The bench features a ri...

Gorgeous of Chinese 20th century large Famille Rose porcelain fishbowl planter. Chinese Rose Medallion Fish Bowl-Koi-Asian Court-Floral Pattern- The first scene on the bowl is of the Emperor in the garden, along with family, and nobility. The second scene is a nature/garden scene with birds, butterflies & various Chinese flowers. On the inside of the bowl, you will notice goldfish swimming amongst seaweed or seagrass. Goldfish are usually shown to represent fertility since fish produce many offspring. These fishbowl planters will be the perfect addition to any home and to anyone who is a lover of vintage oriental pieces a large Famille Verte vintage Chinese Export porcelain jardinière or plant vessel. This porcelain vessel is signed on the bottom in red with a Chinese marking and in black "B2". The vessel is very large and heavy and well made.. The matching chairs in one photo are not included with this table please see the separate posting of the chairs Inside the bowl design are the traditional Chinese Koi fish in orange. On the top rim, there is a design and the entire outside is done in the Famille Verte technique. A vast array of colors as you can see from the photos.. It is a beautifully colorful decorative item. Great for the indoors or out. With the beautiful array of different flowers, tree blossoms, fish, & color, this jardinière will enhance any decor. Just Perfect for the new trendy Boho Chic, Asian or eclectic decor., the mark at the bottom is Lucky dragon pottery...

This antique Chinese export porcelain dish was hand-painted in the mid-18th century in the Qianlong Era. It features a blossoming plum tree adorned with orange, blue, and gold flower...

A tall Chinese Qing Dynasty period compound cabinet from the early 19th century made of oakwood and adorned with brass hardware. Created in China in the 19th century, this large comp...

Chinese glazed porcelain roof tile of a warrior. The manufacture of glazed tiles was standardized in the Ming Dynasty and during the Qing Dynasty into the Republican Era, glazed tile...

An embroidered silk collar from China dated to late Qing Dynasty circa 19th century. Known as Yunjian (Cloud Shoulder or Cloud Collar), this multi-lobed t...

A Chinese Qing dynasty brown / dark red wooden side cabinet from the 19th century, with painted floral decor, bronze hardware and hidden drawers. T...

Woven in the age of the third Qing Emperor Yongzheng (1722-35), this delicately coloured precious silk brocade is embellished by three parallel and offset rows of children holding a cornucopia of auspicious symbols. In the first horizontal row, the child is holding in one hand a closed lotus flower, symbol of honesty, goodness, beauty and purity, and in the other a stick which a pair of coins, an element belonging to the group of Eight Precious Things. The following row depicts the child holding on one hand the Paintings, one of the four symbols of literature and science, and a peach blossom on the other, a flower associated with Spring and rejuvenation. In between this main pattern we see an alternation of the bat motif (symbol of good luck), the plum blossom (symbolising the faithful, the resolute and the holy) and the butterfly (symbol of love, freedom, romance and beauty). The subtle polychromy of soft tones of green and peach is punctuated with touches of royal Chinese blue...

A small Chinese chatelaine tool set strung with a petite spoon and scraper tool. Suspended from one's clothing at the shoulder, back, or waist, a tool set such as this was used for a...

A rare and a bit unusual Qing Dynasty (1636-1912) cloisonne enameled opium lamp. Originating in China in the 19th century, the silver-tone oil lamp features a six sided base with uni...

A wonderful green glaze typical of Chinese "Shiwan" pottery adorns this early 20th Century Chinese storage jar. Shiwan ware is a style of Chinese pottery from the Shiwanzhen district...

This is a beautifully hand-painted Chinese Export porcelain blue and white, large deep plate or dish which we date to the Qing, early 18th Century, Yongzheng period, Circa 1730. The...

A large Chinese Qing Dynasty period mahogany stained coffee table with rattan top, carved apron and scrolling legs. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period, this large coffee...

19th century Chinese famille rose porcelain large bowl from the Qing Dynasty. Very unique and hard to find, with a 40 cm diameter. Decorated all over beautifully with ancient Chinese...

Qing Dynasty an antique rare early 20th century Chinese porcelain vase as a Chinese Famille Rose lamp with incised yellow ground decorated wi...

A fine Chinese shipwreck blue and white decorated large porcelain kendi, or pouring vessel, Transitional Period, late Ming or early Qing Dynasty, mid...

A Chinese Qing dynasty period Martaban jar from the 18th-19th century with dragon motifs and loop handles. This tall Chinese jar comes from the Martaban wares, where it was produced during the Qing dynasty (1636–1912). This tall jar is made of varnished brown glaze and features on its belly carved dragons, which are an auspicious pattern in China. The top of the jar displays ceramic loops...

Magnificent hand-painted Chinese porcelain bowl with enameled and gilded decoration in reserve of characters in palace scenes, birds and flowers, with the “Famille Rose” motif, with ...

Large Chinese hanging scroll having a pair of poetic couplets with a cyclical date autumn 1944/2004 Jishen and signed Zhang with 2 seals. The sight mea...

A Chinese Porcelain export bowl Qianlong period Fantastic decoration Famille Rose Hunting European theme. The scene depicts Hunters on horses and dogs chasing unidentified animals. ...

A pair of framed antique Chinese embroidery textile panels circa 19th century of Qing Dynasty. Each piece features two mirror-matchin...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty apothecary / pharmacy medicine chest. Front in original red lacquer with 45 drawers (42 small drawers + 3 larger drawers at the bottom). ach drawer with hand written Chinese calligraphy in black lacquer. These were used to store and organise Chinese herbs...

Chinese Qing dynasty chairs in light Elm. Mid 19th century construction featuring mortise and tenon joinery and wooden nails. Elegant craftsmanship ...

This Antique Jar dating to the early 1900s once served the purpose of crafting salty eggs. The jar features a wonderful brown glaze with some areas of dripping black. There is a ridg...

Antique Chinese Chalcedony “Peanut and Jujube” Snuff Bottle, Qing Dynasty. The large pear shaped striated stone carving of a caramel colored jujube fruit (Chinese date) and two beige...

This impressive set of doors dates to the turn of the century and originated as the outermost entrance gate to a traditional courtyard home in northern China. The pair is crafted of northern elm (yumu) and finished with dark black lacquer and hand-worked iron hardware. Bands of studded iron reinforce the fronts and simple iron plates secure the door latch and round door pulls...

This impressive set of doors dates to the turn of the century and originated as the outermost entrance gate to a traditional courtyard home in northern China. Crafted of locust wood and hand-worked iron, the rustic doors have developed a fantastic texture from years of use. The original layer of dark brown lacquer has eroded with an inimitable crackle, revealing the beautiful wood grain underneath. The door fronts are reinforced with studded iron bands and decorative iron plates in the shape of clouds or ruyi. The doors are fitted with a simple iron latch and four round door pulls...

A sumptuous example of Chinese Peking glass, this phoenix-tail vase is sculpted in a popular color known as "imperial yellow," "canary yellow" or "chicken-fat yellow." In a process s...

An embroidered silk collar from China dated to late Qing Dynasty circa 19th century. Known as Yunjian (Cloud Shoulder or Cloud Collar). This striking example features a two-tiered design with eleven inner and outer lobes radiating in a circular fashion. The red inner lobes feature floral embroidery design in satin stitches, the border with twisted chain stitches. The outer lobes are in the shape of auspicious "ruyi", which represents the head of Lingzhi mushroom, a symbol of longevity. Each showcases fine needlework of butterfly with spread wings and various floral motif. A small ball clasp remains on the front. This textile art is beautifully presented in a giltwood frame floating within a double mat of conforming shape. Detachable collars such as this were worn around the shoulders as part of the traditional Chinese garment...

A very fine and attractive Chinese Qing Dynasty turquoise glazed figure of Guanyin dating from the 19th Century or possibly earlier. The hollow biscuit porcelain figurine...

Antique 19th century Chinese gilt lacquer landscape fan 100 faces from the Qing dynasty. The fan is painted with scenes of court life enclosed in a demilune glazed frame. Overall goo...

A 19th Century Chinese Celadon Ground Vase with Blue and White Cartouches of Scholars and Elders A very large 19th century blue and white Celadon Ground Vase, decorated front and bac...

19th Century Qing Dynasty Chinese Famille Rose Hat Stand or Brush Pot with markings on the bottom - The lettering says 771 Fire Two - which is most likely a note of its creation from...

A Chinese scholar stone of Lingbi type presented on a carved wood base. This stone takes a singular vertical form with one convex side that is largely flat, and the other side slight...

A large and impressive Chinese caved jade vase, Republic Period, circa 1930. Carved from one massive piece of jade. The vase carved with the He He Er Xian...