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.
Qing Dynasty Chinese 19th Century Stone Temple Pedestal with Hand-Carved Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period stone temple pedestal from the 19th century with hand-carved motifs. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this temple pedestal features a linear si...
Stone
Chinese Reverse Glass Table Screen with Floral Still Life, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Prevalent in fine Chinese interiors as early as the Tang dynasty (618-906), standing screens with decorative panels served numerous functions as portable architecture. Used to sectio...
Glass, Wood
$1,015Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty Openwork Wall Hanging Giltwood Carvings
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antique pair of Chinese 18th century Qing dynasty openwork wood carving Gilded screen work wall hanging architectural elements. This pair of Chinese pan...
Giltwood
Antique Qing Dynasty Chinese Glazed Terracotta Guardian Lion Roof Tile Figures
Located in Forney, TX
A remarkable pair of rare antique Qing Dynasty (1636-1912) Chinese terracota architectural roof tile beasts. circa 1900 Hand-crafted in Imperial China around the turn of the late 19...
Terracotta
Antique Shop Sign with Carved Calligraphy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Antique Shop Sign with Carved Calligraphy from the 19th century with dark brown/black lacquer, calligraphy carved in low relief and iro...
Iron
Antique Asian Carved Foo Dog Lion Architectural Corbels, a Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent pair of Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) antique Chinese architectural elements with beautifully aged patina. circa 1900 Most impressive large scale, likely sculptural corbels from a Buddhist temple or imperial palace, late 19th / early 20th century, each intricately hand carved with very fine detailing, similarly styled pair, modeled as guardian foo lion, depicted with outstretched arched body, mouth ajar, clutching floral ball, having elaborate openwork carvings, with scattered remnants of original polychrome paint remaining. The highly decorative architectural salvaged ornamental building elements presented on custom made hand carved wooden sculpture stands...
Wood, Paint
Chinese Qing Dynasty Period Red Lacquer Carved Shop Sign with Calligraphy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period red lacquer shop sign from the 19th century with carved and lacquered calligraphy. This Chinese Qing Dynasty period shop sign is a remarkable artifact f...
Wood
19th Century Qing Dynasty Shop Sign Panel with Calligraphy and Distressed Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A rectangular Qing Dynasty period shop sign panel from the 19th century with calligraphy and distressed dark brown patina. Crafted during the Qing Dynasty in the 19th century, this r...
Wood
19th Century Qing Dynasty Carved Wood Panel with Cloud Motifs and Guardian Lion
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing dynasty carved wooden architectural panel from the 19th century, with pierced cloudy motifs and guardian lion. Hand-carved du...
Wood
Large 19th Century Lacquered Black Signboard with Red Calligraphy, Qing Dynasty
Located in Yonkers, NY
A large Qing Dynasty period black signboard from the 19th century, with red calligraphy. Crafted during the 19th century Qing Dynasty, this large signboard once adorned a temple, gui...
Wood
Antique Chinese Carved Wood Architectural Window Panel
Located in Dallas, TX
An antique Chinese carved wood window panel with piercing and a geometric pattern. This very decorative architectural element is a good size and can be used to hand on the wall or i...
Wood
Chinese Monumental Mill Wheel, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hewn from pine and held together with iron hardware, this provincial wooden wheel is a remarkable example of turn-of-the-century craftsmanship. Its monumental scale suggests it was u...
Iron
Chinese Iron Courtyard Bell, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This rustic, 19th century iron bell once pealed in celebration or gave notice of important events in a town in northern China. The bell's wide mouth and ridged bead lines give this b...
Iron
Mid-20th Century Cast Stone Architectural Panels, a Pair
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th C., cast stone panels with attractive patina. The panels could be used outdoors or for interior decoration. The back side of the panels have metal wall mounts. Dimensions: 6...
Cast Stone, Metal
$1,698 / item
H 28 in W 36 in D 6 in
Fireplace Screen in Metal with a Blackened Steel Finish Customizable
By Redsoul
Located in Seattle, WA
The Court Screen is a modern metal fireplace screen cover that can be used flush fitted into the fireplace opening or can stand right outside a ...
Steel
$850
H 12 in W 63.5 in D 2 in
19th Century Asian Architectural Transom Panel with Pierced Carved Foliage
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Asian Architectural transom panel with pierced carved foliage.
Wood
Pair of Antique Carved Stone Capitals
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Pair of antique carved stone capitals. A wonderful pair of English, decorative Limestone capitals circa 1820.
Limestone
$2,950
H 8 in W 4.5 in D 3.5 in
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Dynasty Large Jadeite Carved Plaque on Stand
Located in Hudson, NY
This very nice carved plaque of good size comes from China and was made circa 1900. The stone is a rich combination of dark, light and emerald green. Sliced from a boulder washed and...
Jade
$1,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 9.5 in Dm 9.5 in
China Pair Antique Hand Carved Stone Flowers Display Pedestals 19th Century
Located in South Burlington, VT
Hard to Find Pair (2) Display Pedestals from the 19th Century From China's Qing dynasty (1644-1912) a hard to find pair (2) of limestone carved "flower" pedestals - perfect for di...
Stone, Limestone
Pair of Carved Marble Recumbent Lions
Located in Norwood, NJ
Fine quality antique carved marble recumbent lions after models by Antonio Canova. Architectural elements most likely part of a larger el...
Carrara Marble
$21,000 / set
H 13.25 in W 5 in D 4 in
Pair Chinese White Glazed Guanyin, Qing Dynasty, 18th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A sublime and rare pair of Chinese white glazed porcelain figures of Guanyin, attributed to Tang Ying (1682 - 1756), Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, China. This ethereal pair of white glazed porcelain figures depict the revered Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. Guanyin is portrayed standing, wearing heavy robes that drape beautifully around her figure. Bare feet peek out from under the hem of the robes. Her hair piled in a high chignon and covered by a cowl. The treatment of the hair, finely textured, unglazed, and with remnants of darker pigment, is typical of works by Tang Yin (1682 - 1756), who was the head of the imperial porcelain works at Jingdezhen. Guanyin's beatific face is set in a serene smile, with a small, flat nose, and downcast, heavily lidded, almond shaped eyes. A simple beaded necklace graces her chest. Her hands held out, and may have once held attributes. The hands were originally removable, but have since been permanently attached. The figures crafted of a fine porcelain and glazed all over in a supple white glaze. One figure bears a label from the Rafi Mottahedeh collection to the back. Provenance: Chinese Porcelain Company...
Porcelain
$1,195 / set
H 16 in W 14.5 in D 15 in
Antique Salvaged Carved Wooden Architectural Wall Brackets, Corbels or Shelves
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This matched pair of antique hand-carved walnut wall brackets were salvaged from an early Victorian house in Montreal, Canada. The brackets are unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Canada in approximately 1850 in the period Victorian style. The brackets are solid walnut in their composition and have ornate decorative carvings. These wall corbels...
Walnut
Chinese Qing Dynasty Carved Bamboo HeHe ErXian Group, 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A wonderful Chinese bamboo figural carving featuring the Taoist immortal twins of eternal youth, known as the HeHe ErXian, Qing dynasty, 19th century. F...
Bamboo
19th Century Carved Wood Panel
Located in New York, NY
19th Century carved wood panel with lotus bud motive. An Architectural Element from a Buddhist Monastery in Northen Thailand. A Lotus Bud representi...
Teak
$1,626Sale Price|20% Off
H 42.13 in W 51.97 in D 12.21 in
Antique Wooden Fireplace Mantel, Carved with Satyr & Columns, 19th Century Italy
Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)
Ancient fireplace in precious wood, richly carved with satyr on the central pediment and tapered columns with capital, hand carved in the 19th century in Italy. Of wood, therefore v...
Wood
Pair of Chinese Monumental Mill Wheels, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hewn from pine and held together with handmade iron nails, these provincial wooden wheels are a remarkable example of turn-of-the-century craftsmanship. Their monumental scale sugges...
Iron
Pair of Chinese Oval Lattice Panel Doors, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
A hallmark of Qing-dynasty domestic architecture, hand-carved lattice panels such as these were used in courtyard homes to allow light and air into a room while maintaining privacy. ...
Brass
Chinese Qing Dynasty Gilt Bronze Lion's Head Pulls
Located in Astoria, NY
Chinese Qing dynasty gilt bronze lion's head door knockers, circa 1900, with expressive faces and traces of gilding throughout. In good antique condition with patina, wear consistent...
Bronze
Late Qing Dynasty Red Lacquered Shop Sign with Carved Calligraphy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period red lacquered shop sign with hand carved calligraphy and black and yellow frame. Showcasing a rich history, this late Qing Dynasty period Chinese s...
Wood
Chinese Monumental Mill Wheel, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hewn from pine and held together with handmade iron nails, this provincial wooden wheel is a remarkable example of turn-of-the-century craftsmanship. Its monumental scale suggests it...
Iron
Chinese Monumental Mill Wheel, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hewn from pine and held together with handmade iron nails, this provincial wooden wheel is a remarkable example of turn-of-the-century craftsmanship. Its monumental scale suggests it...
Iron
Sold
H 13 in W 4.5 in D 9 in
Pair of Antique Chinese Architectural Ornament Fish Roof Tile Figure Statues
Located in Forney, TX
A whimsical pair of large Qing Dynasty (1636–1912) Sancai glazed ceramic figural roof tiles with rich beautifully aged patina! Dating to the 19th century, Northern China, wonderfully hand-crafted, unusual sculptural form depicting highly stylized auspicious fish, rising on terracotta clay arched imbrex barrel roof tile, these remarkable architectural salvaged ornaments originally adorned the roof of an important Chinese building, now they make for highly decorative and fascinating sculptures! Dimensions: (approx) Each; 13" High, 4.5" Wide, 9" Deep; History: The Fish, 鱼 (yú) figure is believed to be a symbol of good fortune and longevity. The Fish is one of the several natural or mythical creatures such as Foo Dogs - Guardian Lions that adorn roof edges of Chinese religious temples, official buildings and important structures. Brightly hand painted and glazed ceramic roof tiles...
Ceramic, Clay, Paint, Earthenware
Pair Antique Chinese Sancai Architectural Roof Tiles
Located in Forney, TX
A finely rendered pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty (1644-1910) ceramic architectural roof tiles, glazed in the rich Sancai palette, skillfully modelled ...
Ceramic, Paint
Large Square Chinese Carved Camphor Wood "Longevity" Screen Panel
Located in Austin, TX
A large vintage Chinese camphor wood window screen panel, carved and pierced with longevity symbols, mid to late 20th century, China. The square...
Brass
Sold
H 67.5 in W 20 in D 2 in
Pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Carved Screens with Fretwork Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Chinese Qing dynasty period carved screens from the 19th century, with fretwork motifs. Created in China during the Qing dynasty, each of this pair of screens features a linear silhouette pierced with fretwork motifs in its center. Boasting a lovely blond patina, this pair of 19th century Qing dynasty screens...
Wood
Chinese Qing Style Relief Carved Window Panel
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exquisite Chinese Qing style window panel featuring an intricately carved relief depicting scholars amid pagodas. The carved elm has a beautiful aged patina and fading on the natural...
Elm
Sold
H 84 in W 18.25 in D 2 in
Set of Four Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Carved Wooden Screens with Dragons
Located in Yonkers, NY
A set of four Chinese Qing Dynasty period carved wooden screens from the 19th century, with dragon motifs and polychrome accents. Created in China...
Wood