Skip to main content

Qing Garden Ornaments

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.

to
6
20
19
1
Height
to
Width
to
160
62
52
35
33
19
18
13
11
11
8
7
7
4
3
2
2
2
14
5
1
5
16
13
3
3
3
20
20
20
20
20
20
Style: Qing
Antique Large Hand-Carved Garden Stone, 19th Century
Located in South Burlington, VT
An ideal garden ornament, sturdy weather proof planter display base or a rock solid all weather stone base for a special sculpture. From China, comes this large 20.5 inch rectangu...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Green Glass Fisherman’s Float, C. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This beautiful green sphere is an early 20th century glass float used by fishermen to keep their fishing nets or droplines afloat in the ocean. The hollow float would have been encased by a rope netting and used just like a modern buoy. Because these floats were commonly produced from recycled bottles, most antique glass floats...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Blown Glass

Antique Hand-Carved Cash Coin Garden Stone, 19th Century
Located in South Burlington, VT
Unique garden accents This delightful round hand-carved stone in the form of an old "cash coin" with its square hole and dates to the 19th century. This was likely a mill stone for ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Chinese Antique Hand Carved Mythical Winged Guardian Sculpture
Located in South Burlington, VT
Powerful Hand Carved Sculptoral Work of Art, "Chimera" This powerful old mythical winged sculpture could be installed in your favorite home, office, or ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Petite Stone Drum Pedestal, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Look closely and you can just make out the hand-carved details that once made this small stone stool resemble a drum. A ring of circles along the top and bottom imitates bosshead nai...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

China Rare Antique Double Dragon Stone, 19thc
Located in South Burlington, VT
Here's one of the most beautiful Chinese antiques we have ever found in our travels in China over the past three decades. This is a one-of-a-kind antique sandstone lintel which when installed and displayed could be a handsome addition to your decor. It dates to the 18th century of the Qing dynasty. It still retains remnants of its original poly chrome surfaces. The carving and detail is deep and very fine. Depicted are a pair of writhing dragons competing for the fabled -wish granting jewel- and possibly water waves beneath- all auspicious signs. Dimensions: 13 inches high and 71 inches wide and 14 inches deep Photographs taken in natural light in our garden. Rare work of art. Provenance: originally found in Chengdu Province and has been part of family collection since its acquisition in 2004. Lifetime guarantee of authenticity. We are members of NAJGA- North American Japanese Garden...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Sandstone

China Two Antique Fantastic Stone Garden Monk Sculptures
Located in South Burlington, VT
Instant display and collection, one of a kind. From western China and collected some 20 years ago, comes this group of two (2) large hand carved red sandstone Lohans or Monks datin...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Sandstone

Pair of Chinese Stone Fu Lion Guardians, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of limestone fu lion-dogs once protected a grand courtyard home in 19th-century China. Skillfully carved in attentive postures, the mythical lions are known as “shizi,” pow...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

China Important Carved Stone "Penjing" Garden Table, Qing Dynasty ‘1644-1911’
Located in South Burlington, VT
China, a carved antique stone Penjing or painting form garden table, late ming to middle Qing dynasty (1500-1900), limestone, three pieces Dimensions: 34 inches high and 55 inches l...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Chinese Old Fantastic Sculpture Contorted Face
Located in South Burlington, VT
One of a kind. From western China and collected some 20 years ago, comes this large hand carved red sandstone Lohan or Monk sculpture dating to circa...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Sandstone

Chinese Journey to the West Hitching Post, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Created in the mid-19th century, this charming limestone post likely once stood outside a building in China's Shanxi province as a spot to hitch livestock. Carved in reference to the Ming dynasty novel "Journey to the West," the monkey atop the post depicts Sun Wukong, the Monkey King...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Chinese Ishi Sashi Ingot Weight, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Today known by the Japanese name “ishi-sashi,” meaning “awesome stone padlock,” this type of stone weight was used as part of intensive martial arts training. Hand-carved from solid ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

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 Garden Ornaments

Materials

Iron

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Stone Fu Lion Guardians
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of 19th century carved limestone Fu dogs with sinister smiles and furled brows once guarded the entrance to one of provincial China's grand homes. One peers up and the othe...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Chinese Path Marker, c. 1908
Located in Chicago, IL
Happening upon an intersection, a traveler in Qing-dynasty China would have been grateful for the guidance of this limestone path marker. Still bearing traces of its original pigmentation, each side of this marker is inscribed with directions. One side directs towards the Zhen De Teng household, another towards the Liang family, and a third towards the North East Road. The fourth inscription announces the year of its construction, the 33rd year of Emperor Guangxu (1908). This second-to-the-last emperor...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

19th Century Chinese Iron Bell
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. Marked with holes to affix the...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Iron

Chinese Round Hitching Stone, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Unlike many objects of its kind, this limestone hitching stone was carved into a simple rounded shape without any figural references. Used to secure a horse by rope or reins, the sto...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

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...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Iron

Chinese Limestone Drum
Located in Chicago, IL
This narrow drum stool was carved from a solid block of limestone with a minimalist tapered design. The stool is subtly etched with thin grooves around the top, suggestive of the lin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

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 Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Related Items
Antique Chinese Hand Carved Lacquered Rosewood Wall Plaque from the 19th Century
Located in Yonkers, NY
A 19th century Chinese carved wall plaque of lacquered rosewood. This plaque features a cloud-shape medallion with various figures within. ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Rosewood

Large 19th Century Stone Sphere
Located in Vosselaar, BE
Stone spheres as these where made from antiquity to the present day. As a universal form it served as a ornamental object in gardens, architecture and interiors but also had a deeper...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Stone

Large 19th Century Stone Sphere
Large 19th Century Stone Sphere
$1,727
H 11.82 in Dm 11.82 in
Zeus Bust Made with Compressed Marble Powder 'Ephesus Museum'
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
Looking for a powerful and striking addition to your living space? Look no further than the Zeus bust from Lagu's special selection. Standing at 16.9 inches tall and weighing 30 kg, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Statuary Marble

Zeus Bust Made with Compressed Marble Powder 'Ephesus Museum'
Zeus Bust Made with Compressed Marble Powder 'Ephesus Museum'
$1,888 / item
H 16.93 in W 11.82 in D 15.75 in
Livia Bust Made with Compressed Marble Powder 'Ephesus Museum'
By LAGU
Located in İSTANBUL, TR
In the first century, Livia was decribed as Rome’s strongest woman. She is proudly depicted in ancient sources as suitable to be empress, faithful to the emerpor and a good wife, and always balanced and level headed. It is said that she successfully filled the roles of wife, mother, widow and elderly woman. Livia was the wife of Augustus, the first emperor of the Roman Empire; she was his regent and was also his faithful adviser. Livia, the most powerful woman...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Statuary Marble

Livia Bust Made with Compressed Marble Powder 'Ephesus Museum'
Livia Bust Made with Compressed Marble Powder 'Ephesus Museum'
$1,100 / item
H 21.66 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Mid-Century Italian Paolo Soleri Brutalist Wind Chime Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A large and heavy patinated bronze Brutalism style windbell sculpture by Paolo Soleri (Italy, later America; 1919-2014). Beautiful, substantial Mid-century Post Modernist Brutali...
Category

Mid-20th Century Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Hand-Carved Granite Garden Component
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 19th century hand-carved granite garden fountain component. This Indian granite drain would also work nicely as a downspout water catch to redirect flow.
Category

19th Century Indian Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Granite

Chinese Buddhist Stone Column Stele
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculpted in the manner of temple columns or stele monuments, this square stone column is decorated on all four sides with Buddhist imagery carved in low relief. A seated Buddha grace...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Chinese Buddhist Stone Column Stele
Chinese Buddhist Stone Column Stele
$2,880
H 32.5 in W 9.25 in D 7.75 in
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Trefoil Trifoliate Clover Pedestal Drum Table
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE Mastercraft trefoil trifoliate clover shaped pedestal drum table base in original lacquered faux parchment finish with double band o...
Category

1970s American Vintage Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Brass

Extraordinary Chinese Taihu Scholar Stone Rare Form on Display Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning Taihu scholar stone in an unusual horizonal balanced form perched on a custom wood stand. The stone, in a nearly pure greyish white color, display a weathered smooth surfa...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Stone

Postmodern Tessellated Stone Pedestal
Located in Houston, TX
1980s Tesselated stone pedestal.
Category

Late 20th Century Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Travertine

Postmodern Tessellated Stone Pedestal
Postmodern Tessellated Stone Pedestal
$2,400
H 42 in W 12 in D 12 in
Pair of Italian Reclining Glazed Terracotta Lions
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of very large reclining lions in terra-cotta from Italy. The pair are well suited for indoor or outdoor (preferably covered) - flanking a fireplace...
Category

20th Century Italian Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Italian Reclining Glazed Terracotta Lions
Pair of Italian Reclining Glazed Terracotta Lions
$2,800 / set
H 13 in W 22 in D 8 in
Solid Stone Side Table / Pedestal from Java, Indonesia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A incredibly heavy and solid rounded stone side table / pedestal. This lovely sculptural object was crafted from a solid stone sourced from a river bed in East Java. A raw and organi...
Category

Early 2000s Indonesian Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Stone

Solid Stone Side Table / Pedestal from Java, Indonesia
Solid Stone Side Table / Pedestal from Java, Indonesia
$1,800 / item
H 18.12 in W 12.21 in D 13.98 in
Previously Available Items
Chinese Abstract Stone Garden Ornament, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This curious carving dates to the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911), chiseled from solid limestone to an abstract, zoomorphic form. Possibly originating as an architectural finial, the s...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Chinese Abstract Stone Garden Ornament, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This curious carving dates to the late Qing dynasty (1644 to 1911), chiseled from solid limestone to an abstract, zoomorphic form. Possibly originating as an architectural finial, th...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Pair Vintage Foo Lions, Green and Yellow Glazed Ceramic , 1960's, Hong Kong
Located in Austin, TX
An absolutely delightful pair of vintage Chinese green, yellow, and cream glazed ceramic guardian lions, also called foo dogs or foo lions, circa 1960's, Hong Kong. The pair of lions feature one male and one female. The male holds a ball under foot, while the female holds down a playful cub. The lions are portrayed seated upon their haunches on short pedestals...
Category

1960s Hong Kong Vintage Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese "Ishi Sashi" Stone Martial Arts Weight, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Today known by the Japanese name “ishi-sashi,” meaning “awesome stone padlock,” weights such as this one were once used as part of intensive martial arts training. Shaped like ancient Chinese locks, the weights was carved from limestone and used much like a modern kettle...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Chinese Antique Hanging Bell Made of Bronze with Dragon and Sanskrit Decoration
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
We have a unique Japanese aesthetic sense. And only we can introduce unique items through our purchasing channels in Japan and the experience we have gained so far, in such a way tha...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Bronze

Antique Hand-Carved Garden Stone, 19th Century
Located in South Burlington, VT
An ideal garden ornament, sturdy weather proof planter display base or a rock solid all weather stone base for a special sculpture. From China, comes this large 14.5 inch rectangu...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

China Antique Qing Monumental Buddhist Stone Pagoda
Located in South Burlington, VT
China antique monumental Pagoda Shrine with carved Lohans, 115" high, red sandstone, eight sections, Qing dynasty (1644-1911) This stone pagoda is a monumental work of art seldom seen in the west. Pagodas evolved from Indian stupas which were originally designed to hold the Buddha’s relics and textual paper sutras. This tiered tower composition became popular all over Asia and its architectural form differed from region to region. In China, its origins date to Buddhist missionaries who traveled the Silk Road. Early examples were built in temples but by the 13th century they were found outside the temple complex. Oldest examples had simple round or square bases and then later octagonal or more stylistic forms like the “censer” type of base on this pagoda. The 18 Arhats (lohans) portray Buddha’s messengers and each Lohan cylindrical tier is unique. This tour de force could serve as the centerpiece in the finest indoor space, or private or public Chinese or Asian inspired garden or Buddhist art collection. Photographs taken in natural light. Provenance: Private New England Collection acquired in 2005 in China from private collection Cheng Du, Sichuan Province. About Pagodas: Chinese pagoda towers...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Sandstone

Antique Hand-Carved Garden Stone, 19th Century
Located in South Burlington, VT
An ideal garden ornament, sturdy weather proof planter display base or a rock solid all weather stone base for a special sculpture. From China, comes this large 14.5 inch rectangu...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Antique Huge Garden Mill Stone, 19th Century
Located in South Burlington, VT
From China, comes this large 21.5 inch diameter round hand-carved mill stone from the 19th century or earlier period. This was likely a grinding base stone for a large oil pressing t...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Antique Hand-Carved Garden Stone, 19th Century
Located in South Burlington, VT
An ideal garden ornament, sturdy weather proof planter display base or a rock solid all weather stone base for a special sculpture. From China, comes this large 14.5 inch rectangu...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Antique Hand-Carved Cash Coin Garden Stone, 19th Century
Located in South Burlington, VT
Unique garden accents This delightful round hand-carved stone in the form of an old "cash coin" with its square hole and dates to the 19th century. This was...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

"Ishi Sashi" Chinese Martial Arts Weight, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Today known by the Japanese name “ishi-sashi,” meaning “awesome stone padlock,” weights such as this one were once used as part of intensive martial arts training. Shaped like ancient Chinese locks, the weights were carved from limestone and used much like modern kettle...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Garden Ornaments

Materials

Limestone

Qing garden ornaments for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Qing garden ornaments 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 garden ornaments created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, asian art and furniture, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, limestone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing garden ornaments 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 garden ornaments 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 $100,000 while the average work can sell for $2,680.

Recently Viewed

View All