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.
Teak Wood Pedestal Crafted in Java, Indonesia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This teak wood pedestal was crafted by moulding 4 blocks of solid teak wood together. A strong and robust pedestal that is both beautiful on its own or displaying sculptures, vases o...
Teak
19th Century Chinese Qing Carved Rosewood and Marble Inset Stand
Located in Germantown, MD
A 19th Century Chinese Carved Hardwood and Marble Inset Stand. Finely carved throughout. Measures 17" in width, 17" in depth and 32" in height.
Marble
Chinese Stone Column Base with Mythical Qilin, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A 19th-century limestone column base carved in relief with mythical qilin, chimeric animals from Chinese mythology described as having the head of a dragon, the body of a tiger, the ...
Limestone
$7,780 / set
Pair of Chinese Drum Form Column Bases, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These 19th century column bases likely figured into the grand and imposing surroundings of a Qing-dynasty courtyard, flanking the entryway with their protective presence. Carved from...
Limestone
Qing Dynasty Terracotta Pedestals, Hexagonal Base, China, Circa 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This pair of early 20th century Pedestals feature a wonderful age-related faded green finish. They feature a hexagonal base and largely hollow centre allowing them to remain relative...
Ceramic, Paint
Petite Chinese Melon Stone Drum with Fruit & Flora, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Drum-form stools such as this were traditionally used in gardens and outdoor pavilions where upper class scholars read, wrote, gathered for discussion and, in general, developed thei...
Limestone
$6,480 / set
Pair of Chinese Sandstone Column Bases, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of late 19th-century column bases likely figured into the grand and imposing surroundings of a Qing-dynasty courtyard, supporting large wooden beams that flanked an entry o...
Sandstone
$13,072 / set
Pair of Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Stands
Located in London, GB
These excellent wooden antique Chinese stands are each decorated on two out of their four faces with mother-of-pearl inlay in a simple yet effect...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Low Travertine Pedestal
Located in Chicago, IL
This minimalist block-form pedestal is shaped of pale travertine tile with clean lines and balanced proportions. The low display stand exemplifies Organic Modern style with chiseled ...
Travertine
$2,470
H 43.2 in W 11.8 in D 11.8 in
Stylish and Great Antique, Ebonized Flower, Plant or Sculpture Stand / Pedestal
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful column for displaying a work of art or otherwise. This antique and attractive design pedestal is perfect for showcasing an antique sculpture, vase or bust. Most colors wil...
Wood, Beech, Paint
$2,400
H 17 in W 14 in D 14 in
Pair of Blue and White Porcelain Chinese Oriental Drum Garden Seat Pedestal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of blue and white pierced porcelain Chinese drum garden seats. Item features porcelain construction, pierced decoration, white and blue paint glazed decoration, great style form...
Chenille
$2,765
H 40.1 in W 12 in D 12 in
Antique Early 1900s Hand Carved Oak Pedestal Display Stand, Floral Sculptered
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning display column with a warm and beautiful patina. If you are looking for an antique column pedestal for displaying a vase, a plant, ...
Oak
1910 pair of stone posts with flame finials
Located in London, GB
A handsome pair of 1910 cast stone posts with flame finials. French and likely from a driveway they would be a decorative ornament to an exterior. Nicely weathered and in good condi...
Cast Stone
Pair of Antique Swedish Neoclassical Late Empire Pedestals
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of antique Empire Neoclassical Swedish pedestals painted ebony with gold accents.
Wood
$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
Wrought Iron and Stone Garden Patio Stand with Pebble Stone Top
Located in New York, NY
Interesting wrought iron stand with inset pebble stone top. The three leg base shows distinct Art Nouveau influence.
Stone, Wrought Iron
$1,050
H 5.75 in W 10 in D 10 in
19th Century Italian Neoclassical Style Carved Marble Corinthian Capital
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century Neoclassical Italian hand carved marble Corinthian capital. Carved in high relief on three sides from white marble with a now weathered surface. The fourth side left unf...
Marble
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...
Stone
$2,400 / set
H 17 in W 14 in D 14 in
Vintage Chinese Oriental Blue & White Porcelain Garden Drum Seat Table - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Chinoiserie Oriental Blue & White Porcelain Chinese Garden Drum...
Porcelain
Marc Bankowsky, Plaster Pedestal, France, 2008
Located in New York, NY
Freestanding contemporary polyester plaster pedestal by Marc Bankowsky. Marc studied at L’école Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD) and at The Ecole Nationale Supérieur...
Plaster
Chinese Qing-Dynasty Stone Buddha Pedestal, 18th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This impressive stone pedestal from the late 18th century likely originated as a courtyard column base or a display plinth for a large Buddha statue. Worked by hand from solid limest...
Limestone
Chinese Drum Stone Column Base, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century column base likely figured into the grand and imposing surroundings of a Qing-dynasty courtyard, supporting a large wooden beam that flanked an entry or walkway. Sh...
Limestone
Chinese Limestone Buddha Cushion, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Despite being carved from solid limestone, this 19th-century stone display stand has the presence of a plush, down-filled cushion. Resembling a col...
Limestone
Chinese Mill Stone, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusual stone pedestal is actually a late 19th-century cylindrical mill stone. Hand-carved of solid limestone with a textured and ribbed surface, the stone was used for threshing wheat and other grains on a farm in China's Shanxi province. The heavy stone roller...
Limestone
Chinese Mill Stone, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusual stone pedestal is actually a late 19th-century cylindrical mill stone. Hand-carved of solid limestone with a textured and ribbed surface, the stone was used for threshing wheat and other grains on a farm in China's Shanxi province. The heavy stone roller...
Limestone
Chinese Mill Stone, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusual stone pedestal is actually a late 19th century cylindrical mill stone. hand carved of solid limestone with a textured and ribbed surface, the stone was used for threshing wheat and other grains on a farm in China's Shanxi province. The heavy stone roller...
Limestone
Teak Wood Pedestal Crafted in Java, Indonesia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This teak wood pedestal was crafted by moulding 4 blocks of solid teak wood together. A strong and robust pedestal that is both beautiful on its own or displaying sculptures, vases o...
Teak
Sold
H 31.5 in W 16.25 in D 12 in
Antique Chinese Rosewood Mother of Pearl Inlay Marble Two Tier Table Plant Stand
Located in Dayton, OH
A rare and impressive early Qing dynasty marked 19th Century Chinese Stand by Yi Zhang. A rectangular form made from rosewood with mortise and tenon construction featuring inset gra...
Marble
Provincial Chinese Washing Stone, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved in the late 19th century in northern China, this limestone washing stone would have been used by a Qing-dynasty woman for washing clothes and text...
Limestone
Provincial Chinese Washing Stone, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved in the late 19th century in northern China, this limestone washing stone would have been used by a Qing-dynasty woman for washing clothes and text...
Limestone
Early 20th Century Provincial Chinese Washing Stone Pedestal
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved in the late 19th century in northern China, this limestone washing stone would have been used by a Qing-dynasty woman for washing clothes and textiles. Used by beating wet fab...
Limestone
Provincial Chinese Washing Stone, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved in the late 19th century in northern China, this limestone washing stone would have been used by a Qing-dynasty woman for washing clothes and textiles. Used by beating wet fab...
Limestone