Qing Decorative Boxes
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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Qing
Chinese Hardwood Jewelry Box with Mirror, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This Chinese jewelry box dates to the mid-19th century and would have been used by a Qing-dynasty woman to store her favorite pieces of jewelry, each drawer filled with jades, pearls...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Round Woven Chinese Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
With interlaced reeds that shimmer in the light, this 19th-century Chinese box celebrates the beautiful simplicity of a hand-woven object. The lidded box is crafted of densely woven ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bamboo
Round Woven Chinese Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
With interlaced reeds that shimmer in the light, this 19th-century Chinese box celebrates the beautiful simplicity of a hand-woven object. The lidded box is crafted of densely woven ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bamboo
Chinese Petite Repoussé Traveling Mirror, c. 1930
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite traveling mirror dates to the early 20th century and is crafted with a metal frame embellished with allover repoussé decoration. Designed after Qing-dynasty vanity boxes,...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
Chinese Lattice Top Incense Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This slender metal container is a 19th-century white brass incense burner, used for storing and burning incense sticks. The small box has a rectangular form and a removable sliding t...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Baitong Stacking Incense Clock, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This three-tiered container is a 19th-century white brass incense clock, once used as a relatively accurate method to mark the passage of time. Incense c...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Double Happiness Lacquered Snack Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This simple lacquered container was once a portable snack box, presented as a gift during holidays and special occasions. To the delight of the recipients, the unassuming box would h...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Chinese Cloisonne Jar Box Cannister and Cover Copper Enamel
Located in Wilton, CT
Antique Chinese cloisonne cannister with cover. Decorated with lotus flowers and scrolls in nice detail with great color and blending qualities. Tight fitting cover. Circa mid 19th c...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Enamel
Chinese Painted Rice Measure, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This rustic container was made over a hundred and fifty years ago to measure and hold a dou of rice, an ancient Chinese measurement. The rice measure is crafted of northern elmwood (...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
Qing Dynasty Hinged Box with Brass Hardware and Weathered Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Qing Dynasty period hinged wooden box from the 19th century with brass hardware and nicely weathered patina. Crafted during the Qing Dynasty in the 19th century, this wooden box ca...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
19th Century Chinese Box Document Box
Located in New York, NY
19th Century Chinese Document Box. Elm wood in Black lacquer with bronze hardware having a pine wood top shelf compartment in red lacquer. Nicely mad...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Elm, Pine
Footed Cylindrical Chinese Vessel with Bamboo Motif, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This footed vessel captivates attention with stunningly detailed metalwork. Crafted of white brass in a cylindrical form, this vessel is complete with two loop side handles, secured to the face of a lion, and an intricately designed lid topped with a round grip. The exterior is etched with Chinese text and a pattern of lush bamboo fields, a symbol of honesty, humility, and loyalty. This vessel opens to a constricted circular neck shaped with a slit on the side. Reminiscent of Chinese braziers...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
19th Century Chinese Elmwood Box with Canted Corners
Located in Dallas, TX
A 19th century Chinese elmwood box with brass hardware with canted corners. This unusual long and narrow box was probably custom made to house a musical instrument, it is very decor...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
White Brass Five Blessings Chinese Brazier, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Large Chinese Octagonal Black Lacquered Gilt Painted Covered Box 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large Chinese Export Octagonal Black Lacquered Gilt Painted Covered Box 1950s.
Chinese lacquer box with numerous figures and gilt detail.
Large Chin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Large Chinese Export Round Black Lacquered Gilt Painted Covered Box 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large Chinese black lacquered box with numerous figures and gilt detail.
Chinese round black lacquer and gilt painted box, made for the expor...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Lacquered Snack Box, c. 1820
Located in Chicago, IL
This simple lacquered container was once used as a 19th-century snack box, presented as a gift during holidays and special occasions. To the delight of the r...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
18th Century Chinese Parchment Covered Box With Bronze Mounts
Located in Stamford, CT
Wonderful and rare 18th century Chinese goatskin parchment covered box with bronze escutcheon and mounts. Love to find a piece like this in original condition. Lined with blue patter...
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Canton Enamel Lobed Round Box, Qianlong Mark, Late Qing Dynasty, China
Located in Austin, TX
A well painted Chinese Canton enamel lobed round box and cover featuring the Eight Immortals, with a Qianlong mark to the underside, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China
The deligh...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Chinese Studded Lacquer Snack Box, c. 1820
Located in Chicago, IL
This simple lacquered container was once used as a 19th-century snack box, presented as a gift during holidays and special occasions. To the delight of the recipients, the unassuming...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Shagreen Glasses Case with Tassels, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This Chinese spectacle case is carved from wood with a striking shagreen covering. The case dates from the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), still in wonderful condition with a rich deep col...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal
Chinese Export Hardstone and Gilt Silver Filigree Peacock Box, 1920's, China
Located in Austin, TX
An exquisite Chinese export peacock from hardstone and gilt silver filigree canister box, Republic Period, circa 1920's, China.
The graceful and elegant hardstone container of cyli...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Stone, Silver, Enamel
Chinese Antique Lidded Carrying Box
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Antique Lidded Carrying Box from the early 20th century with lid and carved handle. Unveil a world of timeless elegance with this Chinese late Qi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Yellow Cloisonne Dragon Box, Republic Period, circa 1920, China
Located in Austin, TX
A charming Chinese yellow cloisonne small trinket box with dragons, Republic Period, circa 1920, China.
The small box sets on four bun feet and designed ...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Late Qing Dynasty Wood and Brass Lidded Box with Lateral Handles
Located in Yonkers, NY
A late Qing Dynasty Chinese wooden box from the early 20th century with brass hardware and lateral handles. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural hi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Turquoise Cloisonne Trinket Box, Republic Period, c 1920, China
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely Chinese turquoise cloisonne trinket box with images of the Hundred Antiques, Republic Period, circa 1920, China.
The rectangular box de...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Chinese Black Lacquer Presentation Box, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This simple lacquered box is a 19th century snack box, presented as a gift during holidays and special occasions. To the delight of the recipients, the unassuming box would have open...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Pine
Pair of Chinese Longevity Relief Scroll Cases, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Delicately carved of dense hardwood, these 19th-century scroll cases were an essential accessory for the esteemed Qing-dynasty scholar. The perfect size for a rolled-up scroll, the cases were once used to store and protect works of traditional calligraphy and landscape painting.
The matching cases are hand-carved in low relief with all-over scrollwork and borders of geometric meanders. Each case is carved with repeated Shou characters, symbols of longevity and a blessing for a long and complete life. Amid the scrollwork flourishes are ribbon-clad objects known as the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism, including the eternal knot...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Canton Enamel Round Stacking Boxes and Cover, circa 1900, China
Located in Austin, TX
An absolutely lovely Chinese export pink Canton enamel round stacking box and cover, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China.
The circular stacking box consists of a bowl form base, ...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Chinese Black Lacquer Snack Box, c. 1820
Located in Chicago, IL
This simple lacquered box was once used as a 19th-century snack box, presented as a gift during holidays and special occasions. To the delight of the recipients, the unassuming box w...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Black Lacquer Snack Box, c. 1820
Located in Chicago, IL
This simple lacquered box was once used as a 19th-century snack box, presented as a gift during holidays and special occasions. To the delight of the recipients, the unassuming box w...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Red Lacquer Wedding Chest with Hand-Painted Décor, Qing Dynasty
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Qing Dynasty period dark red lacquer wooden wedding chest from the 19th century with unusual shape, hand-painted floral décor and brass hardware. Created in China ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Qing Dynasty Early 20th Century Decorative Box with Dovetail Joints
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period decorative box from the early 20th century with dovetail construction and bronze hardware. Created in China during the last part of the Qing Dynasty per...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Late Qing Dynasty Document Box with Brass Lock and Carrying Handles
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Late Qing Dynasty period wooden document box from the early 20th century with reddish brown lacquer, brass hardware and carrying handles. Created in China during the late Qing Dynasty period in the early years of the 20th century, this wooden document box features a domed lid opening thanks to a traditional brass lock...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
18th/19th Century Chinese Cinnabar Circular Box with Multiple Cartouches
Located in New York, NY
An 18th/19th Century Chinese cinnabar circular box with multiple cartouches of Families. This is a marvelous piece with very fine details on the main top panel of the box. The top pa...
Category
1790s Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Export Black Lacquer Gilt Painted Box, Mid 20th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A large and highly decorative Chinese black lacquered wooden box with gilt painted decoration, mid 20th century, China.
The large box of square quatrefoil form, may originally ha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Cloisonne Box with Carved Jade Inset Medallion
Located in Stamford, CT
Circa 1900 Chinese box decorated with green, blue, red and yellow floral design set against a white background. The top with a carved white jade floral medallion. The apple green ena...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Jade, Brass
Provincial Chinese Rice Measure, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This rustic container was made over a hundred years ago to measure and hold a dou of rice, an ancient Chinese measurement. The rice measure has a square f...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Iron
Chinese Gilt Lacquer Hat Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
No self-respecting man in Qing-dynasty China would leave the house without some kind of hat. In fact, headgear was so central to social status that even the containers used to store ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Hide, Fabric, Wood
Provincial Chinese Rice Measure, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This rustic container was made over a hundred years ago to measure and hold a dou of rice, an ancient Chinese measurement. The rice measure has a square f...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Iron
Chinese Lao Tian Li Cloisonne Cylindrical Box, Late Qing Dynasty, China
Located in Austin, TX
A delightful antique Chinese cloisonné cylindrical box and cover by Lao Tian Li, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China.
The box of cylindrical form and w...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass, Copper, Enamel
Chinese Hardwood Jewelry Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Long ago, this elegant rosewood box was used by a Qing-dynasty lady to store her favorite pieces of jewelry, each drawer filled with jades, pearls, coral necklaces, and hair pins. Th...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Provincial Chinese Rice Measure, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This rustic container was made over a hundred years ago to measure and hold a dou of rice, an ancient Chinese measurement. The rice measure has a squ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Iron
Large Chinese Export Round Black Lacquer Gilt Painted Box, Mid 20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A very large Chinese round black lacquer and gilt painted box, made for the export market, mid 20th century, China.
The round black lacquer box of impressive proportions, and deco...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Gilt Black Lacquer Carrying Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century painted box was originally used as a portable traveling container, especially used for meals, snacks, and food offerings. The wooden box is crafted with eight sides, a lucky number believed to bring prosperity. Brushed atop layers of red and black lacquer, gilt linework decorates the sides with scrollwork, ruyi, and chrysanthemums, symbols of autumn and longevity. The lid is painted with a young boy carrying a lantern, conveying a blessing of abundance. Dense with symbolism, this painted carrying box...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Carved Cinnabar Round Lidded Box or Jar
Located in Stamford, CT
A Chinese covered jar of carved cinnabar covered jar with blue enamel interior over brass. The carving is exquisite, with deep red cinnabar in high rel...
Category
Early 20th Century Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Long Wooden Scroll Box with Brass Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
A long Chinese Qing Dynasty period wooden scroll box from the 19th century, with brass hardware. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period, this unusual scroll box features a r...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Antique Chinese Headrest 'Pillow' Box
Located in Pasadena, CA
This beautiful Chinese pillow box was hand-crafted by artisans to be used as headrest and to store valuables and important documents.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Antique Lidded Lunch Box with Volutes, Handle and Distressed Finish
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period lidded lunch box from the early 20th century, with weathered patina, large handle and volutes. This early 20th-century Chinese antique lidded lunch...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Studded Nanmu Lock Box, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
A special place for storing jewelry and other treasures, this early 19th-century lock box was created by a skilled artisan in China's Jiangsu province. The box is minimally decorated to showcase the rich, swirling grain of the nanmu wood, an esteemed softwood found throughout China. The interior contains a small lidded compartment and a removable dividing tray...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Pair of Petite Chinese Red Lacquer Butterfly Chests, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
These late 19th century miniature tapered cabinets would have been kept in a woman's quarters, likely used as a jewelry box or cosmetics case. The carved door fronts are decorated wi...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Elm
Qing Dynasty Rattan and Bamboo Nested Lunch Basket with Carved Handle
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Qing Dynasty period rattan and bamboo two-tier nested lunch basket from the 19th century, with carved handle and calligraphy. This exquisite 19th-century Chinese lunch basket, masterfully crafted from rattan and bamboo, offers a blend of functionality and decorative appeal. Featuring two-tier nesting sections and a circular lid, this antique piece is accentuated by a robust bamboo handle that is gracefully adorned with painted calligraphy, adding an element of cultural artistry.
Originally designed for carrying meals, today this versatile basket serves multiple purposes—it can function as a unique picnic basket, a charming decorative item, or a clever solution for storing and organizing everyday items in your home. Its intricate design and natural materials bring a touch of rustic elegance to any setting, making it a perfect addition to both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Ideal for display in a kitchen, dining room, or living area, this Chinese antique lunch...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Rattan, Bamboo
Chinese White Brass Happiness Brazier, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Filled with burning coals, this petite 19th-century brass brazier once warmed the hands of a well-to-do person on a cold winter's night in northern China. The brazier is crafted of white brass in a rectangular form, complete with a hinged handle and an intricately pierced lid with a chrysanthemum pattern. The exterior is etched with a pattern of golden coins...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Qing Dynasty Red Lacquered Scroll Box with Distressed Gold Chinoiserie
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing dynasty red lacquered lidded scroll box from the 19th century with distressed gold chinoiserie motifs. Resting on a scalloped plinth accented with discreet foliage, th...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
19th Century Chinese Lacquer Sewing Box
Located in Brea, CA
19th century Chinese lacquer sewing box from the Qing Dynasty. Decorated all over beautifully with intricate designs and images of ancient C...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Qing Dynasty Tiered Wedding Box with Nailheads and Dark Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing dynasty period wooden tiered wedding box from the 19th century, with carved sides, handle and nailheads. Created in China during the ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
19th Century Chinese Silverwire Wooden Box Mother of Pearl Design
Located in Brea, CA
19th century Chinese silverwire wooden box with mother of pearl design from the Qing Dynasty. Beautiful intricate floral designs all-over.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
18th Century Burmese Rakhine State Lacquer Bamboo Pillow Box
Located in Brea, CA
18th century Burmese black bamboo pillow box in relief with red Rakhine lacquer. Created with bamboo weaving. Decorated all-over with geometrical shapes and...
Category
Early 18th Century Burmese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Qing decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing decorative boxes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing decorative boxes 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 decorative boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $276 and tops out at $57,280 while the average work can sell for $980.
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