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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Style: Qing
Period: 19th Century
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 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
19th century black lacquered jewellery box
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Chinese black lacquered jewellery box circa 1860.
Good quality shaped Chinese jewellery box with overstuffed top cushion. Hand painted in gold leaf on all surfaces, wi...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique 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
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
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
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
Round red lacquered and gold leaf work box - China 19th Qing Dynasty
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Magnificent round box in red lacquer in two parts.
Completely decorated by hand. With gilded, gold decoration.
There are floral and geometric decorations, handmade interlacing, with gold leaf.
The box is placed on 4 feet.
The interior is lacquered black.
Very nice dimensions.
This box shows some wear due to its age and authenticity.
This round Chinese box in red and gold lacquered woven bamboo Was probably a wedding box, a work box, a storage box.
It can be used as a hat box, sewing box, games box or tea bag box...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
Chinese Qing Period Huanghuali Wood and Bronze Box
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese Huanghuali wood box decorated with bronze mountings and motifs of bats, fish and moths.
The top features a classic Chinese medallion mounted to the centre of the lid.
In un...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Bronze
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
Antique Qing Blue & White Porcelain Box, Unsigned, China, Late 19th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Antique Qing Dynasty Blue & White porcelain box with cover - hand painted with the double happiness symbol to the top and meandering vines ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
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
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
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 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
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
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
Chinese Qing Lacquered and Inlaid Handled Sewing Box
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual and fine antique Chinese Qing lacquered and inlaid papier mache handled sewing box with decorative panels dating from latter 19th or early 20th century. The sewing box is of round cylindrical shape with a swing carry handle and is inlaid with mother of pearl and abalone. The body is made up of eight oval shaped scenes of typical Chinese style with buildings and people picked out with inset abalone and mother of pearl and highlighted and contained within a gilded border. These are set between bands of patterned abalone and against a blue silk background. A similar band of abalone is applied to the swing handle. The cover sits within a recess and is made up of bands on inset abalone with cut out triangular designs and set over blue silk with a small finely carved mother of pearl handle...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Silk, 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
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
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 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
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
Chinese Qing Mother of Pearl Inset Wooden Glove Box
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine quality antique Chinese wooden glove box inset with decorative mother of pearl panels dating from the 19th or possibly late 18th century. The rectangular sleeve box has inset ...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
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
Chinese Double Handled Brass Brazier, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
On a cold winter’s night in China’s Northern provinces, the well-to-do held their hands over this coal-filled brazier to ward off the chill. Handmade of brass, the exquisitely crafte...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
19th Century 14.25‘’ Large Chinese Lacquer Sewing Box
Located in Brea, CA
19th century Chinese lacquer sewing box from the Qing Dynasty. Decorated beautifully all over with intricate designs and images of ancient C...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Brass Hand Warmer with Phoenix, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Filled with burning coals, this exquisitely crafted 19th century brass brazier once warmed the hands of a wealthy woman on a cold winter's night in northern China. Designed to let he...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
19th Century Chinese Lacquer Sewing Box
Located in Brea, CA
19th century Chinese lacquer sewing box from the Qing dynasty. Colored black and gold all-over beautifully with intricate designs.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Gourd-Form Presentation Box, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This finely lacquered box was once presented as a gift, filled with popular snacks like roasted melon seeds, dried fruit, and cinnamon-toasted soy beans. The lightweight box is formed in the shape of a melon, a traditional symbol of perpetuity. Cloaked in layer upon layer of rich red lacquer, the box is intricately decorated with paintings of ruyi-framed lotus...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
19th Century Chinoiserie Gilt Painted Box
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century Chinese chinoiserie gilt painted box. Lacquer work box of very high quality.
Beautifully painted.
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese Treasure Chest with Reverse Glass Painted Panels. c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
As much an artwork as a piece of furniture, this 19th century treasure chest from northern China is richly decorated with relief carvings and delicate gilt paintings. The doors bear ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Finely Woven Lacquered Trunk, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This finely woven circa 1800 trunk is a work of art in itself and was possibly used to store prized painted scrolls. A skilled artisan painstakingly wove thin-as-hair reeds to cover ...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Reed, Elm, Lacquer
Chinese Eternal Love Offering Box, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This ornately carved 19th-century offering box would have been presented as a gift filled with popular Chinese snacks, including roasted melon seeds, dried fruit, and soybeans toaste...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Lacquer, Paint, Wood
Chinese Five Blessings Brass Brazier, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Filled with burning coals, this exquisitely crafted 19th-century brazier once warmed the cold hands of a wealthy woman on a winter night in northern China. The brazier is hand-wrough...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Finely Woven Lacquered Trunk, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
A work of art in itself, this finely woven Qing-dynasty trunk likely once stored prized painted scrolls. Framed in elmwood, the trunk’s panels are lined with thin reeds that were pai...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Brass
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
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
Chinese Fan Shaped Lacquer Snackbox, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Imagine the delight of opening this mysterious, black box to find it filled with roasted nuts and decadent sweets. Unusual for its curved, fan-like shape, the 19th-century wooden box...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes
Materials
Wood
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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