Skip to main content

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.

19
to
1
19
19
19
19
169
101
46
29
26
12
10
10
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
7
48
26
6
3
2
Height
to
Width
to
11
10
6
5
3
18
18
18
Style: Qing
Period: Early 20th Century
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

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 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 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

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 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 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

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 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 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

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 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

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 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 Silver Repoussé Box with Warriors, Early 20th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A fine late Qing or early Republic Period Chinese silver repoussé box featuring a scene possibly from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Related Items
Chinese Silver Dragon Snuff Box Hung Chong
Located in Newark, England
Circa 1910 From our Chinese collection, we are pleased to offer this Chinese Silver Dragon Snuff Box. The snuff box of oval form having a hammered decoration to the exterior with a ...
Category

1910s Chinese Vintage Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Chinese Silver Dragon Snuff Box Hung Chong
Chinese Silver Dragon Snuff Box Hung Chong
Free Shipping
H 1.18 in W 3.35 in D 2.56 in
Indian Mughal Style Gem-Set Gilt Brass Snuff Box in Elephant Shape
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage gilt brass lidded trinket snuff box with red and turquoise stone inlaid in the form of an elephant with trump up. Vintage Indian Mughal style metal brass and set with dozens...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone, Metal, Brass

Two Famille Rose Cosmetic Boxes, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Period
Located in seoul, KR
Circular form with flattened doomed covers, the covers with a medallion of flower with full bloom, the bowls with two round borders. Period : Qing Dynasty, Kangxi-Yongzheng Period P...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Chinese Cloisonne Decorative Box w/ Jade Panel
Located in New York, NY
Chinese cloisonne decorative box with jade panel and floral motifs, unmarked. Dealer: S138XX
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Jade

Chinese Phoenix Bird and Dragon Box
Located in New York, NY
A black and off-white Chinese phoenix bird and dragon decorative plastic box with lid, circa 20th century, China. Box measures: 4.25" D x 8.25" ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Plastic

Chinese Phoenix Bird and Dragon Box
Chinese Phoenix Bird and Dragon Box
H 4.5 in W 8.25 in D 4.25 in
Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Trinket Box with Dragon
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese copper footed rectangular trinket box with hinged lid. Late Meiji period, before 1912. The surface of the piece is enamelled with cloisonne swirl motif. The lid is garnished with a depiction of a dragon. High quality. Collectible Oriental Vanity...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Canton Chinese Porcelain Box
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Canton Chinese porcelain box. Chinese export. Circa 1920 origin China. Rectangular format. With internal divisions. Family Rosse style. Box...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Canton Chinese Porcelain Box
Canton Chinese Porcelain Box
H 7 in W 19 in D 10 in
Chinese Mother of Pearl Inlaid Lacquered Box
Located in New York, NY
Chinese mother of pearl inlaid lacquered rectangular box, depicting in landscape, circa late 19th-early 20th century. Measures: 3.5" H x 9.75" ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

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

Antique Chinese Headrest 'Pillow' Box
Antique Chinese Headrest 'Pillow' Box
H 6.5 in W 19.5 in D 6 in
Chinese Cloissone Box with Carved Jade Plaque, circa 1900
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A diminutive Antique Chinese Cloisonné box with jade medallion line with wood. The enameled outside in shades of blue with gold color wir...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Jade, Enamel

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

Antique Edwardian quality Chinese cloisonné circular trinket box
Located in Ipswich, GB
Antique Edwardian quality Chinese cloisonné circular trinket box having a quality antique Edwardian Chinese cloisonné circular trinket box with a lift ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Previously Available Items
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

19th Century Chinese Black Lacquer and Hardstone Jewelry Box
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese black lacquer box with carved stone decoration with a bird on a blossoming tree branch. Silk lined interior with quatrefoil mirror.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Precious Stone, Lacquer

circa 1900 Qing Dynasty Circular Cloisonné Covered Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1900 late Qing dyansty cloisonné circular covered box. Likely for incense; finely worked with flowers, a bird & butterfly. Measures: 3 5/8" diameter, 2 1/8" height.
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Chinese Four Drawer Document Box, C. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant tabletop chest is a late 19th-century Chinese document box, once used by a businessman or scholar-official to sort his important docu...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Chinese Phoenix and Peony Painted Treasure Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A finish of bright red lacquer and hand-painted decoration transform this simple wooden box into a fitting container for treasured objects. Dated to the early 20th century, the recta...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Chinese Green Glazed Kitchen Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This lidded ceramic vessel dates to the early 20th century and was once used to store or serve foods in the kitchen of a Qing-dynasty home, as evidenced by the interior glaze. A light celadon green glaze cloaks the jar's exterior, textured by pitted wear and a subtle crackled pattern. Today, we love this rustic kitchen vessel...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Green Glazed Kitchen Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
This lidded ceramic vessel dates to the early 20th century and was once used to store or serve foods in the kitchen of a Qing-dynasty home, as e...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Burl Wood Document Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Crafted from a beautiful specimen of burled northern elm (yumu), this wooden document box likely once sat in the studio of a Qing-dynasty scholar-o...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Chinese Burl Wood Document Box, c. 1900
Chinese Burl Wood Document Box, c. 1900
H 5.75 in W 16.5 in D 7.25 in
Chinese Incense Box with Mother of Pearl Inlay, C. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite incense box is crafted of fine huali rosewood and elegantly decorated with floral motifs of inlaid brass and mother-of-pearl. Designed to resemble a scroll-form altar tab...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood

Chinese Finely Woven Carrying Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful example of Chinese basketry, this round carrying box is comprised of two layers of finely woven bamboo set within a lacquered bamboo frame. Th...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bamboo

Chinese Finely Woven Carrying Box, c. 1900
Chinese Finely Woven Carrying Box, c. 1900
H 11.75 in W 15.5 in D 14 in
Chinese Carved Spinach Jade Box, Cat Chasing Butterfly
Located in Stamford, CT
A sweet little box carved from a single piece of spinach jade, the top decorated with a charming cat in a garden of flowers looking up at a butterfly. Beautiful variegated dark green...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Jade

Chinese Porcelain Stacking Box with Mythical Qilin, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th-century porcelain stacking box would have been used in a woman's personal chambers to store jewelry, cosmetics, and precious sma...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

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.

Recently Viewed

View All