Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco 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
Etched Chinese Opium Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A small brass canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box dates to the 19th century and is decorated with etchi...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Brass, Copper
Petite Etched Chinese Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite 19th-century canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box is formed of brass with a copper interior and...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Brass, Copper
Petite Chinese Opium Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite 19th century canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box is formed of brass and provided an airtight s...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Bronze Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite bronze canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box dates to the early 20th century and provided an air...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Petite Chinese Brass Opium Box with Dragon Etching
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite metal canister was once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. Providing an airtight seal, the small box is formed of brass with an etched and stamped d...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Brass
Erotic Chinese Baitong Opium Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite white brass (baitong) canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. Dated to the 19th-century, the box is an example of Qing-dynasty erotica, incorp...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Brass
Chinese Copper Coin Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite 19th century canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box is formed of antique coins and copper and pro...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Copper
Chinese Bronze Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite bronze canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box dates to the early 20th century and provided an air...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Bronze
18th Century Chinese Beijing enamel snuff box
Located in Basildon, GB
An 18th Century Chinese Beijing enamel snuff box finely painted to the lid and sides with typical Chinese scenes, the base painted with a leafy gourd. The lid is mounted in gilt bron...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
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Chinese Turquoise Cloisonne Trinket Box, Republic Period, c 1920, China
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Previously Available Items
Chinese Openwork Brass Dross Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
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19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
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Brass
Chinese White Brass Dross Box Toggle, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
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Brass, Copper
Chinese Repoussé Lotus Opium Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite 19th-century canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. Providing an airtight seal, the small box is formed of brass with a copper lining and is ...
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19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
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Brass
Chinese Bronze Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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Fine Chinese Cloisonné Opium Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
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Copper, Enamel
Chinese Silver Dragon Snuff Box Hung Chong
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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 ...
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Qing snuff boxes and tobacco boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing snuff boxes and tobacco boxes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage snuff boxes and tobacco boxes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing snuff boxes and tobacco boxes made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original snuff boxes and tobacco boxes, popular names associated with this style include and Hung Chong & Co.. 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 snuff boxes and tobacco boxes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,643 and tops out at $9,662 while the average work can sell for $5,653.