Qing 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
Chinese Reverse Glass Treasure Chest. 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 Boxes
Materials
Elm, Glass
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 Boxes
Materials
Stone, Silver, Enamel
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 Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
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 Boxes
Materials
Wood
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 Boxes
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
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 Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Late Qing Dynasty Red Lacquer Document Box with Gilt Floral Scrolling Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
This antique Chinese red lacquer document box, dating to the late Qing dynasty (19th to early 20th century), exudes timeless elegance and functionality. Crafted from softwood, the bo...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Boxes
Materials
Softwood
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 Boxes
Materials
Porcelain
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 Boxes
Materials
Bronze
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Tiered Wedding Box with Nailheads and Dark Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Qing Dynasty period wooden tiered wedding box from the 19th century, with carved sides, handle and nailheads. This Qing Dynasty period wooden tier...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Metal
Chinese Turquoise Cloisonne Melon Form Box, Republic Period, China
Located in Austin, TX
A fun and attractive Chinese turquoise ground cloisonne melon-form box, Republic Period, circa 1930's, China.
The whimsical box shaped like a plump, oblong melon, with nicely define...
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Qing Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Chinese Mother of Pearl Mounted Box with Four Boxes and Counters, 18th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional and rare Chinese mother of pearl mounted games box with four matching interior boxes containing gaming counters and dating from the 18th century. The rectangular shape...
Category
1770s Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
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 Boxes
Materials
Wood, 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 Boxes
Materials
Silver
19th Century Chinese Gold Lacquer Tea Caddy
Located in Brea, CA
19th century Chinese gold lacquer tea caddy container from the Qing Dynasty. Unique shape, hard to find.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
Provincial Chinese Wooden Box with Bone Chopstick Handles
Located in Chicago, IL
A narrow wooden box with a sliding lid and a pair of carved bone chopstick handles with contrasting dark inlay at the ends. The bone handles were likely originally affixed to chopsti...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Wood, Bone
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 Boxes
Materials
Brass
White-glazed Circular Box and Cover, Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Era, Circa 1690
Located in seoul, KR
White glazed box from the Qing dynasty Vung Tau cargo. An identical piece is included on page 459 of the Vung Tau catalog titled 'Christies Amsterdam 19...
Category
1690s Vietnamese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
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 Boxes
Materials
Brass
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 Boxes
Materials
Brass
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 Boxes
Materials
Brass
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 Boxes
Materials
Wood
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 Boxes
Materials
Brass
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 un...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Brass
19th Century Chinese Lacquer Tea Caddy
Located in Brea, CA
19th century Qing Dynasty Chinese export gilt decorated black lacquer tea caddy. Hexagonal shape with floral chased pewter covered caddies deta...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
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 Boxes
Materials
Brass
Qing Dynasty Red Lacquered Scroll Box with Distressed Gold Chinoiserie Décor
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing dynasty red lacquered lidded scroll box from the 19th century with distressed gold chinoiserie motifs. This exquisite Chinese Qing dynasty red lacquered lidded scroll ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Wood
Circa 1860 Chinese Domed Top Pigskin Leather Scroll Case Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1860 domed top pigskin leather scroll case box, Chinese. Gilt frontice & side panel designs with handsome brass fittings. Deep red, the top rubbed away to burnt orange. Qing Dy...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Hide
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 Boxes
Materials
Wood
Chinese export tea chest with etched pewter insert
Located in Summerland, CA
This is a rare early 19th-century (c.1820) Chinese antique large lacquered gilt tea chest, containing an original pewter tea caddy liner. The chest is beautifully decorated with vil...
Category
1820s Chinese Antique Qing Boxes
Materials
Lacquer
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 Boxes
Materials
Hardwood
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 Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
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 Boxes
Materials
Brass
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 Boxes
Materials
Wood
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 Boxes
Materials
Elm
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 Boxes
Materials
Reed, Elm, Lacquer
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 Boxes
Materials
Brass
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 Boxes
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Qing boxes for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing 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 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 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 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 $1,080.