Qing Tea Caddies
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 Export Tea Caddy, Lacquered Wood with Gilded Decorations
Located in Kastrup, DK
A beautifully crafted Chinese export tea caddy made of wood with black lacquer, richly adorned with gilded motifs featuring classical Chinese scenes of people, houses, and more.
The ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Qing Tea Caddies
Materials
Wood
Chinese Large Mother of Pearl Mounted Armorial Tea Caddy for MacPherson
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare, incredible and large antique Chinese carved mother of pearl mounted tea caddy with armorial for MacPherson and dating from circa...
Category
1770s Chinese Antique Qing Tea Caddies
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
19th Century Chinese Lacquer Tea Caddy
Located in Brea, CA
Middle 19th century Chinese Export double lacquer tea caddy on stand from the Qing dynasty. octagonal form with hinged lid ,divided interior with me...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Tea Caddies
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Coconut tea pot - China - late 18th / early 19th - Qing - Asian Art
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very pretty and old tea pot, gourd shaped, in sculpted coconut, chiseled and mounted on pewter.
The cap is also made of pewter.
The coconut is decorated with imperial motifs.
Chinese...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Tea Caddies
Materials
Tin
Antique Chinese Export Black Lacquer Tea Caddy
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning antique Qing Dynasty Chinese export twin canister tea caddy / decorative table box. circa 1860
Hand-crafted in China for the European market when rare and exotic oriental...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Tea Caddies
Materials
Pewter
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 Tea Caddies
Materials
Lacquer
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 Tea Caddies
Materials
Lacquer
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 Tea Caddies
Materials
Lacquer
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19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Cabinet
Located in Richmond, London
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19th Century Chinese Canton Export Lacquered Giltwood Tea Caddy on Shishi Feet
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Located in Northampton, GB
Simulated Wood Tin Tea Caddy
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Japanese Lacquered Box Signed, Late 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Pretty Japanese lacquered box decorated with birds and foliage.
signed
Lacquered inside and outside
Late 19th century
Without key
Nice lock
Ideal for storing jewelry.
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Qing Tea Caddies
Materials
Wood
Regency Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Serpentine Tea Caddy
Located in Northampton, GB
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From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this fine Regency Tortoiseshell and Mother of Pearl Serpentine Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of rect...
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Previously Available Items
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Pair Large Chinese Porcelain Tea Caddies, Famille Verte, 20th C
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Located in Brea, CA
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19th Century Large Chinese Lacquer Tea Caddy
Located in Brea, CA
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Located in Brea, CA
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Located in Brea, CA
19th century Chinese gilt lacquer footed tea caddy with original pewter container from the Qing Dynasty.
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Qing tea caddies for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing tea caddies for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage tea caddies created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with lacquer, giltwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing tea caddies 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 tea caddies differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,080 and tops out at $18,880 while the average work can sell for $8,209.