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Qing Clocks

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
Automaton Waterfall & Figure Mother of Pearl Inlaid Musical Canton Bracket Clock
Located in Danville, CA
Here for your consideration is a large Chinese Canton bracket clock. The gorgeous ebony case is decorated with beautiful mother of pearl inlaid on the front. There are 5 brass pineapple form finials on the top to make the appearance of this clock even more impressive. The mother of pear floral inlaid can be found on the entire front section of the case, including the top crest, front door, and even the pedestal. The Roman numeral dial is made of porcelain without any cracks or hairlines. Engraved brass floral decorations surrounds the center dial. At the end of the sweeping second hand, you can find a Chinese double coin form, which represents good fortune and wealth. The time and the automaton feature can be seen through a large beveled glass panel. This clock strikes every 15 minutes, Petite...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Qing Clocks

Materials

Brass

Automaton Waterfall & Figure Mother of Pearl Inlaid Musical Canton Bracket Clock
Automaton Waterfall & Figure Mother of Pearl Inlaid Musical Canton Bracket Clock

Automaton Waterfall & Figure Mother of Pearl Inlaid Musical Canton Bracket Clock

Antique Chinese Mother of Pearl Inlaid Automaton Figure Enamel Bracket Clock
Located in Danville, CA
Here we are offering a rare Chinese rosewood bracket clock with enamel column on each side. Front case is inlaid with mother of pearl and nearly in perfect condition. 5 brass finials located on the top of the case. This clock has an 8 day fusee chain driven movement with quarterly striking. On the hour strike, the pair of figures above the dial raises their hammers and strikes the bell. The brass movement is engraved and signed. A large window...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Qing Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Antique Chinese Mother of Pearl Inlaid Automaton Figure Enamel Bracket Clock
Antique Chinese Mother of Pearl Inlaid Automaton Figure Enamel Bracket Clock

Antique Chinese Mother of Pearl Inlaid Automaton Figure Enamel Bracket Clock

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Qing clocks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Qing clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing clocks 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 clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $22,000 and tops out at $28,500 while the average work can sell for $25,250.

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