Qing Desk Accessories
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
XL Calligraphy Brush Jade Archer's Rings 17" Engraved
Located in Somis, CA
The extra large, extraordinary 17" Chinese calligraphy brush captivates with its fusion of history, symbolism, and artistic finesse. Comprising a collection of seven jade Archer's ri...
Category
2010s Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Jade
Chinese Pewter Oil Jug, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A squat pewter vessel for pouring oil fuel into a small opium lamp.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Pewter
Three Blue and White Miniature Vases, C 1725, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Era
Located in seoul, KR
During Yongzheng era, such miniatures were appreciated for their craftsmanship and aesthetic value. They were also often used in scholars' studios as part of the 'wenfang', or study ...
Category
1720s Vietnamese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Twisted Rootwood Brush Pot, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush pot was a fixture of every traditional scholars' desk. This small wooden bru...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Burl
Chinese Hardwood Scholar Tray with Brass Mounts, Late Qing Dynasty
Located in Austin, TX
A simple and elegant Chinese hardwood and brass mounted scholar tray, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China.
The scholar tray crafted of a solid and heavy densely figured hardwood ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Chinese Flora and Fauna Inkstone, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Scholarly pursuits such as painting, calligraphy, and poetry were a highly respected and revered subculture in ancient China, and demanded their own set of tools that were not only f...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone
Pair of Chinese Huanghuali Nesting Trays
Located in Austin, TX
A refined and elegant pair of huanghuali nesting trays. An exotic hardwood, huanghuali (which translate to "yellow flowering pear wood"), has long been prized in China.
These trays would originally have graced the desk of a scholar and aided him in his scholarly pursuits.
The larger tray features a wonderful golden hue, and a prized "ghost face...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Burled Brush Pot, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Carefully carved from a cypress tree burl, this late 19th-century burlwood vessel is known as a brush pot, a container traditionally used to hold select calligraphy brushes in a scho...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Burl
Provincial Chinese Headrest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Made of Chinese northern elmwood, this smooth block of wood was once used by an upper-class woman as a headrest. The soft curve and height of the block not only supported her head an...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Elm
Reclining Ho Ho Boy Charm Weight, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th century weight originally used its heft domestically to protect a child. A simple yet ingenious concept, the stone anchored the baby’s swaddling cloth to the bed so the chi...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
Related Items
Qing Dynasty Blue and White Porcelain Dragon Jar with Lid and Foo Dog Finial
Located in Yonkers, NY
A late Qing Dynasty blue and white porcelain lidded jar from the early 20th century with dragon motifs. This blue and white porcelain jar exudes timeless elegance with its intricatel...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Burled Brush Pot, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Carefully carved from a cypress tree burl, this late 19th-century burlwood vessel is known as a brush pot, a container traditionally used to hold select calligraphy brushes in a scho...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
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Burl
Miniature Huanghuali Wood Chinese Sideboard
Located in New York, NY
Miniature Huanghuali wood Chinese sideboard. An expertly crafted miniature architectural model in Huanhuali wood with brass hardware. A late 20th centu...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Rosewood
Black and White Pottery Vase with Eye Design
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful black and white ceramic pottery vase with 'eye' design. A great addition to any room. Dimensions: 5.75" Height
For chair shown searc...
Category
2010s Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Large Zitan Huanghuali Hardwood Brush Pot Bitong, Qing Dynasty, China
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large Zitan Huanghuali hardwood brush pot bitong, Qing Dynasty, 18th century, China
Measures: Height 12 diameter 12.75 in.
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Zitan
Chinese Canton Blue and White Porcelain Plater B-004
Located in Norton, MA
Beautiful and rare flower shape Canton B & W porcelain platter.
Dimension: Size: 19.8 cm x 26 cm.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Canton Blue and White Porcelain Plater
Located in Norton, MA
Beautiful and rare boat shape Canton B & W porcelain platter.
Dimension: size: 15.5 cm x 19 cm.
Condition: excellent condition, no damage.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Calligraphy Brush Olive Jasper Barrel Beads
Located in Somis, CA
Beautiful single Chinese calligraphy brush with handmade olive jasper barrel beads. An unique brush that is perfect for making art or as an design element....
Category
2010s Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone
Calligraphy Brush with Goat Bone and Hair
Located in Somis, CA
Very unique, one of a kind Chinese calligraphy brush with the fine goat hair, decorated with a beautiful natural goat tail bone. Goat hair is prized for its fine quality, essential f...
Category
2010s Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Bone, Goat Hair
Chinese Calligraphy Brush Bone Handle
Located in Somis, CA
Beautiful Chinese calligraphy brush with handmade bone handle. A beautiful brush that is perfect for making art or as an design element. Bone ferrule and h...
Category
2010s Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Bone
Hand Painted Middle Eastern Moorish Style Photo Album, 19th Century
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Middle Eastern Qajar style Moorish picture photo album, with hand painted miniatures on the cover.
This fine Middle Eastern Moorish style scrapbook is hand painted with 22-k...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Paper
Crystal Calligraphy Brush
Located in Somis, CA
A large, 14.5" Chinese calligraphy brush with crystal handle. The clear crystal glass symbolizes the character of purity and integrity, which are the...
Category
2010s Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Previously Available Items
Chinese Botanical Duan Inkstone, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A fixture of the Chinese scholars' studio, the inkstone was among the "Four Treasures of the Study" and was used in calligraphy and landscape painting along with paper, ink and brush...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone
Chinese Oxblood Red Document Box, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century document box once sat amidst the erudite treasures of a Qing-dynasty scholars' studio. The perfect size for a rolled-up scroll, the box would have been used to stor...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Hide, Wood
Chinese Translucent Agate Baluster Snuff Bottle, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Agate
Chinese Teal Glazed Brush Rest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush rest was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. This early 20th century...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Blue Glazed Brush Rest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush rest was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. This early 20th century...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Rock Crystal Seal, C. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This small rock crystal carving is a personalized seal once used by a Qing-dynasty scholar-official to sign important documents. Also known as a chop, such stamps were widely used by anyone who regularly signed formal documents, such as scholar-officials, merchants, and doctors. The final addition to any document or calligraphy painting, seal marks conveyed the scholar's authority and affirmed the document's authenticity.
Seals were one of the many treasured accessories of the scholars' studio and many were carved from fine materials such as jade or jasper. This crystal seal...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Rock Crystal
Chinese Bronze Rooster Scale Weight, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This small figurine was originally used as a counterweight for a tabletop balance, used to parcel out opium, spices, or other valuable goods. The petite weight is cast in bronze in t...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Pair Green Jade Walnuts
Located in Somis, CA
A pair of same size, carved He Tian green jade walnuts. Each walnut is with wrinkled surface, formed with a three-segment shell, divided by tripartite verti...
Category
2010s Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Jade
Calligraphy Brush Green Jasper Archer's Rings
Located in Somis, CA
A very large, 15" Chinese calligraphy brush consisting a collection of 6 green jasper Archer's rings. Historically such rings were worn by archers to prote...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone
Chinese Blue and White Water Coupe, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Alongside the Four Treasures of a Chinese scholar - paper, brush, ink, and inkstone - this delicate porcelain water coupe likely once resided on the desk of a great calligrapher. Created in the mid-19th century, this petite coupe would have sat beside an inkstone, and held the water used to mix the scholars' ink. An excellent example of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain, the dish is expressively painted with plum blossoms and eternal knot...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Porcelain Stacking Box with Scholarly Gathering, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th-century porcelain container is a Chinese play on traditional Japanese stacking boxes called jubako. Each layer contained foods ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Sancai Fu Dog Incense Burners, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These petite ceramic fu dog figurines likely once stood upon a home altar as incense burners to accompany ritual ancestor worship. Also known as shizi, pairs of fu dog lions are beli...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
Qing desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing desk accessories 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 desk accessories 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 stone, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing desk accessories 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 desk accessories differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $288 and tops out at $2,800 while the average work can sell for $1,480.