Qing Abstract Sculptures

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.

Style: Qing

Green Glass Fisherman’s Float, c. 1900

$128 / item

Green Glass Fisherman’s Float, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

This beautiful green sphere is an early 20th century glass float used by fishermen to keep their fishing nets or droplines afloat in the ocean. The hollow float would have been encased by a rope netting and used just like a modern buoy. Because these floats were commonly produced from recycled bottles, most antique glass floats...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Blown Glass

Chinese Gray Lingbi Scholar Stone, Early 20th Century

$6,500

Chinese Gray Lingbi Scholar Stone, Early 20th Century

Located in Austin, TX

A fantastic Chinese scholar's stone, called gongshi, of gray lingbi limestone, mounted on a hardwood stand, late Qing or early Republic, early 20th century, circa 1910, China . The ...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Limestone

19th Century Chinese Spirit Screen with Duan Stone

$5,880

19th Century Chinese Spirit Screen with Duan Stone

Located in Chicago, IL

This 19th century spirit screen from northern China is inset with a duan stone, similar to stones used to create many inkstones for calligraphy. The stand i...

Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Chinese Abstract Cloud Carpenter Line, c. 1850

$588

Chinese Abstract Cloud Carpenter Line, c. 1850

Located in Chicago, IL

Given the beauty and thoughtful design of traditional Chinese furniture, it’s no wonder that Qing-dynasty carpenter’s tools were accorded the same att...

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Chinese Burled Hardwood Scholar Rock, Republic Period, 20th Century

$4,700

Chinese Burled Hardwood Scholar Rock, Republic Period, 20th Century

Located in Austin, TX

An unusual and striking Chinese scholar rock, gongshi, of polished and lacquered burled hardwood, set into a hardwood base, mid-20th century. The hardwood scholar "stone" meant to i...

Category

1940s Chinese Vintage Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood, Burl

Chinese Stone Lock Counterweight, c. 1850

$6,880

Chinese Stone Lock Counterweight, c. 1850

Located in Chicago, IL

Devoid of figurative carvings, this primitive stone weight from the mid-19th century has an organic, abstract beauty. The stone has an oblong, lock-form shape with natural asymmetry ...

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Limestone

Chinese Elm Wood Headrest from Early 20th Century

$280

Chinese Elm Wood Headrest from Early 20th Century

Located in Jimbaran, Bali

This antique Chinese headrest was crafted from elmwood and has a wonderfully smooth texture and elongated shape. It likely belonged to an uppe...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Large Modern White Enameled Forged Steel Kinetic Sculpture '95 M.G. La Mair'

$2,963Sale Price|24% Off

H 94 in Dm 13 in

Large Modern White Enameled Forged Steel Kinetic Sculpture '95 M.G. La Mair'

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Large modern white enameled forged steel Kinetic sculpture, visually Kinetic, non moveable sculpture, standing seven feet-eigh...

Category

Late 20th Century American Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

20th Century Chinese Polished Carved Stone Sex Toys

$2,950 / set

H 10 in Dm 3 in

20th Century Chinese Polished Carved Stone Sex Toys

Located in North Miami, FL

A pair of 20th century Chinese polished carved stone sex toys.

Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Chinese Carved Soap Stone Sculpture of a Wise Ancient with Dragon

$1,537

H 15 in W 4.5 in D 3.25 in

Chinese Carved Soap Stone Sculpture of a Wise Ancient with Dragon

Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE

A finely carved soap stone sculpture of a wise ancient with a dragon on his shoulder standing on a braun soap stone base. In fine original conditi...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Japanese Colorful Hand Painted Rooster Garden lighting Lantern

$350Sale Price|76% Off

H 10 in W 8 in D 5.5 in

Japanese Colorful Hand Painted Rooster Garden lighting Lantern

Located in Douglas Manor, NY

Japanese hand crafted and painted rooster garden lighting lantern decorative sculpture

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Quality Chinese Scholar Rock

$975

H 7.5 in W 5.5 in D 4 in

Quality Chinese Scholar Rock

Located in Norwood, NJ

Chinese Scholar stone, Meditation stone, Appreciation stone or Dream stone. All names for this beautiful natural stone that when studied evokes and por...

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Chinese Carved Boxwood Figure of Guanyin, Mid-Qing Dynasty

$9,600

H 13 in W 4.5 in D 4 in

Chinese Carved Boxwood Figure of Guanyin, Mid-Qing Dynasty

Located in Austin, TX

A sublime Chinese carved boxwood figure of the Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara, called Guanyin in Chinese, mid-Qing dynasty. The an...

Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Boxwood

Large Late Qing Dynasty Chinese Cast Bronze Buddhistic Foo Lion Censer

$4,800

H 10.25 in W 8 in D 12 in

Large Late Qing Dynasty Chinese Cast Bronze Buddhistic Foo Lion Censer

Located in Austin, TX

A large and powerfully cast Chinese bronze censer in the form of two Buddhistic lions, Qing dynasty, late 19th century. The censer is well cast with a strong sense of movement, featuring a pair of fierce Buddhistic lions playfully antagonizing each other. Locked in a mock battle, the smaller lion...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Cast Stone Pug

$1,250

H 13 in W 8.75 in D 11.5 in

Vintage Cast Stone Pug

Located in Napa, CA

Vintage cast stone pug with one eye. Previously placed in a garden, with organic patina and spots of lichen. Minor wear consistent with age and use.

Category

20th Century Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Chinese Qing Dynasty Carved Bamboo HeHe ErXian Group, 19th Century

$9,000

H 8.5 in W 7 in D 5.5 in

Chinese Qing Dynasty Carved Bamboo HeHe ErXian Group, 19th Century

Located in Austin, TX

A wonderful Chinese bamboo figural carving featuring the Taoist immortal twins of eternal youth, known as the HeHe ErXian, Qing dynasty, 19th century. F...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bamboo

Early 20th Century Stone Disc

$1,801

H 8.67 in Dm 7.09 in

Early 20th Century Stone Disc

Located in Vosselaar, BE

A polished hardstone disc. Provenance unknown but probably a early 20th century Hawaiin Ulu Maika stoen. Ulu Maika is a ancient game simular to bowling played by the indigineaous Haw...

Category

Early 20th Century Hawaiian Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Malachite Rock on Display Stand Chinese Scholar Stone

$2,800

H 9.75 in W 9 in D 6 in

Malachite Rock on Display Stand Chinese Scholar Stone

Located in Atlanta, GA

A malachite rock specimen with intense green and black colors fitted on a wood stand and displayed as a Chinese scholar stone. The gemstone in t...

Category

20th Century American Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Chinese Scholar Rock Chrysanthemum Stone

$4,000

H 15.5 in W 9 in D 3.6 in

Chinese Scholar Rock Chrysanthemum Stone

Located in Atlanta, GA

An extraordinary specimen created by nature millions of years ago, this large and stunning Chinese black chrysanthemum stone features white crystalline mineral (calcite and chalcedon...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Previously Available Items

Provincial Chinese Farm Cart Wheel, c. 1850

Sold

H 39.75 in W 34.75 in D 8 in

Provincial Chinese Farm Cart Wheel, c. 1850

Located in Chicago, IL

This large 19th-century wooden wheel once bore the weight of an ox-drawn wagon or farm cart. The impressive wheel is richly aged with wabi-sabi texture, burnished smooth from years o...

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Chinese Green Drip Glaze Headrest, c. 1900

Sold

H 7 in W 5.25 in D 5 in

Chinese Green Drip Glaze Headrest, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

By the 18th century, opium use had become as central to Chinese social life as taking tea or smoking tobacco, fostering a subculture rich with its own customs, traditions, and exquis...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Silver Chinese Merchant's Charm with Bells, c. 1900

Sold

H 7.5 in W 3.5 in D 2 in

Silver Chinese Merchant's Charm with Bells, c. 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

This unusual silver alloy pendant is intricately decorated with the tools and accessories of a Qing-dynasty merchant or shopkeep. The circular pendant is embellished with a large mar...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Large Chinese Carved Hardwood and Cloisonne Ruyi Scepter, circa 1920, China

Sold

H 2.5 in W 23 in D 6.5 in

Large Chinese Carved Hardwood and Cloisonne Ruyi Scepter, circa 1920, China

Located in Austin, TX

A large and impactful Chinese ruyi scepter of carved hardwood with inset cloisonne panels, Republic Period, circa 1920, China. The large hardwo...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Prosperity Stone Disc, circa 1900

Sold

H 9 in W 7.25 in D 4 in

Chinese Prosperity Stone Disc, circa 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

This round stone disc originated as an early 20th-century threshing wheel. Secured to a wooden axel that ran through the center, the stone was rolled across...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Limestone

Set of Three Chinese Peking Opera Martial Arts Props, circa 1900

Sold

H 64 in W 9 in D 9 in

Set of Three Chinese Peking Opera Martial Arts Props, circa 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

Dated to the late 19th century, these unusual sculptural objects are martial arts props once used by a Peking opera troupe in traditional "martial plays" ...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Elm

19th Century Wooden Chinese Headrest

Sold

H 5.5 in W 13.5 in D 2.25 in

19th Century Wooden Chinese Headrest

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 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Elm

19th Century Wooden Chinese Headrest

Sold

H 4.5 in W 11 in D 2.75 in

19th Century Wooden Chinese Headrest

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 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Elm

Chinese Green Glazed Ceramic Headrest, circa 1900

Sold

H 7 in W 4.75 in D 3.5 in

Chinese Green Glazed Ceramic Headrest, circa 1900

Located in Chicago, IL

In ancient China, pillows were thought to guide and influence a person’s dreams, which were important because they were believed to influence your waking life. The design, color, mat...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Early 20th Century Chinese Green Glazed Ceramic Headrest

Sold

H 7 in W 4.75 in D 3.25 in

Early 20th Century Chinese Green Glazed Ceramic Headrest

Located in Chicago, IL

In ancient China, pillows were thought to guide and influence a person’s dreams, which were important because they were believed to influence your waking life. The design, color, mat...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Green Glazed Ceramic Headrest

Sold

H 7 in W 4.75 in D 3.5 in

Chinese Green Glazed Ceramic Headrest

Located in Chicago, IL

In ancient China, pillows were thought to guide and influence a person’s dreams, which were important because they were believed to influence your waking life. The design, color, mat...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Chinese "Ishi Sashi" Martial Arts Weight XV

Sold

H 8 in W 12 in D 4 in

19th Century Chinese "Ishi Sashi" Martial Arts Weight XV

Located in Chicago, IL

Ishi sashi are hand-held weights used in the most intensive Martial Arts training, and traditionally made of stone. The blocks are shaped like ancient Chinese locks, but the function...

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Limestone

Qing abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Qing abstract sculptures 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 abstract sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing abstract sculptures 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 abstract sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $128 and tops out at $6,500 while the average work can sell for $980.