Qing Busts
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 Stone Shakyamuni Buddha Head
Located in Chicago, IL
With closed eyes and a gentle expression, this large stone Buddha head brings calm and serenity to its surroundings. The hand-carved figure depicts the historic Buddha Shakyamuni, also known as Shaka, Gautama Buddha...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Busts
Materials
Stone
Chinese Brass Opium Pillow in the Form of a Boy
Located in Stamford, CT
Whimsical circa 1900 Chinese brass opium pillow in the form of a kneeling boy. The boy shown crouching and smiling with an amusing forelock on his otherwi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Busts
Materials
Brass
South East Asian Grey Stone Head
Located in Newark, England
Unusual carved stone head with storage compartment. The South East Asian grey stone carved in the shape of a male head wearing a conical hat and having a moustache. The hat lifts to ...
Category
19th Century Southeast Asian Antique Qing Busts
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Stone
Qing Dynasty Terracotta Head Sculpture with Headdress and Distressed Finish
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Qing Dynasty hand painted terracotta head from the 19th century, with striking features and headdress. This antique Qing Dynasty terracotta head from the 19th century draw...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Busts
Materials
Terracotta
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Material: Crafted from high-quality stone, known for its durability and timeless appeal.
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The Buddha is dressed in voluminous robes that wrap around his shoulders and body, and tied at the waist. The heavy fabric draping and pooling elegantly all around his robust body. His broad chest and right arm exposed.
The Buddha's face is both solemn and beatific - his expression seeming to change depending on the angle of view. The most notable feature of his face is the large urna to the center of his forehead, set between a pair of painted, high arching brows over heavily lidded almond shaped eyes. A strong nose is set above a small mouth pursed in an ever so slight smile. Long pendulous earlobes touch his shoulders.
The Buddha's hair arranged in the typical fashion, with "spikes" representing tight curls. A prominent ushnisha rises from the crown of his head, covered by more hair, and topped with a rounded protuberance.
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Qing busts for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing busts 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 busts 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, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing busts 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 busts differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,275 and tops out at $5,500 while the average work can sell for $1,880.