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.
Antique Chinese Brass Opium Pillow Sculpture, Kneeling Boy, Circa 1900
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...
Brass
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...
Stone
$3,500
Vintage Head of Quan Yin
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary early Qing Dynasty cast iron sculpture is a powerful example of 17th-century gilded Chinese metalwork. The piece reflects the masterful foundry techniques of the p...
Iron
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...
Terracotta
$395
H 3.75 in W 2 in D 2 in
Thai Siam Bronze Temple Shrine Kamphaeng Phet Style Buddha Head on Marble Stand
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, little gem of a piece. Thai/ Siam meditating Buddha with serenely closed eyes in the Kamphaeng Phet style. The piece has a beautiful patina acquired over time. From a collection of Asian antiques. Would be a nice addition to any South-East Asian artifacts...
Marble, Bronze
Chinese Ming Style Bronze Metal Seated Buddha
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Diminutive Chinese bronze metal Buddha sculpture depicted sitting. Beautifully crafted in the Ming style with intricate details. The bronze has a rich pat...
Metal, Bronze
Petite Etched Chinese Opium Box, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A petite 19th-century canister once used to store a smoker's personal supply of opium paste. A keepsake from a bygone era, the small box is formed of brass with a copper interior and...
Brass, Copper
Antique Chinese Marble Buddha Sculpture, 1900s
Located in Naples, IT
Exceptional and ancient Buddha in fine marble. Carved by hand, he represents Buddha with his hand raised in an auspicious attitude.
Marble
Early 20th Century Sandstone Buddha Head, Northern India
Located in Nantucket, MA
A lovely sandstone Buddha head on wooden base, early 1900's, Utttar Pradesh, Northern India. The hand-carved features include the typical snail-s...
Sandstone
Pair of Vintage Art Deco Mannequin Heads / Busts
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of vintage art deco mannequin heads / busts / wig models, circa 1930s. The pair are in very good vinatage condition and measure 9"...
Plastic, Wood
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...
Boxwood
$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...
Bronze
Qing Dynasty Antique Chinese Red Coral Specimen
Located in London, GB
This red coral specimen, with flowing lines and organic form, is a beautiful example of how the work of nature can be, and has been, celebrated as a...
Coral
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...
Bamboo
Large Solid Stone Sitting Buddha
Located in Somis, CA
A large hand carved solid stone Buddha statue seated in dhyana position. The broad face with high arched eyebrows and downcast eyes casting a serene aura, framed by long-lobed ears and beneath a pronounced hairline and surmounted by an ushnisha. Buddha wears a long robe...
Stone
Tang Dynasty Painted Terracotta Sculpture of a Lokapala
By Tang Dynasty
Located in Dallas, TX
Tang Dynasty terracotta Pottery Tomb figure of the Lokapala Warrier Deity. Figure molded wearing heavy armor, standing in a dynamic pose with left arm raised in a threatening gesture...
Terracotta
Chinese Polychrome Guanyin Head
Located in Chicago, IL
As the embodiment of compassion, Guanyin is the most beloved enlightened being in China. Known as the Goddess of Mercy, she is the female bodhisattva form taken by Avalokiteśvara in ...
Wood
Chinese Bronze Shakyamuni Buddha Head, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the early 19th-century, this cast bronze bust depicts the serene face of the historical Buddha, known also as Shaka, Shakyamuni, or Siddhartha Gautama. The most common subje...
Bronze
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 ...
Stone