Qing 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.
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Style: Qing
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 Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Chinese Bamboo Cloth Teapot with Arched Handle, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Tea drinking has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries, resulting in a wide range of social customs and material traditions. In addition to tea leaves, water, and he...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures
Materials
Bamboo
Chinese Children's Hat Charm, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
An unusual and charming antique, this 20th century Chinese charm was once used to adorn the embroidered crown of a traditional children's hat. Amulets such as this were worn on hats ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Chinese Auspicious Gourd 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 Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Chinese Qing Dynasty Porcelain Spotted Deer Brush Washer, Mid-19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A charming and elegant Chinese brush washer in the form of a recumbent spotted deer, Qing dynasty, circa 1850.
The graceful animal modeled with ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Ancient Chinese Hand-Carved Lohan Monk Buddha On Lion, Kangxi, 1661-1722
Located in Torino, IT
A Fine hand-carved and Lacquered wood figure of a Luohan Arhat, Buddha' disciple.
Seated in royal ease on a standing lion, wearing long flowing robes.
China, Kangxi Kingdom 1661-17...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures
Materials
Giltwood, Lacquer
Set of Three Chinese Gilt Fragments, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand-carved and lavishly pigmented, these gilt fragments originated as decorative elements of ornate Qing-dynasty furniture or architecture. Elevated by ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$1,680 / set
Chinese Guardian's Tail Inkstone, circa 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 functional, but also beautiful. One of the "Four Treasures of the Study," inkstones such as this were used to mix dry ink with water for use in calligraphy painting.
This 19th century inkstone is guarded by a mythical fu dog, or shizi, depicted with open jaws and a long mane of flowing curls. Resembling a Buddhist fly whisk...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Jiulongbi Mountain Meditation Stone
Located in Chicago, IL
A well-chosen stone is a focal point of both a traditional Chinese garden and a scholar's studio, evoking the complexities of nature and inspiring creative thought. Polished to bring...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Qing Sculptures
Materials
Stone
$2,624 Sale Price
20% Off
Chinese Bamboo Pomegranate Teapot, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Tea drinking has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries, resulting in a wide range of social customs and material traditions. In addition to tea leaves, water, and heat, the art of drinking tea (chayi) calls for a variety of teaware and utensils - both practical and decorative.
This charming teapot dates to the late Qing dynasty and is hand-carved from a hollow length of bamboo in the shape of a ripe pomegranate. The handle is carved to resemble a thin branch, which forks to either side of the teapot bearing long, slender leaves. The teapot has a squat, rounded form and a dark brown finish, reminiscent of Yixing red clay teapots...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures
Materials
Bamboo
Chinese Lucky Girl Headrest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
To keep her elaborate hairstyle intact while sleeping, a well-to-do Qing-dynasty woman would use a rigid headrest or neck pillow to keep her head elevated. Whether functional or purely decorative, such headrests were crafted from a variety of materials and were often decorated with elaborate patterns or symbolic motifs.
This porcelain headrest...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Carpenter's Inkline Reel, 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 Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Chinese Hat Stand
Located in Chicago, IL
Out of context, this carved wood hat stand has a curious, octopus-like appearance. Intricately embellished with carved flourishes, the hat Stand displa...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$310 Sale Price
60% Off
Gilt Bronze Figure of Xi-Wang-Mu, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Kingdom
Located in Torino, IT
The queen mother of the west is cast in a seated position with her hands held before her chest holding a "gui". She is dressed in long-sleeved robes. Her face is framed by an elabora...
Category
1790s Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Stone Shoemaker's Weight with Zhu Bajie, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved of stone, this object would have been used in a shoemaker’s shop to press down large pieces of leather. Doubling as a handle, the central figure depicts the curious figure of a man with pig-like facial features holding a rake. The figure is Zhu Bajie, a character from the Ming-dynasty novel “Journey to the West...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Chinese Stone Shoemaker's Weight with Mother, Cub, and Embroidered Ball
Located in Chicago, IL
Carved from a solid piece of stone, this weight was originally used by a Shoemaker to press down large pieces of leather. Surrounded by intricate scrollwork and peony blossoms, a gua...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures
Materials
Stone
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 Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Purple Peking Glass Charger on Stand
Located in Stamford, CT
A Chinese Peking glass charger on new stand, late 19th century.
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures
Materials
Glass
Large White Marble Statue of Chinese Flying Apsara
Located in New York, NY
Statue of flying Apsara playing the pipa, finely sculpted from white marble, measuring 51 by 23 by 25 inches. Apparenlty unsigned. In good condition with surface dirt, scratches and...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures
Materials
Marble
Chinese Blacksmith Iron Scissors on Mount, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This hand-forged metal sculpture, with its delicate appearance and whimsical shape, was once an integral tool to a 19th century Chinese cobbler’s trade. Made of iron, these scissors ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures
Materials
Iron
A Marvelous Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Figures of Cranes on Stands, Qing Dynasty
Located in New York, NY
A Marvelous and Large Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Figures of Cranes on Stands. Step into the captivating world of Chinese artistry with this remarkabl...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
19 c Pair Chinese Hand Painted Black Gold and Silver Lacquered Fold Up Wall Shel
Located in North Miami, FL
This beautiful Chinese export black lacquered pair of shelves is decorated with silver and gold leave images of the story of a Chinese warrior battle....
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Sculptures
Materials
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Qing sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing sculptures made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sculptures, popular names associated with this style include and He Chaozong. 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 sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $48 and tops out at $38,800 while the average work can sell for $1,880.