Qing Decorative Objects
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 Etched Stone Mortar, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Essentially a utilitarian vessel, this mortar is textured with etched line work to facilitate the task of removing the outer husks from grains of rice. Yet it seems as if the Qing-dy...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Famille Rose Hat Stand Vase with Scholar's Treasures, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This porcelain hat stand is decorated in a style of overglaze enameling known as "famille rose." Sometimes referred to as "yangcai" or "foreign colors," the famille rose style emerge...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Lacquered Wood Basin or Bowl
Located in New York, NY
A large Chinese basin or bowl crafted out of peachwood, with red lacquer and forged bronze braces, circa 1880.
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Chinese Guardian Fu Dog Ink Stone, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Hunkered down on his drum perch, a fu dog jealousy guards the pool where a calligrapher once prepared his ink. A symbol of protection, the lion-like beast bears the features of a shih-tzu, a dog originally bred to resemble this mythical canine. Scholarly implements, such as this carved limestone ink...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Finely Woven Lacquered Trunk, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This finely woven circa 1800 trunk is a work of art in itself and was possibly used to store prized painted scrolls. A skilled artisan painstakingly wove thin-as-hair reeds to cover ...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Reed, Elm, Lacquer
Chinese Quilt Warmer Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusual squat vessel would have been kept near a kang platform to warm one's blankets before bed. Much like a hot water bottle, the ceramic vessel was filled with hot water thro...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Large Chinese Late Republic Period Famille Jaune et Rose Porcelain Vase
Located in Austin, TX
A large Chinese famille rose et jaune porcelain vase, with a six character Da Qing Guangxu Nian Zhi mark, but late Republic Period, circa 1940.
Of unusual fo...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Shanxi 1840s Hand Carved Wooden Corbel with Deities Mounted on Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Shanxi carved wooden corbel from the mid 19th century, mounted on a base and depicting two deities. Born in the Northern Province of Shanxi during the 1840s, this exquisite wooden corbel demonstrates the undeniable skill Chinese artists possessed at the time. Presenting two deities (possibly Zhong...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Chinese Treasure Chest with Reverse Glass Painted Panels. c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
As much an artwork as a piece of furniture, this 19th century treasure chest from northern China is richly decorated with relief carvings and delicate gilt paintings. The doors bear ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Pair of Chinese Qing period black and cinnabar red lacquered vases
Located in London, GB
Each vase in this pair is baluster shaped and profusely ornamented with beautifully carved and layered lacquering. The body of each vase is lacquered in the traditional manner, typic...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Horse and Full Moon 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 functional, but also beautiful. Scholars relied on inkstones such as this one to mix their dry inks with water for use in calligraphy painting. This stone inkstone is covered in intricate carvings of crashing waves, surrounding the image of a horse bearing a saddle. Covered in scales, the horse is likely a longma, or "dragon horse...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Chinese Glazed Pickling Pot, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th century eight-sided glazed urn from Southern China was finely painted with auspicious animals, including a crane, representing divine communication and immortality. The mon...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Picnic Box, c. 1750
Located in Chicago, IL
The basic form of this two-tiered box with handle has remained unchanged for 1,000 years. Stacked boxes were commonly used as portable containers for food or ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Hardwood
Century Chinese Spring Blossoms Phoenix Tail Vase, c. 1910
Located in Chicago, IL
Translated as “After the New Year, spring will begin in Suzhou (China’s garden city),” the beautifully scripted phrase painted at the top of this elegant vase is accompanied by the s...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Double Guardian Headrest, circa 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 pure...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Antique Carved Stone Court Figure Sculpture with Tall Headdress
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese carved stone court figure head sculpture with original polychromy. Attracting our attention with its tall headdress and remnants of original polychromy, this Chine...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Chinese Glazed Pickling Pot, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Originally used for pickling foods, this early 20th century ceramic jar is coated inside and out with a warm grey glaze. Decorative ridges patterning the jar's high shoulders manipul...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Ceramic Glazed Urn, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
At once ancient and contemporary, this beautiful urn speaks to the timelessness of Chinese ceramic design. Made in northern China in the early 20th century, the urn pays respect to m...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Phoenix Tail Vase with Figures in a Garden, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
The form of this 19th century porcelain vase is called "phoenix tail" because of the way its flared mouth and slender waist mimic the shape of the bird. The vibrant landscape leaps o...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Export Porcelain Plate Judgement of Paris Made Circa 1750
Located in Katonah, NY
A rare Chinese export porcelain plate showing the Judgment of Paris. The delicately painted figures derive from a painting by Jean Paul Rubens.
Made during the Qianlong Reign, circa 1750, the plate shows the goddesses Venus, Minerva, and Juno on one side and Paris on the other side. Charged by Jupiter to pick the most beautiful of the three, Paris selects Venus and awards her the golden apple. The scene shows Rubens' version of idealized feminine beauty.
The rim of the plate is decorated with a rose-red flower band.
Dimensions: 9 inches diameter
Condition: Excellent
Price: $900
Background
This dish was made exclusively for the European market based on the well-known Greek story from Homer, in which Paris, the son of the King of Troy, had to choose between several Goddesses to decide which one of them was the most beautiful.
According to Greek and Roman mythology, picking Venus as the most beautiful of the three goddesses...
Category
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Export Snuff Bottle porcelain with roosters, signed to base Circa 1940
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good quality Chinese snuff bottle, made from porcelain, circa 1950.
The cylindrical bottle has a tall narrow neck. The main decoration depicts two painted cockerels (or r...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Miniature Noodle Cabinet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A treasure of a chest, this charming miniature cabinet is named for the narrow, rounded molding that surrounds the frame and resembles noodles. Lacquered rich red, the small cabinet exhibits the same high level of craftsmanship found in larger such cabinets made in the Qing dynasty with exquisitely painted floral decorations and handcrafted hardware. The cabinet opens to a single shelf, making it just the place to stow jewelry...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Pair of Chinese Gu Form Vases with a Tall Arched Handle Censer
Located in Chicago, IL
The gu vase form dates back as far as 1600 BC, when it was originally cast in bronze. This set of early 20th century pewter gu vases would have been used in traditional Southern Chin...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Pewter
Chinese Glazed Magpie Pickling Jar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Unlike ceramics decorated with underglazing, this vase was painted after it was fired. This technique enabled the artist to build up areas and experiment with texture, visible in the stamped pattern along the painted bands and in the embossing of the flowers along the neck. The vase is decorated with a dragon, representative of power, and a pair of magpies, a symbol of marriage. In rendering the birds, the artist depicts them in a state of excited chatter with one bird seemingly raising an accusatory feather. Clearly demonstrating his keen understanding of the birds’ boisterous nature, the artist may...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Carved Yellow Soapstone Figure of Guanyin, Chinese circa 1900
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The finely carved full length figure of 'The Goddess of Compassion, Kindness & Mercy' shown attired in flowing robes, her hair in high chignon with her face effecting a serene and me...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Soapstone
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Small Hand-Painted Terracotta Priestess Statue
Located in Yonkers, NY
A 19th century Chinese standing priestess sculpture made from terracotta during the later stages of the Qing dynasty with traces of original paint. This small hollow statue displays ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Chinese Brown Drip Glaze Vessel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Tracing its roots back into the Han dynasty, this early 20th-century vessel emulates the full-bodied shapes and unusual glazing found in ancient ceramics...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Five Blessings Brass Brazier, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Filled with burning coals, this exquisitely crafted 19th-century brazier once warmed the cold hands of a wealthy woman on a winter night in northern China. The brazier is hand-wrough...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Chinese Carved Coral Figure of Shou Lao, Early 20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A wonderfully Chinese carved coral branch in the form of Shou Lao, also called Shouxing, the Chinese god of longevity, Republic period, early ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Coral
19th Century Stoneware Jar
Located in New York, NY
19th century Chinese antique stoneware Jar. Hand-painted. Having strong wear and patina.
Hunan Province, circa 1850.
Category
19th Century Antique Qing Decorative Objects
19th century Antique Woven Basket
Located in New York, NY
19th century antique woven basket. Decorative basket. This is an actual antique market basket in very good condition. Woven reed, bamboo, and woo...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Reed, Bamboo, Wood
Low Round Chinese Mill Stone, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautifully textured by a pattern of hand carved grooves, this early 20th century millstone was created northern China from a single block of limestone. The stone was once used in a ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Swirled Glaze Wine Jar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century ceramic jar from China's Sichuan province is formed in a traditional shape meant for storing wine and spirits made from rice a...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Monumental Chinese Terracotta Vessel, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Made of unglazed terracotta this Chinese storage jar bears the marks of its creation in the smoky clouds that coat its exterior. The vessel was likely pit fired, a process that dates back thousands of years. Essentially a baking technique, clay objects were put in a pit, covered with combustibles and burned. At high heat, vapors swirl around the objects staining the clay with haphazard swirls of color. With its distinctive coloration and wide, open profile, this monumental vessel...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Large Chinese Pickling Jar, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Originally used for pickling and storing various foods, this tall ceramic jar features a strikingly dark glaze. Set in high contrast by an unglazed lip and speckled with imperfection...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Qing Dynasty Censer with Foo Dog
Located in Somis, CA
This beautiful antique white brass incense burner has a traditional round body, a high neck and dramatic handles. The lid features a pierced scroll pattern with a lively foo dog finial. The style originated from the imperial court where use of such long handles indicate a certain social status. 3-foot design ensures stability. Foo Dog being the beloved Chinese mythical animal is used to "guard" family wealth. An embossed stamp reads Qing dynasty Qian long...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Chinese Ceramic Glazed Urn, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
At once ancient and contemporary, this beautiful urn speaks to the timelessness of Chinese ceramic design. Made in northern China in the early 20th century, the urn pays respect to m...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Four Seasons Chinese Phoenix Tail Vase, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
The form of this 19th century porcelain vase is called "phoenix tail" for the way its flared mouth and slender waist mimic the shape of the auspicious bird. The vibrant painted scene...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Grain Tub
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved from a single piece of wood, this oblong basin has fantastic character. Once used to hold grain as a part of the threshing process, the early 20th century tub displays the warmth of oakwood, now beautifully aged with a rich patina. The tub's unusual shape offers a rustic charm and fits seamlessly into modern interiors as a shallow planter...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Elm
Chinese Floral Relief Urn, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Leaving this grandly scaled urn unglazed, the Qing-dynasty craftsman who crafted it chose instead to draw attention to the surface decoration. Skilfully modeled floral motifs stand i...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Grand Floral Relief Urn, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This large glazed jar was handcrafted in China's Shanxi province over a century ago. Masterfully crafted, the jar is patterned in high relief, featuring medallion portraits of chrysa...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Finely Woven Lacquered Trunk, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
A work of art in itself, this finely woven Qing-dynasty trunk likely once stored prized painted scrolls. Framed in elmwood, the trunk’s panels are lined with thin reeds that were pai...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Matched Pair of Blue and White Chinese Export Vases
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Matched pair of blue and white Chinese export vases with exotic foo dogs
ACC-69794.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Provincial Chinese Disc Wheel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Softened by subtle patina, the expressive grain of northern elmwood (yumu) shines in this provincial wheel from an early 20th century farm cart. The wheel is...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Elm
Chinese Carved Jadeite Vase and Cover, Qing Dynasty, Ex. C.T. Loo
Located in Austin, TX
A stunning carved and pierced Chinese jade vase, Qing Dynasty, 19th century. The vase is carved with a design of birds, flowers and trees, each rife ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Jade, Silver
Large Chinese Floral Relief Jar, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Rendered in high relief, this ceramic jar’s dimensional bands, hobnail motifs and flower-filled medallions add visual interest and texture. Glazed on the interior, the jar was likely...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique Carved Stone Temple Sculpture of a Woman from, China, Late Qing, c 1900
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese carved stone temple sculpture of a woman circa 1900s. This Chinese sculpture features a woman wearing an elaborate headdress and flowing robes and holding a bouquet of flow...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Chinese Opera Drum Barrel, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This squat, melon-like barrel is actually a turn of the century Peking opera drum, originally used by a theater troupe to accompany the dances and songs of traditional Chinese opera. The drum's finely joined oakwood slats are held together by hand-smithed iron bands and cloaked in a rich patina from a century of use. Filled with lush greenery and foliage, this rustic drum barrel...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Chinese Carved Bamboo Figure of a Sage, Qing Dynasty, 18th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A sweet and lovely Chinese bamboo carving of the sage Dongfang Shuo, mid-Qing dynasty, 18th century, China.
Well carved form a single section o...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Bamboo
Monumental Chinese Medallion Relief Urn, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century monumental glazed ceramic urn from southern China was originally used for pickling food. Its sculpted high-relief surface depicts floral medallions and abstract dragons...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Bronze Vases
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th century exceptional pair of bronze Chinese Qing dynasty vases with detailed dragon motifs. Marked on the underside.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
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 Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Guan Type Vases
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of 19th century Chinese Guan type vases in bottle form with gentle broad fluting.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Springtime Phoenix Tail Vase, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Sculpted in a traditional Chinese phoenix tail vase form, this elegant early 20th century vase is adorned with a scene of magpies flitting between branches covered in cherry blossoms...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Qing decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing decorative objects 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 decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Satsuma, He Chaozong, and Henri Picard. 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 decorative objects 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 $58,800 while the average work can sell for $1,277.
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