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.
$340Sale Price|64% Off
Chinese Snuff Bottle Hand Carved Natural Serpentine Stone Spoon Top, circa 1920s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful Chinese snuff bottle, heavy for its size and hand carved from a hardstone with a celadon color, which we attribute to Serpentine stone and dating to the early 20t...
Serpentine, Bronze
$323Sale Price|62% Off
Rare Shape Chinese Cloisonne Snuff Bottle Hand Enameled, 19thC Qing
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good example of a small rare shaped triangular Chinese snuff bottle, made from cloisonne´ with hand enamelled decoration depicting various floral designs and complete ...
Bronze
Chinese Shan Shui Relief Snuff Bottle, c. 1940s
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...
Resin
Chinese Plum Blossom Snuff Bottle, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynasty society, the practice provided an opportunity to display one's refined aesthetic through collectible snuff bottles. This decorative snuff bottle has a simple ceramic form and a colorful finish of overglaze enamels atop white glaze. The bottle has an oval shape, with flattened sides and rounded edges. The shoulders are accented with a door knocker motif and the sides are painted with birds amid plum blossom...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Chinese Blue & White Condiment Pot, c. 1875
Located in Chicago, IL
This small, blue-and-white ewer is a charming example of antique Chinese kitchenwares, originally used for dispensing rice wine or condiments such as soy sauce or vinegar. Dating to ...
Porcelain
Chinese Blue and White Snuff Bottle, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...
Porcelain
$247Sale Price|47% Off
Chinese Export Porcelain Snuff or Lidded Bottle hand painted, Qing Late 18th C.
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a Chinese porcelain small Lidded Bottle or snuff Bottle, finely hand painted with flowers, leaves and butterflies , which we date to the late 18th century of the Qing Dynasty...
Porcelain
$247Sale Price|63% Off
Chinese Large Glass Snuff Bottle Inside Painted Spoon Top with Box, Mid 20th C
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good Chinese glass snuff bottle, which is beautifully inside hand painted and with a spoon top, all coming complete with a b...
Glass
$197Sale Price|51% Off
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...
Porcelain
Qing Dynasty Dark Glazed Water Jug Vase with Petite Spout from the 19th Century
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Qing Dynasty glazed ceramic water jug vase from the 19th century with petite spout. This antique Chinese Qing Dynasty glazed ceramic water jug from the 19th century enchants with i...
Ceramic
Chinese Ceramic Wine Bottle with Dark Brown Glaze, 18th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A visibly old ceramic wine bottle from 18th century China in a dark brown glaze. This bottle comes from Shanxi Provence and is a wonderful example...
Ceramic
Chinese Ceramic Wine Bottle with Dark Brown Glaze, 18th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A visibly old ceramic wine bottle from 18th century China in a dark brown glaze. This bottle comes from Shanxi Provence and is a wonderful example...
Ceramic
Chinese Green Glazed Condiment Pot, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This antique Chinese ewer dates to the early 19th century and is cloaked in a deep, emerald green glaze with an allover crackle. The small pitcher was originally used for dispensing ...
Earthenware
White Agate Chinese Snuff Bottle, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...
Agate
Late Qing Dynasty Ceramic Wine Jug with Calligraphy and Dark Glaze
Located in Yonkers, NY
A dark brown late Qing Dynasty ceramic wine jug with hand-painted calligraphy and a timeworn patina. This antique vessel features a rich, dark glaze that highlights its organic, slig...
Ceramic
Chinese Qing Dynasty Blue and White Blue Porcelain "Rose Water" Sprinkler
Located in Montreal, QC
A Chinese Qing Dynasty blue and white blue porcelain "rose water" sprinkler, fitted with silvered metal filigree work, the stopper decorate...
Porcelain
Vintage Porcelain Cache-Pot Planter with Blue and White Landscape
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese vintage porcelain cache-pot planter from the mid 20th century with hand-painted blue and white décor depicting landscapes, architectures and figures in boats patterns. Created in China during the midcentury period, this porcelain cache-pot features a tapering silhouette perfectly accented by a blue and white décor. Showcasing an opening of 10.5 inches diameter, the piece is adorned on its upper lip with geometric motifs inspired by honeycombs, surrounding delicate floral motifs. The round tapering body attracts all of our attention with its delicate hand painted décor presenting traditional architectures such as pagodas set...
Porcelain
Chinese Art Deco Persimmon Vase with White Cranes, circa 1920s
Located in Chicago, IL
Drawing on the enduring phoenix tail form that dates to China’s Bronze Age, this porcelain vase from the 1920s exhibits the sinuous lines and gilded refinement that helped to define ...
Porcelain
Large Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Bowl, Qing Dynasty
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Large Chinese Cloisonne enamel bowl, Qing Dynasty Exceptional and finely decorated Chinese cloisonne punch bowl with gilt metal foot and rim. The bowl has slightly flaring sides ...
Copper, Enamel
Chinese Qing Pair Hand Painted Peking Glass Onion Shape Vases
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine and unusual pair antique Chinese Qing Peking glass vases finely hand decorated with landscape panels dating from the 19th century or possibly earlier. The vases are blown in a...
Glass
Chinese Blue and White Covered Ginger Jar
Located in East Hampton, NY
Chinese blue and white covered ginger jar.
Ceramic
$5,200 / set
H 10.24 in Dm 13.78 in
Pair of Ceramic Planters Signed Austria, Vienna Secession Period, circa 1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of ceramic planters signed Austria. Vienna Secession period, circa 1900.
Ceramic
Bruno Gambone Ceramic/Pottery Bottle/ Vase Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great sweet vase/bottle by the well known artist Bruno Gambone . signed and Italy in bottom.
Pottery, Ceramic
$6,500
H 14 in Dm 9.5 in
Chinese Qing Dynasty Flambé Glazed Bottle Vase, Tianqiuping, Late 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A gorgeous Chinese monochrome red flambé glazed bottle vase, called a tianqiuping, Qing Dynasty, late 19th century. The voluptuous body o...
Porcelain
Chinese Grey Agate Snuff Bottle, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...
Agate
$2,538
H 20.87 in W 18.31 in D 14.18 in
Very Rare 19th Century Hand Carved Qing Dynasty Chinese Hongmu Jardinière Stand
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and very rare 19th century hand carved Chinese Qing Dynasty Hongmu stand A very good looking well mad...
Wood
Chinese Blue and White Vase
Located in East Hampton, NY
Ceramic
Chinese Art Deco Persimmon Vase with White Cranes, circa 1920s
Located in Chicago, IL
Drawing on the enduring phoenix tail form that dates to China’s Bronze Age, this porcelain vase from the 1920s exhibits the sinuous lines and gilded refinement that helped to define ...
Porcelain
Red Cinnabar Carved Snuff or Fragrance Bottle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful cinnabar snuff or fragrance box. The piece could be used for perfumes, snuff, or purely decorative. The intricate hand-carved detailing and color make this a very speci...
Resin, Wood
Set of Four Petite Glass Chinese Medicine Bottles
Located in Chicago, IL
A set of four petite medicine vials of hand-blown glass from an early 20th-century Chinese apothecary, likely originally used to store liquid opium known as chandu. Additional Dime...
Blown Glass
Sold
H 3.5 in W 2 in D 2 in
Asian Crane Birds Reverse Painted Cut Glass Decorative Bottle with Agate Stopper
Located in New York, NY
A delightful églomisé reverse-painted Chinese decorative snuff bottle, with a captivating scene depicting a landscape with white blossom trees and red-crowned white and black cranes ...
Agate
Antique Green Spinach Jade Snuff Bottle Jadeite
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful, natural spinach jadeite jade snuff bottle from the early 20th century Chinese republic era. Very well hollowed, of elongated ovoid form ...
Jade
Sold
H 3.25 in W 2.5 in D 1.2 in
Chinese Snuff Bottle White Stone Hand Carved with Red Stone Spoon Top
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful Chinese snuff bottle, made of a white stone with a red stone top and spoon, dating to the mid 20th century. The bottle is hand carved and polished from a type of stone having a lovely milky white colour with hand-carved detail to the side shoulders. This bottle has a cold soapy feel and is very tactile. The stopper has a top of a different material, probably stone and of a slightly mottled speckled red colour, sitting in a bronze ferrule and with a bronze spoon...
Stone
Sold
H 2.8 in Dm 1.8 in
18th Century Chinese Snuff Bottle porcelain Celadon with Elephant Head Handles
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good quality Chinese porcelain snuff bottle, with a gourd shape and unusual elephant head side handles all in a celadon glaze, dating to the 18th century, Qing dynasty...
Porcelain
Sold
H 2.15 in W 1.32 in D 0.75 in
19th C Chinese Snuff Bottle Celadon Nephrite Stone Hand Carved & Spoon Top
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful Chinese snuff bottle, well carved and made from a stone with a light celadon green colour that we attribute as being nephrite . The bottle has a lovely light green celadon color and sits on a low foot. It has two different hand carved floral scenes, either side. It is this high quality hand carving and its detail that make this piece special ! The stopper has a top of a different material, probably stone with a lovely Lapis Lasuli blue colour and is fitted with a bronze spoon...
Stone
Sold
H 3 in W 2.19 in D 1.25 in
Chinese Opaque Glass Snuff Bottle Hand Enamelled 4-Character Base Mark, Ca 1930
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good Chinese glass snuff bottle, beautifully hand enamelled, which we date to the first half of the 20th century, circa 1930...
Glass
Sold
H 2.44 in W 1.57 in D 0.7 in
Chinese Snuff Bottle Hand Enamelled Dragons on Copper & Spoon Top, circa 1920s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a Chinese enamelled snuff bottle, with two hand painted dragons chasing a flaming pearl, with a neck border pattern, together with ...
Copper
Sold
H 3 in W 1.88 in D 1.2 in
Two 19th Century Chinese Snuff Bottles Hand Carved & Decorated Bovine Bone, Qing
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
These are two good Chinese hand carved, Bovine Bone Snuff bottles, with engraved and black inked decoration, which we date to the early 19th Century,...
Bone
Sold
H 2.5 in W 1.32 in D 1 in
Early 19th Century Chinese Snuff Bottle Hand Engraved & Inked on Bovine Bone
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good Chinese hand carved, Bone Snuff Bottle with an engraved and inked bird decoration, which we date to the early 19th Century, circa...
Bone
Sold
H 2.57 in Dm 1.2 in
Chinese Snuff Bottle Hand Enamelled Dragons on Copper & spoon top, circa 1920s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a Chinese enamelled snuff bottle, with two hand painted dragons and coloured borders around the base and shoulder, together with a ...
Copper