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.
19th c. Chinese Bright Green Peking Glass Tea Cups & Saucers - Set of 4
Located in Litchfield, CT
Set of four antique 19th century Chinese Peking glass tea cups and saucers. Wonderful bright green color. Saucers measure 5" diameter x 1"; cups measure 3 3/8" diameter x 2 1/2" tall...
Glass
Antique 19th Century Chinese White Peking Glass Square Libation Cup
Located in Litchfield, CT
Antique 19th c. Chinese Peking glass libation cup with fared rim. Measures 4" x 4 1/8" square and stands 2 5/8" tall. Good condition.
Glass
$235
H 7.25 in W 6.38 in D 6.38 in
19th Century French Glass Fly Catcher, Handmade, Clear Glass, Antique
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A unique handmade fly catcher, mouth-blown from clear glass and dating to 19th century France. The basin at the bottom of the glass cone is meant to be filled with a small amount of ...
Glass
Mid-19th Century Pair of Green Opaline Flasks
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of green opaline perfume flasks with pointed stoppers and flower-shaped saucers. The stoppers and flasks are decorated with diamond-shaped patterns that have gilded stripes outl...
Opaline Glass
Porcelain Tea Cup and a Saucer, Vieux Paris, Beg. of 19th Century
Located in Rīga, LV
Porcelain tea cup and a saucer, Vieux Paris (Old Paris), France, Paris, beg. of 19th century Additional Information: Materials: gilding, overglaze hand painting, porcelain Vinta...
Porcelain
Set of 6 Antique Kangxi Chinese Porcelain Floral Cup Saucer Tea Set, 18th C.
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing this fantastic and unsually beautifull tea set in Blue and white, all of moulded shape. Six blue and white porcelain cups and sa...
Porcelain
$2,000 / set
H 1.97 in Dm 3.55 in
19th Century Set of 7 English Porcelain Tea Cups & Saucers, 6 Signed Minton
By Minton
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This charming set comprises seven finely decorated teacups with matching saucers, six of which are signed Minton, one of the most celebrated English porcelain manufacturers of the 19...
Porcelain, Paint
Rare Georgian Amethyst Glass Cup and Saucer Hand-Blown, circa 1800
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a hand blown, glass, cup and saucer made from an amethyst colored glass and dating to the English Georgian period, circa 1800. Georgian glass cups and saucers are unusual and hard to find. This one is particularly attractive being made of amethyst glass. The cup is free blown in the shape of a coffee can with a handmade loop handle. The saucer has a folded rim to give added strength and protection, as seen on the folded feet of some Georgian drinking glasses...
Glass
Pair of Antique 19th Century Bohemian Green Cut Glass Vases
Located in London, GB
Pair of antique 19th century bohemian green cut glass vases Bohemian, circa 1870 Dimensions: Height 23cm, diameter 13cm Cut from uranium glas...
Cut Glass
Faceted Green Glass Juice Cups, Set of 2
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A set of two faceted green juice cups, or small vases. Dimensions: 2.75" diameter 3.75" tall.
Glass
19th Century Bohemian Art Glass Decanter, Set of Three
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce set of three fine quality Bohemian enameled cobalt art glass decanters, exquisitely made for the Persian market, during the late 19th century. ...
Art Glass, Paint
Antique French 19th Century Glass Jar with Lid, Clear Glass, 1890
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Petite, clear glass jar with lid. This sweet little jar is raised on a short pedestal and is crowned with a flat lid. The lid overhangs the jar and has a ‘t...
Glass
19th Century Bohemian Gilded Green Art Glass Tall Vase
Located in Forney, TX
A very fine quality antique Bohemian parcel-gilt emerald green art glass portrait vase attributed to luxury glassware icon, Moser Glassworks (1857-present). Hand blown and painted...
Art Glass
$525
H 9.25 in W 9.25 in D 9.25 in
19th Century French Hand Blown Glass Cheese Dome, Antique Serveware
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French hand blown dome used for covering cheese or pastries, most likely for display in a mercantile shop. We believe this item to be in good antique condition considering its age,...
Blown Glass
Sold
H 33.47 in W 46.46 in D 1.19 in
Large Chinese Qing Period Reverse Glass Painting for European Market
Located in London, GB
This reverse glass painting is truly a one-of-a-kind piece. The scene has been beautifully rendered, with great attention paid to detail, on an remarkably large scale for a glass pai...
Wood, Glass
Set of Four Chinese Yellow Peking Glass Cups and Saucers
Located in Chicago, IL
These four Peking glass cups and saucers have a rich, deep egg-yolk hue and are shaped to look like lotus blossoms. The skill involved in making t...
Glass
Red and White 19th Century Chinese Peking Glass Bowl
Located in Chicago, IL
A mid 19th century red and white Peking glass bowl from Beijing, China with figures in a landscape setting. Pagoda Red Collection # CMK028
Glass