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.
Provincial Chinese Mooncake Press, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the mid-19th century, this rustic wooden press is carved with five round molds used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillin...
Wood
Handheld Chinese Mooncake Mold with Lotus Pods, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes ar...
Wood
Antique Display Plate, Oriental, Cloisonne Plaque, Qing Dynasty, Georgian, 1750
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique display plate. An Oriental, cloisonné plaque in Qing dynasty taste, dating to the mid 18th century, circa 1750. An engaging example of early Chinese cloisonné work...
Other
Asian Woven Grain Basket
Located in Greenwich, CT
Asian woven grain & rice basket
Reed, Willow
$383Sale Price / set|21% Off
Passing Boat and Bridge Pattern Tea Set, Circa 1725, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Era
Located in seoul, KR
With a medallion of two boats sailing together, passing an island on which a solitary figure stands by or on a bridge, the rim with a narrow heringbone pattern, the reverse glazed ca...
Ceramic
Swedish Folk Art Root Basket, Sweden 19th century
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Introducing a remarkable piece of history that transcends time - the exquisite Swedish 19th century root basket. Most likely made of birch root. Immerse yourself in the rich craftsma...
Birch
19th Century Chinese Small Altar Cabinet
Located in Singapore, SG
An antique carved box from Chaozhou city, in Guangdong, China. The black and gold colours, as well as the bulbous designs on the front are all disti...
Pine
$1,100
H 12.25 in W 9 in D 5 in
Qing Ching Dynasty 1821-1850 Porcelain Enamel Double Mouth Chinese Vase
Located in Louisville, KY
This stunningly enameled porcelain vase has a double mouth opening with hand-painted images of boys playing among the vines, gourds and gourd blossoms. There is a border of bat-like ...
Porcelain
19th Century Chinese Lacquer Gaming Box
Located in Brea, CA
19th century Chinese lacquer gaming box from the Qing Dynasty. Black and golden drawing by hand with 3 gaming lacquer boxes, in very good ...
Lacquer
19th Century Fruitwood Mortar and Pestle
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
19th century fruitwood mortar and pestle. Lathe work, remnants of paint or dark stain. Original pestle included. Period: First half of the 19th century Origin: Eastern, US Size: 5" ...
Fruitwood
Chippewa Quilled Birch Bark Basket
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Chippewa circular quilled birch bark box with fully quilled lid with three dimensional yellow star. Birch bark, quills and sweet grass. Period: Mid-20th cent...
Other
19th Century Mortar and Pestle
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
19th century fruitwood mortar and pestle. Remnants of oxblood red and silver blue banded paint. Original pestle included. Origin: Eastern, United States Period: First half of the 19...
Fruitwood
19th Century Hand Forged Bear Trap
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Hand forged bear trap with extra-large pan, serrated jaws attached by rivets. Unique chain attachment opposite the pan toggle. From the patina and wear this one appears to have been "a found" piece from the early 19th or 18th century. Period: First half 19th century or 19th century Size: 9" jaws; overall 6" x 32" x 12" H Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Personal Service Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. antique hunting traps...
Iron
Antique Rare Chinese Enameled Famille Rose Porcelain Bowl
Located in Brea, CA
Qing dynasty an unique antique important rare Chinese enameled Famille rose porcelain bowl with mark DaQingDaoGuangNianZhi , hand painted. ...
Porcelain
Antique Burmese Silver Repoussé “Thabeik” Bowl Asian Art
Located in London, GB
...
Silver
$623
H 3.94 in W 9.06 in D 6.3 in
Fine Chinese Antique Rosewood Box with Brass Mounts – Qing Dynasty décor
Located in London, GB
Fine Chinese Antique Rosewood Box with Brass Mounts – Qing Dynasty Style A beautifully crafted Chinese antique rosewood box, richly mounted with engraved brass fittings in traditional Qing dynasty style. The dark, dense rosewood contrasts elegantly with the finely detailed brass corner plates, cloud-form panels, Buddhist motives and ornate turtle central latch. This high-quality scholar’s or jewellery box features hand-engraved decoration throughout, including geometric fret motifs and stylised foliate designs characteristic of late Qing decorative metalwork. The box retains its original lock plate with turtle (key not present). A decorative and functional piece ideal for collectors of Chinese antiques, scholar’s objects, and classical Asian furniture. Keywords: Chinese rosewood box...
Wood
19th Century Buffalo Skinners Outfit Kit
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Excellent shape 19th century buffalo skinners outfit with 5 period knives, 2 scales, sharpening steel and holster. Used in the real buffalo days. Vintage,...
Other
Handheld Chinese Mooncake Mold, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes are a d...
Wood
Handheld Chinese Mooncake Mold, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes ar...
Wood
Handheld Chinese Mooncake Mold, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes ar...
Wood
Handheld Chinese Mooncake Mold, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional fillings, mooncakes ar...
Wood
Chinese Tea Shop Sign, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This small wooden shop sign dates to the early 20th century and once hung from the exterior of a provincial Chinese teahouse. Hand-carved with the cha...
Elm
Chinese Lotus Mooncake Press, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century hand-held wood press is carved with a large mold used for shaping festive mooncakes. Packed with lotus root, red bean, or other regional f...
Wood