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.
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
Chinese Peking Opera Theatre Puppet Marionette Doll, Early, 1900s
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand-painted face and original textile garment. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets, we acquired from a collector. Each puppet shows clear signs of previous stage use. Likely from the early 1900s. Would make for a great addition to any Chinese artifacts...
Textile, Wood, Paint
Chinese Peking Opera Theatre Puppet Marionette Doll, Early 1900s
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand-painted face and original textile garment. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets...
Textile, Wood, Paint
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
Chinese Peking Opera Theatre Puppet Marionette Doll with Dragon Robe Early 1900s
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand-painted face and original textile garment/ robe with a dragon symbol. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets...
Textile, Wood, Paint
Chinese Peking Opera Theatre Puppet Marionette Doll, Early 1900s
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand painted face, a wonderfully fabulous hairdo, and an original textile garment. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets, we acquired from a collector. Each puppet shows clear signs of previous stage use. Clearly original works. Likely from the early 1900s. Would make for a great addition to any Chinese artifacts...
Textile, Wood, Paint
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
Antique Carved Chinese Soapstone Figure Of Man With Foo Dog
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century carved Chinese soapstone figure. Features a smiling figure with a foo dog on his shoulder and a gourd in his other hand, all in brown color.
Soapstone
Asian Woven Grain Basket
Located in Greenwich, CT
Asian woven grain & rice basket
Reed, Willow
Chinese Asian Giltwood Carved Ancestor Temple Shrine Emperor Figure with Tiger
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic wood and gilt decorated hand carved Chinese ancestral temple shrine Emperor figure with a tiger. From a collection of Chinese and Asian artifacts...
Wood, Giltwood
Finely Carved Chinese Landscape And Figure Mustard Colored Soapstone
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century finely carved mustard colored soapstone. Features intricate Asian figures amongst landscape of trees and mountain. The rich mustard yellow hue of the stone enhances the ...
Soapstone
Chinese Peking Opera Theatre Puppet Marionette Doll, Early 1900s
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand-painted face, long grey beard, and original textile garment. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets...
Textile, Wood, Paint
Chinese Asian Giltwood Carved Ancestor Temple Shrine Emperor Figure on Animal
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic wood and gilt decorated hand carved Chinese ancestral temple shrine Emperor figure riding a mythical beast - perhaps a tiger. From a collection of Chinese and Asian artifacts...
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Chinese Peking Opera Theatre Puppet Marionette Doll, Early 1900s
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand-painted face and original textile garment. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets, we acquired from a collector. Each puppet shows clear signs of previous stage use. Likely from the early 1900s. Would make for a great addition to any Chinese artifacts...
Textile, Wood, Paint
Chinese Peking Opera Theatre Puppet Marionette Doll, Early 1900s
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful work complete with a unique wood-carved and hand painted face and original textile garment. From a group of 7 Chinese opera puppets...
Textile, Wood, Paint
Chinese Soapstone Carving Of Man And Woman Sculpture
Located in Bradenton, FL
Qing Dynasty soapstone carving depicting a man, a woman and a foo dog sitting and laughing. The woman is holding a red rose and both are wearing colorful Chinese dress in red and gre...
Soapstone
Chinese Soapstone Mountain, Village And Sitting Man Carving
Located in Bradenton, FL
Qing Dynasty soapstone carving depicting an intricate scene of a mountainside, a sitting man, and a part of a village. Carving is in a beige-brown color. Carving is sitting on a beau...
Soapstone
Carved Chinese Qing Soapstone Arhat Figure
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century carved Chinese Soapstone Arhat figure in the style of the Qing dynasty. Intricately carved figure is in seated position, hand to face, wearing a robe with aqua and dark ...
Soapstone
Chinese Carved Soapstone Desk Seal
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century soapstone desk seal. Features a Chinese character sitting with gourds, from Qing dynasty. Color is a dark brownish-purple. Seal markings on on bottom.
Soapstone
$258Sale Price|29% Off
Chinese Robed Puppet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand puppets, like this one from China’s Zhejiang region, have been a popular form of entertainment for centuries. In the late 19th early-20th century this tiny robed gentleman proba...
Silk, Wood
Chinese Folk Carved Panel, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the 19th century, this flat wooden panel is curiously etched with geometric patterns and dense triangle-work. Its original use remains unknown, perhaps it was a divination tool, a traveling game board...
Wood
Chinese Folk Carved Panel, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the 19th century, this flat wooden panel is curiously etched with geometric patterns, simple leaf motifs, and a triangle-work border. Its original use remains unknown - perhaps it was a divination tool, a traveling game board...
Wood
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
Qing Dynasty Crystal Seated Buddha
Located in New York, NY
Chinese carved rock crystal figure of Buddha, Qing Dynasty, seated in meditation, incised crescent moon mark to lower edge at front, Measures: 5" H...
Rock Crystal
Japanese Folk Art Carved Gilt Wood Theater Facial Mask on Brass Base
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
2-342,Japanese Folk Art carved gilt wood mask on brass base.
Brass
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
Modern Creative Kokeshi Doll by Hideo Ishihara, Japan
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Rare Modern creative Kokeshi doll by Hideo Ishihara, Japan This rare whimsical sosaku kokeshi was created and signed by the award winning master, Hid...
Wood
$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
$1,828
H 14.57 in W 12.41 in D 3.94 in
Original New Old Stock Circa 1900 Liberty's London Marionette String Puppet
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare, new old stock Liberty's London Marionette string puppet A lovely example and a great size, it is ...
Oak, Pine
$156Sale Price / set|47% Off
H 7 in W 6.5 in D 2 in
Japanese Pair Vintage Gilt Pheasant Bird Sculptures, Signed
Located in South Burlington, VT
Beautiful pair (2) old Japanese vintage gilt pheasant bird sculptures. Marked Japan on bottoms. From our recent Japanese acquisitions in original condition with original attractive gilding present. Japan, an attractive and iconic pair (2) pheasant sculptures with original gilt patina. One is poised with vertical tail and thehy other in a seated horizontal position. The pheasant is considered Japan's national bird. This creative simple adaption makes a compelling contemporary pair of sculptures. Fine original used condition with original gold gilt patina appropriate to their age. Original gilt patina from age. Dimensions: 7 inches tall and 6.5 inches wide Photographed in natural day light. Quality: Excellent quality and fine craftsmanship by Japanese specialized artisans Provenance: authentic Japanese examples (see labels). Lifetime guarantee of authenticity. All of our Asian works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee. About Japan's Green Pheasant In Japanese culture, the green pheasant is unofficially considered the national bird of the country owing to its references in ancient folk tales of Japan. The green pheasant was said to be a messenger of the Sun Goddess...
Iron
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 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
Great Wooden Carved Plaque with Stag Family, Brienz 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Great Wooden Carved Plaque with Stag Family, Brienz 1900s A great walnut wall panel with an artistically carved scene showing a family of stags in t...
Wood
Wooden, Hand-Carved & Painted Nandi Cow, India C. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A visibly old hand-carved Nandi Cow from India. This wood sculpture features a wonderful age related patina and has been hand-painted with a mix of white and...
Wood, Paint
Fine Chinese Carved Wooden Face Mask, ca 1900-1940
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Ca 1900-1940 Fine Chinese Carved Wooden Face Mask China. Additional information: Material: Wood Region of Origin: China Period: 19th century China Dynasty Period: Qing (1661 - 1912)...
Wood
Chinese Carved Hetian Jade Figure Of Boy
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Chinese Hetian Jade intricate carving of a boy in sitting position. Jade is green and rust in color. A wonderful addition to any jade collection.
Soapstone
Hand-Carved Gray Chinese Jade Figurine of Dog
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century figure of gray Chinese jade dog. Dog is lying down with tail curled around his body. Very intricately carved.
Jade
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 Woven River Basket, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This particular example rema...
Willow
Chinese Woven River Basket, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This particular example rema...
Willow
Chinese Woven River Basket, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This particular example rema...
Willow
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
19th Century Buddha Statue "Monk Tang"
Located in New York, NY
A Buddhist statue of Monk Tang. Xuanzang referred to as Tang, was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveler, and translator who traveled to India in the sixth century and described ...
Wood, Ash