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.
Single Chinese Langyao Hong Oxblood Red Porcelain Vase, Wired as a Lamp
Located in Long Island City, NY
Single Chinese Langyao Hong Oxblood Red Porcelain Vase, Wired as a Lamp. In the tianqiuping or globular form, on a wooden base, with a brass fixture. Shade available separately. 33&...
Brass
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Large 19th Century Chinese Porcelain Bulbous Vase Lamp, Pale Blue
Located in Miami, FL
A rare, large antique Chinese famille rose porcelain baluster vase lamp. Measures: 30" height x 18" diameter with the shade. Chinese Famille Rose porcelain vases converted to table...
Porcelain
Table Lamp Glazed Red, 19th Century, China
Located in New York, NY
Table lamp glazed red 19th century, China. A table lamp made in a deep red glazed pottery. Measures: H with shade: 22.5”, H without shade: 16”, dia...
$2,900 / set
H 26 in W 7 in D 7 in
Vintage Pair of Oxblood Red Flambe Porcelain Chinoiserie Table Lamps Newly Wired
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lovely pair of vintage San de Boeuf Oxblood flambe porcelain table lamps. No chips or breaks. Newly wired, clear cord, all new brass hardware, 3 way sockets. Dimensions: 26 H to top ...
Porcelain
Pair Chinese Porcelain Dragon Vases fitted as Lamps
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a very large and stunning pair of late 19th century Chinese Pale Celadon Crackle Glazed Dragon and Flaming Pearl Vases that have been adapted to lamps with double socket fitt...
Brass
$2,000
H 27 in W 7 in D 7 in
Hand Painted Porcelain Capo Di Monte Lamp of Bacchus, Italy, 19th Century, Italy
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Italian porcelain hand painted traditional urn shape lamp by Capo Di Monte. Urn shape in form, the top is accented with two handles with swirls highly decorated in light pink, gold and yellow. The lamp widens at the bottom of the handles and tapers down to a wider body. The body of this decorative lamp features scenes of robed figures of men and women at a Bacchanalian feast. Decoration includes scenes of women draped in various color robes such as pink green and yellow. Bacchus is depicted as surrounded by women and sports a dark beard and floral crown. The top includes piercing throughout. The bottom of the porcelain portion of the lamp is decorated in a pink rope pattern around the edges. Just above, figures of light mint green leaves or petals are painted with gold hand painted edges. The base of the lamp is made up of a gold or brass metal with an ornate floral pattern. Inside appears to be iron or steel. The shape of the metal base is square in form with a pinched design at each side. Original harp included, however no shade. How we would style it: A rare piece such as this Capo Di Monte deserves to be seen. It reminds us of the Venetian home of Dodie Rosekrans. Filled with timeless classical pieces, each with their own story. This lovely lamp deserves a home of a true collector who has a deep appreciation for classical Italian art. We love the idea of this piece in a foyer with a small fringe lamp...
Metal, Gold
Pair of Blanc De Chine Vases Mounted as Table Lamps
Located in Morristown, NJ
20th c., a nice quality pair of blanc de chine vases mounted as table lamps. These are decorated with garden florals and figures in low relief. Decorative elements also include lion ...
Metal
19th Century Gilt Porcelain / Brass Bass Table Lamps
Located in Tarry Town, NY
19th century pair of gilt porcelain urn shape with exterior romantic scene design details table / task lamps. Each lamp is in good working condition. Minor wear appropriate with age ...
Brass
Antique Chinese Blue And White Porcelain Vase As Lamp
Located in Norwood, NJ
Chinese 19th century porcelain vase converted as a lamp. Hand painted with a bird amongst a fruit tree with fruit, branches and leaves. A celadon ground and decorated with applied fo...
Porcelain
19th Century Chinese Porcelain Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully painted 19th Century Chinese vessel converted to lamp. Wooden base. Custom parchment shade is 10" high x 16" wide.
Enamel
Table Lamp Oriental Colors 19th Century, China
Located in New York, NY
Table lamp oriental colors 19th century, China. A table lamp made during the 19th century in China. Multicolored with gilded details.
Famille Noir Vase as Table Lamp
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a very decorative Famille Noir vase with colorful flowers and leaves painted overall on a black background, situated on pierced rosewood base, electrified and converted to a ...
Porcelain
Chinese Porcelain Baluster-Form Vase Mounted as Lamp
Located in Germantown, MD
A mid 20th Century Chinese Porcelain Baluster-Form Vase Mounted as Lamp By S. Weisbrod Lamp, Philadelphia PA. Overall measurements with 7.5" in with, 7.5" in depth and 21.5" in heig...
Brass
Chinese Ox Blood Vase Mounted as Lamp
Located in Buchanan, MI
Chinese ox blood vase mounted as a lamp, newly wired.
Porcelain, Wood
19th Century Chinese Adjustable Lantern Stand
Located in Den Haag, NL
Elegant 19th century Chinese lantern stand. Height-adjustable from 140 cm all the way up to 200 cm.
Elm
Sold
H 30 in Dm 10 in
Single Chinese Langyao Hong Oxblood Red Porcelain Fishtail Vase, Wired as a Lamp
Located in Long Island City, NY
Single Chinese Langyao Hong Oxblood Red Porcelain Fishtail Vase, Wired as a Lamp. On a wooden base. Shade available separately.
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Blanc De Chine Porcelain Vases, Wired as Lamps
Located in Long Island City, NY
Pair of Chinese Blanc De Chine Porcelain Vases, Wired as Lamps. On wooden bases, with brass fixtures. Shades available separately. 27" ...
Brass