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.
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19th Century Antique Chinese Turtle Shell Vanity Mirror
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Here is a rare and unusual antique, Chinese vanity mirror presented in a turtle shell. The mirror is in a mahogany frame, expertly carved with lo...
Marine turtle
Provincial Chinese Travel Mirror, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This round folding mirror dates to the mid-19th century and would have accompanied a well-to-do woman on her travels. The wooden frame is carved with simple scrollwork at the hinge and includes a flat cover that props the mirror upright when open. Beautifully aged and full of character, we love this humble traveling mirror...
Mirror, Elm
Chinese Table Screen Mirror, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Screens served numerous functions as portable architecture in Chinese homes. The largest examples sectioned off entire rooms, allowing a family to shape the spaces in their home to a...
Mirror, Hardwood
Chinese Table Screen Mirror, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Screens served numerous functions as portable architecture in Chinese homes. The largest examples sectioned off entire rooms, allowing a family to customize spaces to suite their nee...
Mirror, Hardwood
Late 19th Century French Vanity Bronze Mirror
Located in Plainview, NY
An exquisite late 19th century French Louis XV vanity mirror. The bronze carved mirror features impressive details with two cherubs. The mirror ...
Bronze
Table Mirror, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table mirror in brass, possibly manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1950s. Brass, wave-shaped border decoration. Adjustable.
Brass
Black and White Glass Mirror, Mirrored
Located in Miami, FL
Black and White glass mirror. Mirrored.
Glass
$880
H 18 in W 17 in D 10 in
19th Century Italian Sorrento Triptych Folding Inlaid Travel Mirror Easel Stand
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is an absolutely stunning, antique 19th century Italian Sorrento Triptych folding inlaid travel mirror Easel stand. Item beautiful olive wood and walnut inlay, remarkable car...
Wood
Art Deco Ladies Traveling Necessaire Ensemble, American, circa 1925
Located in Incline Village, NV
Art Deco ladies traveling necessaire ensemble consisting of 13 implements for grooming, contained in a hard cardboard green branch decorated traveling case. The grooming implements a...
Resin, Bakelite
$225 / item
H 11.42 in W 7.09 in D 3.55 in
Vanity mirror, Carrara Marble Mirror by Aparentment "Marblelous Mirror"
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Marblelous Mirror is a sculptural vanity mirror defined by the contrast between refined Carrara marble and polished reflective surfaces. Composed of a solid marble base and a mov...
Marble, Brass
Chinese Style Bamboo Mirror
By Loyzaga
Located in Mexico, Ciudad de México
This handmade wood Chinese style mirror is varnished with gold leaves and is designed to have the appearance of bamboo inspired by Chinoiserie. ...
Wood
$4,461
H 31.89 in W 16.93 in D 12.21 in
Antique 19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Vanity Mirror, England C.1830
Located in London, GB
Antique 19th Century Chinese Export Lacquer Vanity Mirror, England C.1830 Qing Dynasty, 19th Century Rare example of a Chinese Export dressing mirror. In good overall condition showi...
Lacquer
19th Century French Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Vanity Table Mirror
Located in Dallas, TX
Graceful curves and finely cast ornament distinguish this antique freestanding vanity mirror. Crafted in France circa 1870, the dressing mirror is made of gilt bronze in the Louis XV...
Bronze
italien murano table mirror
Located in Munich, DE
vintage italien murano table mirror. the mirror glass got blind and needs to be redone. could also be used as picture frame.
Brass
Italian Brass Table Mirror
By Ico Parisi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian brass beveled round mirror in style of Ico Paricsi. Adjustable position great for the vanity table or jewelry store. Base is 7.2 diameter.
Brass
Table Mirror, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table mirror in brass, possibly manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1950s. Brass, wave-shaped border decoration. Adjustable.
Brass
Chinese Export Lacquer and Hardstone Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Chinese export lacquer and hardstone mirror, with various hardstone floral inlays in a gilt lacquer cartouche frame. The inset mirror is 22" x 2...
Mirror, Precious Stone, Lacquer
Italian 1950's Table Mirror
By Stilnovo
Located in Den Haag, NL
Italian 1950's table mirror.
Brass, Metal
Designer Table Mirror, Nickel
Located in Miami, FL
Designer Table Mirror, very good quality. Great condition. Mirror is adjustable, mirror does not swivel. Ready for a new home.
Metal
19th Century Chinese Reflective Opium Tray
Located in Chicago, IL
Trimmed in a fine hardwood, this mirrored glass tray has an ethereal look perfectly in line with its former use as an opium tray. Dating from the mid 19th c...
Mirror, Hardwood