Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
QING STYLE
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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Style: Qing
Chinese Qing Apothecary Cabinet with 28 Drawers, Original Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Apothecary Cabinet (Medicine Chest) with 28 Drawers,
Preserved in Original Lacquer
This stunning apothecary chest features 28 drawers and retains its original lacquer.
The body is fi...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
18th Century Chinese Medicine Chest
Located in Kastrup, DK
Medicine Chest in original black lacquer. Shanxi province, China.
Dating back from the late 18th Century.
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
Korean Elm Coffee Table with Lots of Drawers, Late 19th Century
Located in Pulborough, GB
Antiques of London are delighted to offer for sale this beautiful late 19th-century Korean elm coffee table with lots of drawers.
This is a very wel...
Category
Late 19th Century Korean Antique Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Elm
Small 19th century elm table top chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Small 19th century eastern elm table top chest circa 1890.
Superb quality Chinese pyramid shaped alter table chest made from elm. Show frame structure with a single shallow drawer ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Elm
Pair of Yellow lacquered Apothecary Medicine Chests
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Chinese apothecary / pharmacy medicine chests. Made of elm wood with ivory lacquer.
Each with 33 drawers (30 small square drawers + 3 larger ).
These were used to store and o...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Elm
Chinese Herbal Apothecary Elm Chest And Bookcase
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period late 19th century apothecary merchant's chest in Southern elm, also called Jumu wood.
Originally used by a Chinese pharmacy to organize and store herbal...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Elm
Antique Raised Panel Chest with Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Qing Dynasty chest with drawers. Accentuated raised panels with scalloped edges make up all the front and side panels. Adorned with red lacq...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Sixteen Drawer Chinese Collector's Cabinet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
The Ming-dynasty’s legacy of clean, elegant lines remained a powerful influence in Qing-dynasty aesthetics as seen in this statuesque collector's cabinet. Made of warm-toned wood, th...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Pine
Chinese Carnelian Keeper's Coffer, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century storage chest balances a streamlined silhouette with vibrant color and wabi-sabi textures. Originally configured to open from the top, the cabinet's paneled front h...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Pine
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Red Lacquer Side Chest with Five Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period red lacquer side chest from the 19th century with five hand-carved raised drawers, hints of a black lacquer and horse hoof...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Qing Dynasty Red and Black Lacquered Three-Section Chest with Carved Figures
Located in Yonkers, NY
A late Qing Dynasty period antique red and black lacquered three-section chest from the early 20th century with carved figures. Born during the late Qing Dynasty period in the early 20th century, this exquisite antique red and black lacquered chest captivates with its rich colors and intricate details. The chest is composed of three independent sections, each contributing to its overall elegance and functionality. The lovely red lacquered body is beautifully accented with black tones, creating a striking contrast that enhances its visual appeal.
The upper section features small hinged doors adorned with intricately carved figures, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of the era. These doors open to reveal convenient storage space, perfect for keeping small items organized. The lower drawers are decorated with black panels, each incised with delicate bird and floral motifs, adding a touch of natural beauty to the piece.
Each level of the chest is fitted with lateral handles, ensuring ease of movement and a cohesive design. This antique Chinese lacquered chest...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
A Pair of Red Lacquer Cabinets
Located in New York, NY
Great looking 19th-century cabinets in a striking red lacquer finish. Decorated with original bronze hardware, the cabinets are raised on block feet. The two doors open to a storag...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Elm
19th Century Qing Dynasty Aaltar Table With Drawers
Located in Trenton, NJ
Graceful and rich with historical presence, this antique Qing Dynasty butterfly table blends utility with artistry. Its distinctive silhouette—shaped like a butterfly with splayed le...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Freestanding Qing Dynasty Black Lacquer Sideboard
Located in Kastrup, DK
Black lacquer sideboard with multiple drawers and two doors.
From Hebei, circa 1880-1900.
This sidebord is perfectly useable as a freestanding centerpiece given the depth: 68 cm / ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
19th Century Qing Period Chinese Alter Console
Located in Pasadena, TX
19th century Chinese alter console
Qing period piece featuring two drawers with brass pulls. Carved apron and sides.
Measures: 41.5"W x 20.25"D x 31.75"H...
Category
Late 19th Century Asian Antique Qing Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Teak
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Original Red Lacquer Chest of Drawers, Shanxi c. 1740
Located in Kastrup, DK
Original red lacquer chest of drawers.
8 drawers with carved details.
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Mid 19th Century Chinese Apothecary Medicine Chest with 51 Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese lacquered apothecary, circa 1840-1860.
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19th Century Apothecary Medicine Chest with 24 Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese apothecary / pharmacy medicine chest with 24 drawers.
Linden wood (also called lime tree) and burgundy lacquer front with a natural age-related patina.
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Pair of Chinese Apothecary 'Pharmacy' Medicine Chest
Located in Kastrup, DK
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Chinese Apothecary Medicine Chest with 39 Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese elm apothecary / pharmacy medicine chest with 39 drawers.
From Suzhou, China, 1860-1880.
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19th Century Apothecary Medicine Chest with 24 Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
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Chinese Apothecary Medicine Chest with 28 Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
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Chinese Qing Lacquered Elm Nine-Drawer Clothing Chest with Bronze Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
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19th Century Chinese Sideboard in Red Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Sideboard in red lacquer with black lacquer top and sides. With a natural patina. Shanxi province, China, circa 1830-1840.
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Qing Dynasty Medicine Cabinet with 35 Drawers
Located in Chicago, IL
This apothecary cabinet has a beautiful aged patina. The piece has 35 drawers with traces of elegant calligraphy, indicating the contents of each. The addition of an open display she...
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Chinese Carved Ten-Drawer Chest, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This beautiful chest is a classic Qing dynasty design handcrafted in northern China out of elmwood. The quality of the workmanship is evident in the beautifully carved drawer fronts....
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Qing commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage commodes and chests of drawers created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, asian art and furniture, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing commodes and chests of drawers made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for commodes and chests of drawers differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,779 and tops out at $6,880 while the average work can sell for $2,076.