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Qing Cupboards

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
Monumental 19th century Chinese red lacquer cupboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Monumental 19th century Chinese red lacquer cupboard circa 1870. Stunning Chinese cupboard of the largest proportions we have ever seen.  Circa 1870. Stunning distressed red lacquer...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Late 18th Century Decorated Red lacquer Cabinet
Located in Kastrup, DK
A rare cabinet red lacquer with original carvings and well-preserved leaf gold decorations. Black lacquer on the sides of the cabinet. A decorative and beautiful cabinet from Shanxi...
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Brass

Important Documented Qing Dynasty Chinese Deep Relief Rosewood Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exquisite custom antique 19th century Qing Dynasty heavily carved Chinese rosewood and elm wooden cabinet with double-doors carved set with gilt and deep relief carved wood panels depicting scenes from historical legends and brass handles enclosing a cabinet set with four shelves. The elaborately carved Elmwood panels originally decorated a mid-19th century wedding bed then incorporated into the custom Rosewood frame around the late 1800s-early 1900s. This incredible collectors piece of Chinese history was owned by a European diplomat in Shanghai China during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Documented in a large photobook of their home in Shanghai and their travels, this cabinet was an important piece in their collection and remained with their heirs until our acquisition. Some photos including the one showing this cabinet in their main room is displayed in the photo gallery of this listing. Many pieces owned by the diplomat collector were discarded or sold off over the decades whereas this important cabinet was passed on from generation to generation until we acquired it from a descendant of the diplomat collector. This cabinet would work great as a cupboard, breakfront cabinet, buffet, sideboard, bookcase or bookshelf, vitrine, étagère, china or display cabinet and would work great in an Asian, chinoiserie, Traditional, Transitional, Classical or Art Deco room. Also consider mixing it up with a splash of juxtaposition in a Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Danish Modern, Contemporary or Postmodern home...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Brass

Chinese Red Lacquer Scholars' Cabinet, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
With its commanding scale and simple silhouette, this tall Qing-dynasty cabinet offered the perfect canvas for elaborate decoration. Crafted in the mid-19th century, the cabinet has ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Elm

Late 19th Century Large Carved Cabinet from Dong Yang, Zhejiang, China
Located in Singapore, SG
A late 19th century large carved cabinet from Dong Yang city, Zhejiang province, China. This cabinet is a distinct design of cabinets from this region, who are famed for their wood c...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Elm, Pine

Qing Dynasty Late 19th Century Traveler's Chest with Removable Door
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Qing Dynasty period elmwood traveler's chest from the late 19th century, with removable front panel, carrying handle and carved motifs. Created in China during the...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Brass

Mid 20th Century carved hardwood cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century carved hardwood cabinet circa 1950. Large Chinese export hardwood cupboard which lends itself perfectly to having a rail added to the interior for use as a wardrobe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Qing Cupboards

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Red Lacquer Tapered Cabinet, C. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A classic piece of Chinese furniture, large, upright cabinets such as this were used in traditional homes in lieu of built-in closets, filled with clot...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Brass

Chinese Diamond Lattice Display Cabinet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
The focal point of this beautiful 19th century scholars' display cabinet is undoubtedly the complex diamond-form lattice panels fitted into the tall double doors...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Brass

Pair of Ornate Lacquered Cabinets with Cabriole Legs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These richly carved and lacquered cabinets were made over 150 year ago in China’s Shanxi Province and remain in remarkable condition. The cabinet fronts are well-proportioned and carved with imaginative detail, including a scalloped trim, swirling s-form cabriole legs, and relief panels of the flowers of the four seasons...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Elm

Related Items
18th Century Country French Cabinet
Located in Pomona, CA
A French Provincial cabinet of cupboards and drawers. Doors decorated with floral urns. Bead design around doors and drawers. Brass hardware,...
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Late 18th Century French Antique Qing Cupboards

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Oak

18th Century Country French Cabinet
18th Century Country French Cabinet
$1,800
H 45.5 in W 17.75 in D 48 in
Late Qing Dynasty Low Chinese Red Lacquer Bedside Cabinet
Located in Sheffield, MA
Late 19th century Chinese elmwood cabinets in an old lacquered finish. This cabinet can be ideal as a bedside chest, end table next to a sofa or a cabinet in an hallway. it has two...
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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

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Elm

19th Century Birdseye Maple Cupboard
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An unusual and very attractive mid 19th century, early Victorian, birdseye maple wood side cupboard having ebonised strung decoration throughout and two panelled doors, enclosing two...
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Mid-19th Century English Antique Qing Cupboards

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Birdseye Maple

19th Century Birdseye Maple Cupboard
19th Century Birdseye Maple Cupboard
$4,030 Sale Price
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H 37.5 in W 36.5 in D 14 in
Chinese Red Lacquered Qing Dynasty 19th Century Dry Bar Cabinet
Located in Miami, FL
A fine quality 19th Century Chinese Red Lacquered Qing Dynasty Cabinet with Chinoiserie Décor. Chinese Dry Bar Cabinet. This handcrafted two part Chinese Red Lacquered Qing Dynasty...
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19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

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Wood

Chinese Red Lacquered Qing Dynasty 19th Century Dry Bar Cabinet
Chinese Red Lacquered Qing Dynasty 19th Century Dry Bar Cabinet
$1,590 Sale Price
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H 60 in W 36 in D 22 in
19th Century Rustic Blue 1 Door Farm Cupboard
Located in Newfoundland, PA
19th Century Rustic Grain Painted Farm Cupboard This Antique Rustic Farm 1 Door blind Cupboard from the 1850's is a rare find for collectors and enthusi...
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Mid-19th Century American Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Softwood

19th Century Rustic Blue 1 Door Farm Cupboard
19th Century Rustic Blue 1 Door Farm Cupboard
$1,675
H 38.5 in W 36.75 in D 14.75 in
2 Part 19th Century Welsh Cupboard
Located in Sheffield, MA
A wonderfully handsome and well proportioned 19th century welsh oak dresser with scalloped decorative cornice, two plate rack shelves, two drawers w...
Category

19th Century European Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Oak

2 Part 19th Century Welsh Cupboard
2 Part 19th Century Welsh Cupboard
$4,700
H 84 in W 62 in D 18.5 in
Late 19th Century Large Cabinet from Shanxi, China
Located in Singapore, SG
Originally a black lacquer cabinet, but much of the lacquer have peeled off, revealing the lovely wood underneath. Only the middle doors open, the panels on the left and right are se...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Iron

Late 19th Century Large Cabinet from Shanxi, China
Late 19th Century Large Cabinet from Shanxi, China
$5,500
H 74.41 in W 56.3 in D 23.23 in
19th Ctr. Apothecary Medicine Chest with 45 Drawers
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese Qing Dynasty apothecary / pharmacy medicine chest. Front in original red lacquer with 45 drawers (42 small drawers + 3 larger drawers at the bottom). Each drawer with hand written Chinese calligraphy in black lacquer. These were used to store and organise Chinese herbs...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Wood

19th Ctr. Apothecary Medicine Chest with 45 Drawers
19th Ctr. Apothecary Medicine Chest with 45 Drawers
$3,225
H 64.57 in W 51.97 in D 19.3 in
Early 19th Century Shepherds Cupboard
Located in London, Charterhouse Square
Early 19th century shepherds cupboard with dovetail joint details.
Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Early 19th Century Shepherds Cupboard
Early 19th Century Shepherds Cupboard
$3,639
H 69.1 in W 27.17 in D 14.97 in
Chinese Qing Dynasty Cabinet with Original Décor
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare Qing dynasty cabinet with original well preserved decorations. Red base lacquer with polychrome decorations, black lacquer on the sides. Top...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Elm

Chinese Qing Dynasty Cabinet with Original Décor
Chinese Qing Dynasty Cabinet with Original Décor
$4,614
H 81.89 in W 61.03 in D 18.9 in
Chinese Red Lacquered Qing Dynasty 19th Century Cabinet with Chinoiserie Décor
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period red lacquered cabinet from the 19th century, with chinoiserie décor. Created in China during the Qing dynasty, this cabinet captures our attention with ...
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19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Wood

1970s Garrison Mid Century Walnut 2 Door China Cabinet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This 1970s Garrison Mid Century walnut china cabinet exemplifies timeless craftsmanship and elegant design. Featuring two spacious doors, it offers ample storage for your fine china ...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Qing Cupboards

Materials

Walnut

Previously Available Items
Chinese Lattice Cutout Cabinet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
While most Qing-dynasty cabinets were decorated with gilt paintings or fine carvings, this tall cabinet is patterned with unusual oblong cutouts that simulate lattice and provide a g...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Brass

Monumental 19th Century Chinese Red Lacquer Cupboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Monumental 19th century chinese red lacquer cupboard circa 1870. Stunning chinese cupboard of the largest proportions we have ever seen. Circa 1870. Stunning distressed red lacque...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Hardwood, Lacquer, Paint

19th Century Chinese Elm and Cane Multi Purpose Kitchen Cabinet
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This Chinese cabinet of functional and beautiful design dates to the late 19th century. It features four cane paneled doors opening up to a shelved interior above two cane front draw...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Brass

Chinese Gilt and Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Painted Cabinet with Bronze Hardware
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exquisite antique 19th century Qing Dynasty gilt and black lacquered painted cabinet with double-doors, freshly refinished with a French Polish - furthering the beauty of this pie...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Brass

19th Century Chinese Wedding Cabinet with Butterfly Hardware
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese red lacquered wedding cabinet decorated with large brass backplate in shape of a butterfly. From Fujian Province, 1850-1880. Butterfly plates are typical of Fujian Province.
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Cypress, Lacquer

Late 19th Century Chinese Softwood Cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Functional piece of Chinese export furniture, circa 1890. Made from oriental softwood, with 3 drawers below the top surface and a double door cupboard below. Original hardware. Di...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Softwood

Late 19th Century Chinese Softwood Cabinet
Late 19th Century Chinese Softwood Cabinet
H 32.3 in W 39.5 in D 20.75 in
Pair of Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinets with Scalloped Aprons, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of elegant mid-19th century black lacquer cabinets has lyrical scalloped aprons. They maintain their rich original hand-brushed black lacquer finishes, which have developed...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Painted Cabinet, China
Located in Singapore, SG
Early 20th century 4-door painted cabinet from Zhejiang province, China. The top half of the cabinet has slightly raised painted panels surrounded by crushed mother of pearl and shel...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Elm, Pine

Early 20th Century Painted Cabinet, China
Early 20th Century Painted Cabinet, China
H 63.78 in W 48.04 in D 21.26 in
Chinese Four Panel Cabinet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful in its austerity, this grand cabinet from China’s Shanxi province dates from the middle of the 19th century. Featuring two sets of bi-fold doors, the cabinet is elegantly c...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Elm

Chinese Four Panel Cabinet, c. 1850
Chinese Four Panel Cabinet, c. 1850
H 79.5 in W 63 in D 22.25 in
Provincial Chinese Cabinet with Open Shelf, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Traces of the original lacquer finish hint are a wabi-sabi mark of the cabinet's tenacity. Original iron fittings combine with a mosaic of rich brown and red finishes to lend the pie...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Iron

Late 19th Century 4-Door Cabinet from Zhejiang
Located in Singapore, SG
Late 19th century 4-door cabinet from Dong Yang, Zhejiang province, China. Very fine carvings on the four panels across the top and on the bottom three drawers. The slim middle carve...
Category

1910s Chinese Vintage Qing Cupboards

Materials

Elm, Fir

Late 19th Century 4-Door Cabinet from Zhejiang
Late 19th Century 4-Door Cabinet from Zhejiang
H 69.69 in W 60.63 in D 22.84 in
Chinese Paneled Storage Cabinet, c. 1650
Located in Chicago, IL
This is an exquisite example of a 17th century square corner cabinet, constructed with masterful mortise and tenon joinery. It features two paneled doors attached with small barrel...
Category

Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

Materials

Elm

Qing cupboards for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Qing cupboards 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 cupboards created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, elm and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing cupboards made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia 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 cupboards differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $943 and tops out at $14,800 while the average work can sell for $6,430.

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