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.
to
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
6
1
8
145
81
79
78
69
62
52
28
23
21
19
17
16
15
15
15
8
4
1
7
8
7
7
5
5
8
8
8
8
8
8
Style: Qing
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Qing Cupboards
Materials
Oak
Art Deco Cabinet, Macassar, Mahogany, Nickel, Lacquer, France circa 1930
Located in Regensburg, DE
Original, fully restored Art Deco Bar-Cabinet in lacquered Macassar Veneer, with Mahogany interior and Nickel fittings from France circa 1930.
Beautiful book-matched Macassar ebony...
Category
1930s French Vintage Qing Cupboards
Materials
Nickel
H 63.39 in W 43.31 in D 15.75 in
Chinese Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Altar Cabinet with Natural Finish
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing dynasty period altar cabinet from the 19th century, with natural finish, everted flanges, two drawers over double doors and carved sides. Created in China during the 19th century, this Chinese altar cabinet...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards
Materials
Brass
H 35 in W 46 in D 19.75 in
Late 18th Century Decorated Cabinet from Shanxi, China
Located in Kastrup, DK
Late 18th century cabinet from Shanxi, China.
Original red and black lacquer with a light clear surface finish, which highlights the lovely natural patina.
Pair of bi-fold doors wi...
Category
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards
Materials
Iron
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Red Lacquer Cabinet with Doors and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A small Chinese Qing Dynasty period red lacquer side cabinet from the 19th century, with double doors, two drawers and brass hardware. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty in the...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards
Materials
Brass
Mid-19th Century Red Lacquered Sideboard from Shanxi, China
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese 19th century sideboard cabinet with orginal lacquer.
Front and top with deep dark red lacquer, sides with black lacquer.
Features double bi-fold doors revealing a storage...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards
Materials
Elm
Tall Early 18th C. Italian Wooden Storage & Display Cabinet, a Fabulous Piece
Located in Atlanta, GA
A tall Italian wooden storage and display cabinet from the early 18th century. This antique cabinet from Italy, which stands approximately 6.75 feet tall, has a flat top and upper section is fitted with a pair of wooden doors with spindle tops over lattice at door fronts, which open to reveal three shelves for displayed objects inside. Upon closer inspection, you will find that the wood framing and hardware is decorated with hand-punched floral carvings throughout. The mid-section has a pair of solid-wood doors...
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Qing Cupboards
Materials
Wood
H 80.5 in W 58 in D 12.5 in
19th Century Chinese Scholar's Cabinet Glass Curio
Located in Somis, CA
A late 19th century solid wood Chinese scholar's cabinet with glass doors and removable shelves. The glass doors with elegant black lacquered frames are mounted on dowels adorned wit...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards
Materials
Wood
Swedish Baroque Cabinet
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
A period Rococo cabinet with decorative carved pediment. Two doors with carved decorative detailing open to shelved storage, and below, two short and two long drawers. This piece is ...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Qing Cupboards
Materials
Wood
18th Century Swedish Baroque Cabinet
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Swedish Baroque cabinet from the province of Bergsalgen.
This charming cabinet comprises of two sections, the top being slimmer than the botto...
Category
18th Century Swedish Antique Qing Cupboards
Materials
Wood
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
H 75 in W 45.25 in D 22.25 in
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
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
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
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
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.