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.
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...
Brass
$9,405Sale Price|50% Off
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...
Brass
Antique Six-Door Buffet Cabinet, Shanxi, China
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This impressive six-door buffet cabinet originates from Shanxi and dates back more than a century. Crafted from solid old poplar wood, the piece carries a beautifully timeworn surfac...
Poplar
Antique Chinese Four Flowers Dowry Cabinet, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This antique Chinese storage cabinet from the late 19th century balances minimal lines with hand-crafted details. Crafted of elm (yumu) to a classic, square-corner design, the tall w...
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...
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 lacquer...
Wood, Lacquer
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...
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...
Hardwood
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...
Elm
Jade Lacquer Chinese Dowry Cabinet, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
A classic piece of Chinese furniture, this tall lacquered cabinet was likely part of a traditional wedding dowry, bestowed upon the groom by the bride's family filled with fine silks...
Elm
French 19th Century Vernis Martin Cabinet with Ormolu Mounts
Located in London, GB
A Vernis Martin cabinet in the Louis XVI manner Constructed in mahogany, with extensive ormolu mounts; the square rectangular tapering legs, d...
Ormolu
19th Century Swedish Cupboard
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Substantial 19th century three part Swedish cupboard with decorative cornice. The upper cupboard, painted inside a Scandinavian blue, has two shelves and three small drawers. With w...
Wood
$6,325
H 72.25 in W 46.25 in D 22 in
Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Red Lacquer Cabinet with Gold Chinoiseries
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period original red lacquer cabinet from the 19th century, with gilt Chinoiserie décor. Created in China during the...
Brass
Early 19th Century Swedish Cupboard
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An early 19th Century rustic Swedish cupboard. With typical Gustavian decoration in the form of reeded lozenge panels to the doors. The two doors opening to reveal a shelved interior...
Pine, Paint
19th Century English Olivewood and Brass Inlaid Cabinet
By Town & Emanuel
Located in London, GB
A William IV cabinet attributed to Town and Emmanuel Constructed in a strongly grained olivewood and dressed with gold brass inlays and an etched and engraved brass panel; rising from a plinth base, the lockable single door having an inset panel in the manner of Jean Berain, enclosing a shelved interior, and flanked by narrow vertical conforming panels; the apron being dressed with three bronze rosettes, and the Jura Jaune marble is dressed with a three quarter arcaded brass gallery, circa 1830 The cabinet is illustrated and discussed in Christopher Payne’s “British Furniture 1820 to 1920” published in 2023. Payne singles out the rarity of the olivewood timber used as well as the necessity for hand cutting the large marquetry panel. Literature: Payne, Christopher. British Furniture 1820 to 1920 : The Luxury Market. ACC Art Books, 2023, pp. 38-39 (illus. fig. 1.33). Town and Emanuel Recorded in the 'Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840', published by the Furniture History Society, as being situated at 103 New Bond Street between 1830 and 1840, and apart from being manufacturers of furniture, also dealt in 'curiosities and antiques'. The late renowned connoisseur Christopher Gilbert records in his 'Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture' London 1997, also published by the Furniture History Society, a writing table in the Transitional manner with similar plaques. Their label reads 'Town and Emanuel, manufacturers of Buhl Marquetrie, Resner (sic) & Carved Furniture, tripods, screens & c. of the finest and most superb designs of the Louis 14th. Splendid cabinets and tables inlaid with fine Sevres and Dresden china...
Marble, Brass
19th Century Chinese Tapered Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
19th century painted tapered Chinese cabinet. Having elaborate panels with gilt painting and raised moldings. Warm red lacquer adorned with black lacquer and gilt painting. Framing the panels recessed into the molding are remnants of crushed seashell used...
Cypress, Fir
$3,688
H 52.76 in W 43.31 in D 22.05 in
Chinese Late 19th-Century Inlaid Black Lacquer Cabinet Qing Dynasty
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
Chinese late-19th-century inlaid black lacquer cabinet (Qing dynasty) – a magnificent example from the Canton region of China. Standing at 134 cm high × 110 cm wide × 56 cm deep. ...
Elm
$10,828
H 58.67 in W 53.55 in D 19.3 in
Norwegian Art Deco Cabinet in oak with relief doors, Oscar Nilsson style
Located in Hägersten, SE
Norwegian Art Deco cabinet made during the 1920-30s. Made from oak with brass details. Heavy geometrical relief patterned doors. Two original keys m...
Brass
Gustavian 19th Century Cabinet with Original Paint
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A Swedish Gustavian cabinet from the 19th century or earlier with its original vibrant paint, reeded doors, and an open shelf. The top portion is removable and features a sharply mol...
Metal
Unusual Old Bamboo Cabinet
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An unusual and striking bamboo cabinet in original condition with a great tone and patina. Quite delicate in construction so probably not suitable for heavy use. Wear consistent with...
Bamboo
$10,925
H 95.5 in W 43 in D 19.75 in
Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Red Lacquer Cabinet with Chinoiserie Décor
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing dynasty period red lacquer compound cabinet from the 19th century, with gilded Chinoiserie décor, drawers and carved apron....
Wood
$3,305
H 28.75 in W 23.23 in D 11.23 in
Small tapered 17th/18th century Italian cabinet with a rustic yet elegant look
Located in Jesteburg, DE
Small tapered 17th/18th century Italian cabinet with a rustic yet elegant look in beautifully patinated walnut. One door in the front with an old, possibly original forged lock. Ver...
Walnut
Fine 19th C. Carved Mahogany Buffett Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine authentic European (Probably French) cabinet with nice carved details. Mortise and tenon construction with a banded top and two frieze drawers (with a key). The side supports ...
Wood
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. Door opening H 105 W 80 cm A decorative and b...
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 ...
Elm
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...
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...
Hardwood, Lacquer, Paint
Sold
H 68.9 in W 61.03 in D 23.63 in
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...
Elm, Pine
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...
Brass
Sold
H 75 in W 45.25 in D 22.25 in
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...
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.
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...
Softwood
Sold
H 81.5 in W 50.5 in D 22.5 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Elm