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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
Important Documented Qing Dynasty Chinese Deep Relief Rosewood Cabinet
Important Documented Qing Dynasty Chinese Deep Relief Rosewood Cabinet

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

Monumental 19th century Chinese red lacquer cupboard
Monumental 19th century Chinese red lacquer cupboard

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

Antique Six-Door Buffet Cabinet, Shanxi, China
Antique Six-Door Buffet Cabinet, Shanxi, China

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Qing Cupboards

Materials

Poplar

Chinese Red Lacquer Scholars' Cabinet, circa 1850
Chinese Red Lacquer Scholars' Cabinet, circa 1850

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

Qing Dynasty Late 19th Century Traveler's Chest with Removable Door
Qing Dynasty Late 19th Century Traveler's Chest with Removable Door

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
Mid 20th Century carved hardwood cabinet

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
Chinese Red Lacquer Tapered Cabinet, C. 1850

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
Chinese Diamond Lattice Display Cabinet, c. 1850

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

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19th Century Swedish Cupboard
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Antique Wall Cabinet Door Placard Carved Walnut, Four Doors, 18th Century, Italy
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Late 19th Century Large Cabinet from Shanxi, China
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H 74.41 in W 56.3 in D 23.23 in

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Located in Singapore, SG

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Early 19th Century Shepherds Cupboard
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Located in London, Charterhouse Square

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19th century Scandinavian painted pine double door cupboard
19th century Scandinavian painted pine double door cupboard

19th century Scandinavian painted pine double door cupboard

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

19th century Scandinavian painted small sideboard circa 1870. Good example of a practical antique providing many uses around the home, being shallow in depth it lends itself perfect...

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Chinese Qing Dynasty Cabinet with Original Décor
Chinese Qing Dynasty Cabinet with Original Décor

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H 81.89 in W 61.03 in D 18.9 in

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Located in Kastrup, DK

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Chinoiserie Red Lacquered Qing Dynasty Cabinet
Chinoiserie Red Lacquered Qing Dynasty Cabinet

Chinoiserie Red Lacquered Qing Dynasty Cabinet

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H 76.5 in W 53.3 in D 23 in

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By Thomas Chippendale, Zitan, John and William Linnell

Located in Bensalem, PA

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20th Century Rustic Pine Cabinet

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Mid 19th century Red wash/paint primitive Jelly Cupboard
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Monumental 19th Century Chinese Wedding Dowry Chest
Monumental 19th Century Chinese Wedding Dowry Chest

Monumental 19th Century Chinese Wedding Dowry Chest

Located in Forney, TX

A phenomenal hand carved and painted wooden antique wedding dowry stacked drawer carriage chest from China. Commissioned in the 19th century to commemora...

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Previously Available Items
Late 18th Century Decorated Red lacquer Cabinet
Late 18th Century Decorated Red lacquer Cabinet

Late 18th Century Decorated Red lacquer Cabinet

Sold

H 74.81 in W 56.3 in D 24.02 in

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...

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Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

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Chinese Lattice Cutout Cabinet, c. 1850
Chinese Lattice Cutout Cabinet, c. 1850

Chinese Lattice Cutout Cabinet, c. 1850

Sold

H 87 in W 50 in D 22.5 in

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...

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Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

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Brass

Monumental 19th Century Chinese Red Lacquer Cupboard
Monumental 19th Century Chinese Red Lacquer Cupboard

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...

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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

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Hardwood, Lacquer, Paint

Late 19th Century Large Carved Cabinet from Dong Yang, Zhejiang, China
Late 19th Century Large Carved Cabinet from Dong Yang, Zhejiang, China

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...

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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

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19th Century Chinese Elm and Cane Multi Purpose Kitchen Cabinet
19th Century Chinese Elm and Cane Multi Purpose Kitchen Cabinet

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...

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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

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Brass

Chinese Gilt and Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Painted Cabinet with Bronze Hardware
Chinese Gilt and Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Painted Cabinet with Bronze Hardware

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...

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19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

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Brass

19th Century Chinese Wedding Cabinet with Butterfly Hardware
19th Century Chinese Wedding Cabinet with Butterfly Hardware

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.

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Late 19th Century Chinese Softwood Cabinet
Late 19th Century Chinese Softwood Cabinet

Late 19th Century Chinese Softwood Cabinet

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H 32.3 in W 39.5 in D 20.75 in

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...

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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

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Pair of Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinets with Scalloped Aprons, c. 1800
Pair of Chinese Black Lacquer Cabinets with Scalloped Aprons, c. 1800

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...

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Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

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Brass

Early 20th Century Painted Cabinet, China
Early 20th Century Painted Cabinet, China

Early 20th Century Painted Cabinet, China

Sold

H 63.78 in W 48.04 in D 21.26 in

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...

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Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Cupboards

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Elm, Pine

Chinese Four Panel Cabinet, c. 1850
Chinese Four Panel Cabinet, c. 1850

Chinese Four Panel Cabinet, c. 1850

Sold

H 79.5 in W 63 in D 22.25 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

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Elm

Provincial Chinese Cabinet with Open Shelf, c. 1850
Provincial Chinese Cabinet with Open Shelf, c. 1850

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

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.