Qing Shelves
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
Fine Chinese Scholars' Display Cabinet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant display cabinet from the late 19th century exemplifies the perfection of line and proportion that makes classical Chinese furniture so timeless. The tall cabinet has a r...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Shelves
Materials
Elm
Provincial Chinese Collector's Shelf, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This provincial collector's shelf features three open compartments enclosed by a decorative frame carved with abstract floral motifs. Dated to the late 19th century, the shelf once stood in an office or home studio, displaying a curated collection of precious objects such as porcelains, bronzes, jades, and scholars' rocks. At the base is a shallow drawer with a floral knob, perhaps used for stowing incense accessories and other smalls. Darkened by a warm finish, the shelf boasts a beautifully worn texture that only time can achieve. We love the rich history this small collector...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Shelves
Materials
Elm
19th Century Chinese Raised Panel Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
19th century raised panel Chinese cabinet. Very auspicious (favorable) black and red raised panel cabinet. Raised panels decorate the face of the doors. T...
Category
1870s Chinese Antique Qing Shelves
Materials
Cypress
Chinese Lacquered Scholars' Shelf, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking red and black lacquer bookcase once stood in the center of a traditional Chinese scholars' studio, displaying a collection of books, scrolls, and treasured objects. The...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Shelves
Materials
Elm
Fine Bamboo & Black Lacquer Corner Stands
Located in Greenwich, CT
A refined and elegant bamboo corner stand, four black lacquer shelves with rounded front, lattice fret work railing. First two photos shown two st...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Qing Shelves
Materials
Bamboo, Lacquer
Chinese Relief Carved Scholars' Display Shelf, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Collecting was a popular pastime for well-to-do Ming and Qing dynasty gentleman, and a shelf like this one would have been an ideal place to display jades, curios, porcelain, and col...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Shelves
Materials
Elm
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19th Century Bamboo Lacquered Hall Table Shelf
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Low Chinese Bookcase with Lattice Shelf, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This low bookcase dates to the mid- to late-19th century and would have been used to display books, floral arrangements, and precious objects. Constructed with mortise-and-tenon join...
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Pair of Chinese Scholars Scroll Shelves, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Shelves
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Elm
Chinese Three Drawer Collector's Shelf, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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Pair of Chinese Scholar's Shelves, circa 1900
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Chinese Spindleback Studio Shelf, circa 1900
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Pair of Petite Chinese Collector's Shelves
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Pair of Chinese Scholars' Shelves, circa 1900
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Provincial Chinese Shanxi Staircase
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Qing shelves for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing shelves 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 shelves 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 shelves 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 shelves differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,100 and tops out at $6,880 while the average work can sell for $3,780.