Qing Furniture

An impressive depiction of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of compassion, whose name bears the meaning ‘One who hears the cries of the world.’ The rather androgynous figure is adorned with beaded jewellery and the princely regalia of a dhoti, draped across her body and spilling out over to partially obscure what she is resting upon. The goddess’ profile exhibits idealised features of Asian artistic convention; her face is soft and rounded, with full lips and relaxed eyes that provide a serene quality of youthfulness to the figure. Adhering to Chinese iconography of Guanyin, the figure is marked by an urna on her forehead, denoting her own enlightenment, as well as a diadem displaying Buddha Amitabha, the spiritual teacher of Guanyin. Seated in the Lalit asana pose, translated as ‘royal ease’, the figure exudes a fine example of the relaxed majesty typical in the characterisation of Guanyin. Whilst the figure’s left hand is placed restfully upon the left leg pendant, the right is raised in the gesture shuni mudra, the second finger held gently against the thumb. Otherwise known as the seal of patience, this gesture indicates the figure as one intended to bestow this virtue, along with compassion and understanding, upon the beholder. Notes on the item: Guanyin is the Chinese interpretation of Avalokiteshvara, the Indian Bodhisattva of compassion. The term “Bodhisattva” is derived from the Sanskrit “Bodhi”, meaning ‘awakening’ or ‘enlightenment’, combined with “Sattva”, meaning ‘spirit’ or ‘being’, referring to one on the path to achieving enlightenment. Bodhisattvas in Mayahana Buddhism are recognised as figures who have effectively achieved enlightenment yet relinquish their accension to nirvana in order to remain amongst mankind in the ultimate act of compassion to aid as spiritual guides. As such, the Bodhisattva inhabit a liminal space between samsara and nirvana; enlightened beings that maintain a relationship with humanity that buddhas cannot, as attaining Buddhahood necessitates the abandonment of all worldly attachments, including mankind. Guanyin’s very name, ‘One who hears the cries of the world’ highlights this role as a compassionate figure who acknowledges the suffering and strife of man. Along with Mahāsthāmaprāpta, a fellow bodhisattva, Guanyin serves as an attendant to Buddha Amitabha, with these three deities recognised as the Three Sages of Western Pure Land Buddhism, a sect of Mayahana Buddhism popular in East Asia. Avalokiteshvara is commonly posited to have been adopted from Indian Buddhism into China as Guanyin around 200-400 CE, however it was the Tang dynasty (618-907) which saw the popularisation of the deity. By the Ming (1358–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, Guanyin held the position as the most popular female deity in China. The unique state of religion in China held no monolithic canon regarding Buddhism and saw the assimilation of several belief systems, primarily Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Consequently, Guanyin became a deity to be revered beyond Buddhism alone, appointed as both an official imperial deity and Daoist deity in the 12th century. Guanyin may also be seen to fulfil the role of idealised femininity as prescribed by Confucianism, with the scarcity of female Chinese deities perhaps accounting for the gradual gender shift Guanyin underwent. The Indian Avalokiteshvara is unequivocally recognised as male, whilst the supposed gender of Guanyin remains contentious. Although there is a clear shift from the masculine Avalokiteshvara towards a more feminine representation, it is unclear if Guanyin is understood to be entirely feminine, to inhabit qualities of both genders or to be elevated beyond gender entirely, embodying neither. Depictions of Guanyin are highly androgynous, which some believe lends credence towards Guanyin symbolising the unity of dualistic forces as recognised in Daoism, displaying the anthropomorphism of yin and yang. Comparative Analysis: Market comparisons of similar Qing Dynasty polychrome figures of Guanyin include lot 767 (no.2) From Christies ‘Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art,’ New York, 25 March 2022, with the price realised USD 52,920 (Estimate USD 20,000 – USD 30,000). Christies also auctioned a comparable polychrome Guanyin...

These are a very good PAIR of antique Chinese foo or lion dog sculptures, sometimes called temple lions, made of a brass-bronze metal alloy, with excellent detail, dating to the early 19th century, Qing period or possibly earlier back to the 18th century. They are a male and female pair, the male with the slightly larger head. These pieces are very well cast with good detail and wear, showing a very good depth of colour. Both dogs have a small hole on the top of the head for incense to be placed. Each piece weighs about 700gm unpacked Overall a lovely pair of antique Chinese Foo Dogs...

This pair of elaborately carved early 19th century Chinese courtyard panels feature intricately carved lattice comprised of chain links connected with floral blossoms. This complicat...

A Chinese Shagreen Glasses Case, 19th Century This Chinese spectacle case is carved from wood with a striking shagreen covering. The case dates from ...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period side table from the 19th century, with red lacquer, woven rattan top, horse hoof legs and waisted apron. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period...

China, Bronze incense burner with archaic decoration, Qing dynasty. Brown original patina and traces of aged use 19th century Diameter body 10.5 cm, heigth 8 cm

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period wooden lady's opium bed from the 19th century, with rattan seat, pillow, two small drawers and auspicious carved cloudy motifs. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period in the 19th century, this opium daybed...

Antique 19th Century Chinese Famille Verte Ginger Jar converted as Table Lamp Beautiful 19th century Chinese ovoid lidded ginger jar from the Qing Dynasty. It is hand painted in int...

Rare Fine Antique early 19th century Chinese gilt silver filigree and enamel brise fan , Qing dynasty, the fan has 22 sticks with a 18k gold ring loop , wond...

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). ach drawer with hand written Chinese calligraphy in black lacquer. These were used to store and organise Chinese herbs...

Set of framed 19th century Chinese embroidered sleeve panels, likely the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The panels depicting figures in a garden ...

Sharing this fantastic and unsually beautifull tea set in Blue and white, all of moulded shape. Six blue and white porcelain cups and sa...

This modern Chinese jadeite mountain, standing at an impressive 18 inches on its stand, is a remarkable piece of artistry, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship associated with contemporary Chinese jade carving...

A very nicely decorated bowl. Dating to around 1730/1740 10-10-19-2-1 Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Decoration Type / Colour: Polychrome Region of Origin: ...

A large wedding cabinet from the 19th century, with two pairs of double doors and large butterfly hardware. This armoire cabinet features two pairs of double doors, each fitted with ...

This is a very good 19th century Chinese Export, (Canton) deep plate or dish, which we date to the early 19th century, circa 1820 of the Qing dynasty. The plate has a light green,...

This is a good Chinese porcelain circular Platter or large plate, made for the export (Canton) market, during the middle of the 18th century, Qing-Qianlong period. The plate is well hand decorated with much detail in varying shades of cobalt blue, with a glaze of a very soft light blue shade. The plate has a central hand-painted pattern of bamboo and other flowers issuing from a rocky base with a fence, all within a geometric inner border. The inner rim also has a continuous decorated border design with three sections. The reverse is undecorated.. Overall a good large diameter Chinese 18th Century blue and white Plate...

This exquisite 19th-century wine table was crafted of walnut sourced from the forests of China’s Hebei province. The table charms with round legs, gently c...

Pair of large Canton style famille rose Chinese porcelain vases. Qing Dynasty, late 19th century Measures: height 65cm, diameter 25cm Crafted from porcelain and executed in the so called 'famille rose' style, these large Canton vases...

This pair of children’s chairs has a back frame in the Southern Official hat style. The seat is made of a solid plank of wood. The aprons are do...

19th century Chinese console table. Three drawer thin console table elegant refined lines with ring pull handles. Detailed arch apron top of legs ta...

Antique 19th century Chinese agate bottle with lid with Chi dragons, decorated in the form , see more pictures diameter 7.5 cm, high 14 cm.

Blue and white Chinese vase. Qing era vase modeled in two sections of baluster form in white paste with strong blue figures and accoutrements...

A very attractive group of four 18th century Chinese export porcelain botanical plates apparently made for the French market, circa 1775. Each plate having a scalloped rim banded wit...

Pair of 19th century Chinese porcelain Ginger Jars converted into table lamps with wood bases. The pair is beautifully painted with delicate images of flowers and green leaves.

A very large and NICE VIETNAMESE Incense burner Condition No damages, just some usual ware. Size: 40CM high Period 19th century

Kwan Wo, Chinese, active from 1875. The handles and spouts modelled as bamboo shoots, decorated overall with dragons and clouds in relief, marked 'K.W'. Total weight 1474.18gr, cof...

Antique Low Cocktail Table.. A classically styled and composed Chinese antique low table of Qing Dynasty. Hardwood waisted table with turne...

Qing dynasty Kang XI blue and white Chinese porcelain censer with a design of "Antiques" and auspicious objects, the base in clear glaze and the mouth...

Dating from the mid-20th century, this well executed serpentine stone carving depicts a rearing Asian horse. The hard stone composition of this sculpture has not been tested.

Experience the allure of this Republic period snuff bottle, a vibrant piece that embodies the rich artistic tradition of the time. Crafted with a deep red glass overlay, well imitati...

Miniature Huanghuali wood Chinese sideboard. An expertly crafted miniature architectural model in Huanhuali wood with brass hardware. A late 20th centu...

A flourish of curves adds graceful counterpoint to this table’s square profile, each straight leg topped by decorative scroll corners. Crafted in the mid-19th century, the table is modeled after summer...

Set of six wood carved Chinese 17-18th century Qing dynasty panels or room divider. Each panel features an main section with an open fretwork design lattice panel window, comprised by a pattern of a connecting cherry blossoms. Relief foliate lattice design on the top and bottom of the window. The bottom panels are designed with solid wood panels adorned with a hand painted flower motif at the bottom. Panels such as these were used to easily divid- or open up a room. These Qing panels...

Medicine chest in original red lacquer with 40 drawers. with Chinese calligraphy in lacquer. These were used to store and organise Chinese herbs and the...

19th century Chinese lacquer box from the Qing dynasty. Used as box for nails made of lacquered wood. Oriental scenes in golden. In ve...

A porcelain meiping vase decorated in underglaze cobalt blue with scholar and attendant figures in a natural landscape. The finely crackled glaze and soft brushwork evoke a sense of ...

Chinoiserie hand painted 19th century Chinese export jewelry cabinet circa 1880; is fronted by a pair of raised panel double doors; decorated in gilt with scenes of Chinese figures, ...

A vintage Kangxi-style Chinese vase, crafted in China around the latter half of the twentieth century, around the 1960s. The substantial porcelain vase was created in the 'Hu' shap...

Description A very nicely decorated plate. Decorated in Holland on A Chinese blank porcelain plate. Circa 1750-1770 Condition Some rimfritting only. Size: 23.7x2.5CM DiameterxHeight...

We are delighted to offer this exquisite early 20th-century Republic of China period Meiping vase, a remarkable example of the fencai famille rose technique. This vase stands as a te...

This early 20th-century Chinese trunk from the late Qing Dynasty captivates with its intricate hand-painted decor and rich lacquered finish. Showcasing Japanese-inspired artistry, the front panel features a scenic tableau of figures amidst a lush garden landscape, framed by ornate geometric borders and botanical flourishes. The vibrant details, including blooming flowers and delicate patterns, stand out against the deep black lacquer, a hallmark of Chinese craftsmanship from this period. Iron lateral handles and a central locking mechanism lend a utilitarian touch to this otherwise opulent piece, while the warm, natural interior wood provides an elegant contrast. This antique trunk offers both beauty and function, making it a versatile addition to your home. Place it at the foot of a bed to store linens and blankets, or use it as a living room coffee table, where it can house throws and books while sparking conversations about its storied past. The flat top also makes it a stunning display surface for curated decor, such as ceramics or floral arrangements. With its timeless design and meticulous detailing, this hand-painted trunk embodies the harmonious blend of Chinese tradition and Japanese influence, making it an exceptional statement piece for any interior. Whether used for storage or as an eye-catching focal point, this Qing Dynasty chest...

A wonderful green glaze typical of Chinese "Shiwan" pottery adorns this early 20th Century Chinese storage jar. The jar likely occupied a private home to store grains or other househ...

An excellent antique pair of Blanc de Chine or Dehua kiln Chinese porcelain vases, circa early Republic period from 1910s to 1920s. Incredible latticework pattern, the very intricacy...

A 19th Century Chinese Celadon Ground Vase with Blue and White Cartouches of Scholars and Elders A very large 19th century blue and white Celadon Ground Vase, decorated front and bac...

Pair of very fine quality Chinese bronze censers feature twin handled tripod forms with wide openings and patinated accents. The open, rounded bodies with square cut looped handles ...

A fine set of 5pieces Chinese bamboo tea cups with silvered interiors from the 17th century Qing Dynasty, the faces each of each decorated t...

A Chinese Turquoise Glazed Pottery Jar, 19th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimensions: Height: 36.5cm. Diameter: 26cm.

19th century Chinese famille rose porcelain bowl from the Qing Dynasty. Profusely decorated wish Chinese courtly scenes, flowers and birds.

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period low kang coffee table from the 19th century, with painted décor and pierced apron. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this low kang coffee table ...

A silk collar from China dated to late Qing Dynasty circa 19th century. Known as Yunjian (Cloud Shoulder or Cloud Collar), this two-tiered, five-lobed textile piece was a detachable collar worn around the shoulders as part of the traditional Chinese garment...

This extraordinary Chinese cinnabar lacquer round box is very detailed in amazing quality. A technique of engraving pattern on thick layer of red...

Dated to the mid-19th century, this petite hardwood box captures in miniature the elaborate form of a traditional Chinese altar table. Crafted of a dense hardwood, the narrow box is ...

19th century auspicious carved panel story board. Chinese carved wooden panel of one solid piece of carved wood set in a wooden frame. A C...

Sideboard from the Shandong Province of China, dating to the Qing dynasty, 1880–1900. Crafted in elm wood, featuring two sets of double doors with original round, patinated brass fit...

A pair of architecturally designed armchairs featuring a geometric pattern of squares and rectangles in the backrest and seat. Crafted from walnut with the original black-lacquered s...

A Chinese Brass Fish Shaped Lock, Early 20th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimension: Length: 10cm Height: 1.5cm Depth: 6cm.

This charming wall mirror was crafted in China's Guangdong province and dates to the early 20th century. The rectangular frame is colored with finely brushed red and black lacquer, f...

A late Qing Dynasty period elm sideboard with carved floral vases, drawers, removable panels and doors. Rich with history and timeless charm, this antique sideboard embodies both fun...

Fine Qing Dynasty Chinese Altar weaving hand embroidered in silk. Intricate and complex weave depicting a celebration of Spring with a Royal Court Scene rendered in breathtaking deta...