Qing Furniture

This carved jade object is a traditional Chinese archer's ring, worn to protect one's fingers while drawing a bowstring. Over time, what began as practical equipment became a fashion...

Description: A fine depiction of Guanyin, possessing the regal tranquillity that the Chinese Bodhisattva of compassion has come to be visually associated with. Marked by an urna signifying her spiritual enlightenment and crowned with a diadem depicting the Buddha Amitabha, the figure is immediately recognisable as Guanyin. Her androgynous figure is gracefully poised in the Lalit asana or “royal ease”, the pose classical in representations of the deity. The figure is asymmetric, with the weight of her supple form falling upon her left hand placed against the base, her right knee raised and left pendant. Her right hand rests upon her raised knee, delicately pinching at her draped attire. At first unassuming, this gesture may be suggestive of the Apana Mudra, the seal of purification. This Mudra is associated with physical wellbeing, fecundity and the cleansing of the body. Though she is adorned in the princely garb of dhoti, she bears features of idealised feminine beauty as prescribed in Asian art. With plump cheeks and near pouted lips, her full face gazes down upon the viewer with an empathetic and half-lidded gaze, upholding her title as ‘One who hears the cries of the world.’ 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...

Here is a rare and unusual antique, Chinese vanity mirror presented in a turtle shell. The mirror is in a mahogany frame, expertly carved with lo...

Crafted of elm with a dark lacquer finish, this small locking cabinet from the mid-19th century embodies the refined simplicity of Ming-dynasty furniture. Following the design of tra...

A very nicely decorated pair of vases from the PROC period. Each Vase decorated with with a scene of horses in a mountain landscape. Both marked with a ...

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, ...

Pair of Chinese Famille Noir Porcelain Fish Bowls, each with iron red six character mark to underside and carved wood pedestal stand. Each overall: 31.5" H x 20.75" Diameter. Prove...

We are honored to offer this exceptional Chinese porcelain tea set, specifically designed for marriage ceremonies and originating from Jingde...

A Qing dynasty period opium bed coffee table from the 19th century, with rattan insert and scrolling legs. This exquisite Qing dynasty period op...

A finely carved zitan wood display stand in the form of a round table, China, Republic Period, mid 20th century. The circular display stand carved from rare and precious zitan wood. Fashioned as a classical Chinese round table...

A fantastic Chinese scholar's stone, called gongshi, of gray lingbi limestone, mounted on a hardwood stand, late Qing or early Republic, early 20th century, circa 1910, China . The ...

A delightful Swatow ware Chinese export shipwreck porcelain kendi featuring a writing dragon and an apocryphal Tongzhi mark, late 19th or early 20th centur...

Large (41 inch tall) Chinese blue and white export porcelain vase in the 18th Century Qianlong style. Underside with the Qianlong mark.

This slender metal container is a 19th-century white brass incense burner, used for storing and burning incense sticks. The small box has a rectangular form and a removable sliding t...

A large Chinese Qing Dynasty elmwood armoire from the 19th century, with hand carved panels, red lacquered accents and bronze hardware. Created in Chin...

Amazing set of four Chinese Shiwan pottery figures depicting immortal gods or dieties. Beautifully glazed and made on a large scale with fascinating fac...

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...

This is a very good Chinese porcelain large plate, made for the export (Canton) market, during the middle of the 18th century, Qing-Qianl...

Beautiful and rare boat shape Canton B & W porcelain platter. Dimension: size: 15.5 cm x 19 cm. Condition: excellent condition, no damage.  

An antique late Qing Dynasty Chinese red lacquer cabinet distinguished by its rich color and wonderfully expressive hand-painted decoration. The cabinet is arranged with three panele...

This antique Chinese porcelain vase from the mid-19th century is hand-painted in the blue-and-white manner with an idyllic mountain landscape. Attributed to the imperial kilns of Jin...

This 19th-century Chinese rain pot was sculpted by hand with impressive scale and wabi-sabi texture. Ceramic vessels of this scale had various uses in Chinese culture, used as fish p...

Chinese Carved Elm Wood Cabinet, early 20th century, the upper level with with pierced doors, above three central drawers, and surmounting two levels of drawers with sliding fretwork...

A well painted Chinese Canton enamel lobed round box and cover featuring the Eight Immortals, with a Qianlong mark to the underside, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China The deligh...

During winter in the colder provinces of China, life revolved around the kang, a heated brick platform that household members would sit or recline upon. Placed on top of the kang, lo...

A pair of cabinets in red-lacquered elm, richly decorated and exceptionally well-preserved. The motifs are executed in gold leaf on lacquer – a classic Chinese decorative technique –...

A pair of hongmu (ROSEWOOD) armchairs and side table with 'dream-stone' marble insets, Late Qing Dynasty to Republic period, attributed to Li Jiren, . Erquan Shanmin is the studio name of Li Jiren, who was a stone carver active during the late Qing dynasty and Republic period. Known examples by Li have been seen on the international market recently. In these examples, Li utilises the natural patterns of the dream stones and makes them into marble insets or table screens. He usually titles the marble according to his imagined subjects, and signs either with his studio name or actual name. Born in Wuxi, Li was known to have either worked or lived in Shanghai. Hongmu chairs...

This antique Chinese ginger jar, from the Qing Dynasty, is beautifully decorated in the Famille Rose palette, known for its delicate pinks, greens, and intricate detailing. The jar d...

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...

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.

Hand-carved of the highest quality jade, this 19th century Archer's ring was likely worn by a gentleman-scholar in Northern China. Traditionally, Chinese archers wore these rings to ...

Stools have been a favored form of seating in Chinese culture for centuries and were used indoors and out at mealtimes and during social gatherings. This style of low square stool is...

Made circa 1880, this pair of Chinese Late Qing Dynasty blue and white porcelain vases has the scale, symmetry, and decorative presence that make a pair especially desirable. The vas...

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...

Extraordinary pair of fine glazed porcelain Foo dogs came to us out of an estate here in Savannah, Georgia, belonging to an old general that long ago brought them from Thailand. Used...

Gorgeous of Chinese 20th century large Famille Rose porcelain fishbowl planter. Chinese Rose Medallion Fish Bowl-Koi-Asian Court-Floral Pattern- The first scene on the bowl is of the Emperor in the garden, along with family, and nobility. The second scene is a nature/garden scene with birds, butterflies & various Chinese flowers. On the inside of the bowl, you will notice goldfish swimming amongst seaweed or seagrass. Goldfish are usually shown to represent fertility since fish produce many offspring. These fishbowl planters will be the perfect addition to any home and to anyone who is a lover of vintage oriental pieces a large Famille Verte vintage Chinese Export porcelain jardinière or plant vessel. This porcelain vessel is signed on the bottom in red with a Chinese marking and in black "B2". The vessel is very large and heavy and well made.. The matching chairs in one photo are not included with this table please see the separate posting of the chairs Inside the bowl design are the traditional Chinese Koi fish in orange. On the top rim, there is a design and the entire outside is done in the Famille Verte technique. A vast array of colors as you can see from the photos.. It is a beautifully colorful decorative item. Great for the indoors or out. With the beautiful array of different flowers, tree blossoms, fish, & color, this jardinière will enhance any decor. Just Perfect for the new trendy Boho Chic, Asian or eclectic decor., the mark at the bottom is Lucky dragon pottery...

A fine antique gilt-wood & black lacquer Chinese Export Qing dynasty table desk, circa 1850. The table top is finely hand-painted to the top with a gilded landscape scene, depicting ...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period side cabinet from the 19th century, with brown lacquer and two pairs of double doors. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period, this side cabinet...

A Chinese export carved hardwood armchair of exceptional decorative ambition, dating to the late 19th to early 20th century. The carving program covers every surface without interrup...

This masterfully carved celadon jade figure represents the epitome of Chinese artistry and craftsmanship. The sculpture features a beauty dressed in flowing traditional attire, capturing the essence of grace and elegance. She is depicted holding a plate that presents a branch bearing three peaches, a symbol of longevity and prosperity in Chinese culture. The jade used for this carving is of a refined celadon hue, adding a layer of sophistication and tranquility to the piece. The intricate detailing on the flowing dress and the lifelike representation of the peaches attest to the skill and precision involved in its creation. This celadon jade carving...

This large Chinese blue and white porcelain vase, dating to the 19th century during the Qing dynasty, presents a striking hand-painted design in a classic baluster form. Standing at ...

A Chinese Colored Glass (Liuli) Tomb Maid, 19th Century Provenance: Private Australian Collection. Dimensions: Height: 14cm. Width: 3.2cm. Depth: 1cm.

A very handsome Chinese lacquered elm wood console, serving table with four drawers. This functional table has a wonderful old patina and would be useful in many areas around the ho...

This pair of antique Chinese lattice screens showcases the elegance and craftsmanship of traditional architectural woodwork. Crafted in elm or a...

A very beautiful Chinese porcelain baluster-shaped jar with lid and knob, painted in underglaze blue crackle with hand-painted cobalt blue and white decorations depicting a two-horne...

19th century antique Chinese hand painted gold lacquer scene gilt fan 100 faces with original lacquer box, fan is 17 inch x 9.5 x 1, the lacquer fan box is 10....

An exquisite late Qing dynasty display Stand of longyan wood, carved as a miniature "kang" table. The center panel features an amazing grain that delights the eye, while a soft glo...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty silk embroidered mirrored panel, 19th century. Sight: 9 by 21 inches frame: 10 ¼ by 22 ¼ inches

Exuding an energy of calm and tranquility, this larger-than-life stone bust depicts a Buddhist bodhisattva in serene meditation. A disciple of the Buddha, a bodhisattva is a compassi...

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...

Gorgeous Late Qing Dynasty Indochina side chest, early 20th century, with carved apron and sides. Combining utility and aesthetics, this late Qing Dynasty side chest effortlessly str...

19th Century Chinese Peking Dragon Carpet ( 11'10" x 12'6" - 360 x 380 ) This nineteenth-century Peking carpet from China is a monumental and highly symbolic “Imperial-style” textil...

Chinese Kangxi 12-Panel Coromandel Screen, 1662-1722 The double-sided screen with one side displaying an elaborate, finely carved and decorated landscape garden filled with a vibra...

This 19th-century porcelain plate is hand-painted with cobalt underglaze in the blue-and-white manner, loosely brushed with deep pigmentation against a blue-grey field. Shaped with g...

Zhaoqing, China, Middle Qing Dynasty, c. 1800 A naturally formed scholar’s rock, or gongshi, from Zhaoqing, a region renowned for producing prized viewing stones appreciated by schol...

Tea drinking has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries, resulting in a wide range of social customs and material traditions. In addition to tea leaves, water, and heat, the art of drinking tea (chayi) calls for a variety of teaware and utensils - both practical and decorative. This rounded teapot...

This vintage Chinese Famille Rose planter is a striking example of traditional ceramic artistry, distinguished by its generous scale and richly de...

Antique 19th century hand painted Chinese fan with mother of pearl faces, Qing dynasty, the fan features black and gold lacquered handled a colorful screen with a figural, hand painted, scene in shades of blue, green, purple and brown and red. With antique lacquer fan box...

Chinese Black Lacquered Apothecary Cabinet, 19th century, labels with calligraphy to the faces of the 54 drawers. 73" H x 44.5" W x 21" D. Provenance: From an Upper East Side Townh...

Two etchings of traditional Chinese costumes decorated w/ Chinese calligraphy by world renowned artist Vorakorn Metmanorom ( Thailand, b. 1968 ) At the 1995 National Exhibition of Ar...