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 Burl Top Game Table with Cloud Spandrels, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 19th century square table from northern China expresses Ming-dynasty tastes with clean lines and a simple silhouette. The table stands on four straight legs stabilized by ...
Elm, Burl
Chinese Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Bamboo Hall Table with Fretwork Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period bamboo hall table from the 19th century, with fretwork motifs. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this hall tab...
Bamboo
Pair of Qing Dynasty Lacquered Demilune Console Tables ore center Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
Center Table ore A pair of decorative half-round console tables, also known as Demilune tables. These tables can be used individually or combined as a circular center table if placed...
Walnut
Antique Chinese Six Treasures Round Table, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This impressive Chinese table dates to the late 19th century and would have been at the center of every meal in the Qing-dynasty household. Crafted of purple elmwood (ziyu), the tabl...
Elm
Late Qing Dynasty Hardwood Hall Table with Dragon Carvings and Lacquer Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A late Qing Dynasty center hall table from the late 19th, early 20th century with hand-carved fretwork motifs. A striking example of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, this antique center hall table boasts an elegantly carved hardwood frame with a rich, lacquered patina that has developed over time. The apron and legs are adorned with elaborate openwork carvings, depicting stylized dragons intertwined with scrolling foliage, a traditional Chinese motif symbolizing strength, prosperity, and protection. These mythical creatures, delicately rendered, add a dynamic sense of movement to the table's design. Cabriole legs, gracefully curved and adorned with pierced carvings, rest on delicate scroll feet, further emphasizing the refined silhouette. The reddish-brown lacquer finish, softened by a natural patina, enhances the table’s depth and character, reflecting generations of use and appreciation. Perfect as a statement piece in an entryway, this hall table creates an immediate sense of refinement and history. Its substantial 24-inch apron clearance allows for practical placement as a console behind a sofa, or even as a display table for decorative objects, books, or an antique vase. In a dining room, it can serve as a distinctive serving table, complementing both classic and contemporary interiors with its rich textures and sculptural presence. Balancing function with artistry, this antique Chinese hall table...
Hardwood
Provincial Chinese Two-Drawer Table, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
Crafted of northern elmwood in China's Shanxi province, this early 19th-century altar table was once used to display an ancestral shrine in a provinci...
Elm
Chinese Wine Table with Simple Stretchers, c. 1700
Located in Chicago, IL
Over 300 years ago, in the early Qing dynasty, a furniture maker in China's Hebei province was commissioned in to construct this exquisitely proportioned wine table. A tradition dati...
Elm
Large Table / Center Table in yellow Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Large 17th-18th century Chinese dining table or calligraphy table (work table). Original thick yellowish lacquer with a charming radiance and patina...
Wood
Chinese Burl Top Square Table, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This square center table dates to the mid-19th century and wonderfully exemplifies Qing-dynasty furniture design. Found at the center of social activity, Chinese square tables such a...
Wood, Burl
Chinese Lacquered Square Center Table, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A flourish of curves adds graceful counterpoint to this table’s square profile, each straight leg topped by decorative scroll corners that flow into a scalloped apron. The legs are f...
Elm
Bamboo Qing Dynasty Center Table with Geometric Apron and Black Lacquered Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty bamboo square shaped center table with geometric apron and black lacquered top. This Chinese Qing Dynasty bamboo center table, with its square shape and distin...
Bamboo
Chinese Square Display Table with Scroll Corners, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Elm
Chinese Scholarly Lacquered Offering Table, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-19th century console table was likely used as an offering table bearing incense. Appealing to the rarified taste of China’s literati, this Qing-dynasty table depicts auspici...
Elm
Chinese red lacquer centre table c1900
Located in London, GB
Chinese red lacquer centre table made circa 1900. Lovely piece!
Lacquer
Chinese Center Table In Orange / Yellow Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese 19th century Qing Dynasty center table of attractive golden color lacquer with a beautiful age-related patina. From Shanxi Province 1840-1860
Elm
Chinese Ruyi Wine Table, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 19th century Chinese inset leg wine table is characterized by the lightness of its proportions, its finely executed detailing and the lustrous...
Elm
Antique Chinese Patched Cypress Tea Table, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This antique Chinese center table dates to the mid-19th century, crafted of cypress with mortise-and-tenon joinery and a beautiful, timeworn finish. Found at the center of social act...
Cypress
Chinese Round Leg Wine Table, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisitely crafted elmwood table was made over 150 years ago in the Shanxi region of China. The simple and sophisticated construction is dramatically highlighted by the way the...
Elm
Fine Carved Asian Mixed Wood Center Table or Sculpture Stand
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fine Asian Stand in a tightly grained Elm like hardwood with inset Burl Wood Centerpiece. The table with a dark burled inset center, surrounded with two mixed wood two- tone pieced b...
Hardwood
Chinese Wine Table with Cloud Spandrels, c. 1750
Located in Chicago, IL
Ideal as a console or center table in the modern home, this exquisite 18th-century wine table charms with rounded legs, simple double stretchers, and decorative cloud-form spandrels....
Elm
Chinese Splayed Leg Cypress Table, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Though crafted in the mid-19th century, this three drawer center table embodies the style of farmhouse modern with clean lines and the natural warmth of cypress timbers. Constructed ...
Cypress
Chinese Double Stretcher Wine Table, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
A tradition dating back to the northern Song dynasty, wine tables have been used in China for centuries as a spot to converse, sip wine, and make...
Elm
Qing Dynasty Coffee Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period walnut wood coffee table from the 19th century Square top with waisted apron atop a black lacquered frame and horse hoof l...
Walnut
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Demilunes or Center Table
Located in San Angelo, TX
Here is a beautiful pair of 19th century Swedish Gustavian demilune tables with carved detail above each leg. These are perfect to flank a f...
Wood, Pine, Paint
$3,100
H 32.5 in W 36 in D 18 in
Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Elm Wine Table with Humpback Stretchers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period Elmwood wine tasting console table from the 19th century, with humpback stretcher and horse hoof feet. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this El...
Elm
Antique Chinese Waisted Ruyi Offering Table, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This narrow console table once resided in a 19th-century Chinese home, laden with food offerings and incense as a home altar for ancestor worship. The table feels elegant and classic...
Elm
Chinese Mid 19th Century Qing Dynasty Kang / Low Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese kang table from China mid-19th century. This low table is crafted in lacquered elm wood. It features a rectangular framed top and solid floating panel. In original conditio...
Wood, Elm
$2,990
H 32.5 in W 40 in D 25.5 in
19th Century Qing Dynasty Altar Console Table with Distressed Lacquer
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period altar console table from the 19th century, with carved apron, humpback stretchers, straight cylindrical legs and distressed dark brown / red lacquer. Th...
Wood
Antique Chinese Phoenix Tail Console Table, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This impressive antique console table dates to the mid-19th century and displays the balanced proportions of classical Chinese furniture. The table's form is streamlined and simple, ...
Elm
$2,875
H 34 in W 42 in D 28 in
Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Altar Console Table with Carved Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period altar console table from the 19th century, with carved apron and side stretchers. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this altar console table fea...
Wood
$6,325 / set
H 32.5 in W 36 in D 18 in
Pair of Late Qing Dynasty Wine Console Tables with Black Brown Lacquer
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Chinese late Qing Dynasty period wine console tables from circa 1900 with black/brown lacquer, open apron, pillar strut motifs and distressed patina. Presenting an exquisit...
Wood
$2,875
H 33 in W 39 in D 19 in
Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Period Console Table with Carved Spandrels
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period console table from the 19th century, with carved spandrels. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period, this c...
Wood
$1,725
H 11.25 in W 31.5 in D 18 in
Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Low Coffee Table with Distressed Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period low coffee table from the 19th century, with horse hoof legs and distressed patina. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this low coffee table feat...
Wood
$1,725
H 10.25 in W 29.5 in D 29.5 in
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Chinese Low Kang Coffee Table with Painted Décor
Located in Yonkers, NY
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 ...
Wood
Chinese Ten-Drawer Offering Table, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Appealing to the rarified taste of China’s literati, this Qing-dynasty table depicts the auspicious objects found in a scholar’s studio, including censors, scrolls, and fine porcelai...
Elm
19th century hard wood marble center table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Large 19th century Chinese hard wood marble inset table circa 1880. Good quality hard wood Chinese table with a dark grey marble panel inset into the top. Marble has a great patina...
Marble
Chinese Round Leg Square Table, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This well-proportioned center table dates to the mid-19th century, crafted of elmwood (yumu) with mortise-and-tenon joinery with thick, round legs and an expansive floating-panel top...
Elm
19th Century Oriental hard wood marble centertable
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Large 19th century Chinese hard wood marble inset table circa 1880. Good quality hard wood Chinese table with a dark grey marble panel inset into the top. Marble has a great patina...
Marble
Chinese Square Table with Puddingstone Inlay, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century square table is inlaid with a single slab of puddingstone, a conglomerate stone appreciated for its beautifully irregular patterning. Found at the center of social ...
Stone
Chinese Marble Top Table with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous center table from the early 20th century applies classical Chinese forms to Western designs, and may have been intended for the export market. The table features a round top and four elegantly curved legs linked by interlocking stretchers and ending in claw-form feet. The top is inset with a round slab of grey and white marble, chosen for its beautifully swirling appearance reminiscent of shifting desert sands or plumes of incense smoke. The surrounding wood frame is comprised of six joined segments and decorated with mother-of-pearl inlay of floral scrollwork. Inlaid coins...
Marble
Chinese Red Lacquer Offering Table, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the mid-19th century, this long offering table has all the classic features of a traditional recessed-leg painting table. The table has a broad ...
Elm
Large 19th Century Oriental Hard Wood Marble Inset Table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Large 19th century Chinese hard wood marble inset table circa 1880. Good quality hard wood Chinese table presented in a unpolished dry appearance...
Slate
Chinese Half Table with Humpback Stretchers, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Crafted over a century ago using mortise-and-tenon joinery techniques, this simple table expresses the clean lines and elegant restraint that make Qing-dynasty carpentry so sought af...
Elm
Chinese Walnut Offering Table, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th-century offering table from Shanxi province expresses Ming-dynasty tastes with clean lines and a simple silhouette. Minimally decorated, the table features straight le...
Walnut
Qing Style Cloisonné Center Table
Located in Houston, TX
Early large 20th century bronze Qing style cloisonné center table. Thisl large form table features extraordinary workmanship with stunningly rare Impe...
Bronze
Chinese Walnut Handscroll Table, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the early 20th century, this long table has a Minimalist appeal, with clean lines and a darkly lacquered finish. The walnut table exemplifies Classic Chinese furniture desig...
Walnut