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.
$2,900Sale Price|23% Off
A Chinese Square Game Table
Located in Chicago, IL
A game table from the 19th century with humpback stretchers, pillar legs and bamboo motif bundled crossmembers. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty in the 19th century, this stu...
Elm
Chinese Square Weiqi Table, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
By the most modest estimates, the Chinese game of weiqi, more commonly known as Go, predates chess by over 800 years. Skill in the "Encircling Game" was considered one of the four cu...
Stone
Venezia Game Table
By Giobagnara
Located in Milan, IT
This stunning table is the ideal surface to play backgammon, chess, and checkers in style. The wood structure is upholstered in leather and features removable legs, so that both sides of the beveled top can be used: a backgammon field with leather inlays on one side and an inlaid chessboard on the other. Under the top three leather-covered trays with compartments store the boxwood chess pawns, the maple and walnut backgammon...
Leather, Wood, Boxwood, Maple, Walnut
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.5 in W 38 in D 9 in
Antique Vintage Chinese Scroll Stand Side Table Elm Wood
Located in Pasadena, TX
Antique qing vintage Chinese scroll stand side table elm wood. Antique Chinese low side console with scroll ends. Charming piece with a beautif...
Elm
Art Deco 1930s Ribbed Game Table with Pull-Out Drawers and Canted Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
An Art Deco game table from circa 1930, with pull-out drawers, ribbed accents, quadripod base and petite shelf. Born during the first half of the 20th cen...
Wood
Sold|$2,950
H 30 in W 33 in D 16.5 in
Antique English Game Table Flip Top Victorian Oak c1880 Mahjong Square Table
Located in Shreveport, LA
Antique English Game Table Flip Top Victorian Oak c1880 Mahjong Square Table. Direct from England, a handsome and highly versatile antique...
Oak
$4,400
H 32.5 in W 47.5 in D 26.75 in
Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Export Gilt Black Lacquer Table 3 Drawer Desk 1850
Located in Portland, OR
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 ...
Giltwood, Lacquer
19th Century Chinese Huali Kang Small Low Table.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
19th Century Chinese Huali Kang Small Low Table. Dimensions L 30” x D 21.25” x H 13.25” An intricately carved small Huali wood Kangzhuo table crafted with traditional joint legs. ...
Rosewood
Square Game Table
Located in New York, NY
Custom walnut or mahogany table with removable top that exposes the backgammon board. The top can be flipped over to expose the chess board. Perfect size to play cards, poker, board games etc. The marquetry is integrated into the top. Can be made in your preferred size and color. New production. Designed and made in NYC by Janine Carendi...
Wood
19th Century Chinese Carved Elmwood Alter Table
Located in Dallas, TX
A 19th century Chinese alter table in highly carved elmwood. This table would be great as a serving table or a console table. It is very decorative a...
Elm
Modern Game Table
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
Beautiful hand crafted game table in Pristine Vintage Faux Shagreen material defines this incredibly functional piece. This table offers a subtle hint of luxury, especially when pair...
Shagreen, Faux Leather
$4,030
H 29.93 in W 24.22 in D 24.02 in
ANTIQUE GEORGIAN CIRCA 1820 CHiNESE CHINOISERIE CHESSBOARD BACKGAMMON TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite Antique Georgian circa 1820 gold gilt and lacquered Chinese Chi...
Wood
$900Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 36 in W 50 in D 50 in
Vintage Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain, Round top glass Table
Located in Birmingham, AL
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...
Ceramic
$1,995
H 35.75 in W 20.75 in D 16.5 in
Antique Chinese 19th C Qing Dynasty Inlaid Dreamstone Mother of Pearl Chair 1850
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique 19th Century Chinese Qing dynasty carved hardwood chair Inset with a marble "dreamstone' and mother-of-pearl inlay, circa 1850. The rosewood chair having an inlaid back crest and an inset panel marble "dreamstone," the grey, ivory, black and brown inclusions in the stone resembling a mountain range. Dreamstones or scholar's stones are highly prized in Chinese culture and are known for their natural patterns that resemble landscapes, very often they were inlaid into furniture & screens. This panel is in set into carved leaf supports the frame is also inlaid with mother-of-pearl in a floral design, there is corresponding inlay on the chair yolk & also the top of the front legs, the chair is joined with four stretchers. The chair is very sturdy and condition is very good indeed, this very elegant antique Chinese chair...
Marble
Sold
H 31.5 in W 36.75 in D 36.75 in
Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Game Table with Humpback Stretchers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period game table from the 19th century with humpback stretchers and pillar strut motifs. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty in the 19th century, this game table features a square planked top sitting above an openwork apron made of a humpback stretcher with pillar strut motifs adorning the four sides. The table will therefore be able to float in a room. It is raised on four simple cylindrical legs, one of which is slightly crooked. We review all of our pieces and address issues we may find before they leave for your home; however, this is an antique piece, and as such it will keep its character and some imperfections, which is the quintessence of antique and vintage furniture. With its clean lines and nice patina, this Chinese Qing Dynasty period wooden game table...
Wood
19th Century Gilt Black Lacquer French Gaming Table
Located in Brea, CA
the 19th century of the Qing Dynasty in China, this gilt black lacquered chinoiseries France gaming table, it is decorated with the designs hand paint and gilt on black lacquer. see ...
Lacquer
Sold
H 31 in W 32.5 in D 32.5 in
Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Mahjong Game Table with Side Stretchers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period mahjong table from the 19th century, with carved apron and side stretchers. Created in China during the 19th century, this ...
Elm
Sold
H 33.5 in W 32.25 in D 32.25 in
Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Square Top Game Table with Openwork Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period square top wooden game table from the 19th century with openwork apron and curving legs. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this game table featu...
Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 36 in D 36 in
Chinese Antique Gaming Table with Vintage Game, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century
Located in South Burlington, VT
A fine Chinese Antique Hard Wood Gaming Table, Qing Dynasty, late 19th century + Vintage complete Mahjongg Game Set in Case. A convenient size custom crafted table over 100 years ago and well suited for MahJongg, Checkers, Chess or as a decorative and unusual conversational display table. Immediately usable. We will also include a complete vintage Mahjongg...
Hardwood
Qing Dynasty Square Game Table
Located in Chicago, IL
This square game table is from Shanxi, China and made from Elmwood c. Middle-Qing Dynasty. It features a marvelous carved trim around the table and ...
Elm