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 Calligraphy Table (Scholar’s Table), Ming Style, Qing Period
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese Calligraphy Table, also referred to as a Scholar’s Table, crafted in Ming style during the Qing period, circa 1840–1860. Measurement ...
Fruitwood
$2,600Sale Price|25% Off
Red Lacquer Altar Coffer
Located in Greenwich, CT
Red lacquer altar coffer with carved stylize dragons spandrels.
Lacquer
Petite Chinese Red Lacquer Altar Table, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
In a traditional Chinese home, a long narrow table with everted flanges is placed in the main hall and set with beautiful objects such as instruments, flowers, or porcelains. Often r...
Elm
$4,720Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Chinese Wood Ba Xian Eight Immortals Dining Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
39? antique Chinese Ba Xian table Circa: 1850 - 1900 Chinese square dining table, also know as "Ba Xian" (8 Immortals) Originally designed for communal...
Elm
19th Century Chinese Elmwood Demilune Table with Woven Rattan Top
Located in Austin, TX
A simple and elegant Chinese demilune table in elmwood. Slight cabriole legs extend from a waisted apron with a decoration of low relief carved vines. The top features an inset woven...
Rattan, Wood
19th Century Chinese Ming Style Qing Elm Wood Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A late 19th Century ChineseMing Style Qing Elmwood Table. Measures 34.5" in width, 21.5" in depth, 33.5" in height.
Elm
18th/19th Century Qing Dynasty Chinese Root-Wood Low Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare Chinese ebonized rootwood table, Qing Dynasty, dating to the second half of the 18th century to early 19th century. The impressive black lacquere...
Wood
Low Table / Bench in Red and Green Lacquered Elm
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant kang bench / table, made of elm wood. Red lacquer on the top and edges. Detailed apron and sides with green lacquer. Qing period 1860–80 From Gansu Province
Elm
Antique Qing Dynasty Chinese Burl Root Wood Coffee Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most impressive Qing Dynasty (1636-1912) burled rootwood low table with inset Songhua river stone panels. 18th/19th century, Provincial China, hand-crafted one-of-a-kin...
Stone
Provincial Chinese Half Table, circa 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
With clean lines and a simple Silhouette, this 19th century half table from Shanxi province expresses the restraint of classical Chinese furniture design. Crafted of northern elm (yu...
Elm
19th Century Chinese Elm Wine Table with Carved Spandrels and Humpback Stretcher
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese elmwood wine table from the 19th century Qing Dynasty period, showcasing a warm patina and elegant carved detailing. The rectangular top, with its central floating panel an...
Elm
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Table with Humpback Stretchers and Horse Hoof Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period square shaped fruitwood table from the 19th century, with light lacquer, humpback stretchers and horse hoof legs. Created ...
Fruitwood
18th Century Black Lacquer Wine / Center Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
Antique 18th century Chinese wine table in black lacquer. Tabletop with black lacquered canvas sitting above an elegant apron accented with carved spandrels. The tabletop is covered with canvas, as the original thick black lacquer only would fasten to a canvas surface. The tabletop is outlined with a subtle raised edge, a water-stopping moulding intended to prevent wine from spilling onto the floor. Shanxi Province, 1750-1780. Wine tables have been used in China for centuries as a spot to converse, sip wine, and make toasts at social gatherings. It was also the norm for the master of the house...
Wood
$2,025
H 22 in W 26.5 in D 26.5 in
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Red Lacquer Side Table with Woven Rattan Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
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...
Rattan, Wood
$2,075
H 11.25 in W 39.75 in D 27 in
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Dark Red Lacquer Coffee Table with Rattan Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Qing Dynasty period dark red lacquer wooden low coffee table from the 19th century, with rattan top, low-relief carved meander motifs and spandrels. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty in the 19th century, this low coffee table features a rectangular top with woven rattan inset, sitting above two recessed panels adorned with a careful arrangement of meander motifs carved in low-relief. Raised on four straight feet with carved scrolling spandrels on the front and strengthened with side stretchers, the table boasts an elegant dark reddish brown lacquered finish. With its small proportions and skillfully carved décor, this antique 19th century Qing Dynasty period Chinese low coffee...
Rattan, Wood
$1,012
H 16.74 in W 35.04 in D 27.17 in
Maintland Smith Stack of Scholars Library Books Coffee Table with Drawers
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Maitland-Smith stack of Scholars books coffee table with twin drawers A well made and decorative piece, the table has two drawers, t...
Wood
$935
H 29.53 in Dm 41.74 in
Antique Dining Table Made In Mahogany With Inlaid Wood & Leather From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique dining table in mahogany with inlaid wood and leather, from the 1920s.
Leather, Mahogany
$3,495 / set
H 31 in W 46.75 in D 23 in
Late 19th Century Painted Swedish Demilune Console Tables - Pair
Located in Troy, MI
Found in Sweden, this pair of painted demilune console tables dates from the 1880s. The softly worn, creamy white bases are adorned with faux-painted dentil molding along the aprons....
Pine, Paint
Chinese Antique Carved and Painted Altar Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A notable late 19th century carved wood altar table in old red and black paint now worn to a nice patina with a particularly decorative form. The plank top with tenons and carved edg...
Wood
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
19th Century Chinese Altar Table
Located in New York, NY
Imperial 19th Century Carved Wine Table raised on stand with three drawers. Exceptional table having scalloped apron with carved spandrels and carved Rams legs front set on stand of...
Elm
Rustic Chinese Elm Wood Coffee Table, Qing Dynasty
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rustic Chinese coffee table from the Qing period, made of solid elm wood. Solid construction with a rectangular form and a dark burgundy lacquered surface. The table shows natural ag...
Elm, Lacquer
$4,800
H 3.25 in W 12.5 in D 9.75 in
Chinese Carved Hardwood Scholar's Tray, Qing Dynasty, 19th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A sophisticated Chinese carved and pierced hardwood scholar's tray, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, China. The tray of rectangular form with high sides and rounded corners. The sides...
Hardwood
$5,179
H 30.32 in W 77.56 in D 39.38 in
Large Chinese Style Lacquered Dining Table, France, 19th Century
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Large dining or center table in black lacquered wood with gold-painted decorations on the apron and legs. Elaborately decorated table top, in slight relief. A thick glass top protec...
Vintage Chinese Lamp Table Geometric Shelf
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Spectacular Qing Dynasty style table. Wonderful detailing with inset ceramic or porcelain blue and white top. One petite drawer with brass pull. Nicely detail lattice fretwork on bot...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Wood
Vintage Qing Dynasty Chinese Lamp Table Geometric Shelf
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Spectacular Qing Dynasty style table. Wonderful detailing with inset ceramic or porcelain blue and white top. Nicely detail lattice fretwork on bottom shelf.
Ceramic, Porcelain, Wood
Antique Small Narrow Table with Rubbed Brown Patina and Carved Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique small and narrow table with rubbed brown patina, carved apron, humpback stretchers and horse hoof legs. Delve into the world of antique charm with this small and narrow ta...
Wood
Chinese Low Plank Top Table, circa 1880
Located in Chicago, IL
This low-profile rustic table was originally used in a provincial, Qing-dynasty home as a versatile surface for cooking, dining or drinking. Made of northern Chinese elmwood (yumu), ...
Wood
Console Table, Elm Wood
Located in Kastrup, DK
Console table, elm wood €1.280 Add to cart Description Low console table / tv table in elm wood, qing style. Profiled edge under tabletop. Framed table top filled out with one piece of wood with a beautiful grain pattern. Rounded legs bordered by a detailed molding. The table is made in quality, beautifully restored. Shanxi Province 1840 - 1860. Can be used as: TV / sofa table...
Elm
Black Lacquered Console Table, C 1830
Located in Kastrup, DK
Black lacquered console table. Walnut original with black lacquer. Ming style from Jiangsu province 1830 - 1850.
Walnut
Chinese Red Lacquer Kang Table, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Wood
19th Century Chinese Tea Table
Located in San Marino, CA
Pair of rosewood tea tables from Kwangtung. “Hong Mu” Pair only. With gray rectangular marble top.
Wood
19th C. Architectural Chinese "Cloud" Console
Located in San Marino, CA
Cloud carved Chinese table. Carving is 19th century with later tops.
Elm
18th Century Chinese Red Lacquer Low Occasional Table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
18th century Chinese painted low occasional table, circa 1780. Here we have a low practical occasional table, richly colored table, with distressed paint showing at least 2 shades...
Elm, Lacquer, Paint
Late 19th Century Chinese Burr Occasional Table
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Late 19th century chinese burr occasional table, circa 1890. Good quality Qing dynasty chinese export occasional table, featuring a...
Hardwood
Chinese Porcelain Garden Stool
Located in New York, NY
Chinese porcelain garden stool in family rose style. Vintage hand painted Porcelain Chinese garden stool. Wonderfully painted in detail...
Porcelain