Skip to main content

Qing Decorative Art

QING STYLE

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.

29
to
3
23
6
29
29
29
1,735
1,109
388
343
311
231
203
201
131
112
83
78
75
51
48
42
34
26
23
6
5
Height
to
Width
to
16
15
13
7
4
29
29
29
Style: Qing
Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Carved Panel with Red, Black and Brown Lacquer
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period architectural panel from the 19th century, with carved monkeys and red, black and brown lacquer. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this wall hanging architectural panel showcases a subtle polychromy mixing red, black and brown tones. Upon closer inspection, one will notice the carved décor, with mythical creatures in the upper section followed by monkeys picking up leaves from a tree and elegant furniture in the lower section. Comprising of an ornate hook to hang on a wall, this Qing Dynasty 19th century carved panel...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Large Antique Chinese Calligraphy Sign Board
Located in Kastrup, DK
A antique Chinese Qing Dynasty period "Honor Reward" calligraphy sign board. The wood carved signboard showcases Chinese characters with gold leaf on a blue lacquered background pane...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Circa 1920-40 Chinese Lacquered Wood Wall Plaque
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1920-40 lacquered wood wall plaque, Chinese. Gilded panel below carved panel of children playing in the snow (created with mica chips). Late Qin...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Square Chinese Bamboo Birdcage with Porcelain Waterpots, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This delicate wooden birdcage was once home to the tiny pet bird of a Qing-dynasty aristocrat. Dated to the Mid-19th Century, the square cage is precisely assembled from thin bamboo ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Metal

Chinese Ancestral Portrait Painting Oil Scroll Canvas Part of Suite, circa 1880
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare Chinese ancestral oil on canvas family painting which is part of a suite I have four of these in...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Canvas

Framed Chinese Embroidered Silk Collar Qing Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
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...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Framed Chinese Qing Dynasty Embroidered Sixth Rank Badge
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely embroidered silk civil rank badge panel framed in a wood frame circa late Qing dynasty 19th century. The square rank badge is known in Chinese as ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Small Blush Silk Tassel with Star Knot Charm
Located in Chicago, IL
Chinese knotted tassels are used to add elegance to everyday items like hairpins or lanterns but they often hold sentimental value, and are passed down through families for generatio...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Jade

Framed Chinese Qing Dynasty Embroidered Ninth Military Rank Badge
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely embroidered silk military rank badge panel framed in a wood frame circa late Qing dynasty 19th century. The square rank badge is known in Chinese as Buzi which was displayed...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Framed Chinese Embroidered Silk Collar Qing Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
An embroidered silk collar from China dated to late Qing Dynasty circa 19th century. Known as Yunjian (Cloud Shoulder or Cloud Collar). This striking example features a two-tiered design with eleven inner and outer lobes radiating in a circular fashion. The red inner lobes feature floral embroidery design in satin stitches, the border with twisted chain stitches. The outer lobes are in the shape of auspicious "ruyi", which represents the head of Lingzhi mushroom, a symbol of longevity. Each showcases fine needlework of butterfly with spread wings and various floral motif. A small ball clasp remains on the front. This textile art is beautifully presented in a giltwood frame floating within a double mat of conforming shape. Detachable collars such as this were worn around the shoulders as part of the traditional Chinese garment...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Pair Chinese Embroidered Fourth Rank Badges Qing Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine matching pair of embroidered silk civil rank badge panels (known in Chinese as Buzi) unframed. The panels feature borders of fret archaic key a...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

Chinese Calligraphy Signboard
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period calligraphy signboard with stunning age-related patina. Made in cedar wood with hand carved calligraphy in high quality. Fitted with two fine characteristic Chinese metal buckleson allowing it to be hung on a wall. China 19th Century. Calligraphy, literally "beautiful writing," has been appreciated as an art form in many different cultures throughout the world, but the stature of calligraphy in Chinese culture is unmatched. In China calligraphy...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Brass

Framed Chinese Embroidered Silk Collar Qing Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A silk collar from China dated to late Qing Dynasty circa 19th century. Known as Yunjian (Cloud Shoulder or Cloud Collar), this multi-lobed textile piece was a detachable collar worn around the shoulders as part of the traditional Chinese garment accessory. With its origin dated back to the Han Dynasty and being used until the end of Qing Dynasty, the form evolves with time, but much of the ornamentation and fundamental symbolism remains the same. This striking example features a two-tiered design with seven lobes on each circle, all of which are variations of the shape of auspicious "ruyi", which represents the head of Lingzhi mushroom, a symbol of longevity. The inner lobes feature elaborate embroidery floral design with long and short satin stitches. Notably, one panel has a double gourd design, the symbol of fortune. The outer lobes show a simpler but bolder vision with the outlines of the designs lineated with metallic threads buddled in chain stitches. Small jade beads were used to link the piece together and most of them still remain. The piece as a whole has a very pleasant lilac purple color, delicate with the jade beads. In Qing Dynasty, the silk collar with high quality was worn by noble or aristocratic women. The red color and the lotus boy symbol indicate that it was most likely part of the fashion accouterment worn during wedding ceremony. The collar is beautifully float mounted within a double conforming mat in a giltwood frame and wood backing. A stunningly presented period piece with story to tell. Reference: For a collection of Chinese embroidered collars...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Framed Chinese Embroidered Silk Collar Qing Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
An embroidered silk collar from China dated to late Qing Dynasty circa 19th century. Known as Yunjian (Cloud Shoulder or Cloud Collar), this multi-lobed t...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

19th Century Chinese Calligraphy Signboard
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period linden wood signboard with calligraphy with stunning age-related patina. The wood carved signboard showcases a pair of couple written by a younger juni...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Metal

Mid-19th Century Chinese Calligraphy Sign Board
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period red lacquered signboard with calligraphy. The wood carved signboard showcases large carved Chinese characters with remnants of gold leaf, flanked wit...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Metal

Framed Chinese Embroidered and Appliqued Silk Collar Qing Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A silk collar from China dated to late Qing Dynasty circa 19th century. Known as Yunjian (Cloud Shoulder or Cloud Collar), this multi-lobed textile piece was a detachable collar worn around the shoulders as part of the traditional Chinese garment accessory. With its origin dated back to the Han Dynasty and being used until the end of Qing Dynasty, the form evolves with time, but much of the ornamentation and fundamental symbolism remains the same. This striking example features a two-tiered design with eight lobes on each circle, all of which are variations of the shape of auspicious "ruyi", which represents the head of Lingzhi mushroom, a symbol of longevity. The inner lobes were made with appliqued patchwork of colorful silk. The outer lobes feature elaborate embroidery of assortment of colorful flowers, scrolling ribbons and butterfly, using mostly long and short satin stitches. The borders and outlines of the designs were lineated with metallic threads buddled in chain stitches. Small black pearls were used to link the piece together and most of them still remain. In Qing Dynasty, the silk collar with high quality was worn by noble or aristocratic women. The red color and the lotus boy symbol indicate that it was most likely part of the fashion accouterment worn during wedding ceremony. The collar is beautifully float mounted within a double conforming mat in a giltwood frame and wood backing. A stunningly presented period piece with story to tell. Reference: For a collection of Chinese embroidered collars...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Chinese Monumental Mill Wheel, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hewn from pine and held together with handmade iron nails, this provincial wooden wheel is a remarkable example of turn-of-the-century craftsmanship. Its monumental scale suggests it...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Iron

Chinese Monumental Mill Wheel, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hewn from pine and held together with iron hardware, this provincial wooden wheel is a remarkable example of turn-of-the-century craftsmanship. Its monumental scale suggests it was u...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Iron

Chinese Monumental Mill Wheel, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Hewn from pine and held together with handmade iron nails, this provincial wooden wheel is a remarkable example of turn-of-the-century craftsmanship. Its monumental scale suggests it...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Iron

19th Century Qing Dynasty Ancestor Portrait
Located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Ancestor Portrait of a noble Qing Dynasty woman. Her social status is reflected in the sable-trimmed overcoat fashioned in the strictly enforced dress coat of the Qing Dynasty. The ...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Paper

Exhibited Framed Chinese Qing Dynasty Embroidered Fifth Rank Badge
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine embroidered silk civil rank badge panel (known in Chinese as Buzi) in giltwood frame originally from the Annette Martin Collection and exhibite...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk, Giltwood

Chinese Dragon, Framed Silk Textile Surcoat Embroidery
Located in Soquel, CA
Late 19th century Chinese silk embroidery rank badge textile, with a finely detailed dragon along with other various symbols embro...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Textile Qing Dynasty Embroidered Sleeve Panels
Located in London, GB
A Pair Of Chinese Embroidered Sleeve Panels. China, 19th Century, Qing Dynasty. Antique textile ff rectangular form, with a central seam, one decora...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Qing Dynasty Giltwood and Red Painted Floral Architectural Panel in Frame
Located in Yonkers, NY
A late Qing Dynasty period giltwood architectural panel on red ground, with floral motifs, set in new frame. Delve into the rich tapestry of the late Qing Dynasty period with this gi...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

Chinese Relief Carved Architectural Panel with Fruit and Flora, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
It’s difficult to pinpoint what makes this handcrafted panel so impressive: the artful relief carvings of seasonal fruit and lush, foliage-filled vases ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Spruce

Framed Fine Embroidered Second Rank Badge Chinese Qing Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely embroidered silk civil rank badge panel presented in a double giltwood frame with glass surround circa mid-late 19th century Qing Dynasty. The square rank badge is known in ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Framed Chinese Qing Dynasty Embroidered Fifth Rank Badge
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely embroidered silk civil rank badge panel (known in Chinese as Buzi) in giltwood circa late 19th century Qing dynasty, The square panel is centered by a silver peasant, the sy...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Framed Chinese Qing Dynasty Embroidered Third Rank Badge
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely embroidered silk civil rank badge panel framed in a back carved wood frame circa late Qing dynasty 19th century. The square rank badge is known in Chinese as Buzi which was ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Related Items
Chinese Patriarch and Matriarch Ancestral Scroll Painting
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Magnificent Chinese scroll ancestor painting showing patriarch and matriarch of a high ranking status civil official. This unusual scroll depicts the dignitary couple seated below a ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Paper, Wood, Paint

Antique Chinese Horse Cover
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese horse cover, Size: 2'0" x 4'0".
Category

1910s Chinese Vintage Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Wool

Andrianna Shamaris Carved Panel
Located in New York, NY
Antique hand carved merbau wood panel from Lampung, Sumatra. We have a collection in various sizes. Please inquire. The size and price reflect the one shown. Stunning on both sides. ...
Category

1930s Vintage Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood

Andrianna Shamaris Carved Panel
Andrianna Shamaris Carved Panel
H 24 in W 1 in D 17 in
English Birdcage Made from Wood with Date 1740
Located in Southampton, NY
English birdcage made from wood with date 1740 inlaid in the cresting. The tall and narrow shape indicated use as a breading cage, for finches. The bi...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Period Architectural Birdcage
Located in Forney, TX
A rustically elegant antique bird cage, circa 1920s, architectural shaped dome, period Art Deco elements, hanging from tall wrought iron shepard hook...
Category

Early 20th Century Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Wrought Iron

Five Clawed Dragon Chinese Silk and Metallic Thread Embroidered Textile
Located in Ferrara, IT
In this amazing textile, dragons with five claws are flying among the clouds and seem to be protecting a very special diamond. In the past, the dragon was a symbol of power and luck....
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Metallic Thread

19th Century Chinese Silk Embroidered Ceremonial Jacket in Display Picture Frame
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this very rare 19th century Chinese silk embroidered ceremonial robe in a lovely glass picture frame display case An extremely decorative piece, the qual...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Decorative Uzbek Suzani Textile, Embroidered Cotton & Silk Wall Hanging
Located in Philadelphia, PA
In the most technical sense of the word, "Suzani," in Central Asia and Iran, means needle and is used to describe this type of needlework, but to most people, such as decorators or c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Uzbek Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Cotton, Silk

1.7x6.2 Ft Suzani Embroidered Cotton & Silk Wall Hanging, Decorative Tablecloth
Located in Philadelphia, PA
In the most technical sense of the word, "Suzani," in Central Asia and Iran, means needle and is used to describe this type of needlework, but to most people, such as decorators or c...
Category

2010s Uzbek Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Cotton, Silk

Pub Scene Handcrafted Large Plate Sign Wall Decoration Antique, German, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique pub scene themed wall decoration plate or sign. This decorative item would make a beautiful ornament on each wall. Made in the 1890s it i...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Brass

Japanese Antique Wooden Wabi-Sabi Board/Wall Hanging Board/Table Top/1868-1912
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a very old Japanese work board. It is from the Meiji period (1868-1912). It was used in ordinary houses and farms. The material is chestnut. It weighs 19.5kg and is heavy. Th...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Chestnut

Charming Vintage Painted Wood Birdcage
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
21″H x 11″D x 14.5″W
Category

19th Century Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Previously Available Items
Framed Fine Embroidered Second Rank Badge Chinese Qing Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely embroidered silk civil rank badge panel presented in a double giltwood frame with glass surround circa mid-late 19th century Qing Dynasty. The square rank badge is known in ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Framed Chinese Qing Dynasty Embroidered Fifth Rank Badge
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely embroidered silk civil rank badge panel (known in Chinese as Buzi) in giltwood circa late 19th century Qing dynasty, The square panel is centered by a silver peasant, the sy...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Framed Chinese Qing Dynasty Embroidered Third Rank Badge
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely embroidered silk civil rank badge panel framed in a back carved wood frame circa late Qing dynasty 19th century. The square rank badge is known in Chinese as Buzi which was ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Silk

Pair of Chinese Silk Wall Pockets with Tassels, circa 1920
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of early 20th century wall pockets is crafted from colorful silks in the shape of two porcelain vases filled with lotus blossoms. Folds of pink silk comprise a large lotus ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Cotton, Silk, Paper, Beads

Chinese Hanging Bamboo Birdcage, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This large, barrel-form birdcage dates to the early 20th century and is carefully assembled of thin bamboo rods fitted to a round bamboo base. The cage hangs from a large hook attach...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Metal

Tall Chinese Bamboo Birdcage with Cricket Cage, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This delicate wooden birdcage was once home to the tiny pet bird of a Qing-dynasty aristocrat. Dated to the late 19th century, the square cage is precisely assembled from thin bamboo rods with an elevated base and domed top. The cage is complete with the original owner's accessories, including a tiny cricket cage, decorative ivory charms...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Porcelain, Bamboo, Ivory

Chinese Bamboo Birdcage with Celadon Dishes, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite bamboo birdcage was once home to the tiny pet bird of a Qing-dynasty aristocrat. Dated to the turn of the century, the birdcage is carefull...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Metal

19 Century Blue Lacqured Signboard with Calligraphy
Located in Kastrup, DK
A large Chinese Qing Dynasty period blue lacqured signboard with calligraphy. The wood carved signboard showcases a frame adorned with carved á la grecque border with vases and bats...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Rank Badge with Stylized Bear, China Ming Dynasty
Located in Jupiter, FL
This Badge is in wonderful condition and has been reframed and matted. This came from a collection from and archaeologist who said this is a reproduction from the late 60;s 70.s. Gre...
Category

20th Century Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Textile, Wood, Paper

Pair of Calligraphy's Shop sign's Original Condition, 19th Century
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of calligraphy in wood with black lacquer. Calligraphies with carved work coated with gold leaf. Decorative in original well-preserved condition. Calligraphy is an art form i...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

Chinese Carved and Painted Window Screen Panels, Set of Four, 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A wonderful set of four Chinese carved, pierced, and polychromed camphor wood screen panels with images of the Four Seasons and Eight Immortals, Qing Dynasty, mid to late 19th centur...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Early 20th Century Window Carvings from Fujian, China
Located in Singapore, SG
A set of 4 window panels from Fujian province, China. The original hinges have been removed and patched, and new hangers have been added on top, however overall the colours are large...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Art

Materials

Elm, Fir

Qing decorative art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Qing decorative art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, asian art and furniture, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, silk and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing decorative art made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $48 and tops out at $5,514 while the average work can sell for $2,120.

Recently Viewed

View All