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.
Grand Chinese Cabriole Leg Dining Table
Located in Chicago, IL
With grand proportions and bold lines, this impressive Chinese table recreates the large painting tables found at the center of the traditional scholar's studio. Used as a stately de...
Elm
Lacquered Chinese Calligrapher's Table, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
Known as a calligrapher’s table, this expansive Chinese writing table once gave a Qing-dynasty (1644-1911) scholar-official ample space to paint or practice calligraphy. To cultivate...
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
Lacquered Dinning Table with Original Burgundy Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
A large Chinese mid-19th century dinning table, originally a calligraphy table, with original red lacquer. Table top with traditional Chinese design featuring a "floating panel", all...
Elm
Italy 18th Century Baroque Walnut Organic Shape Table Desk
Located in Brescia, IT
This walnut rectangular Tuscany table, has been hand made in Lucca (Tuscany, Italy) in 1760 circa. Its elegant shape, with the black border, makes this ...
Walnut
Original Domus Dinning Set by Michael Van Beuren
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Domus dinning set (Table and 4 chairs) in pine wood and with the characteristic green Van Beuren color, designed by the American Bau...
Pine
19th Century Mahogany Chinese Chippendale Desk
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality carved Chinese Chippendale style kneehole desk. The top of the desk has an intricately fretted gallery which is in perfect condition. Below this the desk h...
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Empire Center Table
Located in Houston, TX
Early 20th century Empire lacquered walnut dolphin center table.
Wood, Walnut
Art Deco Dinning Table
Located in London, Park Royal
Art Deco table by De Coene Freres made in a striking flame mahogany of spicy brunette and cinnamon red wood tones accentuated by a highly polished lacquer finish, traditional to the ...
Bronze
$5,183
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...
$4,500Sale Price|33% Off
H 29 in W 98 in D 40 in
Harvey Probber Midcentury Saber Leg Extension Dining Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish Mid-Century Modern dining table designed by Harvey Probber featuring two 16 inch extending leaves for a total of 98 inches. The iconic table has sabre formed legs with a dram...
Hardwood
Lacquered Desk or Dining Table by Jacques Jarrige
Located in New York, NY
Luca is an elegant and sculptural piece by Jacques Jarrige that functions equally well as a refined desk or a small dining table. Hand-carved and finished in lustrous lacquer, the pi...
Scrap Wood
$6,300Sale Price|47% Off
H 30.5 in W 40.25 in D 40.25 in
Stunning Exotic Wood Antique Breakfast Table or Center Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
If you are looking for something completely unique and special, look no further - this absolutely stunning antique breakfast table features the most beautiful exotic wood and would make an ideal Statement piece in any interior. We are unsure of the type of wood - however it is wood, possibly an Amboyna Burl, as we had completed a full restoration and noticed the wood grain was still present after sanding down a light portion of it. It appears to have been painstakingly assembled / tessellated with each piece on its edge highlighting the amazing burled wood grain. While we are a bit uncertain on some of the details of this table - one thing we know for sure is that it is one of the most remarkable pieces of furniture (or in this case functional art) that we have seen. As for age - we do not know when this was made but when we acquired it, it had decades of age giving us the feeling this is an antique piece from earlier 20th Century. We just completed a full restoration with a beautiful lacquer coat giving it plenty of protection for regular use as a center table, cafe or dining table, or as a large sculpture pedestal table. So beautiful, and so special - ready to grace any fine interior space as a Statement piece. This exotic wood breakfast table...
Wood
$21,732
H 31.5 in W 41.34 in D 102.37 in
Dinning Table Black Lacquered with Gold Highlights and Ormolu Pearls
Located in London, Park Royal
Wooden dining table finished in a black Lacquer with gold highlights and ormolu pearls on the feet. The top is a 30mm Nero Assoluto polished granite.
Hardwood
$4,250Sale Price|26% Off
H 29 in W 62.63 in D 42.75 in
Louis XVI Jansen Style Center or Dining Table Black Lacquer Steinway Finish
Located in Stamford, CT
Louis XVI Jansen style center or dining table in a black lacquer Steinway piano finish. Part of our extensive collection of over forty dining tables and chair sets as seen on this si...
Wood
Ignazio Gardella style dinning table
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Faux leather brass and wood round dinning table in the style of Ignazio Gardella
Brass
Large Round Antique Black Lacquer Dining Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
Large round dining table in walnut with a rare well-preserved black lacquer. Features a circular top and elegant apron with profiled fillings resting on six straight round legs. A b...
Walnut
Monumental Chinese Lacquered Writing Table, c. 1870
Located in Chicago, IL
Marked by grand proportions and a minimal form, this writing table likely graced the study of a Qing-dynasty scholar, who would have used its wide expanse for spreading out painted s...
Elm
Chinese Scholars' Writing Table, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Likely commissioned for his studio, this late 19th-century writing table once gave a scholar ample surface space to draft poetry or practice calligraphy. To cultivate uncluttered and...
Elm
Chinese Poet's Table, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Likely commissioned for his studio, this expansive, early 20th century poet's table offered a scholar ample surface space to draft poetry or practice calligraphy. In order to cultiva...
Elm
Chinese Ruyi Calligrapher's Table, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Known as a calligrapher’s table, this expansive 19th century table offered a scholar ample surface space to paint or practice calligraphy. In order to cultivate uncluttered and inspi...
Elm
Sold
H 29.93 in W 74.81 in D 34.65 in
19th Century Chinese Qing Dynasty Dining Table / Calligraphy Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
Dining table / calligraphy table (work table) with beautiful black lacquer. Good patina. China, circa 1880. Calligraphy tables is used when working ...
Wood
Monumental Early 20th Century Chinese Poet's Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Likely commissioned for his studio, this expansive, early 20th century poet's table offered a scholar ample surface space to draft poetry or practice calligraphy. In order to cultiva...
Elm
Lacquered Chinese Calligrapher's Table, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This calligraphy table, like all the highest quality pieces of Chinese furniture, follows the timeless principles of Chinese architectural design and construction techniques. It has ...
Elm
19th Century Chinese Calligrapher's Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Known as a calligrapher’s table, this expansive, early 19th century table offered a scholar ample surface space to paint or practice calligraphy. In order to cultivate uncluttered an...
Elm
19th Century Chinese Prosperity Table
Located in Chicago, IL
Over the centuries, Chinese woodworkers perfected furniture making to a true art. Strategically fitting together pieces of wood, these artisans achieved beautiful and functional desi...
Elm
Chinese Painting Table with Round Legs
Located in Chicago, IL
This Chinese painting table is from the early Qing dynasty and is made from elmwood. It features a beautiful aged patina.
Elm