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 Red Lacquer Canopy Bed with Footrest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A Chinese canopy bed, or marriage bed, was the most important part of a bride's dowry and was the central feature of her personal quarters. Traditionally, beds were central to Chines...
Elm, Reed
Chinese Lattice Canopy Bed, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A Chinese canopy bed, or marriage bed, was the most important part of a bride's dowry and was the central feature of her personal quarters. Traditionally, beds were central to Chines...
Elm
Chinese Woven Top Canopy Bed, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
A Chinese canopy bed was typically part of a bride's dowry or a gift to a courtesan. It grew to be an important household status symbol, and the sub...
Rattan, Elm
Walnut Minimalist Handmade Platform Queen Bed Frame, Judd Style
By Donald Judd, Figure Ground, George Nakashima
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An ode to our friend Donald Judd, the bedframe design employs the tatami style of Japanese Rooms and the Hygge of Danish comfort. The reveal is celebrated in its shadow. Rest happens closer to the ground for cooler sleeping. The base is composed of a hardwood armature. This bed frame comes flat packable with instructions. Own a figure ground original! Dimensions Length 96" Width 76...
Plywood
French Metal Canopy Bed, King
Located in Westwood, NJ
French Metal Canopy Bed, King Size, with a bronze finish metal canopy frame with a padded upholstered headboard in a neutral linen fabric. The frame with ...
Metal
Minimalist Modern Walnut Platform King Bed Frame, Judd Style
By George Nakashima, Donald Judd, Figure Ground
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An ode to our friend Donald Judd, this bed frame design employs the tatami style of Japanese Rooms and the Hygge of Danish comfort. The reveal is celebrated in its shadow as it rests closer to the ground. The base is composed of a plywood armature. It comes flat packable with installation instructions. Own a figure ground...
Plywood
$3,307 / set
H 27.17 in W 36.23 in D 81.11 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Pair of Bamboo and Wicker Sofa Beds, 1960s
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian pair of bamboo and wicker sofa beds or single beds. The beds need a mattress of cm. 85 x 190 (Standard Italian single bed size).
Bamboo, Rattan
Dovetailed Platform Bed in Ash, Queen Size
Located in Princeton, NJ
This bed is designed to accommodate a contemporary aesthetic. This design is carefully handmade, featuring detailed construction and traditional technique which utilizes the interloc...
Ash
$1,705 / set
H 24 in W 30.5 in D 17 in
Pair Bernhardt Chinoiserie Asian Nightstand Cabinets with Pull Out Trays
By Bernhardt
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Extraordinary pair of vintage Chinoiserie nightstands attributed to Bernhardt. The elegant duo-tone cabinets have beautiful richly figured wood cases with dark stained trim. The gian...
Brass
Dovetailed Platform Bed in Ash, Full
Located in Princeton, NJ
This bed is designed to accommodate a contemporary aesthetic. This design is carefully handmade, featuring detailed construction and traditional technique which utilizes the interloc...
Ash
Plaza Bed Queen Tufted Canopy and headboard, Black lacquer
Located in Ridgewood, NY
Boasting grand and spectacular dimensions, the flagship Plaza bed is a modern yet not overstated take on Classic four-post luxury. A focal point for any spac...
Upholstery, Lacquer
19th Century Canopy Bed Chinese
Located in New York, NY
19th Century Chinese Canopy Day Bed. An exceptional 19th century Canopy Day Bed with beautiful carving to the surround panels. This bed is in very good condition for everyday use. ...
Rattan, Hardwood
19th Century Chinese Canopy Wedding Bed
Located in Marbella, ES
This is a wonderful example of a canopy bed from Shanghai Province, China. Made of Chinese Northern Elm, this bed features hoofed feet and multiple floral carvings. The exterior ...
Gold Leaf
$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 Day Bed
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful 19th century Canopy Top Chinese Scholars Day Bed. Worn red lacquer over Elm wood having a rich spectacular patina. Inset rattan platform is removable, entire bed separate...
Elm
Sold
H 86.62 in W 85.04 in D 48.43 in
Antique Princess Large Carved Bed, China circa 1890, End of the Qing Dynasty
Located in Sofia, BG
Magnificent antique Princess bed from China circa 1890, end of the Qing dynasty with beautiful carvings Measurements: 220 x 216 x 123 cm Without nail...
Wood
Monumental Chinese Wedding Bed
Located in Chicago, IL
This impressive Chinese wedding bed is from the mid-19th century and made from Fir wood and finished in oxblood lacquer and gold gilt. The piece fe...
Fir, Giltwood, Lacquer
19th Century Chinese Honeycomb Lattice Headboard
Located in Chicago, IL
Drawn to its open lattice design and graphic lines, we fashioned this striking headboard from a railing found in a 19th-century courtyard home. Common in railings such as this one, as well as in portable screens...
Elm
Qing Dynasty Chinese Bamboo Day Bed
Located in Chicago, IL
Impressive late Qing Dynasty Chinese daybed from Hernan, China and was made from elmwood and bamboo. The piece features traditional mortise and tenon joinery.
Bamboo, Elm