Qing Abstract Sculptures
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.
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Style: Qing
Green Glass Fisherman’s Float, C. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This beautiful green sphere is an early 20th century glass float used by fishermen to keep their fishing nets or droplines afloat in the ocean. The hollow float would have been encased by a rope netting and used just like a modern buoy. Because these floats were commonly produced from recycled bottles, most antique glass floats...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Blown Glass
$128 / item
Chinese Green Drip Glaze Headrest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
By the 18th century, opium use had become as central to Chinese social life as taking tea or smoking tobacco, fostering a subculture rich with its own customs, traditions, and exquis...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Gray Lingbi Scholar Stone, Early 20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A fantastic Chinese scholar's stone, called gongshi, of gray lingbi limestone, mounted on a hardwood stand, late Qing or early Republic, early 20th century, circa 1910, China
.
The ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Elm Wood Headrest from Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This antique Chinese headrest was crafted from elmwood and has a wonderfully smooth texture and elongated shape. It likely belonged to an uppe...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$224 Sale Price
20% Off
Chinese Stone Lock Counterweight, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Devoid of figurative carvings, this primitive stone weight from the mid-19th century has an organic, abstract beauty. The stone has an oblong, lock-form shape with natural asymmetry ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Limestone
19th Century Chinese Spirit Screen with Duan Stone
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th century spirit screen from northern China is inset with a duan stone, similar to stones used to create many inkstones for calligraphy. The stand i...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Chinese Burled Hardwood Scholar Rock, Republic Period, 20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
An unusual and striking Chinese scholar rock, gongshi, of polished and lacquered burled hardwood, set into a hardwood base, mid-20th century.
The hardwood scholar "stone" meant to i...
Category
1940s Chinese Vintage Qing Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood, Burl
Chinese Abstract Cloud Carpenter Line, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Given the beauty and thoughtful design of traditional Chinese furniture, it’s no wonder that Qing-dynasty carpenter’s tools were accorded the same att...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Iron
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Qing abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage abstract sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing abstract sculptures 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 abstract sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $128 and tops out at $6,500 while the average work can sell for $980.