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Qing Bookcases

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
Large Qing Period Bookcase Original Black Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Large bookcase with original black lacquer, showcasing a beautiful age-related patina, accentuated by a clear lacquer surface finish. The bookcase features three shelves with 'lattic...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Elm

Chinese Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Bookcase with Red and Brown Lacquer
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period large bookcase from the 19th century with red and dark brown lacquer. Immerse yourself in the vibrant allure of traditional Chinese craftsmanship with t...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Iron

Late Qing Dynasty Red Open Bookshelf with Drawers and Fretwork Shelf
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period red lacquer open bookshelf from the early 20th century, with two drawers, carved spandrels and geometric fretwork shelf. Created in China during th...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Bookcase with Four Shelves and Dark Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period lacquered bookcase from the 19th century, with four shelves, straight legs, carved apron and weathered patina. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Chinese Late Qing Dynasty Period Bookshelf with Classic Design and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period bookcase from the early 20th century with classic design, four shelves and two drawers. Created in China during the late Qing Dynasty period in the early years of the 20th century, this wooden bookcase features a classic design with two drawers. The elegant linear silhouette presents four shelves interrupted in the center by two drawers. These drawers are adorned with slightly raised cartouches and are fitted with brass c-scroll handles on floral backplates. Each of the two middle shelves...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Chinese Painted Book Cabinet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This lacquered display cabinet from Shanxi province was crafted in the mid-19th century using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery methods. The enclosed lower half was used for gene...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Elm

Pair of Chinese Red Lacquer Book Cabinets, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the late 19th century, this pair of tall book cabinets was once used in a scholars' studio or well-to-do home to store a collector's most ch...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Elm

Chinese Qing Style Open Fretwork Kitchen Cabinet
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Magnificent Chinese two-piece kitchen cabinet featuring a carved lattice open fretwork cupboard case. Made in the Qing style from beautifully grained hardwo...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Qing Dynasty Tall Three Shelved Bookcase with Carved Accents
Located in Yonkers, NY
A 19th century Qing Dynasty antique cabinet that beautifully displays clean, long lines and artistic carvings. This antique bookshelf features three rectangular shelves offering plenty of room for books or decorative antique accent pieces...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Pair of Petite Chinese Collector's Shelves
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the early 20th century, these petite collector's shelves are seamlessly constructed with clean lines and open sides. Once the centerpiece of a scholar’s studio, these open s...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Bookcases

Materials

Elm

Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Elm Bookcase with Open Shelves and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing dynasty elmwood bookcase from the 19th century, with three open shelves and four drawers. Born in China during the Qing dynasty period, this elm bookcase features thre...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Elm

Fine Chinese Trailing Vine Display Cabinet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
It's highly unusual to find a Qing dynasty display cabinet with this level of intricacy in its hand carved doors, rails, and side panels. Crafted in China's Hebei province in the mid...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Cedar

Chinese Lacquered Scholars' Shelf, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking red and black lacquer bookcase once stood in the center of a traditional Chinese scholars' studio, displaying a collection of books, scrolls, and treasured objects. The...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Elm

Chinese Scholars' Display Shelf, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Collecting was a popular pastime for well-to-do Ming and Qing dynasty gentleman, and a shelf like this one would have been an ideal place to display jades, curios, porcelain, and col...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Elm

Chinese Triple Bat Book Cabinet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This book cabinet was likely originally commissioned for a scholar's study to store important texts. The quality and craftsmanship is clear in the bold lines, elegant hardware, and t...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Brass

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Vintage MCM 1 Piece Walnut & Radio Weave Cane Front Lighted China Cabinet
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous vintage Mid-Century Modern 1 piece walnut & radio weave cane front lighted China cabinet, hutch, or display cabinet with glass shelves and brass knobs. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. It has normal wear and a newly modified recessed black painted base as it encountered water at some point in its life and could not be refinished so we revamped it and modified the base. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, mid-20th century. MY oh MY… What a spectacular China cabinet!!! This is a wonderful vintage Mid-Century Modern 1 piece lighted China cabinet, hutch, or display cabinet comprised of walnut featuring glass front doors with finger hole grooves in the molding on the top section and radio weave cane front doors with brass knobs on the lower section. It has a newly modified recessed black painted base as it encountered water at some point in its life and could not be refinished so we revamped it and modified the base. It looks wonderful!! There are glass front double doors on the upper left side and a single glass front door on the right. Behind the upper doors is a wood shelf (the bottom of the upper cabinet, top of the lower) with plate grooves and two adjustable glass shelves that run the full length of the cabinet. The lower section has radio weave cane front double doors on the left and a single cane...
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Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Carved Hardwood Tea Stand
Located in Rochester, NY
19th century Chinese carved hardwood tea stand w/ lightly lacquered top. Overall nicely aged original color patina. Look at all pictures and read condition report in comment section.
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MCM 2-Piece China Hutch Cabinet Buffet by Heywood Wakefield Contessa Collection
Located in Topeka, KS
Mid-Century Modern 2-piece china hutch, cabinet, or buffet by Heywood Wakefield for the Contessa Collection. Comprised of 2-pieces a top hutch & a bottom buffet in a dark cherrywood, woven wicker basket weave or caned door fronts, brass toned pulls, & slim steel legs. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There are nicks on the left side of the buffet edge toward the front. Stiffener has been added underneath buffet as the cabinet had sagged in the middle making doors uneven. Stiffener corrected that issue. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1960’s. In 1959, the Heywood Wakefield “Contessa” slogan was "Wood for warmth and grace ... steel for strength and rigidity." "Furniture of Slender Elegance." And does this China cabinet ever fit that description. The Contessa line features a darker cherrywood, gold or brass toned accents, and slim steel legs. This cabinet has 2 pieces. A bottom buffet that features brass toned pulls that open two sets of double doors. There are three drawers on the right side with a silverware tray in the top drawer. The left side is open storage. The top hutch features two rolling side doors with woven wicker basket weave, or caned, door fronts and three shelves in the center. The whole cabinet stands on slim steel legs and exudes mid-century modern magnificence! This awesome, versatile china cabinet or buffet will look amazing whether you place it in the dining room, living room, study, or the kitchen. It is adaptable enough to blend right in whether your design style leans to Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern, industrial, southwestern, or modern country. In 1897, two prominent furniture companies, Heywood Brothers and Wakefield Company merged and created Heywood Brothers & Wakefield Company; the name would be shortened to Heywood-Wakefield in 1921. The new company rose to popularity in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s with its solid wood, Art Deco-inspired, mid-century modern furniture. In 1992, South Beach Furniture Company acquired the rights to the Heywood-Wakefield name. After realizing how in demand vintage Heywood Wakefield pieces were, production began on new pieces that remained true to the style, quality, and values of the original company. Today's Heywood-Wakefield is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the name and its famous pieces while incorporating new and contemporary technology which allows new generations to appreciate the classic looks from a classic company. This is a fabulous piece by Heywood Wakefield’s Contessa...
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Mid-20th Century American Qing Bookcases

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Metal

Antique quality 19th Century mahogany bookcase shelves floor or wall
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique, high-quality 19th-century mahogany bookcase shelves designed for floor or wall hanging. This piece is solid and sturdy, with no loose joints or woodworm. A delightful and r...
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De Coene Display Cabinet or Book Shelf, Belgium, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
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1970s Belgian Vintage Qing Bookcases

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Grand Georgian Style Solid Oak Baker China Cabinet Bookcase Breakfront
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delivery needs! They offer a reasonable flat-rate fee for delivery and set up to the ground floor of your home. They deliver to the vast majority of the lower 48 states. They offer a flat rate for most of our items with exclusions for the largest or most complex items such as breakfronts or crystal chandeliers or other items of greater complexity. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase as these rates are different from our stated pricing. For those items please ask for a shipping quote prior to purchase. Most deliveries to the East Coast will be 295.00, to the mid-west and Southern mid-west 395.00. To the areas west of Kansas 495.00 and the farthest points to the West coast will be 595.00. Again, some areas we can't cover, however we can deliver to most of the lower 48 states so please inquire to be sure! Delivery times range from as fast as 1-4 weeks for the east coast to 5-9 weeks to the farthest areas of the west coast, sometimes longer and sometimes even shorter. If it is a time sensitive purchase, we may be able to accommodate you for a higher price. It is our goal to please each and every one of our customers with the highest standard of service possible. You must realize and accept that we are shipping antique, vintage and quality used furnishings to your home. We cannot control traffic, weather, and acts of God. There will be times when additional patience will be necessary. This is a gorgeous Baker Furniture Company Georgian style bookcase...
Category

Early 2000s American Qing Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Previously Available Items
Double-Sided Bookcase Approx. 1880, Shanxi Province China
Located in Kastrup, DK
Double-sided bookcase in walnut with original beautiful patina. One side with rounded moldings and three drawers, inside depth 31 cm. The other side...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Pair of Fine Chinese Scholar's Manuscript Shelves
Located in Chicago, IL
These gorgeous hardwood shelves once took pride of place in a Qing-dynasty home or scholars' retreat, proudly elevating a collection of books, scholars' rocks, porcelains, and other ...
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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Bamboo, Hardwood

Antique Chinese Bookcase in Original Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Bookcase with original lacquer colors in ivory white, light green and black on the sides. Beautiful age-related patina, highlighted by a clear varnish with surface finish. A very d...
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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

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Wood

Antique Chinese Bookcase in Original Lacquer
Antique Chinese Bookcase in Original Lacquer
H 75.99 in W 68.51 in D 15.36 in
Antique Bookcase in Original Black Lacquer, China 1840-1860
Located in Kastrup, DK
Bookcase in 2 parts: Upper part with numerous, staggered shelves in different shapes and sizes. Base with 2 pairs of doors. Original black lacquer with natural age-related patina, ...
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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Low Chinese Bookcase with Lattice Shelf, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This low bookcase dates to the mid- to late-19th century and would have been used to display books, floral arrangements, and precious objects. Constructed with mortise-and-tenon join...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Elm

Chinese 19th Century Yellow Lacquered Bookshelf
Located in Kastrup, DK
Bookcase made from solid elmwood and covered in a light yellow lacquer on the outside and black lacquer on the inside. Natural age-related patina and charisma. China 1880...
Category

1890s Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Elm

Chinese 19th Century Yellow Lacquered Bookshelf
Chinese 19th Century Yellow Lacquered Bookshelf
H 78.75 in W 66.93 in D 18.12 in
Pair of Chinese Scholars Scroll Shelves, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
These early 20th century bookcases once stood in a Qing-dynasty scholars' studio, piled high with books and painted scrolls. Considered a status symbol, books were given pride of pla...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Bookcases

Materials

Elm

Peach Wood Bookcase From Jiangsu Province, 1840-1860
Located in Kastrup, DK
Bookcase made in peach wood. Pair of doors, 2 drawers and 2 shelves. From Jiangsu Province 1840-1860. Peach is a beautiful type of wood with warm undert...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Bookcases

Materials

Fruitwood

Pair of Chinese Scholar's Shelves, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the early 20th century, these upright display shelves are constructed with lightweight frames, open sides, and low slatted railings enclosing each shelf. The pair's clean li...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Bookcases

Materials

Elm

Chinese Spindleback Studio Shelf, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century bookcase once stood as the centerpiece of a Qing dynasty scholars' studio. Considered a status symbol, books were given pride of place on impressive shelves s...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Bookcases

Materials

Elm

Pair of Chinese Calligrapher's Shelves, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the early 20th century, these upright display shelves are constructed with lightweight frames, open sides, and low railings enclosing each shelf. The pair's clean lines are ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Bookcases

Materials

Elm

Pair of Chinese Scholars' Shelves, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the early 20th century, this pair of two-drawer collector's shelves is seamlessly constructed with clean lines and open sides. Rounded edges soften the angular frame and reference the bent bamboo furniture...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Chinese Scholars' Shelves, circa 1900
Pair of Chinese Scholars' Shelves, circa 1900
H 74.25 in W 35.5 in D 15.75 in

Qing bookcases for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Qing bookcases 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 bookcases created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing bookcases 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 bookcases differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,800 and tops out at $13,880 while the average work can sell for $6,580.

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