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Qing Seating

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
Antique Chinese Mini Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Antique Mini stool features a beautiful age related patina and lacquered finish. Crafted entirely from wooden joints, It remains sturdy and robust, a fantastic piece to use as a...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Wood, Elm

Chinese Square Stool with Hoofed Legs and Hand-Painted Calligraphy, c. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Chinese stool was crafted from Ironwood, which is more unique than its more abundant elmwood counterparts. The ironwood provides the stool with a stunning texture. Originating f...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Qing Seating

Materials

Wood

Chinese Red Lacquer Official's Chair, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
The defining characteristic of a Chinese Officials Chair is the way that the back crest rail turns continuously into the back posts. Our artisan...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

19th Century Bench
Located in New York, NY
Early 19th century Chinese bench. A special black lacquered antique Elm wood bench circa 1800. A waisted (refers to specific Chinese furniture construction & joinery) raised top set on frame with hump back stretchers and struts. A most sensational patina of black lacquer worn through to the wood showcases the benches elegant presence and raw beauty. This is an original piece with a 200 plus year history. The raw top is worn silk like smooth from age and use. The reaming black lacquer is thick having an alligatored rustic patina. The construction is solid and strong. Feet having scroll key detail carved to faces with wear prevalent to the bottom of the feet. The humpback struts show ware from one side being more evident then on the other side, more lacquer remains covering one strut. A very significant Antique Chinese Bench...
Category

Early 1800s Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Elm

Chinese Hardwood Drum Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
The stool is a central fixture of Chinese furniture culture. Found in a variety of materials and forms, the stool transcends class lines, as much at home in the provincial courtyard ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of Chinese Hardwood Drum Stools
Located in Chicago, IL
The stool is a central fixture of Chinese furniture culture. Found in a variety of materials and forms, the stool transcends class lines, as much at home in the provincial courtyard ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Round Leg Courtyard Stool, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This Chinese courtyard stool dates to the mid-19th century and has a classic splayed leg design with round legs and a rectangular seat. The stool is crafted of northern elmwood (yumu...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Elm

Chinese Hardwood Drum Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
The stool is a central fixture of Chinese furniture culture. Found in a variety of materials and forms, the stool transcends class lines, as much at home in the provincial courtyard ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Wood

Chinese Low Back Lady's Chair, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the late 19th century, this petite ladies' chair combines the low, square back of traditional rose chairs with the round frame and cabriole legs of waisted display tables. T...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Rosewood

Antique Chinese Mini Low Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This antique mini stool features a beautiful age related patina and lacquered finish. It was crafted entirely using wooden joints and remains sturdy and robust a fantastic piece to u...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Wood, Elm

Antique Chinese Red Lacquer Elm Ming Style Slat Back Desk Side Accent Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Qing dynasty red lacquer side chair. Made from elm with angled back, panelled accents and distressed accents. Dimensions: 18.5" x 20" x 40"h, seat 19.5"
Category

20th Century Qing Seating

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Set of Four Chinese Provincial Spindleback Elm Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous set of four Chinese country provincial qing style dining chairs crafted from hardwood probably elm. The frames have a square shaped spindle back that scrolls or arches at th...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Fabric, Raffia, Hardwood

Antique Qing Style Chinese Barber Stool - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Qing Style Chinese Barber Stool/Bench - Pair A pair of 19th Century barber stool/benches from Shanxi province, China. Each stool has 2 small dr...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Brass

Chinese Red Lacquer Drum Stool, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This low drum stool was hand-carved from solid wood by Qing dynasty artisans over two centuries ago. Drum-form stools such as this were traditionally used in gardens and outdoor pavilions where upper class scholars read, wrote, discussed antiques and art...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Wood

19th Century Stool
Located in New York, NY
19th century Chinese Stool. This is an antique Barber stool. Natural wood stool of Elm wood & Poplar. The stool has one small drawer in the front, and...
Category

1880s Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Poplar

Pair of Antique Qing Era Chinese Yoke Back Armchairs
Located in Glasgow, GB
A pair of 'Captain's Hat' yoke back armchairs, handcrafted at the very beginning of the 20th century during the Qing Dynasty in China. These chairs are made from an exotic and uniq...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Qing Dynasty Corner Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Chinese Qing Dynasty corner chair. Unusual shaped chair, perfect addition to your collection or start with this amazing piece.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Wood

Antique Stool Woven Hyde Top
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century Elm Wood Hide Woven Seat Stool. The top of this stool is woven with incredible detail creating a pattern of stars. The hide is cut into thick strands, incredibly str...
Category

1850s Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Elm, Hide

Pair of 19th century bamboo canework Chinese chairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of Chinese export cane work chairs circa 1890. Good elegant examples of this Chinese craft. Made from thin cane which has been multi layered for...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Cane

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Qing Period Bamboo Arm Chairs with Burgundy Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Chinese Qing period bamboo arm chairs with plain flat elm wood seat. Backrest with typical Chinese geometrical fretwork patterns. Both chairs has a nice burgundy lacquer with...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Bamboo

Chinese Limestone Drum
Located in Chicago, IL
This narrow drum stool was carved from a solid block of limestone with a minimalist tapered design. The stool is subtly etched with thin grooves around the top, suggestive of the lin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Limestone

"The Lava Chair", Yoke Back Armchairs with Custom Deep Orange Lacquer, a Pair
Located in Yonkers, NY
"The Lava Chair", a pair of Qing Dynasty period Yoke back armchairs from the 19th century, boldly re-lacquered in a burnt orange color. "The Lava Chair" is a captivating pair of Qing...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Wood

Chinese Double Coin Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusually proportioned ceramic table is a modern interpretation of the classic Chinese drum-form garden stool. Cloaked in a pristine, monochrome white glaze, the wide stool is d...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Antique Chinese Hardwood Side Chairs Qing Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of antique Chinese side chairs circa 19th century, late Qing Dynasty. Made from highly grained Hong Mu, a hard wood that resembles the Chinese rosewood, Huanghuali. These chai...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Wood

Chinese Double Coin Garden Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusually proportioned ceramic table is a modern interpretation of the classic Chinese drum-form garden stool. Cloaked in a pristine, monochrome white glaze, the wide stool is d...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Hardwood Rattan Daybed Antique Qing Chaise Lounge Victorian Regency 1890
Located in London, GB
Late 19th to early 20th century Chinese daybed with soft cane top that epitomises the elegance of Jiangsu furniture, which was highly rated in ancient China. Elegantly proportioned,...
Category

1890s British Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Steel

Pair of Low Back Side Chairs or Meiguiyi, 19th Century
Located in Richmond, London
A stunning pair of Chinese Ming style side chairs or meiguiyi, with spindle-backs and solid seats. China, Qing dynasty, circa 1800–1900. Why we like them Their smart design, superb quality and richly patinated, original colour make these chairs a rare and desirable find, a versatile and decorative object, suitable for sleek and opulent interiors. This type of chair was popular in the Ming dynasty for its light construction and elegant appearance. Design and history The golden age of Chinese furniture spanned the Ming (1368-1644) to middle Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, when furniture suddenly leaped away from previous lacquered softwoods towards austere and refined pieces crafted from Southeast Asian hardwoods. The emphasis was on simplicity, often with little or no decoration, wonderful timber selection and complex mortise and tenon joinery. No nails were used, so pieces could be broken down and flat-packed for storage and travel. Zitan wood was favoured by the Imperial Palace, and lent itself to exceptionally fine carving. But honey-coloured and richly figured huanghuali was the favourite of the scholar officials who governed China. Those who could afford to, decorated their studios sparsely with just a few select and useful pieces of huanghuali furniture: a painting table, a pairs of open book cabinets, a highbacked armchair and a pair of side chairs, maybe an incense stand, a strange rock evoking a distant mountain, and a painting. In design and interior spacing they were the first true minimalists. For a brief discussion of the lowback armchair...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Hardwood

19th century Chinese Qing hardwood stool
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Rustic traditional Chinese elm stool circa 1890. Made using naive mortise and tenon joints, provide great character for this stool.  Expected age splits and surface marks, structura...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Two Person Elm Bench
Located in New York, NY
A truly Classic antique Chinese two person bench with great patina and simple design. Highlighted by two simple expertly carved decorations, this entirely handmade elm bench exhibits its 150 years of use during the Qing Dynasty, the Republic Period and after. Exemplifying it's 19th Century craftsmanship, no nails...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Elm

19th Century Chinese Bench
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Early 19th century Chinese Qing Dynasty 'Huanghuali' bench. Ca 1800.
Category

Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Elm

Pair Chinese Horseshoe Folding Hunting Chairs Jiao Yi
Located in Somis, CA
A pair of Chinese solid elmwood horseshoe folding chairs. Each chair constructed with a rounded metal mounted crestrail ending in outswept handrests. The back splat carved with qilin...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Brass

Small 1900s Low Square End Table with Rattan Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period footstool from the early 20th century with rattan top, carved apron and side stretchers. Discover the perfect blend of function and art in this ear...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Pair of mid 19th century carved elm Chinese yoke back armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality pair of chinese yoke back armchairs circa 1860. These chairs would have been originally lacquered and have since been stripped back to the bare woodwork, sealed with a ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Small Rectangular Antique Low Side Table
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period stool from the early 20th century with narrow waisted top, natural finish, horse hoof feet and carved apron. A testam...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Wood

Chinese Daybed "Tiger bamboo"
Located in Kastrup, DK
Daybed made of flamed bamboo, called "Tiger bamboo". Chinese tradition of making furniture in bamboo, which requires special craftsmanship, where no screw...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Bamboo

Two-Tone Brown Square Antique End Table
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period elm wood stool or side table from the 19th century, with open apron, carved spandrels, pillar strut motifs and distressed patina. Discover the allure of historical craftsmanship with this Qing Dynasty period Chinese elm wood stool or side table. This 19th-century artifact is a testament to time-honored Chinese furniture design, featuring an open apron accented with pillar strut motifs on all sides, and adorned with finely carved spandrels showcasing delicate scrolling foliage. Constructed of sturdy elm wood, this piece features a square top with a central board and rounded corners. The stool or side table is supported by four straight cylindrical legs, indicative of traditional Chinese design. The piece is further enhanced by a distressed patina that lends an appealing antique character to the ensemble. This multi-functional piece can serve as either a stool or a side table, and its compact size and square form make it a versatile choice for any space. The beautiful elm wood grain and discreetly carved details add an aesthetic of refined elegance, making it a noteworthy addition to any collection of antique Asian furniture...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Elm

19th Century Chinese Armchairs Pair Large Original
Located in Somis, CA
A pair of large 19th century Chinese elmwood armchairs. An elegant crestrail meets the back stiles which extend all the way through the member of the seat frame to become the back le...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Elm

A Pair of Ebonised Chinese Folding Occasional Hall Side Chairs Late Qing
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A characterful pair of late 19th Century, early 20th Century Chinese Folding Travel Chairs. Great form and colour, with ebonised frames and original woven nett seats. A simplistic,...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Beech

Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Red Lacquered Stool with Carved Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period A Frame red lacquered wooden stool from the 19th century, with carved apron, side stretchers and weathered patina. Created in China during the Qing Dyna...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Wood

Antique End Table with Rattan Top and Box Design
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period stool circa 1900 with rattan inset, straight legs and low stretchers. Delight in the simplicity and utility of this Chinese late Qing Dynasty period stool, crafted circa 1900. A quintessential representation of form meeting function, this piece embodies the essence of Chinese antique furniture...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Wooden Antique Chair with Slightly Arched Back
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period chair from the early 20th century with vertical slats, pierced apron, pillar strut motifs and humpback stretchers. Exuding the richness of Chinese ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Wood

Qing Dynasty Yoke Back Official Hat Armchair
Located in Mjöhult, SE
fine and unusually large single Qing dynasty (1644-1912) Yoke back official hat armchair. circa 1850 China.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of Qing Dynasty Rosewood Scholar Chairs
Located in Middletown, MD
A stately pair of Qing dynasty inspired rosewood scholar armchairs hand-crafted circa 1920s with traditional joinery. Ruyi motif, stylized aprons, square-sectioned legs terminating i...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Rosewood

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...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Rattan, Elm

Chinese 1900s Qing Dynasty Red Lacquer Stool or Table with Humpback Stretchers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period side table or stool from the early 20th century, with red lacquer, humpback stretchers and straight cylindrical legs. This Chinese late Qing Dynast...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Wood

19th Century Rustic Chinese Hardwood Stool
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century rustic Chinese hardwood stool circa 1890. Shaped hardwood seat, made with character wood showing the knots and splits. Standing on 4 legs united by stretchers. Exp...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Hardwood

19th C. Chinese Qing Dynasty Hardwood Official's Cap Armchairs
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of Chinese Qing dynasty hardwood elm yoke back armchairs ( officials hat chairs ) in beautifully aged original old surface color patina w/ well figured ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Hardwood, Elm

Pair of Chinese Woven Top Fang Deng Stools, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These 19th-century square stools from Shanxi province are elegantly crafted in the classical Chinese style with simple lines and balanced proportions. This form of square stool, or f...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Rattan, Elm, Lacquer

Chinese Late Qing Dynasty Diminutive Chair with Carved Back and Curving Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A late Qing Dynasty period unusual diminutive wooden chair from the early 20th century with carved back, curving legs and cross stretcher. This late Qing Dynasty period diminutive wooden chair is a piece of early 20th-century craftsmanship that exudes subtle charm and elegance. With its delicately carved back, curving legs, and cross stretcher, this unusual chair is an eye-catching statement piece that will add character and history to any interior space. Embrace the intricate details and rich heritage of this late Qing Dynasty period wooden chair, showcasing the artistic prowess of Chinese master...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Wood

Chinese Threshing Stone Drum, C. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This low stone pedestal is an early 19th-century mill stone or roller stone, used for threshing grain on a farm in China's Shanxi province. The heavy stone would have been would have...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Limestone

Chinese Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Side Table with Humpback Stretchers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period side table from the 19th century, with dark brown finish, humpbacked stretcher and horse hoof feet. Created in China during Qing Dynasty period in the 1...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Wood

Chinese Studded Limestone Drum
Located in Chicago, IL
This slender stone drum stool was carved from a solid block of limestone with simple form and minimal decoration. The top and bottom are ringed with raised studs, a design meant to i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Limestone

Chinese Mill Stone, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusual stone pedestal is actually a late 19th-century cylindrical mill stone. Hand-carved of solid limestone with a textured and ribbed surface, the stone was used for threshing wheat and other grains on a farm in China's Shanxi province. The heavy stone roller...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Limestone

Pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty Bamboo Chairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Chinese bamboo chairs each with wooden inset rectangular panel and seat. Original condition with minor losses to the burgundy lacquer. Finished with a transparent lacquer wh...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Bamboo

Chinese Mill Stone, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusual stone pedestal is actually a late 19th-century cylindrical mill stone. Hand-carved of solid limestone with a textured and ribbed surface, the stone was used for threshing wheat and other grains on a farm in China's Shanxi province. The heavy stone roller...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Limestone

Provincial Chinese Splayed Leg Stool, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This Provincial stool dates to the turn of the century and would have been used throughout a courtyard home as versatile everyday seating. Crafted of pine using mortise-and-tenon joinery, the tapered...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Pine

Stamped Japanese circa 1880 Qing Dynasty Carved Hardwood Dragon Corner Armchair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Japanese Export circa 1880 hand carved Hardwood corner chair with oversized curled Dragon back rest A very good looking w...
Category

1880s Japanese Antique Qing Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Mill Stone, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusual stone pedestal is actually a late 19th-century cylindrical mill stone. Hand-carved of solid limestone with a textured and ribbed surface, the stone was used for threshing wheat and other grains on a farm in China's Shanxi province. The heavy stone roller...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating

Materials

Limestone

Qing seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Qing seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, asian art and furniture, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing seating made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include and Liberty of London. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $250 and tops out at $136,268 while the average work can sell for $2,455.

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