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
Chinese Low Daybed Step, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This low 19th-century table is actually a step used for easily getting in and out of a raised daybed. Crafted of northern elmwood (yumu), the step features a plank top surface, carved lotus spandrels, and a prominent apron carved with floral scrollwork. The wooden step is finished with dark lacquer, now lightly worn along the edges with rich texture. Today, we love this low step as a tabletop display stand or a footstool beside a plush armchair...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
2 Antique Chinese Elm Qing Dynasty Horseshoe Club Lounge Yoke Arm Chairs Pair
Located in Dayton, OH
"An impressive pair antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Horseshoe back armchairs, circa first half 19th century Made of Elm featuring bentwood horseshoe shaped back with intricately carved ...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Elm, Bentwood
Near Pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Yoke High Back Decorative Chairs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A near pair of Chinese Qing dynasty period yoke high back chairs from the 19th century, with carved aprons and side stretchers. Created in China dur...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Qing Dynasty Rosewood Side Chair with Open Fretwork and Marble Medallion
Located in Yonkers, NY
A late Qing Dynasty period rosewood side chair from the early 20th century, with marble medallion inlay and open fretwork. Crafted during the early years of the 20th century, this ex...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Marble
Pair of Chinese Rose Chairs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
For many years, rose chairs were thought to have been exclusively used by women due to their floral name. However, they were a universal form of seating, of...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Black Lacquer Ladies' Chairs, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
These unusual ladies' chairs exemplify the beauty of exaggerated proportions. Each chair features a small, round seat, charmingly counterbalanced by wide back panels. A black lacquer...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese Qing Dynasty Scholar's Rootwood Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible 18th/19th century Chinese Qing Dynasty Scholar's rootwood stool of wabi-sabi form with naturally formed legs, and a patina only hundreds o...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Rosewood Qing Style Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exceptional pair of Chinese carved rosewood chairs made in the Qing style featuring fantastic radiant grain rosewood free of carved deco...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Rosewood
Provincial Chinese Roundback Chair, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Prior to the 10th century, Chinese society eschewed raised seats in favor of mats. The rising popularity of chairs and other forms of elevated seating led craftsmen to adapt traditional cabinetry and architecture techniques to the human body. In the case of this Yuanyi, or round chair, the flowing crestrail is a direct descendant of the simple armrests that had traditionally supported individuals on mats in their homes. This homage to an ancestral form, combined with traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery techniques, created an elegant, functional chair that has endured for centuries and inspired many contemporary furniture designers...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Tall Back Porch Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
Unusual for its small scale, this pair of 19th century tall back chairs are diminutive updates on the classic yoke-back armchair popular since the Song dynasty. Also referred to as o...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Reed, Elm, Lacquer
Pair of Qing Dynasty Lacquered Horseshoe Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Striking pair of black lacquered horseshoe armchairs from the late Qing dynasty period Shandong province China. Decorative carvings on backsplat and apron with a beautiful worn lacqu...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Late 19th-Early 20th Century Chinese Horseshoe Back Armchair
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A primitive 19th century elm horseshoe back armchair. This classical Chinese armchair has good proportions and a nice patina. The original black lacquer is softly faded and crackled....
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese 19th Century Dengguayi Scholar's Lamp-Hanger Armchair with Sinuous Splat
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese antique Qing dynasty scholar's lamp-hanger armchair from the late 19th century, with sinuous pierced splat, dark patina, curving arms and side stretchers. This exquisite Ch...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Low Back Armchairs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These exquisitely carved, low-back armchairs are utterly unique in silhouette and decoration. Constructed in the Taishiyi style, an ancient design intended for imperial palaces, the ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese Roundback Chair, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Prior to the 10th century, Chinese society eschewed raised seats in favor of mats. The rising popularity of chairs and other forms of elevated seating led craftsmen to adapt traditional cabinetry and architecture techniques to the human body. In the case of this Yuanyi, or round chair, the flowing crestrail is a direct descendant of the simple armrests that had traditionally supported individuals on mats in their homes. This homage to an ancestral form, combined with traditional mortise-and-Tenon joinery techniques, created an elegant, functional chair that has endured for centuries and inspired many contemporary furniture designers...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Willow
Pair of Antique Chinese Chippendale Rosewood Armchairs, Qing Dynasty, circa 1900
Located in Portland, OR
Pair of antique Chinese Chippendale rosewood armchairs, Qing Dynasty, circa 1900. The chairs having splat backs that are pierced and carved, the arms supported by a single rail. The ...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Rosewood
Very Rare Original Liberty's London Signed Qing Dynasty Chair Floral Carving
Located in GB
We are delighted to this stunning and exceptionally rare original Liberty’s London signed Qing dynasty chair
I have never seen one of these chair...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty Bamboo Chairs with Calligraphy
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Chinese bamboo chairs each with inset rectangular panel with calligraphy lettering, China, 1860-1880.
Original condition with a rich, wa...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Bamboo
Pair of Chinese Lotus Stools, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Deceptively simple, these early 20th century stools from Hebei province show off the ingenious joinery methods traditionally used by Chinese carpenters. The stool's three splayed leg...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Iron Clad Benches, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of late 19th century benches are designed in a traditional style that dates back as far as the Song dynasty (690 to 1279 CE). The corner leg benches have floating panel top...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Iron
Pair of Chinese Architetural Armchairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of architectural armchairs in original untouched condition. These chairs have a distinctive profile with wonderful lines. Original burgundy lacquer.
From Jiangsu Province, Chin...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Chinese Bamboo Armchair
Located in Kastrup, DK
19th century Chinese bamboo armchair with a plain flat wooden seat.
China, circa 1840.
Good quality and craftsmanship.
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
Antique Chinese Red Lacquered Folding Traveller’s Chair with Footrest and Fabric
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period red lacquered folding traveller’s chair from the early 20th century, with carved motifs, footrest and woven fabric. This early 20th-century antique...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Chinese Bamboo Armchair
Located in Pasadena, CA
19th century Chinese bamboo chair with a black seat.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Bamboo
Chinese Qing Dynasty Rosewood and Marble Armchair, 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very fine 19th century Chinese Qing dynasty solid rosewood armchair or lounge chair with marble seat.
Distinguished by a hand-carved pierced back ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Marble
Rustic Chinese Provincial Elm Wood Bench
Located in Sheffield, MA
The elegantly simple 19th century elmwood bench has the clean restraint of Classic Chinese Minimalist forms,
Elegantly simple in design from China's Zhejiang province celebrates the...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Official's Hat Armchair, Late 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
A classic Minister's hat armchair from Henan, China. Northern elm wood, original finish, circa 1890. Open hand-carving of "Good Fortune" on back-splat. Tw...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese Generous Square Stool with Cane Seat, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Lightweight and portable, stools were popular in Qing dynasty homes for their simplicity and convenience. This elegantly proportioned stool features an inset handwoven seat, providin...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Cane, Elm
Chinese Provincial Round Back Chair, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Prior to the 10th century, Chinese society eschewed raised seats in favour of mats. The rising popularity of chairs and other forms of elevated seating led craftsmen to adapt traditional cabinetry and architecture techniques to the human body. In the case of this Yuanyi, or round chair, the flowing crest rail is a direct descendant of the simple armrests that had traditionally supported individuals on mats in their homes. This homage to an ancestral form, combined with traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery techniques, created an elegant, functional chair that has endured for centuries and inspired many contemporary furniture designers...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Yoke Back Armchairs with Rattan Seats
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty yoke back armchairs from the 19th century, with carved splats, brown patina, serpentine arms and side stretchers. Born in China during the Qing Dynasty...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Official's Hat Chairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
19th century Chinese Official chair.
Elmwood, original red and black lacquer.
Back splat with vague remains of decorations (natural wear and tea...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Yokeback Chairs, c. 1750
Located in Chicago, IL
In the West, this type of chair is commonly called a "yokeback" chair because its top rail looks like a yoke for an ox. However, in China, the name translates to "lamp hanger" chair, describing how the form as a whole looks like an ancient oil lamp stand...
Category
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese Floral Melon Shape Limestone Drum, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This drum form was hand carved from a solid piece of limestone in China’s Shanxi Province. Its melon shape is an ancient Chinese symbol of fertility and...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Stainless Steel Armchairs, Contemporary
Located in New York, NY
A stainless steel armchair, hand-crafted in China. Contemporary.
Forged in the classic Qing style, and reinvented in modern fashion. Unique and eye-catching. Pristine condition. Th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
Important Pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty Huang Huali Armchairs
Located in London, by appointment only
A rare pair of late 18th century Chinese Huang Huali armchairs with yoke backs terminating in scrolls and supported by splats and columns, centered around ...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Red Lacquer Benches
Located in Greenwich, CT
Red lacquer benches with pierce carvings design with straight legs. Selling single bench $2400 or a pair of bench $4800.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Lacquered Bench with Splayed Legs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
In most Qing dynasty homes, stools and chairs were the only form of elevated seating, and a bench such as this would have been found at a temple or public theater. This 19th century walnut bench has splayed legs linked by straight double stretchers and topped by finely beaded carved spandrels. Sourced from China’s Shanxi region, walnut was a prized material for Qing dynasty furniture...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Chinese Merchant's Armchairs with Burlwood Inlay, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of unusual 19th century armchairs likely once belonged to a prosperous merchant, as evidenced by the brass coin slot on each seat. Presiding over valuables stored in the tw...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Burl, Elm
Pair of Chinese Walnut Spindleback Chairs, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of early 20th century walnut chairs owes its graceful design to the styles and techniques that emerged during the Ming dynasty, the golden age of Chinese furniture design. The clean lines of the spindleback form are interrupted by carved aprons on each chair's front, ornately cusped to resemble Ming-dynasty waisted stools. With a low back and gently tapered legs, these versatile, lightweight...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Chinese Official Hat Chair
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 19th century Chinese Officials Hat Chairs. Dramatic details include yoke back splat, carved spandrels to upper backrest corners and armre...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Jia Zhen and Beech Half Stools, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Pushed together, this pair of rectangular stools forms a square, hence the name “half stools.” Crafted of Jia Zhen and beech wood and finished with many coats of hand-applied lacquer...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood, Beech
Chinese Luohan Bed with Stepped Railing, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Prior to the 10th century, Chinese society eschewed raised seats in favor of mats. The rising popularity of chairs and other forms of elevated seating led craftsmen to adapt traditional cabinetry techniques to create the versatile luohan bed...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Southern Administrator's Chairs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of 19th century elmwood administrator's chairs are from northern China and feature arching back splats hand carved with traditional motifs including peonies, sparrows, and ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Provincial Chinese Elmwood Bench, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
During the Qing dynasty, long benches such as this were used as shared seating and were often found in public spaces like temples, theaters, or courtyards. Crafted in China's Shanxi province over 150 years ago, this low bench has a timeless form that highlights the organic beauty of northern elmwood (yumu). We love this traditional bench...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
19th Century Chinese Bent Bamboo Daybed
Located in Chicago, IL
Made of bent bamboo, this southern Chinese daybed was likely the most popular piece of furniture in house. Lightweight and portable, the platform bed trave...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Bamboo
Low Chinese Kang Table with Woven Top, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This handsome table is a prime example of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. The frame of the beautifully worn top is lined with a finely woven mat, carved clouds...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Reed, Elm
Low Chinese Bentwood Chair, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This bentwood chair was created over a century ago in northern China by moistening, bending, and heating willow to form its desired shape. It is beautifully carved with auspicious flowers and is considerably smaller than most roundback chairs. As the height and size of chairs were traditionally marks of status in Chinese culture, it is likely that this artful chair...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese Dragon Scale Stool, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century stool from Beijing, China was crafted from a fine hardwood with beautiful warm coloring and tight grain. Intricate carvings cover the stool's frame, patternin...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Pair of Chinese Rattan Top Black Lacquer Stools
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of 19th century black lacquer stools was created by an artisan from northern China using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery techniques...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Rattan, Elm
Chinese Woven Top Fang Deng Stool, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
The fang deng, or square stool, form was popular for its simplicity and utility in the home. The simple legs, stacked edging, sinuous braces, and rattan top make this a particularly ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Rattan, Elm
Chinese Limestone Foot Rest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century foot rest from China's Shanxi province is simply designed with a rounded body and four square feet. Hand carved of limestone, the footstool is patterned with rhythmic etchings and adorned on the ends with an eight-sided star, a symbolic depiction of the universe. It was believed that the Sky Emperor T'ai-Yi, a deification of primordial unity, resided at the top point of this star and ruled over all eight divisions of Heaven. Unlike wooden footstools that would have been placed before chairs or daybeds as a signal of status, this limestone foot rest was likely used in a garden before a drum seat...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Black Guanmaoyi Chair, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
With its strong lines and upright stature, this imposing piece of furniture was the chair of choice for a 19th-century administrator in northern China. Made of northern elmwood, the ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Chinese Woven Top Daybed with Scrolled Feet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th century monumental elmwood daybed from China's Shanxi province features an outward-curving apron with cusped edges and a tightly-woven rattan top. The daybed's abbreviated ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Rattan, Elm
Pair of Chinese Spindleback Armchairs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These 19th century spindleback armchairs owe their graceful design to the styles and techniques that emerged during the Ming dynasty, the golden a...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Chinese Rose Chairs with Quatrefoil Cutouts, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
For many years, rose chairs were thought to have been exclusively used by women due to their floral name. However, they were a universal form of seating, typically used for writing d...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Chinese Provincial Bentform Chairs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These 19th century cypress chairs with gently curved crest rails and undulating aprons were created by the age-old process of soaking, bending, and heating the wood to form it into t...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Cypress
Chinese Turn Stool, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
It is unusual to see an early 20th-century Chinese round stool designed to be adjustable. The artisan who created this inventive stool hand-carved the cylindrical center post for eas...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
19th Century, Chinese Provincial Fan Shaped Stool
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Chinese carved wooden stool with a fan shaped seat. Features splayed legs with stretchers on each side and a carved apron on the front. Constructed with old world mortise and tenon j...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
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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