Qing Chairs
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 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 Chairs
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
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 Chairs
Materials
Rosewood
Pair of Low Back Side Chairs or Meiguiyi, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
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 Chairs
Materials
Hardwood
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 Chairs
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 Chairs
Materials
Brass
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 Chairs
Materials
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 Chairs
Materials
Wood
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 Chairs
Materials
Wood
Chinese Slatted Turn Chair, C. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusual early 20th-century chair can be raised or lowered with just a turn of the seat. A chair in two parts, the slatted seat and high back are connected to the square base by ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Chairs
Materials
Iron
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 Chairs
Materials
Elm
Chinese Red Lacquer 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 traditio...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Chairs
Materials
Elm
Asian Official Hat Chair
Located in Greenwich, CT
Asian official hat chair. very nice detail and very interesting chair.
Some landscape gilt design on the spandrel.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Chairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Low Back Official's Chairs, C. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of elegant 19th-century elm wood chairs embody Ming-dynasty design with simple form yet complex construction. The chairs are an unusual blend of traditional tall yoke-back ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Low Chinese Roundback Chairs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of elmwood roundback armchairs was made over a hundred and fifty years ago in China’s Shanxi province. Touched by the personal aesthetic s...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Chairs
Materials
Elm
Antique Chinese Qing Hongmu Wood Wedding Low Chair
Located in Forney, TX
A Qing dynasty (1644–1912) Chinese ox blood red lacquered parcel gilt carved Hongmu wood wedding chair.
Unusual form featuring a concealed storage drawe...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Chairs
Materials
Cane, Wood
Pair of Chinese Lacquered Tall Back Chairs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
With clean lines and balanced proportions, these 19th-century tall back chairs exemplify the refined forms of Ming-dynasty furniture design. The chairs are designed after the 'southe...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Chairs
Materials
Elm
Chinese Lacquered 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 traditio...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Chairs
Materials
Elm
Red Lacquer Child's Chair
Located in Greenwich, CT
Red lacquer child's chair with fine pierce carving and single drawer on the side.
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Qing Chairs
Materials
Lacquer
Pair of Qing Dynasty Elm Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Chinese Qing dynasty chairs in light Elm. Mid 19th century construction featuring mortise and tenon joinery and wooden nails. Elegant craftsmanship ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Chairs
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Spindleback Side Chairs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These 19th-century elmwood chairs owe their graceful design to the refined styles and carpentry techniques that emerged during the Ming dynasty, the golden age of Chinese furniture d...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Chairs
Materials
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 Chairs
Materials
Elm
Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Elm Armchair with Carved Traditional Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period carved wooden lacquered elmwood armchair from the 19th century, with traditional auspicious motifs. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this elm armchair features a straight, slightly in-curving back showcasing a splat carved with traditional motifs such as calligraphy, scholar's objects and foliage. Two curving arms come to rest on the wooden seat with recessed panel while the ensemble is raised on four straight legs connected to one another through aprons carved on three sides. Boasting a nice patina, this 19th century Chinese Qing Dynasty elm...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Chairs
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 Chairs
Materials
Elm
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 Chairs
Materials
Wood
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 Chairs
Materials
Willow
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 Chairs
Materials
Reed, Elm, Lacquer
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 Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
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 Chairs
Materials
Walnut
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 Chairs
Materials
Elm
Pair of Qing Dynasty Hongmu Armchairs
Located in London, GB
This pair of carved Chinese hongmu or rosewood armchairs date from the late Qing Dynasty, and combine extravagance and opulence with style and refinement. They are adorned with mytho...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Chairs
Materials
Rosewood
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 Chairs
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
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 Chairs
Materials
Cypress
Qing chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing chairs 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 chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing chairs made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original chairs, 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $400 and tops out at $22,297 while the average work can sell for $2,250.
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