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Qing Benches

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 Slatted Back Bench, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This charming bench from the early 20th century comfortably seats three and combines the proportions of Western furniture with the decorative opulence of Qing-dynasty designs. Crafte...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Benches

Materials

Wood

Chinese Round Leg Courtyard Bench, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th-century elmwood bench would have originally resided in the courtyard of a Qing-dynasty home to provide much-needed outdoor seating on hot summer days. The bench is de...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

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 Benches

Materials

Elm

Storage Bench Decorated with Elephants
Located in Kastrup, DK
Artistic storage bench, naïve and charming in its design. Shape of elephants in amber lacquer between elephants, at the end decorated with vases and flow...
Category

Mid-19th Century Asian Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Wood

Chinese Cloud Pattern Long Bench, Qing Dynasty
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Chinese cloud pattern long Bench from the Qing Dynasty features wonderfully carved cloud spandrels, straight legs with double stretchers and a solid top. It features a more than...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

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 Benches

Materials

Elm

Chinese Orchid Flower Splayed Leg Bench, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant bench from China's Shanxi province follows the classic recessed-leg form, defined by legs that are inset from the top edge and slightly splayed for stability. Crafted of...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

20th Century Chinese Elm Bench – Rustic Solid Wood with Minimalist Design
Located in Milano, IT
This 20th-century Chinese elm bench embodies a rustic, minimalist design that showcases the natural beauty of solid elm wood. With its earthy tones and distinctive grain patterns, th...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

Chinese Double Moon Step Bench, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A low daybed step from the mid-19th century, featuring an elongated plank top with rounded ends and short splayed legs linked with straight stretchers. Crafted with mortise-and-tenon...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

Long Chinese Qing Bench in Elm, Shanxi, circa 1800
Located in Miami, FL
From the Shanxi province in China, an exceptionally beautiful and long bench in elm wood with paneled concave back and pierced carvings between rails and ...
Category

1790s Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

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 Benches

Materials

Walnut

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 Benches

Materials

Lacquer

Red Lacquer Benches
Red Lacquer Benches
$2,400 / item
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 Benches

Materials

Elm

Chinese Iron Clad Two Person Bench, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th-century bench is 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 tops, straight...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Iron

Early 19th Century Chinese Elm Table
Located in San Marino, CA
A “one of a kind” kang table - otherwise known as either a low table or a chair-level bed- with solid elmwood tabletop and plum feet. The table is originally from Shanxi, China.
Category

Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

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Lego Bench with a Storage Slot, Black
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21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Qing Benches

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Andrianna Shamaris Charred Teak Wood Log Bench or Coffee Table
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Reclaimed solid teak wood log bench or coffee table. Burnt, sanded and sealed leaving the grain of the wood exposed. The Triple Burnt Collection represents a unique line of modern...
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2010s Qing Benches

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Antique Cedar Wood Storage Bench Chest
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Antique cedar wood storage bench chest We can’t say enough nice things about this piece Beautiful wood grain with natural oil & wax finish Newly recond...
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Early 20th Century Qing Benches

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Cedar

Antique Cedar Wood Storage Bench Chest
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$1,750
H 18 in W 36 in D 16.75 in
Chinese Carved Wood Long Bench
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An elaborate and finely carved bench in a pleasing Chestnut tone wood. Scrolled crest rail ends and arm ends. With four carved panels on the back with floral and fruit vines. A reeded skirt rail and with a shaped and carved running band of leafy vines. Innner sides carved with complimentary leafy motifs. The reeded back frame with square supports. The Bench is quite sturdy and surprisingly comfortable. L. 75", Depth 21", H. 33 1/2" Condition: Please see all detail photos. Signs of age include scrapes on the left arm end, repair to right arm end, stable age crack to left-side facing seat...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Qing Benches

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Chinese Carved Wood Long Bench
Chinese Carved Wood Long Bench
$1,950
H 33.5 in W 75 in D 21 in
Teak Bench Hand-Carved from Madura Island, Java, Indonesia c. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This hand-carved teak wood bench originates from the Island of Madura, off the coast of Northeastern Java. It features a wonderful curved shape with angular legs. The seat was carved...
Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Qing Benches

Materials

Wood, Teak

Teak Bench Hand-Carved from Madura Island, Java, Indonesia c. 1900
Teak Bench Hand-Carved from Madura Island, Java, Indonesia c. 1900
$2,400 Sale Price
20% Off
H 14.97 in W 66.93 in D 20.48 in
19th Century Mahogany Bench
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant 19th century mahogany bench from England covered with charming fabric in the chesterfield buttoned style lovely unusual bench since it is smal...
Category

19th Century British Antique Qing Benches

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19th Century Mahogany Bench
19th Century Mahogany Bench
$1,514
H 18.9 in W 34.26 in D 18.9 in
Antique Rustic Italian Walnut Wood Chest Window Seat Bench
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful antique Italian rustic traditional chest banquette, window seat or bench with opening top and the typical carved legs. The piece is in solid Italian walnut wood with great ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Wood

Antique 19th Century Chinese Elm Coffee Table Rustic Provincial, Original Finish
Located in Milano, IT
This 19th-century Chinese coffee table is a stunning example of Chinese Provincial craftsmanship, made from solid elm wood with an original, time-worn finish. Its simple rectangular ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

Antique Jacobean Style Oak Hall Bench
Located in Sheffield, MA
Simple yet stately, this classic Jacobean style English oak carved settle bench is what the English calls a wooden bench that has arms and a high back, l...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Oak

Antique Jacobean Style Oak Hall Bench
Antique Jacobean Style Oak Hall Bench
$3,500
H 36 in W 59 in D 20 in
Lane Cedar Lined Cherry Upholstered Storage Bench Blanket Chest
Located in Germantown, MD
A Lane Altavista Cedar Lined Cherry upholstered seat storage bench or blanket chest in good vintage condition. Panelized front with two faux drawers mounte...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Qing Benches

Materials

Brass

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 Benches

Materials

Walnut

Previously Available Items
Chinese Ruyi Scroll Bench, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
With no stretchers or spandrels, this low table flows like a ribbon, rounding the bend to form waterfall legs with openwork carvings. Known as a scroll table, this kind of low table ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

Chinese Ruyi Scroll Bench, c. 1850
Chinese Ruyi Scroll Bench, c. 1850
H 18 in W 50 in D 10.75 in
19th Century Chinese Walnut Bench Rustic Minimalist Solid Wood Seating
Located in Milano, IT
This 19th-century Chinese walnut bench is a timeless piece of furniture, showcasing the natural beauty of solid walnut with rich, warm tones and a beautifully aged patina. Its minimalist design emphasizes traditional Chinese craftsmanship, with sturdy construction that offers both function and aesthetic appeal. Ideal as an entryway seat...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Walnut

Chinese Iron Clad Two Person Bench, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th-century bench is 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 tops, straight...
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Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Iron

Large Rustic 17th-18th Century Chinese Pine Bench
Located in Kastrup, DK
17th-18th century Chinese pine bench with great patina. Seat made from a single piece of 9 cm thick wood. Carefully restored to preserve its cool rustic look, with a raw finish given...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Pine

Chinese Two Person Bench, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 19th-century bench would have originally resided in the courtyard of a Qing-dynasty home to provide much-needed outdoor seating on hot summer days. The bench is designed i...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Pine

Chinese Two Person Bench, c. 1800
Chinese Two Person Bench, c. 1800
H 20 in W 41.75 in D 10.5 in
Early 20th Century Chinese Elmwood Bench
Located in Singapore, SG
A recessed leg long bench with carved cloud spandrels, from Shanxi province. Its round legs are slightly tapered and they have a diameter of approx. 5.4cm. There are double stretcher...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

Early 20th Century Chinese Elmwood Bench
Early 20th Century Chinese Elmwood Bench
H 21.26 in W 82.29 in D 13.39 in
Rustic Antique Chinese Elm Bench Jiangsu Province, circa 1900
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning Qing antique Rustic Chinese Elm bench from Jiangsu Province circa in the 1900s. A classic two-person bench, carved of the elm spec...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

Coffee Table / Bench in Original Lacquer. c 1860-1880
Located in Kastrup, DK
Coffee table / bench in original yellow lacquer. Naturally good patina highlighted by a clear varnish surface finish. From Shanxi Province China 1860 -1880. Suitable for coffee table, behind sofa...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

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

Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

19th Century Chinese Bench
19th Century Chinese Bench
H 20.87 in W 72.84 in D 20.87 in
Chinese Lacquered Theater Bench with Dragon Carvings, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Wide enough to seat three to four people, this ornate bench was likely made as shared seating for live performances, such as operas, plays, and ceremonies...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

Chinese Elm Wood Three Person Long Bench, Qing Dynasty
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Chinese long bench from the Qing Dynasty was crafted from elmwood & features straight legs with double stretchers and a solid top. It features ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Antique Chinese Rattan Top & Wooden Long Bench, Qing Dynasty
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Chinese long Bench from the Qing Dynasty features wonderfully round legs and vertical supports. It features a wonderfully elongated shape and l...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Benches

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Rattan

Qing benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Qing benches 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 benches 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, elm and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing benches 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,330 and tops out at $9,950 while the average work can sell for $3,240.

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