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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
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

19th Century Bench
19th Century Bench

19th Century Bench

Storage Bench, China 19'th Ctr
Located in Kastrup, DK
Artistic storage bench, naive 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

Storage Bench, China 19'th Ctr
Storage Bench, China 19'th Ctr

Storage Bench, China 19'th Ctr

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 Benches

Materials

Elm

19th Century Chinese Two Person Elm Bench
19th Century Chinese Two Person Elm Bench

19th Century Chinese Two Person Elm Bench

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

Chinese Cloud Pattern Long Bench, Qing Dynasty
Chinese Cloud Pattern Long Bench, Qing Dynasty

Chinese Cloud Pattern Long Bench, Qing Dynasty

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 Lacquered Theater Bench with Dragon Carvings, c. 1850
Chinese Lacquered Theater Bench with Dragon Carvings, c. 1850

Chinese Lacquered Theater Bench with Dragon Carvings, c. 1850

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 Benches

Materials

Elm

19th Century Chinese Bench
19th Century Chinese Bench

19th Century Chinese Bench

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

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

Pair of Chinese Round Leg Courtyard Benches, circa 1900
Pair of Chinese Round Leg Courtyard Benches, circa 1900

Pair of Chinese Round Leg Courtyard Benches, circa 1900

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

Chinese Lacquered Bench with Splayed Legs, c. 1850
Chinese Lacquered Bench with Splayed Legs, c. 1850

Chinese Lacquered Bench with Splayed Legs, c. 1850

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

Red Lacquer Benches

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 Benches

Materials

Iron

Pair of Chinese Iron Clad Benches, circa 1900
Pair of Chinese Iron Clad Benches, circa 1900

Pair of Chinese Iron Clad Benches, circa 1900

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

Rustic Chinese Provincial Elm Wood Bench
Rustic Chinese Provincial Elm Wood Bench

Rustic Chinese Provincial Elm Wood Bench

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

Provincial Chinese Elmwood Bench, c. 1850
Provincial Chinese Elmwood Bench, c. 1850

Provincial Chinese Elmwood Bench, c. 1850

Early 19th Century Chinese Elm Table
Located in Pasadena, 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

Early 19th Century Chinese Elm Table
Early 19th Century Chinese Elm Table

Early 19th Century Chinese Elm Table

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

Long Chinese Qing Bench in Elm, Shanxi, circa 1800
Long Chinese Qing Bench in Elm, Shanxi, circa 1800

Long Chinese Qing Bench in Elm, Shanxi, circa 1800

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

Chinese Two Person Bench, c. 1800

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No Reserve
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H 25.6 in W 42.13 in D 18.51 in
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Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
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Category

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Mid century modern french wood bench
Mid century modern french wood bench

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No Reserve
H 19.3 in W 57.09 in D 8.67 in
19th Century Elm Chinese Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Old wide Elm bench with framed seat. Pretty detailed carved apron. Rustic and elegant. Sturdy and functional.
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19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

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Elm

19th Century Elm Chinese Bench
19th Century Elm Chinese Bench

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H 19.75 in W 80.5 in D 20.5 in
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Antique Cedar Wood Storage Bench Chest

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H 18 in W 36 in D 16.75 in
Antique Jacobean Style Oak Hall Bench
Located in Sheffield, MA
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Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Qing Benches

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Oak

Antique Jacobean Style Oak Hall Bench
Antique Jacobean Style Oak Hall Bench

Antique Jacobean Style Oak Hall Bench

H 36 in W 59 in D 20 in
19th Century Rustic Bench
Located in Pomona, CA
19th-century European rustic bench with storage.
Category

1850s European Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Wood

19th Century Rustic Bench
19th Century Rustic Bench

19th Century Rustic Bench

H 38 in W 71 in D 20 in
Previously Available Items
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

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

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Elm

Early 20th Century Chinese Elmwood Bench
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

Rustic Antique Chinese Elm Bench Jiangsu Province, circa 1900
Rustic Antique Chinese Elm Bench Jiangsu Province, circa 1900

Rustic Antique Chinese Elm Bench Jiangsu Province, circa 1900

H 19.3 in W 46.86 in D 7.88 in
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...
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Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

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Elm

Coffee Table / Bench in Original Lacquer. c 1860-1880
Coffee Table / Bench in Original Lacquer. c 1860-1880

Coffee Table / Bench in Original Lacquer. c 1860-1880

H 19.3 in W 73.63 in D 18.51 in
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

Chinese Elm Wood Three Person Long Bench, Qing Dynasty
Chinese Elm Wood Three Person Long Bench, Qing Dynasty

Chinese Elm Wood Three Person Long Bench, Qing Dynasty

H 20.48 in W 83.47 in D 13 in
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, Rattan, Lacquer

Antique Chinese Rattan Top & Wooden Long Bench, Qing Dynasty
Antique Chinese Rattan Top & Wooden Long Bench, Qing Dynasty

Antique Chinese Rattan Top & Wooden Long Bench, Qing Dynasty

H 18.12 in W 64.97 in D 14.97 in
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Bench
Located in Singapore, SG
An early 20th century carved bench from Chaozhou city, Guangdong province, China. This was originally the base of a daybed, however the rest of the bed was damaged or missing. The front carving and some parts of the framework were still in good condition, and hence they were salvaged and restored and modified to a smaller size, and now can be used as a bench or a low console. As with many pieces from Chaozhou, the carvings are very dramatic, 3-dimensional and detailed, and this one is no exception. It is decorated with many different flowers & fruits in vessels of various shapes and displayed on curio stands...
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Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Benches

Materials

Elm, Fir

Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Bench
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Bench

Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Bench

H 16.74 in W 78.35 in D 23.63 in
Qing Dynasty Rustic Elm Wood Low Bench
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Elmwood bench dating to the early 20th Century is both elegant and minimalist. It originates from China's Zhejiang Province and was hand-crafted using exclusively wooden joints ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Benches

Materials

Elm, Wood

Qing Dynasty Rustic Elm Wood Low Bench
Qing Dynasty Rustic Elm Wood Low Bench

Qing Dynasty Rustic Elm Wood Low Bench

H 10.24 in W 40.56 in D 5.52 in
Chinese Hardwood Spindleback Bench, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the early 20th century, this elegant two-person bench is an unusually wide variation of the traditional low-back armchair, also known as a rose chair. Considered an informal...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Benches

Materials

Reed, Hardwood

Chinese Hardwood Spindleback Bench, c. 1900
Chinese Hardwood Spindleback Bench, c. 1900

Chinese Hardwood Spindleback Bench, c. 1900

H 37.5 in W 42.5 in D 20.5 in
Chinese Four Door Coffer Bench, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This unusual elmwood bench began its life in northern China as a large cabinet for general household storage. Crafted of northern elm (yumu), the four-door coffer has a traditional design featuring a floating-panel top, mortise-and-tenon joinery, and round brass hardware. Stepped railings...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

Chinese Four Door Coffer Bench, c. 1900
Chinese Four Door Coffer Bench, c. 1900

Chinese Four Door Coffer Bench, c. 1900

H 27 in W 68 in D 19 in
Chinese Seven Drawer Kang Cabinet, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This low seven-drawer chest dates to the late 19th century and is crafted of northern elm (yumu) using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery methods. The low cabinet features seven d...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

Chinese Seven Drawer Kang Cabinet, c. 1850
Chinese Seven Drawer Kang Cabinet, c. 1850

Chinese Seven Drawer Kang Cabinet, c. 1850

H 17.5 in W 46 in D 13.75 in
Pair of Late 19th Century Elm Wood Bench
Located in Singapore, SG
A pair of late 19th century Elm wood bench from Zhejiang, China. These benches have beautiful apron designs and details on the splayed legs. The seat top is made of a solid thick pie...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Benches

Materials

Elm

Pair of Late 19th Century Elm Wood Bench
Pair of Late 19th Century Elm Wood Bench

Pair of Late 19th Century Elm Wood Bench

H 20.87 in W 51.58 in D 11.82 in

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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