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.
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...
Elm
Antique Chinese Rustic Wood Bench with Carved Openwork Back
Located in Yonkers, NY
This antique Chinese wooden bench features a richly weathered surface and sculptural silhouette that give it a strong architectural presence. Crafted with a slatted seat and elevated...
Wood
Chinese Lacquered Scroll Foot Bench, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This antique Chinese bench was a versatile seat in the Qing-dynasty home, whether placed beside the table for meals or pulled into the courtyard for hot summer nights. Dated to the m...
Elm
19th Century Chinese Elm Bench Long Provincial Wooden Bench with Rich Patina
Located in IT
A beautifully proportioned 19th century Chinese elm bench, showcasing the understated elegance and practical craftsmanship of traditional Northern Chinese provincial furniture. Craft...
Elm
Long Chinese Qing Bench in Elm, Shanxi, circa 1800
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
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 ...
Elm
19th Century Chinese Walnut Bench Rustic Provincial Elmwood Style Seating
Located in IT
A beautifully understated 19th century Chinese walnut bench, showcasing the honest craftsmanship and timeless simplicity of traditional Northern Chinese provincial furniture. Crafted...
Walnut
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...
Wood
Chinese Wrapped Apron Courtyard Bench, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This antique Chinese bench was a versatile seat in the Qing-dynasty (1644-1911) home, whether placed beside the table for meals or pulled into the courtyard for hot summer nights.Dat...
Elm
Chinese Wrapped Apron Courtyard Bench, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This antique Chinese bench was a versatile seat in the Qing-dynasty (1644-1911) home, whether placed beside the table for meals or pulled into the courtyard for hot summer nights.Dat...
Elm
Provincial Chinese Melon Flower Bench, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This rustic bench from China's Shanxi province follows the classic recessed-leg form, defined by its inset legs, overhung top and simple stretcher bars. Crafted of elm with mortise-a...
Elm
Chinese Lacquered Scroll Foot Bench, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This antique Chinese bench was a versatile seat in the Qing-dynasty home, whether placed beside the table for meals or pulled into the courtyard for hot summer nights. Dated to the m...
Elm
19th C. Chinese Qing Style Chinese Barber Stool/Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Style Chinese Barber Stool/Bench A 19th Century barber stool/benches from Shanxi province, China. stool has 3 small drawers in the front and a hidden ...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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...
Walnut
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...
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...
Elm
Rustic Painted Hoop Back Bench
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Windsor style rustic painted hoop back bench with a triple arched back with turned slats and arms and turned uprights, the shaped seat above turned s...
Wood
$4,600 / item
H 18.12 in W 95.67 in D 12.6 in
Sculptural Teak Wood Long Bench Stunning Wood Textures, Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This solid teak wood bench is a stunning fusion of history and craftsmanship. The seat, meticulously carved from an old beam of a traditional Java house, carries with it a rich story...
Teak
Rustic Bench, 19th Century, Spain
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Late 19th Century Rustic Spanish Pyreneese Mountains Wooden Bench. Made with wood. Very decorative piece. CONDITION: Very good vintage condition. DIMENSIONS: Height: ...
Wood
$6,325
H 72.25 in W 46.25 in D 22 in
Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Red Lacquer Cabinet with Gold Chinoiseries
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period original red lacquer cabinet from the 19th century, with gilt Chinoiserie décor. Created in China during the...
Brass
Mid-19th Century Red Lacquered Sideboard from Shanxi, China
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese 19th century sideboard cabinet with orginal lacquer. Front and top with deep dark red lacquer, sides with black lacquer. Features double bi-fold doors revealing a storage...
Brass
Black Marble Column Pedestal with White Veining and Stepped Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A black marble column shaped pedestal with white veining and stepped base. This black marble column-shaped pedestal is a striking piece that combines the grandeur of classical design with the sleek elegance of modern aesthetics. The deep, rich black marble is laced with discreet white veining, creating a dramatic and luxurious appearance. The column's silhouette is both stately and refined, and rises to meet the stepped base, which adds a sense of architectural solidity and grace. The pedestal's surface and finish are smooth, reflecting light and adding a subtle luster that enhances its luxurious feel. The white veining is not just a detail but a natural artwork...
Marble
$2,248Sale Price|20% Off
H 47.84 in W 30.71 in D 14.97 in
Small Chinese Black Lacquered Wardrobe 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Pretty XIXth century Chinese wardrobe in black lacquered wood decorated with court scenes, opening with two doors. The interior has a shelf with two drawers decorated with golden plant motifs, the handles of the drawers are decorated with burnt perfume vases.
Wood
Vintage Chinese Black Lacquered Wood Pedestal
Located in Doylestown, PA
Chinese black lacquered cylindrical wood pedestal, 1960s. Exquisite pedestal with a scene depicting elegant ladies in a pavilion garden with birds, architecture and trees. A picture...
Wood, Lacquer
$6,675
H 71 in W 50 in D 22 in
Chinese Red Lacquered Qing Dynasty 19th Century Cabinet with Chinoiserie Décor
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period red lacquered cabinet from the 19th century, with chinoiserie décor. Created in China during the Qing dynasty, this cabinet captures our attention with ...
Wood
$4,740
H 74.81 in W 40.95 in D 19.3 in
Chinese Lacquered Medecinchest, Second Quarter of the 19th Century
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese lacquered apothecary, circa 1820-1840. 77 drawers each with Chinese script for, herbs, minerals and natural remedies. Original restored lacquer with a wonderful warm color...
Elm
$1,873
H 17.72 in W 29.53 in D 11.82 in
Rustic Hand-Carved Wood Bench with Organic Free-Form Top, 1940s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
This bench was hand-carved from a single thick slab of dark hardwood in the 1940s, reflecting the wabi-sabi sensibility that favors irregular, organic forms over strict symmetry. The...
Wood
French Art Deco Pedestal Side Table with Stepped Base, circa 1930's
Located in Beirut, LB
The table features a circular top showcasing a stunning book-matched walnut veneer, where the natural grain is mirrored to create a "butterfly" or diamond-shaped pattern. The top is ...
Wood
Antique Chinese Woven Top Jichimu Daybed, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This antique Chinese daybed dates to the mid-19th century and features a woven bamboo top and a beautiful frame of chicken-wing wood (jichimu), ...
Bamboo, Hardwood
Sold
H 10.24 in W 39.77 in D 7.49 in
Antique Qing Dynasty Elm Bench, Red Lacquer, Early 19th Century, China
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Petit banc chinois du début du 19ème siècle en orme laqué rouge. Bien que conçu comme un banc, ce type de mobilier pouvait être utilisé comme table de dévotion ou table basse.
Wood, Elm
Chinese Burgundy Lacquer Bench, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This two-person bench from the late 19th century would have been used as everday seating indoors and out, placed beside a square table during meals and pulled into the courtyard to r...
Elm
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...
Wood
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 ...
Elm
Sold
H 20 in W 72 in D 14 in
20th Century Chinese Elm Bench – Rustic Solid Wood with Minimalist Design
Located in 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...
Elm
Sold
H 18.75 in W 74.75 in D 16.75 in
19th Century Chinese Walnut Bench Rustic Minimalist Solid Wood Seating
Located in 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...
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...
Iron
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...
Iron
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...
Elm
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...
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...
Pine