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.
Set of Four Late Qing Dynasty Elm Dark Patina Scholar's Ceremonial Side Chairs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A set of four late Qing Dynasty period elmwood scholar's ceremonial side chairs from the early 20th century, with dark patina and sinuous back splats, all with slight variations. Thi...
Elm
Set of Four Chinese Provincial Spindleback Elm Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous set of four Chinese country provincial qing style dining chairs crafted from hardwood probably elm. The frames have a square shaped spindle back that scrolls or arches at th...
Fabric, Raffia, Hardwood
$3,850 / set
H 37 in W 20 in D 17 in
Vintage Boho Chinese Chippendale Bamboo Dining Chairs - Set of Four
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Infuse your dining space with the timeless elegance of Chinese Chippendale design. This stunning set of four vintage dining chairs showcases the iconic fretwork back, expertly crafte...
Bamboo, Rattan
$3,050 / set
H 33.86 in W 19.3 in D 20.87 in
Set of Four Luigi Gorgoni Dining Chairs in Elm and Leather for Roche Bobois.
Located in Almelo, NL
Set of Four Luigi Gorgoni Dining Chairs in Elm and Leather for Roche Bobois, France, 1970s A striking set of four dining chairs designed by Luigi Gorgoni and produced by Roche Boboi...
Leather, Elm
$1,836Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 40 in W 21 in D 21 in
French Provincial Dining Chairs Vintage Set of 6
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering one of our recent palm beach estate fine furniture acquisitions of a set of 6 vintage Louis XV French Provincial dining chairs...
Cotton, Wood
Set of Four Dining Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of four Art Deco style dining chairs. Simple sculpted wood backs with thick cushion seats. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Wood
Set of Four Woodard Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 4 modernist outdoor chairs patio chairs, attributed to Woodard. These chairs are in very good condition, free of breaks, bends or repairs, currently in later brown paint finis...
Wrought Iron
Set of Four Late Federal Dining Chairs
Located in Sheffield, MA
Late federal period Provincial style, French Charles X period influence with cane seat. Hickory and Cherry veneer on backrest panel.
Cherry, Hickory
$7,500 / set
H 38 in W 24 in D 18.75 in
Pair of Qing Dynasty Chinese Carved Walnut Armchairs 'Fushouyi'
Located in Austin, TX
A good pair of Chinese carved walnut wood (hetao mu) armchairs. The back features two facing stylized dragons around a central shou (longevity) medallion below a scrolled crest r...
Walnut
Set Of Four Elegant Regency Side Chairs, 1810
Located in Bridgeport, CT
For restoration. Delicate and refined set of four particularly handsome Regency chairs with crest rails turned on the ends, scrolled sides and double back supports. One back support ...
Metal
Set Of Four Victorian Walnut Upholstered Side Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Set Of Four Victorian Mahogany Upholstered Side Chairs. Measure 18.5" in width, 18.5" in depth and stand 33" in height. Seat height is 17.5".
Upholstery, Mahogany
1940’s Tall Dark Oak Bentwood Dining Chairs – Set Of Four
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1940’s Tall Dark Oak Bentwood Dining Chairs – Set Of Four. The process of steam bending beech to create elegant chairs was discovered and developed by Thonet, but when its patents ex...
Beech
$3,200 / set
H 42 in W 19.5 in D 23 in
Set of 4 French Louis XV Style Dining Chairs, Painted Provincial Dining Chairs
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 4 French Louis XV Style Dining Chairs, Painted Provincial Dining Chairs, Set of Four French Louis XV Style Painted Dining Chairs, Newly Upholstered, Set of 4 Antique French Lo...
Fabric, Beech, Paint
$2,000Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 30 in W 21.5 in D 22.5 in
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...
Rosewood
Pair of Qing Dynasty Chinese Elmwood Hat Chairs
Located in Forney, TX
A Qing Dynasty pair of high back officials hat chairs from Shanxi, China, exquisitely handcrafted in the 19th century. Though made during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912), the design o...
Rattan, Elm
Pair of Qing Dynasty Chinese Elmwood Hat Chairs
Located in Forney, TX
A Qing Dynasty pair of high back officials hat chairs from Shanxi, China, exquisitely handcrafted in the 19th century. Though made during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912), the design o...
Metal