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Qing Footstools

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 Low Daybed Step, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This low 19th-century table is actually a step used for easily getting in and out of a raised daybed. Crafted of northern elmwood (yumu), the step features a plank top surface, carved lotus spandrels, and a prominent apron carved with floral scrollwork. The wooden step is finished with dark lacquer, now lightly worn along the edges with rich texture. Today, we love this low step as a tabletop display stand or a footstool beside a plush armchair...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Footstools

Materials

Elm

Chinese Low Daybed Step, c. 1900
Chinese Low Daybed Step, c. 1900

Chinese Low Daybed Step, c. 1900

$1,780
Chinese Limestone Foot Rest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century foot rest from China's Shanxi province is simply designed with a rounded body and four square feet. Hand carved of limestone, the footstool is patterned with rhythmic etchings and adorned on the ends with an eight-sided star, a symbolic depiction of the universe. It was believed that the Sky Emperor T'ai-Yi, a deification of primordial unity, resided at the top point of this star and ruled over all eight divisions of Heaven. Unlike wooden footstools that would have been placed before chairs or daybeds as a signal of status, this limestone foot rest was likely used in a garden before a drum seat...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Footstools

Materials

Limestone

Chinese Limestone Foot Rest, c. 1900
Chinese Limestone Foot Rest, c. 1900

Chinese Limestone Foot Rest, c. 1900

$1,980
19th Century, Chinese Provincial Fan Shaped Stool
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Chinese carved wooden stool with a fan shaped seat. Features splayed legs with stretchers on each side and a carved apron on the front. Constructed with old world mortise and tenon j...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Footstools

Materials

Wood

19th Century, Chinese Provincial Fan Shaped Stool
19th Century, Chinese Provincial Fan Shaped Stool

19th Century, Chinese Provincial Fan Shaped Stool

$550 Sale Price
20% Off
Related Items
20th Century Leopard Velvet Vintage Stool, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful soft velvet leopard print upholstery. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, cha...
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Mid-20th Century Polish Qing Footstools

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Velvet, Beech

20th Century Leopard Velvet Vintage Stool, 1960s
20th Century Leopard Velvet Vintage Stool, 1960s

20th Century Leopard Velvet Vintage Stool, 1960s

$319 / set
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
20th Century Baby Pink Stool, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful baby pink upholstery. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of t...
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Mid-20th Century Polish Qing Footstools

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Velvet, Beech

20th Century Baby Pink Stool, Europe, 1960s
20th Century Baby Pink Stool, Europe, 1960s

20th Century Baby Pink Stool, Europe, 1960s

$295 / item
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
19th Century Biedermeier Footstool
Located in Darmstadt, DE
We present you our authentic Biedermeier Footstool from around 1830. Crafted from solid walnut top and oak legs, this stool exudes timeless charm...
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19th Century Antique Qing Footstools

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Oak, Walnut

19th Century Biedermeier Footstool
19th Century Biedermeier Footstool

19th Century Biedermeier Footstool

$614 Sale Price
20% Off
H 8.67 in W 14.18 in D 9.06 in
20th Century Pair of Carved Walnut Spanish Savonarola with Foot Rest
Located in Miami, FL
20th century pair of carved walnut Spanish Savonarola You can use like a armchairs, swivel chairs, settee. It´s a very decorative and functional pi...
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Mid-20th Century Spanish Qing Footstools

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Walnut, Paint

20th Century Pair of Carved Walnut Spanish Savonarola with Foot Rest
20th Century Pair of Carved Walnut Spanish Savonarola with Foot Rest

20th Century Pair of Carved Walnut Spanish Savonarola with Foot Rest

$5,900 / set
H 32 in W 28 in D 17.75 in
20th Century Baby Pink Stool, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful baby pink upholstery. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic of t...
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Mid-20th Century Polish Qing Footstools

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Velvet, Beech

20th Century Baby Pink Stool, 1960s
20th Century Baby Pink Stool, 1960s

20th Century Baby Pink Stool, 1960s

$295 / item
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Chinese Low Kang Coffee Table with Painted Décor
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period low kang coffee table from the 19th century, with painted décor and pierced apron. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this low kang coffee table ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Footstools

Materials

Wood

Qing Dynasty 19th Century Chinese Low Kang Coffee Table with Painted Décor
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Chinese Low Kang Coffee Table with Painted Décor

Qing Dynasty 19th Century Chinese Low Kang Coffee Table with Painted Décor

$1,900
H 10.5 in W 26.75 in D 26.75 in
Vintage Teak Mini Chair from Madura Island, Indonesia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This mini stool from the late 20th century features a beautiful wood texture, crafted from a solid block of teak. Stools such as these were used on the Island of Madura by workers in...
Category

Late 20th Century Indonesian Qing Footstools

Materials

Wood, Teak

Vintage Teak Mini Chair from Madura Island, Indonesia
Vintage Teak Mini Chair from Madura Island, Indonesia

Vintage Teak Mini Chair from Madura Island, Indonesia

$356 Sale Price
20% Off
H 20.48 in W 9.85 in D 9.45 in
Exceptional and Rare 19th Century Irish X Framed Stool
Located in Dublin, IE
An exceptional and rare 19th century Irish oak stool, with beautifully rich patination and grain. The padded brass studded seat is of rectangular form ...
Category

19th Century Irish Antique Qing Footstools

Materials

Brass

Exceptional and Rare 19th Century Irish X Framed Stool
Exceptional and Rare 19th Century Irish X Framed Stool

Exceptional and Rare 19th Century Irish X Framed Stool

$2,837
H 17.5 in W 21.75 in D 17 in
19th Century Oriental Carved Wood Stool
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A wonderfully stylish 19th century Oriental style stool, with pierced fretwork decoration to the frieze, stuff over upholstered seat, raised on classical carved cabriole legs with my...
Category

19th Century French Antique Qing Footstools

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Oriental Carved Wood Stool
19th Century Oriental Carved Wood Stool

19th Century Oriental Carved Wood Stool

$2,980
H 18.51 in W 25.2 in D 20.48 in
Pair of 20th Century Green Stools, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stools from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful velvet green upholstery. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, characteristic...
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Qing Footstools

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Pair of 20th Century Green Stools, 1960s
Pair of 20th Century Green Stools, 1960s

Pair of 20th Century Green Stools, 1960s

$709 / item
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Straits Chinese Carved Hardwood Bamboo Inlay Display Stand, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
A remarkable straits Chinese (also known as Peranakan or Nyonya) carved hardwood and bamboo inlaid and embellished table-form stand, originally for dis...
Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Qing Footstools

Materials

Lacquer, Bamboo, Hardwood

Straits Chinese Carved Hardwood Bamboo Inlay Display Stand, circa 1900
Straits Chinese Carved Hardwood Bamboo Inlay Display Stand, circa 1900

Straits Chinese Carved Hardwood Bamboo Inlay Display Stand, circa 1900

$6,000
H 5.25 in W 18.5 in D 12 in
Pair of Antique Victorian Hand Carved 19th Century Asethetic Movement Stools
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of Victorian late 19th century hand carved pine stools in the Aesthetic movement taste This stools are very decorative and we...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Qing Footstools

Materials

Pine

Pair of Antique Victorian Hand Carved 19th Century Asethetic Movement Stools
Pair of Antique Victorian Hand Carved 19th Century Asethetic Movement Stools

Pair of Antique Victorian Hand Carved 19th Century Asethetic Movement Stools

$1,185 Sale Price / set
30% Off
H 18.31 in W 16.54 in D 16.54 in
Previously Available Items
Small 1900s Low Square End Table with Rattan Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period footstool from the early 20th century with rattan top, carved apron and side stretchers. Discover the perfect blend of function and art in this ear...
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Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Footstools

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Small 1900s Low Square End Table with Rattan Top
Small 1900s Low Square End Table with Rattan Top

Small 1900s Low Square End Table with Rattan Top

H 12.5 in W 18.5 in D 14.5 in
Antique Chinese Rustic Mini Elm Wood 3 Legged Stool, c.1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Antique mini stool from the early 20th century features a beautiful age related patina and still retains some of its original lacquered finish. Crafted entirely from wooden join...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Footstools

Materials

Wood, Elm

Antique Chinese Rustic Mini Elm Wood 3 Legged Stool, c.1900
Antique Chinese Rustic Mini Elm Wood 3 Legged Stool, c.1900

Antique Chinese Rustic Mini Elm Wood 3 Legged Stool, c.1900

H 9.85 in Dm 10.63 in
Low Provincial Chinese Stool, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
The stool is a central fixture of Chinese furniture culture. Found in a variety of materials and forms, the stool transcends class lines, as much at home in the provincial courtyard ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Footstools

Materials

Elm

Low Provincial Chinese Stool, c. 1850
Low Provincial Chinese Stool, c. 1850

Low Provincial Chinese Stool, c. 1850

H 11.5 in W 13.5 in D 9 in
Antique Chinese Mini Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Antique Mini stool features a beautiful age related patina and lacquered finish. Crafted entirely from wooden joints, It remains sturdy and robust, a fantastic piece to use as a...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Footstools

Materials

Wood, Elm

Antique Chinese Mini Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century
Antique Chinese Mini Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century

Antique Chinese Mini Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century

H 8.27 in W 11.82 in D 7.49 in
Antique Chinese Mini Low Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This antique mini stool features a beautiful age related patina and lacquered finish. It was crafted entirely using wooden joints and remains sturdy and robust a fantastic piece to u...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Footstools

Materials

Wood, Elm

Antique Chinese Mini Low Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century
Antique Chinese Mini Low Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century

Antique Chinese Mini Low Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century

H 8.27 in W 11.82 in D 7.49 in
Antique Chinese Mini Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This antique mini stool features a beautiful age related patina and lacquered finish. It remains sturdy and robust, a fantastic piece to use as a drink table, table stool or for disp...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Footstools

Materials

Wood, Elm

Antique Chinese Mini Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century
Antique Chinese Mini Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century

Antique Chinese Mini Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century

H 8.27 in W 11.82 in D 7.49 in
Pair of Chinese Lattice Top Footrests, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the late 19th century, these rectangular footrests were used in front of a daybed or pair of chairs to elevate one's feet off of cool, damp floors. Although traditional Chin...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Footstools

Materials

Elm

Pair of Chinese Lattice Top Footrests, c. 1900
Pair of Chinese Lattice Top Footrests, c. 1900

Pair of Chinese Lattice Top Footrests, c. 1900

H 7.5 in W 22.5 in D 11.25 in
Chinese Burlwood Table Stand, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
For thousands of years, precious Chinese artworks have been elevated for display on fine wooden table stands. Recognized today as works of art in their own right, these display stand...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Footstools

Materials

Burl

Chinese Burlwood Table Stand, circa 1850
Chinese Burlwood Table Stand, circa 1850

Chinese Burlwood Table Stand, circa 1850

H 6.75 in W 19 in D 10.5 in
Low Chinese Step Bench, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed to resemble the low tables placed atop a kang platform, this 19th-century low bench from Henan province is actually a step used for easily getting in and out of a raised day...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Footstools

Materials

Elm

Low Chinese Step Bench, c. 1850
Low Chinese Step Bench, c. 1850

Low Chinese Step Bench, c. 1850

H 7.5 in W 77 in D 12.5 in
19th Century Red Lacquer Feng Deng
Located in Chicago, IL
Crafted in northern China in the mid-19th century, this feng deng, or "square stool," honors classical Chinese style with simple lines and natural beauty. Much more portable than hea...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Footstools

Materials

Elm

19th Century Red Lacquer Feng Deng
19th Century Red Lacquer Feng Deng

19th Century Red Lacquer Feng Deng

H 12.25 in W 15.5 in D 12.25 in
Diminutive Chinese Elm Square Stool with Drawer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Diminutive Chinese foot stool or stand featuring a square shape carved from elm. Fronted by a small drawer and constructed with mortise and tenon jo...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Footstools

Materials

Brass

Diminutive Chinese Elm Square Stool with Drawer
Diminutive Chinese Elm Square Stool with Drawer

Diminutive Chinese Elm Square Stool with Drawer

H 10 in W 10 in D 10 in
Qing Dynasty Cart Stool with Decorative Carving
Located in Chicago, IL
This horse cart stool is from Shanxi, China and was made from elm wood, circa 18th Century.
Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Footstools

Materials

Elm

Qing Dynasty Cart Stool with Decorative Carving
Qing Dynasty Cart Stool with Decorative Carving

Qing Dynasty Cart Stool with Decorative Carving

H 10 in W 32 in D 5.5 in

Qing footstools for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Qing footstools 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 footstools 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, elm and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing footstools 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 footstools differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $250 and tops out at $1,980 while the average work can sell for $670.

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