Qing Side Chairs
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
Antique Chinese Red Lacquer Elm Ming Style Slat Back Desk Side Accent Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Qing dynasty red lacquer side chair. Made from elm with angled back, panelled accents and distressed accents.
Dimensions:
18.5" x 20" x 40"h, seat 19.5"
Category
20th Century Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Pair of Antique Chinese Hardwood Side Chairs Qing Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of antique Chinese side chairs circa 19th century, late Qing Dynasty. Made from highly grained Hong Mu, a hard wood that resembles the Chinese rosewood, Huanghuali. These chai...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
A Pair of Ebonised Chinese Folding Occasional Hall Side Chairs Late Qing
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A characterful pair of late 19th Century, early 20th Century Chinese Folding Travel Chairs. Great form and colour, with ebonised frames and original woven nett seats.
A simplistic,...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Beech
Chinese Qing Dynasty Red Lacquer Traveller's Folding Chair with Woven Seat
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Qing Dynasty period red lacquered folding traveller’s chair from the 19th century, with carved birds and foliage, scalloped footrest and woven fabric. Created in C...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Chinese Lacquered Spindle Back Armchair, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This curious 19th century spindleback chair defies traditional Qing-dynasty forms. A collection of moments from previous eras, the chair incorporates elements drawn from Chinese carp...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Black Lacquer Ladies' Chairs, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
These unusual ladies' chairs exemplify the beauty of exaggerated proportions. Each chair features a small, round seat, charmingly counterbalanced by wide back panels. A black lacquer...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Chinese Qing Dynasty Lamp Hanger Chair with Carved Splat and Two Toned Finish
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period lamp hanger chair from the early 20th century, with hand-carved medallion on the back splat, two-toned finish and side ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Chinese Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Wooden Side Chair with Rattan Accents
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period dark brown lacquer wooden side chair from the 19th century with rattan seat and back, carved scrolls and meander motifs. Created in China during the Qin...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Pair of Chinese Spindleback Side Chairs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These 19th-century elmwood chairs owe their graceful design to the refined styles and carpentry techniques that emerged during the Ming dynasty, the golden age of Chinese furniture d...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Elmwood Armchair with Slatted Back and Arms
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty elmwood armchair from the 19th century with slatted back and arms. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this elmwood chair features a pierced slatted back...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Rose Chairs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
For many years, rose chairs were thought to have been exclusively used by women due to their floral name. However, they were a universal form of seating, of...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Near Pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Yoke High Back Decorative Chairs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A near pair of Chinese Qing dynasty period yoke high back chairs from the 19th century, with carved aprons and side stretchers. Created in China dur...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Very Rare Original Liberty's London Signed Qing Dynasty Chair Floral Carving
Located in GB
We are delighted to this stunning and exceptionally rare original Liberty’s London signed Qing dynasty chair
I have never seen one of these chair...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Yokeback Chairs, c. 1750
Located in Chicago, IL
In the West, this type of chair is commonly called a "yokeback" chair because its top rail looks like a yoke for an ox. However, in China, the name translates to "lamp hanger" chair, describing how the form as a whole looks like an ancient oil lamp stand...
Category
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Low Chinese Bentwood Chair, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This bentwood chair was created over a century ago in northern China by moistening, bending, and heating willow to form its desired shape. It is beautifully carved with auspicious flowers and is considerably smaller than most roundback chairs. As the height and size of chairs were traditionally marks of status in Chinese culture, it is likely that this artful chair...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Spindleback Armchairs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These 19th century spindleback armchairs owe their graceful design to the styles and techniques that emerged during the Ming dynasty, the golden a...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Chinese Rose Chairs with Quatrefoil Cutouts, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
For many years, rose chairs were thought to have been exclusively used by women due to their floral name. However, they were a universal form of seating, typically used for writing d...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Chinese Red Lacquer Roundback Chairs, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Prior to the 10th century, Chinese society eschewed raised seats in favor of mats. The rising popularity of chairs and other forms of elevated seating led craftsmen to adapt traditional cabinetry and architecture techniques to the human body. In the case of these Yuanyi, or round chairs, the flowing crestrail is a direct descendant of the simple armrests that had traditionally supported individuals on mats in their homes. This homage to an ancestral form, combined with traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery techniques, created an elegant, functional chair that has endured for centuries and inspired many contemporary furniture designers...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Related Items
Pair of Biedermeier Chairs
Located in Pompano Beach, FL
Pair of Biedermeier chairs; two female walnut chairs with rose colored upholstery.
Category
19th Century Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
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Rare Pair of Black Lacquer Chairs J.C. Mahey, 1970s
Located in Paris, IDF
Sleek, stately lines, Asian inspired with a bold twist like seen in this pair of chairs, were the marks of the French designer Jean-Claude Mahey. These rare pieces were designed by M...
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1970s French Vintage Qing Side Chairs
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Restored Rattan "Slat" Back Dining Side Chair, Set of Six
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage "Slat" back rattan dining room chair featuring 3-strand arched legs with an X crossbar, slat seat back with tropical bark cloth seats. There are six chairs included in this s...
Category
1950s American Vintage Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Rattan
Antique Chinese Chippendale or Boho Styled Faux Bamboo Accent or Side Chair
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage Chinese Chippendale or Bohemian styled accent chair is presumed to have been manufactured in the United States in circa 1950. The frame is done in a sculptured wood to mimic bamboo stalks and covered with a bright honey amber lacquer...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 41 in W 25.5 in D 21 in
Four Drexel Heritage Chinoiserie Ming Style Spindle Back Dining Chairs
By Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome set of four Drexel Heritage Chinoiserie Ming style spindle back dining chairs with semi-loose cushion seats which are upholstered ...
Category
Early 2000s American Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
A Set of Four Chinese Dining Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
These contemporary Chinese chairs feature hardwood construction and elegant, traditional curved back splats for maximum comfort. The chairs are finished in...
Category
1990s Chinese Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm, Hardwood
Pair of Brutalist Chairs
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Very nice sculpted rustic chairs in plain wood. Close to the work of Chapo.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Chinese Qing Dynasty Carved Pedestal with Rose Marble Inset
Located in Wells, ME
Chinese Qing dynasty carved rosewood pedestal with inset rose marble top. The elegant tall cabriole legs are connected by two cross stretchers, one near the top and one near the feet...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Rose Quartz, Rosewood
Dal Vera Pair of 'Les Arcs' Chairs in Black Leather
By Dal Vera
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dal Vera pair of 'Les Arcs' chairs, selected by Charlotte Perriand, pair of dining chairs model 'Les Arcs', black leather, chrome-plated metal, circa 1970
This well-constructed pai...
Category
1970s French Vintage Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Chinese Qing Dynasty "Faux Bamboo" Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
Console table in "Faux Bamboo" (wood carved to resemble bamboo), original black lacquer with natural patina.
Drawer with Chinese characters describing the owner's love for bamboo.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Faux Bamboo
Chinese Qing Dynasty Cabinet with Original Décor
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare Qing dynasty cabinet with original well preserved decorations.
Red base lacquer with polychrome decorations, black lacquer on the sides.
Top...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Vintage Chinese Chippendale Style Lacquered Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage Chinese Chippendale style lacquered chair.
Vintage Chinese Chippendale style chair in a gorgeous green lacquered finish. This Chin...
Category
1960s Vintage Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Previously Available Items
Pair of Chinese Red Lacquer Roundback Chairs, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Prior to the 10th century, Chinese society eschewed raised seats in favor of mats. The rising popularity of chairs and other forms of elevated seating led craftsmen to adapt traditional cabinetry and architecture techniques to the human body. In the case of these Yuanyi, or round chairs, the flowing crestrail is a direct descendant of the simple armrests that had traditionally supported individuals on mats in their homes. This homage to an ancestral form, combined with traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery techniques, created an elegant, functional chair that has endured for centuries and inspired many contemporary furniture designers...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Pair Chinese Export Black Lacquer Gilt Painted Side Chairs, Mid 20th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A stunning pair of Chinese black lacquer and gilt painted official's hat side chairs, made for the export market, mid 20th century, China.
The pair of side chairs of yoke back for...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Softwood
H 45.25 in W 24 in D 17.5 in
Pair of Late Qing Dynasty Armchairs
Located in Chicago, IL
These handsome elm chairs feature botanic carvings and scrollwork on their apron. Dating to the late-Qing Dynasty, the chairs are made up of two parts: a waisted stool and an upper b...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Chinese Lacquered Spindle Back Armchair, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This curious 19th century spindleback chair defies traditional Qing-dynasty forms. A collection of moments from previous eras, the chair incorporates elements drawn from Chinese carp...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Chinese Cloud-Form Emperor Chair, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This 19th-century Emperor-style chair features an exaggerated cloud-motif crest rail and a backsplat carved with the Shou character, a symbol of longevity. The grand chair's smoothly...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Lovely circa 1900 Japanese Chinese Export Throne Armchair Original Faded Finish
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original Qing dynasty hard wood carved oriental Throne chair with faded finish
This chair is very rare, original circa 1900, it has ...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Hardwood
H 40.36 in W 22.25 in D 19.3 in
Qing Dynasty Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
This chair is from Hernan, China and dates to the middle-Qing dynasty. The back splat has carvings in floral and nature motifs and there is additional car...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Pair of Qing Dynasty Armchairs
Located in Chicago, IL
These handsome elm chairs prominently feature a deer carving on their back splat, a Chinese symbol of longevity. The pair originates from Hernan, China and date to the middle-Qing dy...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Pair of Late Qing Dynasty Chinese Armchairs
Located in Chicago, IL
Made out of elm wood, these chairs feature a beautifully aged patina with a cloud motif on the apron, and horse hoof feet. Dating to the late-Qing dynasty, these chairs are made in t...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Pair of Late Qing Dynasty Chinese Official’s Hat Armchairs
Located in Chicago, IL
These beautiful elm wood chairs feature a rounded frame construction with intricately carved Chinese motifs. Dating back to the late-Qing dynasty, the honey color of the elm and the ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
Pair of Qing Dynasty Armchairs
Located in Chicago, IL
These handsome elm chairs feature floral and cloud scroll pattern carvings. Dating to the Qing Dynasty, the chairs are made up of two parts: a waisted stool and an upper back-rest th...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of Qing Dynasty Armchairs
Located in Chicago, IL
These handsome chairs feature floral carvings, delicate scroll-work on their apron and steeped arms. Made during the Qing Dynasty the chairs are made up of two parts: a waisted stool...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Qing side chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing side chairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage side chairs 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, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing side chairs made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original side chairs, popular names associated with this style include and Liberty of London. 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 side chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $895 and tops out at $11,780 while the average work can sell for $3,000.
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