Qing Seating
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 Chinese Bent Bamboo Daybed
Located in Chicago, IL
Made of bent bamboo, this southern Chinese daybed was likely the most popular piece of furniture in house. Lightweight and portable, the platform bed trave...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Bamboo
Pair of Qing Dynasty Lacquered Horseshoe Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Striking pair of black lacquered horseshoe armchairs from the late Qing dynasty period Shandong province China. Decorative carvings on backsplat and apron with a beautiful worn lacqu...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Pair of Chinese Stacked Stretcher Square Stools, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This form of square stool, or fang deng, was a versatile seating option and was pulled up for use at mealtimes or used outdoors in a courtyard or garden. The pair is expertly crafted...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese Hardwood Rattan Daybed Antique Qing Chaise Lounge Victorian Regency 1890
Located in London, GB
Late 19th to early 20th century Chinese daybed with soft cane top that epitomises the elegance of Jiangsu furniture, which was highly rated in ancient China. Elegantly proportioned,...
Category
1890s British Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Steel
Provincial Chinese Splayed Leg Stool, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This Provincial stool dates to the turn of the century and would have been used throughout a courtyard home as versatile everyday seating. Crafted of pine using mortise-and-tenon joinery, the tapered...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Pine
Chinese Walnut Spindleback Chair, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This walnut chair from the early 20th-century owes its graceful design to the styles and techniques that emerged during the Ming dynasty, the golden age of Chinese furniture design. ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Walnut
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 Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Bamboo Arm Chairs in Original Condition
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Chinese bamboo arm chairs with plain flat linden wood seat (linden wood is also called lime tree).
Black and burgundy lacquer with beautiful natural age-related patina highl...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Bamboo
Chinese Bentwood Roundback Armchair, c. 1850
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 traditio...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Very Rare Original Liberty's London Signed Qing Dynasty Chair Floral Carving
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
Qing Dynasty Rosewood Side Chair with Open Fretwork and Marble Medallion
Located in Yonkers, NY
A late Qing Dynasty period rosewood side chair from the early 20th century, with marble medallion inlay and open fretwork. Crafted during the early years of the 20th century, this ex...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Marble
Chinese Square Stool with Hoofed Legs and Hand-Painted Calligraphy, c. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Chinese stool was crafted from Ironwood, which is more unique than its more abundant elmwood counterparts. The ironwood provides the stool with a stunning texture. Originating f...
Category
Early 20th Century Asian Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Chinese Bamboo Armchair
Located in Kastrup, DK
19th century Chinese bamboo armchair with a plain flat wooden seat.
China, circa 1840.
Good quality and craftsmanship.
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
Near Pair of Qing Dynasty 19th Century Yoke High Back Decorative Chairs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A near pair of Qing Dynasty period yoke high back chairs from the 19th century, with carved aprons and side stretchers. This near pair of Qing Dynas...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Chinese Roundback Chair, circa 1850
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 this Yuanyi, or round chair, 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
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Willow
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 Seating
Materials
Elm
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 Seating
Materials
Walnut
Important Pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty Huang Huali Armchairs
Located in London, by appointment only
A rare pair of late 18th century Chinese Huang Huali armchairs with yoke backs terminating in scrolls and supported by splats and columns, centered around ...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Hardwood
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 Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese Stainless Steel Armchairs, Contemporary
Located in New York, NY
A stainless steel armchair, hand-crafted in China. Contemporary.
Forged in the classic Qing style, and reinvented in modern fashion. Unique and eye-catching. Pristine condition. Th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Stainless Steel
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 Seating
Materials
Limestone
Late Qing Dynasty Hunting Folding Chair
Located in Charleston, SC
Sometimes called Hunting Chairs, or Jiaoy Armchairs, these horseshoe-back folding chairs were used by the imperial family, persons of rank and scholars. Emperors used them as portabl...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Brass
19th Century Chinese Bamboo Armchair
Located in San Marino, CA
19th century Chinese bamboo chair with a black seat.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Bamboo
Pair of Qing Dynasty Hongmu Armchairs
Located in London, GB
This pair of carved Chinese hongmu or rosewood armchairs date from the late Qing Dynasty, and combine extravagance and opulence with style and refinement. They are adorned with mytho...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Rosewood
Traditional Qing style chair with hidden drawer
Located in Milano, IT
This chair, dated to the Qing dynasty and crafted in the Ning style, is a genuine piece of history, a tangible symbol of a culture and tradition that shaped the daily life of ancient China. In an era where social hierarchies were extremely rigid, this chair was not just a simple piece of furniture, but a representation of the status and importance of those who sat on it. In China, chairs were reserved for people of higher rank, used by the eldest members of the family or offered to esteemed guests.
Made from fine hardwoods like rosewood and padauk, materials known for their hardness and resistance to corrosion, this chair is built to last. The woods used, now rare and expensive, give the chair unparalleled beauty and durability. Its square-section legs, solid and well-proportioned, offer stability and refinement, adding a touch of geometric elegance to the overall design. But what truly sets this piece apart is its construction, based on the traditional mortise-and-tenon technique. This method, which does not require nails and rarely uses glue, relies solely on the connection between the tenon and mortise-a perfect balance of yin and yang, according to Taoist philosophy.
A distinctive feature of Ningbo style is its use of color, often characterized by red lacquers that, while applied to the surface, still allow the wood grain underneath to show through. This gives the furniture a unique visual depth, while the use of decorative techniques such as carvings or inlays adds an additional layer of sophistication. The chair is enhanced by a hidden drawer beneath the seat, a detail that adds both functionality and charm. This drawer is decorated with a painting depicting the Monkey King, or Sun Wukong...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
19th Century Stool
Located in New York, NY
19th century Chinese Stool. This is an antique Barber stool. Natural wood stool of Elm wood & Poplar. The stool has one small drawer in the front, and...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Poplar
Charred Chinese Kitchen Stool, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This humble stool from the mid-19th century balances simplicity of form with the inimitable beauty of a timeworn patina. The low stool is crafted of elm with traditional mortise-and-...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese Hardwood Drum Stool
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
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Early 19th Century Chinese Elm Table
Located in San Marino, 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 Seating
Materials
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...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Rosewood Chairs with Toile Medallion
Located in Doylestown, PA
Fine antique Chinese rosewood side or dining chairs with an upholstered Chinoiserie toile medallion, circa late 19th century. They feature a carved scrolling backrest with central fl...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood
Pair of Chinese Low Back Official's Chairs, C. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of elegant 19th-century elm wood chairs embody Ming-dynasty design with simple form yet complex construction. The chairs are an unusual blend of traditional tall yoke-back ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Walnut
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 Seating
Materials
Elm
Official's Hat Armchair, Late 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
A classic Minister's hat armchair from Henan, China. Northern elm wood, original finish, circa 1890. Open hand-carving of "Good Fortune" on back-splat. Tw...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese Luohan Bed with Stepped Railing, c. 1850
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 techniques to create the versatile luohan bed...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Yoke Back Armchairs with Rattan Seats
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty yoke back armchairs from the 19th century, with carved splats, brown patina, serpentine arms and side stretchers. Born in China during the Qing Dynasty...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Rattan, 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 Seating
Materials
Wood, Rattan
19th Century Chinese Official Hat Chair
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 19th century Chinese Officials Hat Chairs. Dramatic details include yoke back splat, carved spandrels to upper backrest corners and armre...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Elmwood Chair with Character Carved Medallion
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period elmwood horseshoe back chair from the 19th century, with hand-carved medallion and natural patina. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this elmwood chair...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Chinese Hardwood Drum Stool
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
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Chinese Iron Star Chopping Stool, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the turn of the century, this provincial stool would have been used throughout a courtyard home as versatile everyday seating. Deceptively simple, the wooden stool is design...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese Qing Dynasty Scholar's Rootwood Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible 18th/19th century Chinese Qing Dynasty Scholar's rootwood stool of wabi-sabi form with naturally formed legs, and a patina only hundreds o...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
19th century rustic Chinese hardwood stool
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century rustic Chinese hardwood stool circa 1890.
Shaped hardwood seat, made with character wood showing the knots and splits. Standing on 4 legs united by stretchers.
Expect...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Antique End Table with Rattan Top and Box Design
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period stool circa 1900 with rattan inset, straight legs and low stretchers. Delight in the simplicity and utility of this Chinese late Qing Dynasty period stool, crafted circa 1900. A quintessential representation of form meeting function, this piece embodies the essence of Chinese antique furniture...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Stool or Drinks Table with Woven Rattan Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
Small antique Chinese Qing Dynasty period elm wood stool from the 19th century with carved scrolling spandrels, woven rattan top and horse hoof feet, that could be used as a drinks t...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Rattan, Elm
Chinese Qing Dynasty Period Scholar's Lamp Hanger Armchair with Carved Splat
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period wooden scholar's lamp-hanger armchair from the 19th century, with carved splat, curving arms and brown patina. Created in China during the Qing dynasty, this scholar's lamp-hanger chair...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Chinese Longevity Luohan Daybed with Woven Top, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This large luohan daybed anchors its surroundings with its monumental scale and bold, decorative carvings. Known as a luohan chuang, or couch bed, this form of low-backed daybed emer...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Rattan, Elm
Antique Chinese Qing Hongmu Wood Wedding Low Chair
Located in Forney, TX
A Qing dynasty (1644–1912) Chinese ox blood red lacquered parcel gilt carved Hongmu wood wedding chair.
Unusual form featuring a concealed storage drawe...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Cane, 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 Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of mid 19th century carved elm Chinese yoke back armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Good quality pair of Chinese yoke back armchairs circa 1860.
These chairs would have been originally lacquered and have since been stripped back to the bare woodwork, sealed with a ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Hardwood
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 Seating
Materials
Walnut
20th Century Chinese Rectangular Elm Stool – Rustic Antique Solid Wood Design
Located in Milano, IT
This 20th-century Chinese rectangular elm stool is a beautifully crafted piece that captures the rustic charm of traditional Chinese furniture. Made from solid elm wood, it features ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese Qing Dynasty Corner Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Chinese Qing Dynasty corner chair. Unusual shaped chair, perfect addition to your collection or start with this amazing piece.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Late Qing Dynasty 1900s Stool with Cloud-Carved Apron and Lower Shelf
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Late Qing Dynasty period dark stool from the early 20th century with carved apron and lower shelf. Created in China during the late Qing Dynasty p...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Red Lacquer Child's Chair
Located in Greenwich, CT
Red lacquer child's chair with fine pierce carving and single drawer on the side.
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Lacquer
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Elmwood Armchair with Hand-Carved Medallion
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period elm wood armchair from the 19th century, with open back, carved splat, serpentine arms, wooden seat and carved apron. Created in China during the Qing D...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Qing seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing seating for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage seating 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, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing seating made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, 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 seating 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 $136,268 while the average work can sell for $2,455.