Qing Seating

Lightweight and portable, stools were popular in Qing dynasty homes for their simplicity and convenience. This elegantly proportioned stool features an inset handwoven seat, providin...

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 ...

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...

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...

Rare Chinese fine wood horseshoe armchair. The curved upper border of circular section continuing in a broad sweep to the arms, sloping down and extending to the hook handles with r...

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...

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...

A Late Qing Dynasty Chinese Shanghai-chair made of solid rosewood in dark brown finish, with marble insets in the seat and backrest. Material: Solid "SuanZhiMu" or rosewood, known ...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period wooden lady's opium bed from the 19th century, with rattan seat, pillow, two small drawers and auspicious carved cloudy motifs. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period in the 19th century, this opium daybed...

Much more portable than heavier chairs, stools would be pulled up for use at mealtimes or used in an outside courtyard or garden. Crafted in the classical Chinese style of simple lin...

This unusual early 20th-century chair can be raised or lowered with just a turn of the seat. A chair in two parts, the slatted seat and high back are connected to the square base by ...

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...

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 ...

A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period side table or stool from the early 20th century, with red lacquer, humpback stretchers and straight cylindrical legs. This Chinese late Qing Dynast...

A Qing dynasty (1644–1912) Chinese ox blood red lacquered parcel gilt carved Hongmu wood wedding chair. Unusual form featuring a concealed storage drawe...

This Chinese armchair dates to circa 1880 and is constructed in elm, featuring the classic horseshoe-back (quanyi) form that has been a defining element of Chinese seating for centur...

A refined pair of Chinese armchairs, crafted in solid elmwood and likely dating to the Qing Dynasty period (1644–1912), late 19th to early 20th century (we are listing this as 'attri...

This pair of provincial 19th century armchairs from Shanxi province offers an unusual play on traditional forms. The chairs are designed in a classical style known as a "yoke-back ch...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period elm wood reclining lounge chair from the 19th century with bamboo slats and cloud-themed carved spandrels. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty in the 19th century, this elm wood lounge chair features a reddish brown lacquered elm wood frame supporting a reclining seat made of bamboo slats. The back delicately scrolls out to support the body in a comfortable manner and rests on curving supports. The apron attracts the attention with its auspicious cloud-carved spandrels flanking the straight legs and adorning both sides. The ensemble is strengthened by lateral stretchers. Dating back to Ancient Egypt, the lounge chair was soon adopted by the Chinese who used it outdoors as a way to relax surrounded by nature and fresh air. With its elegant lines and skillfully carved apron, this Chinese Qing Dynasty period elm and bamboo reclining...

Beautiful pair of horseshoe-back armchairs (quanyi) in patinated hardwood. The continuous curved top rail extends seamlessly into the armrests, following a design inherited from Ming...

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...

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 ...

This pair of 19th century elmwood administrator's chairs are from northern China and feature arching back splats hand carved with traditional motifs including peonies, sparrows, and ...

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...

Red lacquer child's chair with fine pierce carving and single drawer on the side.

Pair of Chinese export canework chairs circa 1890. Good elegant examples of this Chinese craft. Made from thin cane which has been multi layered for reinforcement. Shaped back with...

19th Century Pair Of Chinese Elmwood Horseshoe-Back Armchairs in good antique condition. Measure 25" in width, 25" in depth and 39" in height. Seat height is 21" and arm height is 31...

A pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty period armchairs from the 19th century, with open backs, scrolling arms, carved aprons and low stretchers. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty per...

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...

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...

A cool and beautifully crafted Chinese Qing Dynasty daybed from the 18th century in its original condition, showcasing a rich, natural patina. Made from solid elm wood with a bamboo...

These provincial Chinese stools date to the turn of the century and would have been used throughout a courtyard home as versatile everyday seating. Crafted of elm using mortise-and-t...

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...

More portable than heavy chairs, stools have been a favored form of seating in Chinese culture for centuries and were used indoors and out at mealtimes and during social gatherings. ...

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 ...

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...

A pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty period lamp hanger armchairs from the 19th century with serpentine arms, wooden seats and natural honey patina. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period, each of this pair of armchairs features a rectangular seat with recessed panel, supporting two delicate serpentine arms. Raised on straight legs with carved aprons and side stretchers, this pair of 19th century Chinese Qing Dynasty lamp...

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...

19th century Chinese Official chair. Elmwood, original red and black lacquer. Back splat with vague remains of decorations (natural wear and tea...

Pair of Chinese Hongmu Arm Chairs, with teapot and vessel motif needlepoint cushions. 42" H x 21.75" W x 17.5" D; seat: 20" H. Provenance: From an East 74th Street Estate.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

It is unusual to see an early 20th-century Chinese round stool designed to be adjustable. The artisan who created this inventive stool hand-carved the cylindrical center post for eas...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period dark brown lacquered armchair from the 19th century with out-curving stickback and low stretchers. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period in th...

A 19th century Elm Wood Hide Woven Seat Stool. The top of this stool is woven with incredible detail creating a pattern of stars. The hide is cut into thick strands, incredibly str...

A primitive 19th century elm horseshoe back armchair. This classical Chinese armchair has good proportions and a nice patina. The original black lacquer is softly faded and crackled....

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period elm wood daybed from the 19th century, with carved foo dog guardian lions, bamboo slats and lift up compartment. Created in China during the Qing Dynast...

A Chinese Qing Dynasty period rosewood armchair from the 19th century, with hand carved splat and arm supports. Created in China during the 19th century, this rosewood chair attracts our attention with its stunning back, adorned with grapes carved in low relief on a scrolling cartouche. Two open arms, decorated with carved motifs, flank the sides and rest on a rectangular wooden seat. The chair is raised on four straight legs, connected to one another through side stretchers. With its nice patina and exquisite carved decor, this 19th century Qing Dynasty Chinese rosewood armchair...

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-...

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...

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...

Exceptional pair of Chinese carved rosewood chairs made in the Qing style featuring fantastic radiant grain rosewood free of carved deco...

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 ...

A late Qing Dynasty period unusual diminutive wooden chair from the early 20th century with carved back, curving legs and cross stretcher. This late Qing Dynasty period diminutive wooden chair is a piece of early 20th-century craftsmanship that exudes subtle charm and elegance. With its delicately carved back, curving legs, and cross stretcher, this unusual chair is an eye-catching statement piece that will add character and history to any interior space. Embrace the intricate details and rich heritage of this late Qing Dynasty period wooden chair, showcasing the artistic prowess of Chinese master...

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...