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
Late Qing Dynasty Pair Chinese Hongmu Rosewood Drum Stools, circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
A matched pair of antique Asian carved perfectly symmetrical barrel stools, late 19th-early 20th century. Made of precious hongmu, a type of rosewood, eac...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Rosewood
Pair of Chinese Merchant's Armchairs with Burlwood Inlay, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This pair of unusual 19th century armchairs likely once belonged to a prosperous merchant, as evidenced by the brass coin slot on each seat. Presiding over valuables stored in the tw...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm, Burl
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
$2,370 Sale Price
30% Off
Pair of Chinese Hardwood Drum Stools
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
Hardwood
$3,880 / set
Pair of Painted and Lacquered Chinese Yoke Back Armchairs
Located in London, GB
Pair of lacquered and painted Chinese yoke back armchairs.
Chinese, 19th century.
Measures: Height 108cm, width 56cm, depth 43cm.
Featu...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Hardwood
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
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
$1,477 Sale Price / item
45% Off
Chinese Plantation Chair
Located in Kastrup, DK
Plantation chair made of linden wood, seat/back in bamboo.
Original condition, nice patina.
Category
Late 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
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
$7,880 / set
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
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...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Rosewood
$2,000 Sale Price / set
25% Off
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
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
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
Chinese Double Moon Step Bench, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
A low daybed step from the mid-19th century, featuring an elongated plank top with rounded ends and short splayed legs linked with straight stretchers. Crafted with mortise-and-tenon...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
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. Ideal ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Hardwood
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
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
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
Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Lamp Hanger Chair with Natural Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period lamp hanger chair from the late 19th century, with serpentine arms, wooden seat and natural patina. Created in China du...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
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
Pair of Qing Dynasty 19th Century Yoke Back Armchairs with Rattan Seats
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty period yoke-back chairs from the 19th century, made from natural wood with carved splats. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, each of this pair o...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood, Rattan
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 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
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 Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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
$3,840 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Long Chinese Qing Bench in Elm, Shanxi, circa 1800
Located in Miami, FL
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 ...
Category
1790s Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Woven Hide Stools, 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 Seating
Materials
Hide, Elm
$3,780 / set
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
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
$2,400 / item
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
Pair of Qing Dynasty Chinese Horseshoe-Back Armchairs in Carved Elmwood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Chinese Round Leg Courtyard Stool, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This Chinese courtyard stool dates to the mid-19th century and has a classic splayed leg design with round legs and a rectangular seat. The stool is crafted of northern elmwood (yumu...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Lamp Hanger Chairs with Natural Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
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...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
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
Antique Red Lacquered Folding Traveller’s Chair with Footrest and Fabric
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period red lacquered folding traveller’s chair from the early 20th century, with carved motifs, footrest and woven fabric. This early 20th-century antique...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
19th Century Qing Dynasty Yoke Back Armchair with Carved Medallions
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period yoke back armchair from the 19th century with original finish and carved splat. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this armchair features a recta...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Woven Top Summer Daybed, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
With exquisite joinery and balanced proportions, this woven-top summer daybed from Zhejiang province is a fine example of Qing-dynasty furniture. Dated to the mid-19th century, the l...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Reed, Cypress
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
$1,450
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
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
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
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
$1,856 Sale Price / item
45% Off
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
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
Wood, Rattan
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
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Curved Stickback Dark Brown Lacquered Armchair
Located in Yonkers, NY
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...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Bentwood Chrysanthemum Armchairs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Bamboo, 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 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
Rattan, Wood
Late Qing Dynasty Elmwood Armchair with Hand-Carved Medallion
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period elmwood armchair from the early 20th century, with pierced splat, sinuous arms, rattan seat and carved apr...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Elm, Rattan
Chinese Threshing Stone Drum, C. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This low stone pedestal is an early 19th-century mill stone or roller stone, used for threshing grain on a farm in China's Shanxi province. The heavy stone would have been would have...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Limestone
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
$3,197 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Seating
Materials
Walnut
$4,680 / set
Chinese Qing Dynasty Rosewood Armchair with Carved Splat and Arm Supports
Located in Yonkers, NY
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...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Rosewood
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 Fang Deng Stool with Hoof Feet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese 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.
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