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
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 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
Chinese Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Elmwood Armchair with Hand-Carved Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period elm wood armchair from the 19th century with hand-carved apron and floral motifs. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty in the 19th century, this elm...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
19th Century Chinese Elm Stool – Rustic Antique Solid Wood Accent Piece
Located in Milano, IT
This 19th-century Chinese elm stool is a charming example of traditional craftsmanship, showcasing the natural beauty and durability of solid elm wood. With its rustic appearance, wa...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
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
Chinese Late Qing Dynasty Diminutive Chair with Carved Back and Curving Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Qing Dynasty Side Table with Carved Spandrels and Distressed Finish
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period elm wood stool or side table from the 19th century, with open apron, carved spandrels, pillar strut motifs and distressed patina. Discover the allure of historical craftsmanship with this Qing Dynasty period Chinese elm wood stool or side table. This 19th-century artifact is a testament to time-honored Chinese furniture design, featuring an open apron accented with pillar strut motifs on all sides, and adorned with finely carved spandrels showcasing delicate scrolling foliage.
Constructed of sturdy elm wood, this piece features a square top with a central board and rounded corners. The stool or side table is supported by four straight cylindrical legs, indicative of traditional Chinese design. The piece is further enhanced by a distressed patina that lends an appealing antique character to the ensemble.
This multi-functional piece can serve as either a stool or a side table, and its compact size and square form make it a versatile choice for any space. The beautiful elm wood grain and discreetly carved details add an aesthetic of refined elegance, making it a noteworthy addition to any collection of antique Asian furniture...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
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 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
Set of Four Chinese Provincial Spindleback Elm Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
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...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Fabric, Raffia, Hardwood
Chinese Iron Clad Two Person Bench, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th-century bench is designed in a traditional style that dates back as far as the Song dynasty (690 to 1279 CE). The corner leg benches have floating panel tops, straight...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Iron
Pair of Chinese 1880s Official's Hat Chairs with Pierced Splats and Curving Arms
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Qing Dynasty period official's hat armchairs from the late 19th century, with carved splats, curving structures, scalloped aprons and side stretchers. Born in the last quar...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Elm Armchair with Carved Traditional Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period carved wooden lacquered elmwood armchair from the 19th century, with traditional auspicious motifs. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this elm armchair features a straight, slightly in-curving back showcasing a splat carved with traditional motifs such as calligraphy, scholar's objects and foliage. Two curving arms come to rest on the wooden seat with recessed panel while the ensemble is raised on four straight legs connected to one another through aprons carved on three sides. Boasting a nice patina, this 19th century Chinese Qing Dynasty elm...
Category
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
Antique Stool Woven Hyde Top
Located in New York, NY
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...
Category
1850s Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm, Hide
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
Wooden Antique Chair with Slightly Arched Back
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period chair from the early 20th century with vertical slats, pierced apron, pillar strut motifs and humpback stretchers. Exuding the richness of Chinese ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Chinese 19th Century Qing Dynasty Elm Armchair with Carved Traditional Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period carved wooden lacquered elmwood armchair from the 19th century, with traditional auspicious motifs. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty, this elm armchair features a straight, slightly in-curving back showcasing a splat carved with traditional motifs such as calligraphy, scholar's objects and foliage. Two curving arms come to rest on the wooden seat with recessed panel while the ensemble is raised on four straight legs connected to one another through aprons carved on three sides. Boasting a nice patina, this 19th century Chinese Qing Dynasty elm...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese Round Turn Stool, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese Provincial Round Back Chair, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Prior to the 10th century, Chinese society eschewed raised seats in favour 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 crest rail 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
Elm
Stamped Japanese circa 1880 Qing Dynasty Carved Hardwood Dragon Corner Armchair
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Japanese Export circa 1880 hand carved Hardwood corner chair with oversized curled Dragon back rest
A very good looking w...
Category
1880s Japanese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Hardwood
$2,702 Sale Price
30% Off
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 Seating
Materials
Elm
Qing Dynasty Period 19th Century Elmwood Armchair with Hand-Carved Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period elm wood armchair from the 19th century with stick back, carved medallion and apron. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period in the 19th century...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Provincial Bentform Chairs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These 19th century cypress chairs with gently curved crest rails and undulating aprons were created by the age-old process of soaking, bending, and heating the wood to form it into t...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Cypress
Pair of Chinese Southern Administrator's Chairs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
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 ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
19th Century Dengguayi Scholar's Lamp-Hanger Armchair with Sinuous Splat
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese antique Qing dynasty scholar's lamp-hanger armchair from the late 19th century, with sinuous pierced splat, dark patina, curving arms and side stretchers. This exquisite Ch...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Qing Dynasty Carved and Lacquered Elmwood Armchairs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Chinese Qing Dynasty period lacquered elmwood armchairs from the 19th century, with carved splats, serpentine arms and stretchers. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Provincial Chinese Roundback Chair, 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 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
Elm
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 meander-carved apron. Created in China during th...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Woven Top Square Stools, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Lightweight and portable, stools were popular in Qing-dynasty homes for their simplicity and convenience. These elegant 19th-century square stools have beautifully worked frames featuring rounded edges, humpback stretchers, and ruyi-form fretwork finished with dark lacquer. Each top is inset with a hand-woven seat, providing textural contrast to the graceful elmwood frame. Used as seats or low side tables, this pair of square stools...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Reed, Elm
$2,480 / set
Chinese Round Turn Stool, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
It is unusual to see an early 20th century Chinese round stool with adjustable height. The artisan who created this inventive stool hand-carved the cylindrical center post for easy a...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
$550 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Chinese Lacquered Tall Back Chairs, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
With clean lines and balanced proportions, these 19th-century tall back chairs exemplify the refined forms of Ming-dynasty furniture design. The chairs are designed after the 'southe...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Woven Top Fang Deng Stools, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
These 19th-century square stools from Shanxi province are elegantly crafted in the classical Chinese style with simple lines and balanced proportions. This form of square stool, or f...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Rattan, Elm, Lacquer
Chinese Studded Limestone Drum
Located in Chicago, IL
This slender stone drum stool was carved from a solid block of limestone with simple form and minimal decoration. The top and bottom are ringed with raised studs, a design meant to i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Limestone
Pair of Chinese Black Lacquer 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 Seating
Materials
Elm
$2,880 / set
Late 19th-Early 20th Century Chinese Horseshoe Back Armchair
Located in Vosselaar, BE
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....
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Elm
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
$4,280 / set
Chinese Red Lacquer Roundback Chair, 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
Chinese Slatted Turn Chair, C. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Iron
Pair of Chinese Jia Zhen and Beech Half Stools, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Pushed together, this pair of rectangular stools forms a square, hence the name “half stools.” Crafted of Jia Zhen and beech wood and finished with many coats of hand-applied lacquer...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Wood, Beech
Chinese Generous Square Stool with Cane Seat, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Seating
Materials
Cane, Elm
Low Chinese Stool with Woven Hide Top, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
The top of this stool was woven with incredible care by a skilled artisan who used thin strips of hide to create multiple patterns in the seat, including stars. The hand-hewn stool w...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Elm, Hide
Antique Qing Style Chinese Barber Stool - Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Qing Style Chinese Barber Stool/Bench - Pair
A pair of 19th Century barber stool/benches from Shanxi province, China. Each stool has 2 small dr...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Qing Seating
Materials
Brass
$2,999 / set
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
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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