Qing Footstools
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 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 Footstools
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Mini Low Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This antique mini stool features a beautiful age related patina and lacquered finish. It was crafted entirely using wooden joints and remains sturdy and robust a fantastic piece to u...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Footstools
Materials
Wood, Elm
Antique Chinese Mini Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Antique Mini stool features a beautiful age related patina and lacquered finish. Crafted entirely from wooden joints, It remains sturdy and robust, a fantastic piece to use as a...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Footstools
Materials
Wood, Elm
Small 1900s Low Square End Table with Rattan Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese late Qing Dynasty period footstool from the early 20th century with rattan top, carved apron and side stretchers. Discover the perfect blend of function and art in this ear...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Footstools
Materials
Rattan, Wood
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 Footstools
Materials
Elm
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 Footstools
Materials
Limestone
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Vintage Teak Mini Chair from Madura Island, Indonesia
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Previously Available Items
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This Antique mini stool from the early 20th century features a beautiful age related patina and still retains some of its original lacquered finish. Crafted entirely from wooden join...
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Low Provincial Chinese Stool, c. 1850
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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 ...
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Antique Chinese Mini Elm Wood Stool, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This antique mini stool features a beautiful age related patina and lacquered finish. It remains sturdy and robust, a fantastic piece to use as a drink table, table stool or for disp...
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Pair of Chinese Lattice Top Footrests, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the late 19th century, these rectangular footrests were used in front of a daybed or pair of chairs to elevate one's feet off of cool, damp floors. Although traditional Chin...
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Chinese Burlwood Table Stand, circa 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
For thousands of years, precious Chinese artworks have been elevated for display on fine wooden table stands. Recognized today as works of art in their own right, these display stand...
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Low Chinese Step Bench, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed to resemble the low tables placed atop a kang platform, this 19th-century low bench from Henan province is actually a step used for easily getting in and out of a raised day...
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19th Century Red Lacquer Feng Deng
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Crafted in northern China in the mid-19th century, this feng deng, or "square stool," honors classical Chinese style with simple lines and natural beauty. Much more portable than hea...
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19th Centruy Chinese Foot Rest
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Qing footstools for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Qing footstools for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage footstools 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, elm and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Qing footstools made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 footstools 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 $1,980 while the average work can sell for $670.
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