Ming Dynasty Style Four Chinese Ceremonial Chairs
PRATO, Italy
Hassle-free returns
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Easy returns (14 days)
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Free return if the item isn't as described
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Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Other Wood
Style
Antique, Oriental, Chinese Antiques
Product Details
Description
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as it provides detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our items.
This series of four beautiful and rare Chinese ceremonial chairs has some unique features. It is important to note that two chairs are of one height, while the other two are slightly lower (see photo). This difference does not detract from their value; in fact, it adds a unique characteristic. The two lower chairs have identical inlay designs on the high back panels, while the higher chairs have different designs from each other.
The light wood inlay designs, located on the center panels of each chair, are enclosed in a curvilinear track. Due to their general shape, they can be classified as ceremonial chairs. The inlay decorations represent auspicious symbols and scenes of good luck and prosperity. Compared to ordinary chairs, these have wider seats and more complex workmanship, with several slabs of wood connected by joints without the use of nails. The central panels of the backrests are finely decorated and curved outward for more comfortable seating. The legs are thick, massive, and slightly flared outward for perfect stability, ensuring the chairs are comfortable for long and exhausting ceremonies.
These chairs were made between 1870 and 1875, during the Qing dynasty, but in the Ming style. Although they predate the nineteenth-century period, the Ming style greatly influenced later production. Ming chairs are characterized by clean lines, balance, and functional simplicity. It is likely that our chairs were created in a skilled workshop in Beijing, a major center for furniture production known for its high-quality chairs, often commissioned by the nobility and the imperial court. The other main centers of chair production, Suzhou and Guangzhou, had characteristics that did not match our chairs. Suzhou craftsmen specialized in intricate details and designs, while Guangzhou was known for the influence of international trade, resulting in more elaborate and ornate designs.
Regarding wood, during the Ming period, Hanghuali (a rare and fine rosewood) was used, prized for its hardness and natural beauty. Our chairs, however, were made during the Qing dynasty, when Zitan was used. Zitan is a hard, dense wood with inconspicuous grain and fine texture, similar to rosewood, from Indochina and Hainan Island, highly prized by Chinese craftsmen and their demanding and refined clientele of nobles. Nineteenth-century Chinese chairs display a wide variety of styles and techniques, reflecting both local traditions and outside influences. The craftsmanship and quality make these pieces of furniture not only functional but also works of art.
We have not restored the wooden structure of the chairs, as their surface patina and small imperfections add to their allure and attest to their antiquity and authenticity. A few of the small columns spacing the lower part of the seat are missing, with a small partition placed between the two front legs. We could not find the original wood to replace the missing pieces, so we preferred to leave the chairs in their original condition.
Measurements: width 50 cm, depth 39 cm, height 93 cm, seat height 50 cm. For all our shipments, we use special packing materials (custom-made wooden crates, styrofoam, etc.) for maximum protection and safety of the items.
Seat Height: 19.69 in (50 cm)
Condition report:
Good. Wear consistent with age and use. We have not restored the wooden structure of the chairs, as their surface patina and small imperfections add to their allure and attest to their antiquity and authenticity.
Wear Condition
Good
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Free collection available
Yes
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Good design is all in the layering. Whether you're adding impact or refining the details, now’s the time to find what’s missing.
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
Buying vintage should feel inspiring, not uncertain.
Every order on Vinterior is backed by straightforward returns, free cancellations, and extra peace of mind for UK furniture purchases.
1. Free cancellations
Changed your mind before dispatch?
You can cancel any order before it's shipped for a full refund, including delivery.
To cancel an order, click Create cancellation on the order page.
Once an item has been dispatched, delivery costs are not refundable.
Bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
2. Returning an item
You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
- Free return
- The seller or Vinterior arranges pickup
- Full refund, including outbound delivery costs once the seller receives the item
This applies to all purchases.
B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
- Pickup arranged for you
- One clear fee, no surprises
We coordinate the return with either the seller's chosen courier or our trusted delivery partner.
All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
You can still return your item within 14 days.
- For smaller or parcel-sized items, you can choose to post the item back yourself using a tracked service, or the seller can suggest a preferred courier.
- For larger or more fragile pieces, the seller may recommend the safest return method.
- Return delivery costs vary depending on size and courier.
The seller will confirm the best option based on the item.
3. If your item arrives damaged
Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
- Let us know as soon as possible (ideally within 72 hours of delivery) so we can resolve things quickly
- Share photos so we understand what happened
- We’ll help arrange a return and refund if needed
You’re always protected when something goes wrong in transit.
Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
4. What can't be returned
Some items cannot be returned:
- Bespoke, personalised, or made-to-order pieces
- Items altered after delivery
5. How to start a return
- Log in to your Vinterior account
- Open your order
- Click Create a return
- Add notes + photos if relevant
We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
- The item is returned to the seller
- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
7. Refunds
Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
Need help?
If you have questions about a return or your order, our support team is here to help. Email us at [email protected] or find other ways to contact us here.
What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
Added at checkout, based on your basket total.
