Ming Furniture
MING STYLE
In what’s considered a golden age of Chinese furniture, Ming dynasty artisans produced expertly made designs that married elegance and function. Ming furniture was versatile, such as tables that doubled as writing desks and dining spaces. But it was also beautiful, enhancing a room with clean lines, soft curves and sophisticated decoration.
Dating from 1368 to 1644, the Ming dynasty was a vibrant time for international trade and culture. Especially for scholars and the wealthy, there was an emphasis on a home’s design to promote a good life. From large wardrobes to angular sofas, Ming-style furniture was defined by its joinery, which, instead of nails, involved meticulously designed interlocking elements of wood. This material was carefully selected and positioned to make the grain part of the design. The slow-growing huanghuali, a yellowish rosewood, was particularly valued for its bright color.
Although ornamentation was minimal, Ming dynasty furniture often featured carved or painted details of flowers, insects, dragons, fruits and other motifs. Chairs crafted for scholars could include calligraphic brush writing. As overseas trade expanded, techniques from the West, like cloisonné enamel painting, adorned table screens and other pieces.
Ming furniture influenced styles abroad such as Queen Anne in England and Hollywood Regency in the United States. The curved shape of Ming armchairs had a profound impact on legendary Scandinavian modernist furniture designer Hans Wegner. The Danish cabinetmaker shared the Ming artisans’ interest in creating streamlined, functional furnishings, and his China chair, Round chair and Wishbone chair are inspired by Ming dynasty seating. Today, the Ming-style horseshoe chair is a graceful and sought-after type of seat, and contemporary Chinese designers such as Jerry Chen and Gan Erke are also drawing on this heritage for a new era of style.
Find a collection of Ming cabinets, decorative objects, lounge chairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Ming
Antique Chinese Blackened Huanghuali Chair
Located in Cape Town, WC
This huanghuali chair from the Ming dynasty is a revised iteration from the previous Song dyntasty; in which archaistic expressions were drawn upon a...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Wedding Chair with Curving Back and Carved Splat
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty style elmwood wedding chair from circa 1900, with carved panels on the splat, curved arms, and gooseneck front posts. This early 20th-century Ming Dynasty style weddin...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Ming Dynasty Style Coffee Table with Green Lacquer Top and Natural Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Chinese Ming Dynasty style low square-shaped coffee table from the mid 20th century with green lacquer top and horse hoof legs. Created in China during the Midcentury period, this Ming style table features a dark green lacquered top with central board, sitting above a waisted apron with curving accents. Raised on four legs with horse hoof extremities, the table boasts a nicely distressed patina, slightly different on all sides. With its clean lines, contrasting colors and rustic flair, this vintage Ming Dynasty style Chinese low coffee table...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Style Early 20th Century Brown Drink Table with Pillar Strut Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style brown wooden side table from the early 20th century, with reeded apron, pillar strut motifs, hump back stretchers an...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
18th or 19th Century Elm Doors with Iron Hardware Made into a Coffee Table
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of 18th or 19th century elm doors with iron hardware, fashion into a large Ming style coffee table. Created in China during the 18...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Iron
Chinese Ming-Style Tapered Cabinet with Original Red Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Mid-19th century Chinese tapered cabinet. Original red lacquer.
Pair of doors fitted with bronze lock opens to reveal a shelved interior, fitt...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Chinese Early 20th Century Shop Sign Console Table with Carved Calligraphy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style shop sign console table from the early 20th century, with calligraphy and cylindrical legs. Created in China during the early years of the 20th century, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Vintage Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Low Prayer Table with Fretwork Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Chinese Ming style elmwood prayer table from the mid 20th century, with fretwork top and horse hoof feet. Created in China during the midcentury period, this low elmwood prayer table captures our attention with its square fretwork top sitting above a waisted apron. Raised on four straight legs with horse hoof extremities, the table is adorned with a discreetly carved apron on all sides. With its clean lines and warm patina, this Ming style Chinese prayer table...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Ming Dynasty Style 19th Century Red Rose Console Cabinet with Everted Flanges
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty style red rose butterfly console cabinet from the 19th century, with everted flanges, double doors and carved panels. Step into the world of ancient elegance with this...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Oriental Chinese Side Chair
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Asian Chinese Ming style side chair in solid wood.
Handcrafted in Hong Kong.
Great to use as en entry chair, side chair or office chair.
Very g...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Red Lacquer Altar Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Red lacquer altar table with everted flangers.
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
15th-16th Century Ming Dynasty Cabinet. Red Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare and well-preserved 16th century cupboard / cabinet.
Detailed carved top section depicting a floral leaf design and people in polychrome lacquer.
Front with red lacquer, pair of ...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Chinese Ming Style Waisted Stool with Horsehoof Legs and Rattan Inset
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden waisted stool from the early 20th century, with rattan inset, horse hoof legs and cloud motifs. Born in China during the early years of t...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Ming Square Table, circa 1890
Located in Somis, CA
An extraordinary 19th century oversize Ming square table. The table top is constructed of four frame members and rests on the waist and apron that connect to four rounded legs. Such ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Elm Cabinet , Ming style
Located in Kastrup, DK
Cabinet, Ming style made in Jumo (Elm) wood.
From Suzhou China, located close to Shanghai. Was formerly the largest city in Jiangsu province. Each panel made of one piece of wood. "...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Metal
Pair of Red Lacquer Chests
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pair of red lacquer chests with open doors and removable shelf inside on each chest, one drawer inside each chest.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Asian Solid Wood Ming Style Table Bench
Located in Somis, CA
Beautiful solid wood table finished all around. Top is of mitered, tenon and mortise, solid single board floating panel construction. Cinched waist and 4 hoof feet legs. A pair of ve...
Category
2010s Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Asian Well's Wooden Water Bucket
Located in Greenwich, CT
Asian well's water wooden water bucket with handle surrounded with cast iron brackets. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and ha...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Jumu Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Jumu low table / coffee table. Table top is 46" wide 23" deep, from outside edge of legs is 49 1/2" wide 27" deep, 18" height. We carry f...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Red Lacquer Desk
Located in Greenwich, CT
Red lacquer desk with three drawers with pierce carvings motif.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Jumu Wood End Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu wood end table with relief carving on apron and shelf and bottom stretchers.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Older Chinese Robe Rack in Cinnabar Paint
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine vintage robe rack with generous proportions having a good traditional form. There are two carved dragon head top elements that are powerfully carved, ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid-18th Century Ming Style Chest in Black Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
18 century chest in original black lacquer.
This Ming style chest is constructed of wood with multiple layers of original black and red lacquer, acco...
Category
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Form Painting Table, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This Qing-dynasty painting table from Hunan province is a beautiful example of the elegance of Chinese furniture design. With its broad surface ideal for contemplating scrolls and pa...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Butterfly Cabinet with Carved Spandrels and Doors
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden butterfly cabinet from the 19th century, with carved spandrels, drawers, doors and dark patina. Born in China during the 19th century, this exquis...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Waisted Side Table with Woven Rattan Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style waisted side table from the early 20th century, with woven rattan top, humpbacked stretcher and horse hoof legs. Born in China during the early ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Vintage Thai Red Lacquer Waisted Coffee Table with Rattan Inset and Chow Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Thai coffee table from the mid-20th century with red lacquered finish, rattan inset and chow legs. Born in Thailand during the midcentury period, this coffee table features...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Rattan
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Red Lacquered Console Cabinet with Doors and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style red lacquered console cabinet from the early 20th century, with five drawers and double doors. Born in ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Antique Ming Style Natural Wood Side Table with Humpback Stretcher
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming dynasty style natural wood side table from the early 20th century, with humpbacked stretcher, rich grain design and cylindrical legs. We currently have two ta...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Jumu Wood Asian Kang Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu wood antiques Asian Kang low table, can be use large coffee table or side table or bench seating with relief carving on the aprons.
The table is very sturdy and can be use for ...
Category
1870s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Style Accent Side Table with Dark Wood Patina and Humpback Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming dynasty style accent side table from the early 20th century with dark wood patina, lower shelf and humpbacked apron. This elegant Chinese side table features ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Cabinet with Gilt Carved Court and Work Scenes
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming dynasty style cabinet from the 19th century, with two pairs of double doors, two drawers, carved giltwood motifs and red accents. Born in China during the 19th century, this wooden cabinet captures our attention with its contrast of colors and delicately carved motifs. Presenting a linear silhouette, the cabinet is adorned with court scenes on the left panel and work scenes on the right. This gilt décor stands out beautifully on the dark ground, while other carved panels are highlighted by a red ground in the lower section. Two pairs of double doors total open to reveal a convenient storage space, the lower ones hiding inner drawers. Carved on the apron, the cabinet is resting on four straight legs. With its clean lines and skillfully carved decor, this Ming style cabinet...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Solid Single Board Console Table
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful 19th century console table in the Ming style. The solid wood table of mitre, tenon and mortise construction, has a thick single board top that displays stunning wood grai...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Jumu Wood Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Large Jumu wood low table, antique kang table, can be used as coffee table.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Jumu Wood Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Simple Jumu wood low table with framed cane top, beautiful wood grain and texture.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Style Chinese Elm Sang de Bœuf Console Table with Carved Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style elm wood altar console table from the 19th century, with sang de bœuf patina and carved floral apron. Born in Chi...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Chinese Ming Style Altar Table with Foliage Carved Frieze and Open Fretwork
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style altar console table from the 19th century, with scrolls-carved apron, and open fretwork motifs. Attracting our attention with its elegant lines and skilf...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Scholar' Armchairs with Rattan Seats
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style elm scholar's chairs from the early 20th century, with unusual upper rail, carved panels on the splats, curved arms and rattan seats. Born in Chi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm, Rattan
Chinese Elm Altar Large Console Table
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Chinese console table with hand carved spandrels on both side of the table.
A long elmwood altar or console table features side panels with carved, stylized ruyi motifs, a sacred fu...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Pair of Jumu End Tables
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu wood end tables.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Ming Style Altar Table with Carved Apron and Black Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming dynasty style altar console table from the 19th century, with black patina, everted flanges, carved spandrels and sides. Born in China during the 19th century...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Elaborately Carved Scholar’s Bench
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very fine antique bench with masterful carving, superb proportions and in all original condition. The crest rail and back with openwork panels of confronting dragons in the clouds....
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
Chinese Nesting Tables Set of 4 Ming Hua Li Wood
Located in Somis, CA
Our Chinese nesting tables are very elegant and versatile. Each and every table is a complete piece on its own, unlike most other sets with one of the stretchers removed to accommoda...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Style Wooden Incense Stand with Cabriole Legs and Carved Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming dynasty style square wooden waisted incense atand from the 19th century, with carved apron, cabriole legs and floor stretcher. Born in China during the 19th c...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Jumu Wood Bench with Tapered Legs
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu wood bench with tapered legs, solid plank wood top with cloud motif apron.
Top seating surface dimension is 43" wide, 6 1/2" deep
With Tapered legs ...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Style Natural Wood Wedding Side Chair with Woven Rattan Seat
Located in Yonkers, NY
A single Chinese Ming dynasty style vintage wedding side chair from the mid-20th century, with woven rattan seat, curving back splat and natural wood patina. Born in China during the mid-century period, this elegant side chair...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Rattan
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Elm Cabinet with Doors, Drawers and Removable Panel
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty style elmwood antique cabinet from the 19th century, with two doors, drawers and lower removable panel. Crafted in China during ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Natural Wood Two-Door Cabinet with Floral Décor and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Ming Dynasty style natural wood two-door cabinet from the mid-20th century, with floral décor and hidden drawers. This mid-century cabinet, crafted in the style of the Ming...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Style Vintage Natural Wood Side Table with Humpback Stretcher
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Chinese Ming dynasty style natural wood side table from the mid-20th century, with humpbacked stretcher, rich grain and cylindrical l...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Style Elm Altar Cabinet with Carved Sides, Drawers and Doors
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming dynasty style altar cabinet from the 19th century, with everted flanges, two drawers over double doors and carved sides. Behold the resplendent allure of this antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style altar cabinet, a 19th-century treasure from the Qing Dynasty period that exudes an aura of serene elegance. Marrying graceful lines with exquisite craftsmanship, this cabinet is a quintessential piece for those who wish to infuse their living spaces with a touch of timeless oriental charm.
The cabinet’s rectangular top is beautifully flanked by two everted flanges, crafting a dignified silhouette. Below the top, an understated yet sophisticated façade reveals two drawers adorned with delicate brass teardrop pulls. The drawers’ simplistic beauty is harmoniously balanced by the double doors beneath, which feature a captivating round medallion lock.
One's gaze is irresistibly drawn to the cabinet’s sides, intricately carved with scrolled motifs that reflect the craftsmanship and artistry of the Qing Dynasty. The cabinet offers convenient storage space within, providing a functional elegance to any room.
Standing tall on straight legs, the cabinet's carved apron adds an additional layer of refined details. The patina, rich with stories of yesteryears, enhances the cabinet's enigmatic appeal.
Measuring 34.5 inches high without the everted flanges, this Chinese altar cabinet...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Vintage Thai Teak Coffee Table with Mint Green Distressed Finish and Chow Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Ming dynasty style Thai teak wood coffee table from the mid-20th century, with mint green crackled design and chow legs. Born in Thailand during the midcentury period, this...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Style Elm Wardrobe with Two Doors, Hidden Drawers and Carved Skirt
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty style elmwood wardrobe from the early 20th century, with two doors, hidden drawers and carved skirt. Born in China during the early years of the 20th century, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Iron
Ming Style Altar Table with Everted Flanges, Cloud Motifs and Mythical Creatures
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style altar console table with carved apron, everted flanges, cloud motifs and mythical creatures. Attracting our attention with its elegant lines and skillful...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Contemporary Teak Ming Style Waisted Stool with Chow Legs and Distressed Finish
Located in Yonkers, NY
A contemporary Ming style Thai painted teak waisted stool with chow legs and carved apron. Charming us with its elegant lines and distressed finish, this Ming style stool...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Ming Furniture
Materials
Teak
Chinese Antique Rose Chairs Pair Armchairs
Located in Somis, CA
The famed Rose chair's legacy began in the Song dynasty when they were wider and shorter. Ming dynasty revolutionized the ancient chairs by elevating and st...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese 19th Century Elmwood Center Hall Table with Ming Dynasty Stone Inset
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese 19th century elmwood center hall table with Ming dynasty 15th or 16th century courtyard stone inset. Born in China during the 19th century, this elegant center table...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
Ming Dynasty Style Wedding Armchairs with Curving Arms and Woven Rattan Seats
Located in Yonkers, NY
A near pair of Chinese Ming dynasty style vintage wedding armchairs from the mid-20th century, with woven rattan seats, curving armrests and natural wood patina. Born in China during...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Fine Ju Mu Wood Altar Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
A refined ju mu wood altar table with everted flanges, supported by straight legs, beautiful color, form and lines. We carry fine quality furniture wi...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Ming furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, tables, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming furniture made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $350 and tops out at $52,980 while the average work can sell for $2,900.
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