Ming Animal Sculptures
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.
20th Century Chinese Ming Animal Sculptures
Terracotta
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Animal Sculptures
Metal
1960s Chinese Vintage Ming Animal Sculptures
Ceramic
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Stone
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Animal Sculptures
Ceramic
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Stone
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Ceramic, Wood
Late 18th Century Asian Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Bronze
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Pottery
Mid-20th Century Ming Animal Sculptures
Marble
20th Century Chinese Ming Animal Sculptures
Ceramic
20th Century Italian Ming Animal Sculptures
Terracotta
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Stone
20th Century Asian Ming Animal Sculptures
Limestone
2010s Chinese Ming Animal Sculptures
Ceramic
Late 19th Century French Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Bamboo
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Bronze
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Bronze
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Animal Sculptures
Porcelain
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Animal Sculptures
Porcelain
20th Century Chinese Ming Animal Sculptures
Iron
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Wood
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Animal Sculptures
Ceramic
1960s Chinese Vintage Ming Animal Sculptures
Ceramic
1940s Chinese Vintage Ming Animal Sculptures
Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Animal Sculptures
Metal
20th Century Asian Ming Animal Sculptures
Limestone
1950s Italian Vintage Ming Animal Sculptures
Majolica, Terracotta
20th Century Chinese Ming Animal Sculptures
Ceramic
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Pottery
20th Century Asian Ming Animal Sculptures
Bronze
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Lava
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Italian Ming Animal Sculptures
Majolica, Terracotta
20th Century Chinese Ming Animal Sculptures
Terracotta
20th Century Chinese Ming Animal Sculptures
Terracotta
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Animal Sculptures
Bronze