Ming Dining Room Chairs
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.
1970s Belgian Vintage Ming Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century Ming Dining Room Chairs
Hardwood, Lacquer
Late 20th Century Indonesian Ming Dining Room Chairs
Canvas, Teak
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Dining Room Chairs
Rosewood
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Dining Room Chairs
Chrome, Steel
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Dining Room Chairs
Wood
20th Century Chinese Ming Dining Room Chairs
Grasscloth, Raffia, Elm
20th Century French Ming Dining Room Chairs
Wicker, Wood
1970s French Vintage Ming Dining Room Chairs
Rush, Oak
1960s Czech Vintage Ming Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wood
1970s American Vintage Ming Dining Room Chairs
Wood, Fabric
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Ming Dining Room Chairs
Cherry
1980s American Vintage Ming Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
1950s Italian Vintage Ming Dining Room Chairs
Velvet, Beech
1960s Italian Vintage Ming Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Beech
Early 20th Century Ming Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Wood
1950s American Vintage Ming Dining Room Chairs
Rattan
Early 2000s American Ming Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wood
20th Century American Ming Dining Room Chairs
Velvet, Mahogany
20th Century Chinese Ming Dining Room Chairs
Grasscloth, Raffia, Elm
Mid-20th Century Ming Dining Room Chairs
Silk, Rosewood
1980s Vintage Ming Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Rattan, Mahogany, Burl
1980s Chinese Vintage Ming Dining Room Chairs
Rosewood
Late 20th Century Ming Dining Room Chairs
20th Century American Ming Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
20th Century American Ming Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Mahogany
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Dining Room Chairs
Elm