Ming Seating
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
Mid Century Modern Baker Style Black Ming Sofa & Chair Custom Upholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Michael Taylor for Baker Black Ebonized Ming Sofa with Fretwork Back and Chair Set Custom Restored and Newly Upholstered - 2 Piece Set
This sofa set features a h...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Ming Seating
Materials
Mohair, Bouclé, Wood
2 Vintage Chinoiserie Purple Lacquer Ming Style Slat Back Side Accent Chairs
Located in Dayton, OH
Two vintage Chinese Chinoiserie ming style side chairs featuring purple lacquer with slat backs.
Dimensions:
41.5" x 20" x 18", seat 18"
Category
Late 20th Century Ming Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Lacquer
Chinese Contemporary White Painted Wooden Ming Style Bench with A-Form Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese contemporary Ming Dynasty style white painted wooden bench with A-form base and carved spandrels. Our eye is immediately drawn to the soft white finish of this Ming style bench...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Ming Style Bamboo Horseshoe Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic pair of 20th century Chinese export bamboo chairs featuring a gracefully curved horseshoe back ending with out swept hooks. Constructed in the Ming dynasty style with a deco...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Armchair
Located in San Carlos, CA
Elevate Your Space with Timeless Elegance!
Discover the allure of our Chinese Ming-style Antique Chair, a true gem that effortlessly blends history with sophistication. This exquis...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Late 17th/Early 18th Century Chinese Huanghuali Scholar's Stool
Located in Chicago, IL
Dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century during China's Qing dynasty, this exquisite Ming-style huanghuali scholar's stool epitomizes the pinnacle of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. Crafted from rare and revered huanghuali wood, renowned for its enduring strength, rich hues, and captivating grain patterns, this stool stands as a testament to the esteemed value placed on this precious material. Its simple yet elegant design features a high waist and humpback stretchers, lending an air of sophistication and grace. The straight square legs terminate in stylized hoof feet, adding a touch of regal charm. Each meticulously crafted joint and carefully honed detail speaks volumes about the skill and artistry of the period's master craftsmen. Beyond its intrinsic beauty, this stool embodies the cultural significance and historical importance of huanghuali furniture...
Category
Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Hardwood
Ming Style Carved Wooden Sofa/Bench With Arm Chair
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Experience the artistry of Asian design with this Ming Style Carved Wooden Sofa and armchair set. The furniture pieces feature intricate carvings on the back, sides, and armrests, of...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ming Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Horse Shoe Back Armchairs, China, circa 1900
Located in Belmont, MA
Pair of very interesting horse shoe back armchairs, China, circa 1900. Chinese elm with carved decorations on the back and front. Beautiful patina.
Category
1910s Chinese Vintage Ming Seating
Materials
Elm
Ming Dynasty Style Wooden Wedding Chair with Carved Medallion and Curving Arms
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden wedding chair from the early 20th century, with carved medallion, curving armrests and natural wood patina. Born in China during the earl...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Rosewood Garden Seat
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Chinese rosewood barrel shaped garden seat with a burl rosewood top. From the Republic period, in the Ming Dynasty taste.
China, circa 1912-1949.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Materials
Rosewood
19th Century Chinese Ming Style Walnut & Bamboo Bench
Located in Kastrup, DK
A 19th century Chinese Ming style bench with a walnut frame and a top composed of bamboo slats. Square legs joined with stretchers.
In original good ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Walnut
Pair of Horseshoe Back Armchairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of elegant horseshoe back armchairs. Beautiful form and lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many times in " ARCHITECTURE DIGEST ...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Wood
Black Lacquered and Brass Horseshoe Back Lounge Chairs Style of James Mont
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of Asian modern black lacquered horseshoe back lounge chairs with brass fittings in the style of James Mont in all original beautiful glowing condition. Century Furniture Compan...
Category
20th Century American Ming Seating
Materials
Brass
Pair of Vintage in the Style of Chinese Horseshoe Wooden Folding Chairs
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Introducing the 19th-century Vintage in the Style of Chinese Horseshoe Wooden Folding Chairs. Chinese Horseshoe Chairs initially crafted as seats of distinction, were exclusively res...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Thread, Paint
Vintage Century Chair Company Ming Foot Wood Bench With Mokum La Palma Seat
Located in west palm beach, FL
Striking mix of old and new! This incredible tagged vintage Century Chair Company wood Ming foot bench has been completely restored with a new bench frame an...
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
19th Century Antique Pair of Chinese Handcarved Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese hand carved wood armchairs with original aged finish and bamboo seat. High back armchairs with a simple yet elegant Ming style. Natural Patina. Circa 1800s.
Property...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
Red Lacquered Vintage Bench with A-Form Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese vintage Ming Dynasty style red lacquer wooden bench from the mid 20th century with A-form base, carved spandrels and distressed finish. Embrace the timeless allure of this ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Materials
Wood
2 Chinese Ming Style Hongmu Lion Head Chinoiserie Altar Throne Arm Chairs Pair
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage pair of James Monte / Qing Dynasty / Chinoiserie style armchairs featuring heavy faux bamboo and rattan frames with open reticulated design, accented with lion heads, animal ...
Category
Late 20th Century Ming Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Hardwood
Vintage Chinese Ming Style Arm Chairs, a Pair
Located in Harlingen, TX
A vintage pair of Chinese Ming style lacquered wood arm chairs with seat cushions. The chinoiserie design features a splat back, low arms w...
Category
1970s Vintage Ming Seating
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Blue and White Garden Stool
Located in west palm beach, FL
Gorgeous vintage blue and white garden stool. A beautiful Ming design in a chic glazed ceramic. Perfect indoors our outside. Sure to add some cha...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Ming Seating
Materials
Ceramic
Asian Ming Style Rosewood Upholstered Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
An Asian influenced bench by top-quality furniture maker Century Furniture, from their "Chin Hua" line designed by Raymond K Sobota. Clear lacquered hardwood in a classic Ming design...
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood
Late 20th Ming Style Indonesian Dining Armed Chairs Natural Teak w/ Black Seats
Located in Topeka, KS
Lovely vintage Ming style Indonesian dining armed chairs comprised of natural teak frames & upholstered drop in seats. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and...
Category
Late 20th Century Indonesian Ming Seating
Materials
Canvas, Teak
Set of Six Chinese Dining Chairs in Ming Style
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage set of Chinese in Ming style dining chairs in solid wood. Glossy redwood frames - two with arms, and four without. Includes teal color...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Ming Seating
Materials
Wood
Vintage Chinese Ming Style Black Lacquer & Cowhide Arm Chair, Mid-20th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Vintage Chinese ming style black lacquer & cowhide arm chair.
Additional information:
Materials: cowhide, lacquer, wood.
Color: black.
Period: ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ming Seating
Materials
Cowhide, Wood
Pair Of Chinese Vintage Horseshoe Back Hardwood Armchairs
Located in Norwood, NJ
A pair of Chinese hardwood horseshoe back armchairs, each curved back with downswept arms and outswept hand grips, centering on an elegant shaped carved splat, flanked by cylindrical...
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Ming Seating
Materials
Wood, Hardwood
Distressed Red Lacquered Chinese Vintage Ming Style Bench with A-Form Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese vintage Ming Dynasty style red lacquer wooden bench from the mid 20th century with A-form base, carved spandrels and distressed finish. Exuding...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Materials
Wood
Chinese blond hardwood stool in the Ming taste, 1800-25
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Chinese Yumu wood (Northern Chinese elm) stool in the Ming taste. The waisted and bull nose frame and panel top is engaged to the rounded framing elements including the leg posts. Th...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Elm
20th c. Modern Ming Horseshoe Chairs With Caned Seats Custom Cushions
Located in Southampton, NJ
An elegant pair of lounge chairs in the manner of designer Michael Taylor for Baker Far East Collection. Solid bent walnut sculpted forms feature gorgeous caned seats and new custom ...
Category
1970s Vintage Ming Seating
Materials
Tapestry, Chenille, Cane, Walnut
Pair Of Ming Style Leather Lounge Chairs
Located in Hudson, NY
A spectacular and chic pair of Ming Style armchairs with embossed leather seats. Made from extremely hardwood with a gorgeous weathered petina through the ebony glaze.
The alligator...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Ming Seating
Materials
Wood, Leather
Pair of Japanese Kyokuroku Folding Chairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Japanese red lacquered folding meditation armchair for monks.
Pair of kyokuroku chairs in original red lacquer with gilt carvings and embossed brass hardware.
One chair wit...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Brass
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Style 1920s Horseshoe Back Bamboo Armchairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style 1920s horseshoe back bamboo armchairs a pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style horseshoe back armchairs from the early 20th century, with fretwork moti...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Materials
Bamboo, 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 Seating
Materials
Elm
Chinese Elm Audience Chair, c. 1850
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Chinese audience chair in the Ming Dynasty taste. The chair is made from Northern Chinese Elm with traces of original black lacquer throughout. The chair has a frame and panel seat w...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Elm
Pair of Early 19th Century Chinese 'Lazy Chairs' in Walnut and Black Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of 'Lazy Chairs' in walnut, black lacquer with a natural cracked wear that gives the chairs an exciting and artistic look.
Ming style, early 19th century China.
The term 'Laz...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Walnut, Lacquer
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 Seating
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Pair of Armchairs "Official Back", circa 1840
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of "Official Back" armchairs. In Chinese "Yoku Back"
Untouched made in elm wood, burgundy lacquer and natural age-related patina with clear lacquer as surface finish.
Called "...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Elm
Prussian Blue Lacquered Chinese Drum Stool
Located in Houston, TX
1940s Prussian Blue hardwood Ming style drum stool.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Carved Wood Long Bench
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An elaborate and finely carved bench in a pleasing Chestnut tone wood. Scrolled crest rail ends and arm ends. With four carved panels on the back with floral and fruit vines. A reeded skirt rail and with a shaped and carved running band of leafy vines. Innner sides carved with complimentary leafy motifs. The reeded back frame with square supports. The Bench is quite sturdy and surprisingly comfortable.
L. 75", Depth 21", H. 33 1/2"
Condition: Please see all detail photos. Signs of age include scrapes on the left arm end, repair to right arm end, stable age crack to left-side facing seat...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Style Chromed Steel Officials Hat Chair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent reimagined Chinese Ming style officials hat chair beautifully crafted from steel with a smooth, thick, seamless chromed finish. The armchair...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Seating
Materials
Chrome, Steel
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style 1920s Red and Black Lacquered Drum Stool or Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style red and black lacquered drum stool from the early 20th century, with chinoiserie decor. Created in China during the first quarter of the 20th century, this Ming style drum stool will make for an excellent drinks table or plant Stand. Boasting a lovely black and red lacquered patina, the stool features a shaped top adorned with a delicate chinoiserie scene. This top is resting on a waisted apron, raised on an arching drum base with side stretchers. Ideal thanks to its versatile quality, this Chinese lacquered stool...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Solid Rosewood Faux Rattan Garden Style Stools or Side Tables
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite Pair of Chinese solid Rosewood hand crafted, hand carved Faux Rattan / vine Garden Style Stools or Side Tables in great vintage condition. May be used as side tables or ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Seating
Materials
Rosewood
19th c, Ming Style Hardwood Long Benches With Cloud Spandrels - A Pair
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th c., China,. A beautifully constructed pair of carved wood benches. The rectangular top is over inset legs topped with carved cloud spandrels and join...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Carved Back Elmwood Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Early 20th century Chinese elmwood armchairs with finely carved back and elongated arms and legs.
Measure 30" wide at the legs ends, 25" wide the arms, 27" in depth, 37.5...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Materials
Elm
Ming Style Chinese Natural Wood Horseshoe Armchair with Carved Splat and Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty style natural wood horseshoe back armchair from the mid 20th century, with carved splat and apron. Born in China during the mid-century period, this armchair c...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Materials
Wood
1970s Ming Style Rosewood Horseshoe Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
For your consideration is Pair of rosewood horseshoe chairs.
Chairs are in good condition.
They measure 23"W x 19"D x 39"H. Seat is 20" high.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Materials
Rosewood
Pair of Armchairs "Official Back", c. 1840
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of "Official Back" armchairs. In Chinese "Yoku Back"
Untouched made in elm wood, burgundy lacquer and natural age-related patina with clear lacquer as surface finish.
Called "...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Elm
Ming Style Arm Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
James Mont Ming Style Lounge Chair
Solid wood ebonized frame with traditional Ming legs.
Rich burl back inset. Turquoise cushion.
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Seating
Materials
Burl
Mid 20th Century Oak Chinese Ming Armchair with Rush Seat
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Chinese Ming style armchair, unbranded. Solid oak with a chestnut color finish, slender curved arms that form the crest rail, "V" shaped backres...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Ming Seating
Materials
Rush, Oak
George Zee Rosewood Chinese Chippendale Sectional Sofa
By George Zee
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Phenomenal mid century George Zee Teak sectional. Superb detailing in fretwork with classic Ming legs. Versatile in placement. Solid and heavy. From the estate of an executive with T...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Seating
Materials
Rosewood
James Mont Lacquered Horse Shoe Chairs w/ New Silk Upholstery by Century, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Opulent pair of large James Mont Ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century Furniture. Designed by James Mont ,these chairs epitomize his over ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Ming Seating
Materials
Brass
Chinese Horseshoe Chairs Oversize 19th Century
Located in Somis, CA
A pair of extra large, sold wood, 19th century Chinese Horseshoe Chairs. The solid, 2" thick, continuous rounded crest rail is composed of thre...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Wood, Elm
17th Century Ming Dynasty Carved Stone Barrel #01
Located in Chicago, IL
17th Century Ming Dynasty carved marble garden seat with Foo Dog handles, floral reliefs and bat wing decoration.
The Chinese symbol for bat and fo...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Marble
19th Century, Ming Style Official's Hat Chair
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese "Official's Hat Chair" in elmwood. Ming style.
Named "Official's Hat Chair" as the chair mimics the brimmed hats of Chinese government workers in th...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Elm
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
Asian Modern Lounge Chairs Style of Michael Taylor
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of Asian Modern walnut lounge chairs with original ultra-suede type upholstered seat and back cushions. In the style of Michael Taylor - Far East Collection for Baker Furniture....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Ming Seating
Materials
Ultrasuede, Walnut, Latex
Pair of 19th Century Ming Dynasty Style Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
A pair of Chinese hardwood chairs in well worn patina, crafted in the Ming dynasty style, late 19th century.
Perfect accent chairs of very fine...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
Set of Six Guanmaoyi Yokeback Dining Chairs, circa 1960s
Located in Peabody, MA
A set of six Classic Chinese Guanmaoyi yokeback chairs in lacquered elmwood consisting of two armchairs and four sides. These elegant high back chairs are named for their resemblance...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Materials
Wood
1960s Turquoise Lacquered Ming Style Chairs, a Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 1960s turquoise lacquered ming style pair of chairs. The finish and upholstery are vintage, and the chairs are unmarked. They are i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Ming Seating
Materials
Ultrasuede, Wood
Ming seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Ming seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, asian art and furniture, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming seating made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Century Furniture, George Zee, and James Mont. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $495 and tops out at $14,800 while the average work can sell for $2,437.
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