Ming Furniture
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.
Mid-20th Century Javanese Ming Furniture
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Walnut, Lacquer
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stoneware
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Brass
19th Century Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Elm
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stone
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Mahogany
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Brass
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stone
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic, Wood
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stone
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood, Elm
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Furniture
Chrome, Steel
20th Century Ming Furniture
Wood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Silver, Bronze
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
20th Century Ming Furniture
Cypress
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Terracotta
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Walnut
1970s Vintage Ming Furniture
Mahogany
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Copper
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Brass
1970s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Wood, Hardwood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Oak
Late 20th Century Ming Furniture
Smoked Glass, Wood, Burl
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Elm
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Lacquer
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century Ming Furniture
Brass
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood, Hardwood
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Brass