How do you identify Ming dynasty furniture?

1 Answer

To identify Ming dynasty furniture, first check the legs, back, undersides and other inconspicuous areas to see if you can locate any maker's markings. If you do, snap a photo with your phone and perform a reverse image search. You may be able to determine the maker and year of production. The Ming dynasty lasted from 1368 to 1644 in China. Furniture from this time period often features natural woods and shows off simple lines. Because artisans working during the era typically used mortise and tenon joinery, authentic Ming Dynasty furnishings will usually not have any visible nails or screws. However, there are many convincing reproductions on the market, so experts generally recommend having a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer perform the identification process for you. Shop a collection of Ming dynasty furniture on 1stDibs.

1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024

Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Console Tables

Materials

Composition, Brass

1980s Modern Ming Style Console Table Att. Alessandro For Baker Fueniture

$4,995

Mid-Century Asian Modern Ming Style Burl Wood Executive Desk By Lane

By Lane Furniture

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a mid-century burl wood Asian modern desk by Lane Furniture. It has dovetail construction and is marked in the drawer. The drawers include one file drawer. The opening for a ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Asian Modern Ming Style Burl Wood Executive Desk By Lane

$2,995

Vintage Asian Ming Carved Greek Key Ebonized Console Table

By Century Furniture

Located in West Chester, PA

Vintage Asian inspired console table with carved apron. Knee clearance 23.75” The color will appear to be close to black in many interior settings although it it is actually a very d...

Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Vintage Asian Ming Carved Greek Key Ebonized Console Table

$799

'Kraak' Blue and White Large Porcelain Charger, 20.5", Wan Li Reign, circa 1610

Located in Kinderhook, NY

A museum calibre circa 1610 blue and white Chinese 'Kraak' charger or shallow bowl of massive scale, the round cavetto molded body with slightly scalloped flat rim boldly and exquisitely painted in vibrant underglaze blue with flowering peach, peony, and scroll-filled basket with protruding roots on a fenced terrace within an eight pointed scalloped medallion with ruyi-heads separating panels of starburst-lattice and fish-roe diaper, the rim with Rinaldi 'Border VII.2' having eight radiating panels filled with peach-sprays and auspicious symbols alternating with narrow swastika and tassel panels, the reverse painted with large 'ogival' or round panels with fungus and dots alternating with narrow panels containing stylized lingzhi motifs. An exceptionally fine example with the added rarity of an intact period (likely trader's or merchant's) wax seal. According to Hans van Baarsen...

Category

Antique Early 17th Century Chinese Ming Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

'Kraak' Blue and White Large Porcelain Charger, 20.5", Wan Li Reign, circa 1610

$9,500

Pomegranate Shaped Copper Red Glazed Vase, Yuan-Ming Period

Located in seoul, KR

This piece is a small ceramic vessel with a distinctive silhouette modeled after a pomegranate, notable for its full, well-balanced curves. The mouth, reminiscent of the fruit’s caly...

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