Ming Dynasty Procession
15th Century and Earlier Ming Figurative Sculptures
Ceramic
Antique 17th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Terracotta
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Ming Antiquities
Terracotta
Antique 16th Century Chinese Ming Ceramics
Stoneware
Antique 16th Century Chinese Ming Ceramics
Ceramic
Antique 16th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Earthenware, Terracotta
People Also Browsed
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Figurative Sculptures
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Vintage 1970s Danish Dinner Plates
Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1920s Vases
Art Glass
Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Furniture
Lacquer
Vintage 1980s English Neoclassical Porcelain
Porcelain
20th Century French Floor Lamps
Crystal
Antique 19th Century English Neoclassical Vases
Ceramic, Porcelain
Antique Mid-18th Century Baroque Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century German Rococo Vases
Porcelain
Antique 1870s French Japonisme Vases
Bronze
20th Century American Art Nouveau Glass
Glass
20th Century French Napoleon III Floor Lamps
Metal
1980s Pop Art Figurative Prints
Paper, Screen
20th Century French Louis XV Center Tables
Bronze
1880s Impressionist Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Han Ceramics
Terracotta
Recent Sales
Antique 16th Century Chinese Ming Figurative Sculptures
Terracotta
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Sculptures
Pottery
Antique 16th Century Chinese Ming Figurative Sculptures
Terracotta
Antique 17th Century Chinese Ceramics
Ceramic, Porcelain
A Close Look at 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A Ming dynasty vase is going to be worth a lot. In 2021, a blue and white Chinese bowl was bought at a yard sale in Connecticut that turned out to be a rare Ming dynasty-era ceramic work. It is estimated to be valued at between $300,000 and $500,000. Shop a range of antique and vintage vases on 1stDibs.