Ming Antiquities
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
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...
Category
16th Century Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Copper
A Rare Longquan Celadon 'Peony' Vase Yuan-Ming Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This vase features a traditional vase coated with a clear and rich green celadon glaze. A fine network of crazing covers the surface. The neck is adorned with raised vine motifs, whi...
Category
15th Century and Earlier East Asian Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Celadon
A Rare Blue And White Octagonal Box And Cover, Ming Dynasty Wanli Six-Character
Located in seoul, KR
Numerous similar octagonal blue and white boxes with Wanli, Jiajing marks are housed in prestigious museum collections. An example in the Tokyo National Museum is featured in Illustr...
Category
16th Century Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic
Carved Longquan Celadon Vase, Yuan-Ming Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
A graceful baluster form with a flared mouth, a rounded body, and a slightly raised foot. The vase features two intricate handles in the shape of animal figures holding large looped ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Celadon
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Paper and Silk King Portrait Hanging Scrolls
Located in Queens, NY
3 Chinese Ming Dynasty-style scroll wall hangings depicting a king seated on a chair draped in ornate cloth, a mushroom colored background and floral rug beneath him. The rest of th...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Lotus Petal 'Longquan' Celadon Bowl, Ming dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The bowl features a relatively deep green glaze and a smooth and lustrous finish. The exterior is intricately incised with a lotus petal design, symbolizing purity and spiritual enlightenment, while the interior remains plain to emphasize the glaze's elegance. Over centuries, a natural brown discoloration has appeared on the exterior, reflecting its historical authenticity and prolonged chemical reaction during burial. This is also considered a part of the aesthetic element of celadon.
Period: Ming Dynasty (1368~1644)
Region: Longquan, China
Medium: Stoneware - Celadon glazed
Type: Tripod censer
Size : 18.5 cm(Diameter) , 7.5cm(Height)
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
* Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon
Longquan celadon from the Ming Dynasty typically exhibits a more robust and heavier stoneware body compared to its Song Dynasty predecessors. The Ming era saw an evolution in celadon glaze, achieving a wider spectrum of green hues, from olive to bluish-greens. Ming celadons...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Celadon
A Longquan Celadon-Glazed 'Dragon' Dish, Yuan Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The dish is decorated to the centre with a moulded appliqué dragon chasing the flaming pearl surrounded by a carved stylised foliage band at the cavetto. The moulded fluted exterior ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Celadon
A Rare Dingyao Green-Glazed Dragon Dish, Liao-Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This green-glazed bowl was finely crafted with an attention to detail that highlights the skill of the Cizhou green and Ding ware potter. Its delicate form has been adorned with a dr...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
A Rare Large Wucai Dragons and Phoenix Jar, Ming dynasty Longqing Emperor
Located in seoul, KR
The blue dragon and the red dragon are depicted in dynamic postures, each extending its claws to grasp a ruyi pearl (如意珠). The phoenix is adorned with flowing feathers and delicate c...
Category
16th Century Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic
Vietnamese Blue And White Bowl Circa 15th Century
Located in seoul, KR
The artwork, with its foliage and floral motifs, suggests a connection to the natural world—a common theme in Vietnamese art. Such items were highly traded, and their recovery from shipwrecks helps us understand the extent of maritime commerce in Southeast Asia during the 15th and 16th centuries. This piece embodies the craftsmanship and aesthetic values of the period, providing insights into the cultural and economic contexts of its time.
Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty
Region : North Annam
Type : Bowl
Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship
Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue
Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000
* Vietnamese trade ceramics
Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
A Large Carved Longquan Celadon Yuhuchunping, Yuan-Ming Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The bulbous body is adorned with elegantly carved floral motifs, with intertwining vines and flowers forming a natural, flowing pattern. The base is left unglazed. Base surface crack...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Indonesian Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Celadon
Antique Bronze Chinese Foo Lion Incense Burner - Marked Ming Dynasty
Located in Newmanstown, PA
Antique Bronze Chinese Foo Lion Incense Burner - Marked Ming Dynasty - H 6" x W 3" x L 6"
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
Ming-style Sculpture of Chinese Bodhisattva Guanyin, circa 1900s, 6518
Located in Ukiah, CA
A large Ming-style sculpture of Chinese Bodhisattva Guanyin, circa 1900s, from a century-old US collection. Dated circa 1900s based on the face (b...
Category
Early 20th Century Korean Ming Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Important Ancient Chinese Effigy Pug Dog, Ming Dynasty 1368-1644
Located in South Burlington, VT
China, a carving of a canine “Pug”, Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644 CE
Dimensions: 38 cm, 15” High
Photographs taken indoors and out of doors for your viewing pleasure.
The hand carved limestone beast shown on its haunches with naturalistic joyful expression and a well defined compact head, ears, noes, eyes, feet, and tail parted to one side on reverse with distinctive collar ornament seated four square on a thick base all-over showing a weathered surface from significant age.
Formerly exhibited “Asia Week” New York City, Fuller Building, Hutton Gallery 2006.
Provenance: ex collection luoyang, Henan Province, China.
Includes custom display base as shown
Catalog reference: 35 years collecting 35 treasures, Number 35, p.76 (photo)
In ancient China, it is a well-known fact that several types of small dogs were bred and were favored pet gifts between emperors and kings including Lion Dogs, Pekingese and Lo-sze breeds. Some Lo-sze are pictured wearing collars with bells a frequent combination fancied by European royalty of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Lo-sze or pugs were prized for their compact body, good bones, flat face, square jaw, short coat, curled tail, side set back ears, and temperate disposition.
History:
Placing stone animals in important tombs can be traced back at least to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), some two thousand years ago. In ancient times, stone animals and human figures placed before imperial tombs symbolized royal power and privilege in addition to decorative functions.
The first Ming tomb...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Limestone
Set of Refine Ming Dynasty Green Glazed Attendants and a Sedan Chair
Located in Greenwich, CT
A set of very refined green glazed attendants and one sedan chair, each with benevolent facial expression, beautiful colors and lines, Ming dynasty 1368-1644. Three glazed attendants...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Ming Period Large Pottery Horse with Saddle (15-16th Century)
Located in seoul, KR
This Ming Dynasty painted pottery horse is depicted standing on a tiered rectangular pedestal. The horse has a well-proportioned body, with sturdy legs and a slightly arched neck. The eyes and muzzle are subtly outlined and incised.
The mane is sculpted with deep, parallel grooves. The tail is long and slightly curved left, extending downward. The saddle is prominently featured at the center of the horse’s back, detailed with a raised, rounded seat and an attached stirrup hanging down one side. The saddlecloth is textured with a crosshatch pattern, bordered by a row of carved fringe-like elements. The horse's legs display subtle musculature, and the hooves are clearly defined, with black pigment accentuating their edges.
The original painted pigments, including white, black, and ochre, are still visible, though faded in some areas. The black pigment highlights the mane, tail, and parts of the bridle, while the ochre tones accentuate the saddle and decorative elements.
Period: Ming Dynasty
Medium: Green, black, and ochre glazed Pottery
Type: Figure
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference : Asian Civilisations Museum - Accession No. C-1384 / 1994-00441 - Ming Dynasty Figure of Horse
(Type : Closely Related)
* Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures
Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties.
A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Swatow Blue and White Ceramic Dish, Late Ming Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
Famous late ming dynasty chinese blue and white porcelain plate, double phoenix, from the shipwrecked binh thuan
Period: Ming Dyn...
Category
16th Century Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic
Four Green Glazed Pottery Attendant Figures, Ming Dynasty(1368-1644)
Located in seoul, KR
The first figure wears a short cap and takes a posture as if carrying something on the shoulder, possibly symbolizing a servant or a messenger.
The second figure wears a tall hat and...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Antique Vases in Southern China / Small Vases / 16th to 17th Centuries
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is believed that pottery baked in southern China in the early Ming dynasty was imported into Japan.
It is a small size.
The upper part is slightly ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
A Copper-Red Ceramic Bowl with Auspicious Motifs, Ming-Early Qing Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
A copper-red produced in Jingdezhen, China, during the Ming to early Qing dynasty (15th–17th century). It features a copper red applied over a bluish-white glaze, which is glaze type...
Category
16th Century Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Copper
Ming Period Large Pottery Horse with Saddle (15-16th Century)
Located in seoul, KR
The figure stands on a rectangular base. The horse is depicted in a poised stance, with strong, muscular legs and a slightly bowed head. The mane is carefully sculpted with deep, flowing grooves, adding a dynamic texture to the piece. The head features expressive details, including a well-defined muzzle, flared nostrils. The bridle and harness are delicately painted in faded green, contrasting against the creamy beige body. The saddle is adorned with intricate details, including decorative tassels and a textured pattern, indicative of the elaborate tack used in the Ming period.
Traces of original polychrome pigments in green, black, and ochre remain on the surface, hinting at the sculpture’s once-vibrant appearance. The weathered patina and areas of flaking paint add to its historical authenticity, reflecting centuries of age. The overall craftsmanship and detailing exemplify the Ming Dynasty’s refined ceramic artistry, making this piece a remarkable representation of of asian culture during this period.
Period: Ming Dynasty
Medium: Green, black, and ochre glazed Pottery
Type: Figure
Condition : Good(chips on the upper saddle.)
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference : Asian Civilisations Museum - Accession No. C-1384 / 1994-00441 - Ming Dynasty Figure of Horse
(Type : Closely Related)
* Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures
Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties.
A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Bixia Yuanjun Figure of Bronze Dated Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644
Located in London, GB
Bixia Yuanjun figure of bronze dated Ming Dynasty 1368-1644.
Base of hardwood.
Height excluding base 26cm;
Heigh including base 31cm.
Condition:
Corrosion on reverse/back;
...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Alter Table in Peach wood China
Located in Kastrup, DK
Small alter / communion table in peach wood from the Zhejiang Province of China. Original condition with red lacquer with age-related patina.
Ming sty...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Late Ming Era Documented Glazed Pottery Horse
Located in Kastrup, DK
An elegant Chinese Ming dynasty pottery figurine depicting a horse in a standing pose with polychrome finish (aubergine, light brown and g...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Cloisonné Enamel Vase, Early Ming Dynasty(15th century)
Located in seoul, KR
This exquisite vase is a fine example of Ming Dynasty cloisonné, an era renowned for revolutionizing the cloisonné technique with intricate design and vibrant enamel work. The cylind...
Category
15th Century and Earlier East Asian Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Green Glazed Horse and Rider, Ming period(15-16th Century)
Located in seoul, KR
Statues of East Asian horse rider, featuring glazes in green, are set on rectangular base.
Period: Ming Dynasty
Medium: Green-glazed Pottery
Type: Figure
Condition : Good
Provenance : Acquired in early 2000s from Hongkong
* Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures
Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties.
A defining characteristic of Ming glazed...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Ming Dynasty 15th-16th Century Glazed Terracotta Funeral Table with Food Mingqi
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming dynasty period glazed terracotta funeral table mingqi from 15th-16th century with food and drinks. Created during the Ming Dynasty, this glazed terracotta funeral table, known...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Terracotta
Two Figures of Attendants, Ming Period(1368-1644)
Located in seoul, KR
Statues of attendants crafted from terracotta, featuring glazes in green, Set on rectangular bases.
Period: Ming Dynasty
Medium: Glazed Pottery
Type: Figure
Condition : Excellent(It has soil on it, which is presumed to be evidence of excavation)
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference :
1) Indianapolis Museum of Art - Dinastia ming, figure maschili, 1368-1644
(Type : Closely related)
2) V&A Museum - Accession number FE.295:1, 2-2005
(Type : Closely related)
3) Sotheby's 01 May 2007 - The Collection Of Paul Otto Taubert & Jewellery And Decorative Arts - Lot 233
(Price range : 5,000 - 7,000 AUD / Type : Closely related)
4) Asian Art Museum, San Francisco - Object number B60P1631 - Standing Man Tomb Figure
* Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures
Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties.
A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Blue And White Kraak Plate, Late Ming Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
A Chinese blue and white Kraak plate, the central roundel depicting birds and floral design in a waterside, the rim with panels enclosing foliage and decorative objects.
Period: Late Ming-Early Qing Dynasty (17th century)
Type: Blue and White Porcelain
Provenance : Acquired early 2000s from Southeast asia(Probably from Shipwreck)
Reference :
1) Sotheby's London 12 November 2019 - STYLE: Private Collections - Lot 12
(Price range : 3,000GBP-5,000GBP / Type : Closely related)
2) Christies NEW YORK - 1–11 MAY 2018 - THE COLLECTION OF PEGGY AND DAVID ROCKEFELLER: ONLINE SALE - Lot 1405
(Price realised : 5,625 USD / Type : Highly related)
* Kraak
Kraak porcelain is a type of Chinese export porcelain that was produced during the late Ming Dynasty, especially during the reign of the Wanli Emperor (1573-1620). It is famous for its distinctive design and style. Kraak ware...
Category
17th Century Indonesian Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Two Glazed Court Attendants, Ming Period (1368-1644)
Located in seoul, KR
Two finely hollow-moulded terracotta statuettes from ancient China, dating to the Ming Dynasty. The figure is depicted standing, dressed in long, flowing robes, painted in vibrant blue or green and deep amber yellow. The hair is styled into an elaborate top-knot, painted in a muted brown. Areas left unpainted would have been 'cold-painted' after firing, contrasting with the vivid fired blue or green and amber pigments. The figure is shown with the left hand raised to the chest, as if holding something, possibly an offering or incense. Figurines like this were placed in tombs to guide the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.
The Ming Dynasty was known for its exceptional artistic achievements, partly due to its economic prosperity. Since the Han Dynasty, it was customary to bury terracotta miniatures of everyday objects with the deceased. These items, known as mingqi, or "spirit utensils" and "vessels for ghosts," were believed to help and assist the deceased in the afterlife. Mingqi were crafted in the form of cooking utensils, miniature replicas of houses, temples, furniture, and other items. Anthropomorphic and zoomorphic terracotta figures were also popular, designed to assist, entertain, and recreate the living world for the deceased.
Period: Ming Dynasty
Medium: Green/blue-glazed Pottery
Type: Figure
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference :
1) Ancient & Oriental - Terracotta Tomb Attendants
(Type : Highly related)
2) La Maison De La Petite Sara S.r.l. - Archaeology section - A Black glazed Terracotta Statuette, Servant with Trumpet, Ming Dynasty
(Price realised : 700 GBP / Type : Highly related)
* Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures
Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties.
A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Brown-Glazed Moulded Box And Cover, Fujian Kiln, Yuan-Ming Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The circular domed cover moulded with a brown glaze that falls short of the straight foot. The pattern on the left features a central circular design with simple shapes and lines car...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
16th-17th Century Chinese Pine Center Table with Carvings and Decorations
Located in Kastrup, DK
16th-17th century center table from 'Shanxi Province, China with 1 drawer.
Made of pine and with original polychrome lacquer.
Original condition. Rare piece of furniture.
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Elm
Annamese Stoneware Miniature Vase and Jar, Hoi An Hoard, Late 15th C, Le Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
These ceramics feature finely detailed depictions of birds and cloud motifs using underglaze blue, showcasing an elegant and refined design. The vase portrays a bird in mid-flight, w...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Stoneware
Moulded Goldfish Blue and White Dishes, Ming Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
Exquisitely decorated set of plates, dating back to around 1500, from the Hongzhi or Zhengde period. Intricately adorned with a raised, moulded goldfish design. The goldfish, painted in a orange-red enamel, are set amidst water plants depicted in rich cobalt blue.
These plates enjoyed widespread popularity, not only in the local markets of China but also overseas in countries. This style of plate played a significant role in the daily life of the Sengoku period in Japan, as evidenced by several similar flat bowls excavated from the Ichijodani Asakura Ruins in Fukui Prefecture, Japan, along with other ceramic artifacts...
Category
16th Century Indonesian Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Small White porcelain Cup, Late Ming Era(16-17th Century)
Located in seoul, KR
Teacup from the late Ming dynasty shipwreck. An identical piece is included on page 141 of the Bin Thuan catalog titled Asian Ceramic Found along Maritime Si...
Category
17th Century Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Chinese Antique Gourd-Shaped Blue and White Porcelain Vase, Ming Period
Located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo
The bottom sign tells this vase was made in the era of Xuande emperor.
The characteristic Arabic pattern is Influenced by the Silk Road trade in Ming p...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Earthenware
Two Annamese Miniature Covered Boxes with Scenary Motif, 15th century, Le Dynast
Located in seoul, KR
Vietnamese covered boxes with representative scenary designs. Both are made of cream-colored base and blue designs, typical of Annamese pottery. These shared characteristics highligh...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Stoneware
Longquan Celadon Figurine, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
Located in seoul, KR
This sculpture is a Longquan celadon from the Ming Dynasty, renowned for its rich and jade-like green glaze. The figurine is likely a representation of a Buddhist deity or a revered scholar, showcasing the calm aesthetic expressions and graceful contours prevalent during the era. The spectrum of celadon glaze ranges from a dense grey stoneware to a nearly white porcelain texture, with unglazed parts revealing a terracotta brown upon firing. Such pieces were often part of household altars, reflecting the era's spiritual devotion. This artifact would be a treasured exhibit in any museum's Asian art collection, symbolizing both religious reverence and artistic excellence.
Period: Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
Region: Longquan, China
Medium: Stoneware - Celadon glazed, with a range from heavy grey to almost white porcelain-like material
Type: Sculpture
Height : 24.5 cm
Provenance : Acquired in 1999, Hongkong
* Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon
Longquan celadon from the Ming Dynasty typically exhibits a more robust and heavier stoneware body compared to its Song Dynasty predecessors. The Ming era saw an evolution in celadon glaze, achieving a wider spectrum of green hues, from olive to bluish-greens. Ming celadons...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Celadon
Annamese Stoneware Dish with Lotus Motif, 15-16th Century Vietnam, Le Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This Annamese ceramic dish features a central lotus motif, enclosed by a thin circular border. The rim is adorned with intertwining vine patterns and swirling motifs. The dish has a gently curved form with a well-proportioned depth and a neatly finished rim.
Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty
Region : North Annam, Vietnam
Type : Dish
Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship
Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue
Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000
* Vietnamese trade ceramics
Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Stoneware
Three Glazed Figures of Musicians, Ming Period (1368-1644)
Located in seoul, KR
Statues of Chinese musicians crafted from terracotta, featuring glazes in green, blue with nice condition. Set on rectangular bases. Compared to other figures, musician figures are relatively rare, two figures with distinctive instrument from that era.
Period: Ming Dynasty
Medium: Green and Blue glazed Pottery
Type: Figure
Provenance : Acquired in early 2000s from Hongkong
Reference :
1) V&A Museum - Accession number C.1501913
(Type : Closely related)
* Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures
Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties.
A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
17th Century Pair of Ming Dynasty Chinese ZiTan Inlaid Silver Cups
Located in Brea, CA
17th century a pair of Ming dynasty Chinese ZiTan inlaid silver cups, the exterior carved in high relief and undercut around the sides and base with Chi dragon, 5 edges with silver l...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Qingbai ewer with slip decoration of two phoenix and lotus leaves, Yuan Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This small ewer is an exquisite example of Qingbai ware, known for its pale blue-tinged glaze. The vessel showcases the advanced ceramic techniques and artistic sophistication of the...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Small Celadon Chrysanthemum Dish, Northern Song Dynasty(AD 960~1127)
Located in seoul, KR
Potted with the fluted sides rising from a recessed base, carved to the interior with Chrysanthemum, covered overall with a grayish-green glaze, save for a ring to the underside left unglazed to reveal the gray stoneware...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Celadon
Five Green Glazed Pottery Attendant Figures, Ming Dynasty(1368-1644)
Located in seoul, KR
The three figurines in the back exhibit the typical form of attendants, wearing conical red hats and adopting poses where their right hands are either held in front of their chests o...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Two Annamese Small Yuhuchunping, 15th century, Le Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
These 15th-century Annamese ceramics from Le dynasty, are notable for their rarity and refined design. The Yuhuchunping vases, with their elegant pear-shaped bodies and delicate blue...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Ming Dynasty Chinese Countryside Villa - TL Tested
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Extremely rare Chinese model of a countryside villa for the royal courtiers and ministries of the Ming Dynasty -1368-1644 AD- showing three guest houses and one main entry. The villa is surrounded by a cuadrangular wall painted with bucolic scenes of garden, mountains, and bamboo forests. The roof tiles are glazed in green enamel with yellow finials – as the ones in the forbidden city – typical from the Ming epoch. Truly a museum piece. The doors swivel and are painted in ochre. State of preservation: impeccable mint condition with original paintings, all of the original parts are complete, except for one house which is missing part of the plinth (broken during transport). Each part has been tested for authenticity, consisting of eight separate TL tests...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Terracotta
18th Century Set of 8 Chinese Silver Lacquer Bowls with Mother of Pearl Inlaid
Located in Brea, CA
A fine set of 8 pieces Chinese lacquered and mother of pearl inlaid bowls with silvered interiors from the 18th century Qing Dynast...
Category
Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Lacquer
Rare Figure of an Attendant Wearing Swirling Vest, Ming Dynasty(1368-1644)
Located in seoul, KR
Statues of attendant crafted from terracotta, dressed in a black coat-like garment with a vest adorned with swirling patterns. Set on rectangular bases.
Period: Ming Dynasty
Medium...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
Pair of Small Jarlet with arabesque design, Late Ming Era(16-17th century)
Located in seoul, KR
Pair of jarlet from the late Ming dynasty cargo. An identical piece is included on page 145 of the Bin Thuan catalog titled 'The Age of Discovery: Asian Cera...
Category
16th Century Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
17th Century Ming Dynasty Chinese Zitan Libation Cup Silver Inlaid
Located in Brea, CA
17th century Ming dynasty Chinese Zitan libation cup silver inlaid, of deep oval form , the exterior carved in high relief and undercut around the sides and base with gnarled branche...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Wood
Rare Annamese Stoneware with underglaze Blue and Painted Green, 15-16th Century
Located in seoul, KR
A bird on a tree. Stoneware with underglaze blue and painted green. The leaves were creatively expressed with green-glaze.
The use of green overpainting, a distinctive element in Annamese ceramics, parallels similar examples documented in The Age of Discovery: Asian Ceramics Found Along the Maritime Silk Road, particularly on pages 59, 64, and 66 of the Annamese ship catalog. Such pieces were widely traded along the Maritime Silk Road, showcasing the rich cultural exchange between Vietnam and other regions.
Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty
Region : North Annam, Vietnam
Type : Dish
Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship
Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue
1) Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000
2) Asian Ceramic Found along Maritime Silk Route / National Maritime Museum of Korea
* Vietnamese trade ceramics
Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Stoneware
Black glazed bottle, Late Ming Era(16-17th century)
Located in seoul, KR
Black glazed bottle from the late Ming dynasty binh thuan cargo. An identical piece is included on page 146 of the Bin Thuan catalog titled 'The Age of Disco...
Category
16th Century Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Pottery
16th Century Stone Pillar, Sianxi, China
Located in New York, NY
A carved stone pillar from Shanxi, China, circa 1560.
Mounted on a heptagonal wood base.
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Stone
An Annamese stoneware with cobalt blue, Hoi An Hoard, Late 15th century
Located in seoul, KR
At the center of the vase, a bird is depicted with clean yet detailed lines, capturing the moment mid-flight with a sense of dynamic energy. The artist skillfully conveys the bird’s vitality with minimal strokes, creating the impression that it could soar into the sky at any moment.
Though there are no explicit branches or leaves, the flowing curves of the background subtly connect the bird with the natural world. The simplicity of the lines creates a harmonious relationship between the bird and its environment, reflecting the artist’s ability to evoke nature without relying on intricate details.
The neck of the vase is adorned with elegant plant motifs, where stems and leaves stretch upward, complementing the overall shape of the vase. These motifs, while simple, add sophistication and enhance the vase’s graceful form.
At the base, repeating geometric patterns contribute to the sense of balance and stability. These patterns not only ground the piece but also serve as decorative elements, completing the vase’s aesthetic unity.
Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty
Region : North Annam, Vietnam
Type : Yuhuchun Vase
Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship
Reference :
1) Seattle Art Museum - Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2000.125.
2) Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000
3) Asian art museum, San Francisco
* Vietnamese trade ceramic...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Stoneware
Two Set of Molded Longquan Celadon 'Fu Shou' Vases, Ming Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
One side of the vase showcases a panel with the Shou character at its center, symbolizing longevity, while the opposite side displays the Fu character, signifying luck. The neck of the vase is adorned with leaves.
Period: Yuan-Ming Dynasty (1271-1644)
Region: Longquan, China
Medium: Celadon
Type: Ewer
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference
1) British Museum - Museum number 1931,1118.5
(Type : Closely related)
2) Christies NEW YORK 24–25 MAR 2022 - Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art - Lot 1105
(Price realised : 9,450 USD / Type : Related)
3) Sotheby's New York 19 March 2024 - Chinese Art - Lot 172
(Price range : 15,000 USD - 20,000 USD / Type : Related)
* Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon
Longquan celadon from the Ming Dynasty typically exhibits a more robust and heavier stoneware body compared to its Song Dynasty predecessors. The Ming era saw an evolution in celadon glaze, achieving a wider spectrum of green hues, from olive to bluish-greens. Ming celadons...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Celadon
Ming Dynasty Glazed Terracotta Funeral Table Mingqi with Miniature Food Offering
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming dynasty period glazed terracotta funeral table mingqi from 15th-16th century with food in dishes. This rare Ming dynasty period glazed terracotta funeral table, dating from the 15th to 16th century, beautifully embodies the traditional Chinese practice of creating Mingqi—terracotta models meant to assist the deceased in the afterlife. This piece depicts a typical Chinese altar, adorned with green tempera glaze and meticulously crafted miniature foods, such as cakes and breads, representing offerings. The modeled and painted details give a glimpse into the customs of wealthy Chinese burials...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Terracotta
Ming Dynasty Very Rare Wooden Bust of Lohan
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Very serene depiction of a Lohan carved in wood, eroded with the pass of time. Lohan is the Chinese term, derived from the Sanskrit word Arhan, for a disciple or follower of Buddha w...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Antique Ming Antiquities
Petite Chinese Ming Dynasty Period Glazed Pedestal with Polychrome Finish
Located in Yonkers, NY
A petite Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed pedestal from the 15th or 16th century with polychrome finish. Crafted in China during the prestigious Ming Dynasty, this petite pedestal table...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic
Ming antiquities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Ming antiquities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage antiquities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, terracotta and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming antiquities made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 antiquities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $700 and tops out at $88,880 while the average work can sell for $6,500.