Skip to main content

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.

12
84
to
2
28
5
84
84
84
7
7
4
3
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
79
4
1
1
61
12
12
10
9
83
76
75
7
7
Style: Ming
A Rare Dingyao Green-Glazed Dragon Dish, Northern 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 Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Qingbai Melon form water ewer, Northern song dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The oviform body is divided into few lobes, and the shoulder is applied with a pair of small loops molded. Period : Song Dynasty(960~1279) Type : Ewer Medium : Zhejiang celadon Pro...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Porcelain

Two white ware vases with flower design, Yuan Dynasty, 14th century
Located in seoul, KR
Porcelain with transparent pale-green (qingbai-type) glaze with flower, leaves and lotus design of typical yuan dynasty. Period : Yuan Dynasty(1271-1368) Type : Baluster vase Medium...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Porcelain, Ceramic

Two green glazed figures, Ming dynasty (1368-1644)
Located in seoul, KR
Statues of Chinese dignitaries crafted from terracotta, featuring glazes in green and ocher, are set on rectangular bases. The wide-sleeved robes and craftsmanship, along with the cy...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

Two Green Glazed Horses and Riders, Ming period(15-16th Century)
Located in seoul, KR
Statues of Chinese horse riders, featuring glazes in green, are set on rectangular bases. Period: Ming Dynasty Medium: Green-glazed Pottery Type: Figure Provenance : Acquired i...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

Rare annamese cream glazed ewer, Vietnam, 11-15th century
Located in seoul, KR
Famous annamese cream glazed ceramic ewer covered with a cream glaze. Traces of excavation are clearly visible in the glaze. Dates : Presumably Ly Dynasty (11-13th century) Region ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Annamese Cylindrical Jar, Vietnam, 11-15th century
Located in seoul, KR
Famous annamese cylindrical jar with lid. Decor modeled in lotus petals, covered with a cream glaze. Dates : Presumably Ly Dynasty (11-13th century) Region : Vietnam Type : Jar Fou...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

Carved 'Longquan' Celadon-glazed Funerary vase and cover, Song dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The vase features a ribbed body, subtly enhancing its graceful contours, and is topped with a uniquely sculpted lid adorned with figurative elements. Period : Song Dynasty Type : Ce...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Celadon

Small Qingbai Pear-Shaped Vase, Song-Yuan Dynasty(13-14th century)
Located in seoul, KR
This exquisite piece is a Qingbai ware from the Song to Yuan dynasty, and it appears to be an excavated artifact given its earthy encrustations, suggesting it has rested in the groun...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

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 Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

A Carved Qingbai 'Chrysanthemum' Vase, Song-Yuan Dynasty(13-14th century)
Located in seoul, KR
The ovoid body to a tall neck, the body decorated with a chrysanthemum meander, covered overall in a translucent pale blue glaze. Traces of excavation can be seen in the dirt marks o...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Swatow Lidded Boxes in the shape of Waves and Flowers, Late Ming Era(16-17th c)
Located in seoul, KR
Small green-glazed boxes from the late Ming dynasty cargo. Identical pieces are included on page 142, 143 of the Bin Thuan catalog titled 'The Age of Discove...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic, 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 Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

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 Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Cizhou Rectangular Pillow with Carved Decoration, Yuan Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
Cizhou ware is known for its robust forms and freely applied decoration, often featuring a white slip under clear glaze. The pillow is rectangular, with a slightly curved top surface to accommodate the head of the sleeper. The decoration on this pillow features an incised design, delineated with fine lines to create a clear and simplistic representation. The motif includes floral elements, likely peony or chrysanthemum, and foliage, which were popular during the Song and Yuan periods. The carving is subtle yet skillful, showing the artistry and aesthetic preferences of the era. Period : Yuan Dynasty, 13th-14th Century Type : Pillow Medium : Cizhou Ware Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : 1) Datong Museum - Cizhou Pillow...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Standing Green Glazed Pottery Attendant Figure
Located in seoul, KR
This standing attendant male figure is dressed in a front-closing green robe, cinched at the waist with a sash tied in a knot. Atop his head sits a red hat. He adopts a formal pose o...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

Chinese Qingbai Small Model of a Granary Set, Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
Two granary model porcelains. East Asia, This pottery representation of a granary sits on a layered base, topped with a conical lid that also acts as its roof, all finished in a grey...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

A Rare Moulded Dingyao 'Cranes And Fishes' Bowl, Northern Song - Jin Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This bowl stands out for its detailed depiction of two fish amid soft spiral waves, bordered by two cranes within the bowl. The design's depth and clarity, from the lifelike portraya...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Carved 'Yaozhou' Celadon-Glazed Bowl, Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The bowl is potted with steep, flared sides and decorated to the interior with stylized peonies among scrolling tendrils. The exterior is carved with vertical lines below the everted...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Celadon

A Molded Qingbai 'Flowers' Dish, Southern Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The plate depicted here exhibits the intricate floral patterns and lotus motifs that are typical of Southern Song designs. The central floral motif captures the essence of Oriental b...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

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 Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

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 Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Celadon

Celadon Vase, Five Dynasties or Northern Song dynasty, 10th-11th Century
Located in seoul, KR
The form of Longquan celadon vases from the Northern Song dynasty evolved from an early design with a long neck and tapering body to a later ovoid body with a shorter neck. Over time, the glaze developed a more olive tone, and the carved decorations became more pronounced and intricate. Examples of such vases include one without a cover dated to the Yuanfeng era (1078~1085) and documented in literature, and another similar vase without loop handles preserved by the Qingyuan County Cultural Relics Bureau. An earlier example featuring loop handles and a lotus-like cover is also mentioned in historical texts. The use of Longquan covered vases, especially as funerary jars for offerings like wine and grains, was highlighted by an inscription on a piece from the Sir Percival David Collection, London. This inscription wishes for the vessel to preserve fragrant wine for centuries, blessing the owner with prosperity, longevity, and a vast lineage, dated to the third year of the Yuanfeng period (1080). This practice was common in the regions of Southern Zhejiang and Northern Fujian. A similar celadon vase from the Linyushanren collection was auctioned at Christie’s Hong Kong, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of these artifacts. Period : Five Dynasties or Northern Song Dynasty Type : Celadon, Zhejiang province Medium : Celadon Size : 31.5 cm(Height) x 11.5(Diameter) Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : 1) The British Museum image id - 01613270570 2) Christies New York 23–24 MAR 2023 - Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art - Lot 1012 (Price Range : USD 18,000 – USD 25,000 / Type : Related) 3) National Gallery of Victoria - Accession Number - AS5-1973 * Celadon from Five Dynasties (907~960) to the early Northern Song Dynasty (960~1127) The period from the Five Dynasties (907~960) to the early Northern Song Dynasty (960~1127) marked a significant transitional phase in the development of Chinese celadon ceramics...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Celadon

Cizhou Lotus Carved Jar, Song-Yuan dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This jar features a carved design, which is typical of Cizhou ware. It has a creamy white and brown color scheme, and the prominent decoration of lotus flower, which is a common motif in Chinese art and culture, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. The carving technique involves coating the vessel with a layer of white slip (liquid clay), then carving away parts of it to create the design, revealing the darker clay body beneath. This technique allows for a strong contrast between the background and the carved motif. Period : Song-Yuan Dynasty Type : Jar Medium : Cizhou Ware Size : 21.5 cm(Height), 11cm(Mouth Diameter) Provenance : Acquired in 1999, Hongkong * Cizhou Ware Cizhou is the name given to a number of stonewares, grey or buff, of varying degrees of hardness, with painted, incised or carved decoration on a clay slip. These stonewares were not only made in the region of Cizhou, Hebei Province, but in several provinces of China during the Song, Yuan and Ming periods. The great centres of production were in the north of China in the provinces of Hebei, Henan and Shanxi. Cizhou wares seem to have been very popular, made for a clientèle of rich merchants, at a period when the paintings of famous...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

Green and Ochre Glazed Altar Table with Offerings, Ming Dynasty, 15~16th Century
Located in seoul, KR
The table bearing pig head, rice cakes, dishes of meat, fish and fruit. Known as Mingqi, these terracotta models were customarily included in Chinese burial practices, particularly among the affluent, to aid the deceased in their journey through the afterlife. This tradition extends back to the Neolithic Period. A unique terracotta funeral table...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

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...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Celadon

Carved 'Longquan' Celadon-Glazed Tripod Censer, Ming dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This censer is characterized by its tripod form, which means it stands on three feet. Incense burners from the Ming dynasty are often highly regarded for their craftsmanship and the quality of the glaze texture and coloration. This piece features finely carved patterns that likely draw inspiration from traditional Chinese motifs. Such items were commonly used for burning incense and sometimes served as significant decorative pieces in ceremonial spaces or the homes of the elite. Period: Ming Dynasty (1368~1644) Region: Longquan, China Medium: Stoneware - Celadon glazed Type: Tripod censer Size : 24.2 cm(Diameter) , 10.8cm(Height) Provenance : Acquired in 1999, Hongkong Reference : Sotheby's Newyork 26 September 2023 - CHINA / 5000 YEARS - Lot1135 * 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 Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Celadon

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

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 Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

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 Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

Longquan Celadon 'Dragon' Jar and Cover, Song Dynasty(1127–1279)
Located in seoul, KR
A similar jar with a cover, part of the Avery Brundage collection at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, is featured in Mary Tregear's "Song Ceramics" (London, 1982, plate 286). T...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Celadon

Longquan Celadon Five-Spouted Jar, Northern Song Dynasty (AD 960~1127)
Located in seoul, KR
Thickly potted with an ovoid body of five horizontal lobes tapering toward the top, carries both aesthetic and practical values. The jar is intricately carved with rows of upright lo...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Celadon

A Rare Cream-Glazed Ewer and Cover, Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127)
Located in seoul, KR
The octagonal lobed ovoid body rising from a short spreading foot to a tall trumpet neck, set at the shoulder with a tall curved spout and to the other side with a tall strap handle, the dished cover surmounted with a ruyi-shaped finial, covered overall in a creamy-white glaze. Compared to other similar types of Northern Song Dynasty ceramics, this piece is extremely elegant in shape. It most closely resembles the Qingbai porcelain in the collection of The Museum of Oriental Ceramics in Osaka. Period : Northern Song dynasty(960~1127) Type : Creamy-white glaze Ewer Provenance : Acquired in 1999, Hongkong Reference : THE MET Accession Number: 18.57.1 Sotheby's London 2018 - St George Street Sale Asian Art - Lot 208 * Song Dynasty Ding-Yao Ware Song Dynasty Ding Yao porcelain holds a significant place in Chinese ceramic art, specifically as a type of white porcelain produced during the Song Dynasty. Produced predominantly during the mid to late Song Dynasty, Ding Yao ceramics are renowned for their delicate and intricate features. Ding Yao ceramics were primarily crafted from clay rich in white minerals and fired at high temperatures to achieve a durable and lustrous surface. One distinctive characteristic of this serene white ceramic is the presence of silver or gold-colored splashes of glaze, often created using a mineral called galena. Galena, with its lustrous appearance, was suitable for creating fine patterns and intricate decorations. These ceramics frequently feature delicate carvings, floral motifs, or subtle decorations. While commonly used for utilitarian purposes such as tableware, Ding Yao porcelain also served as a medium for artistic expression, producing many artworks. The production of Ding Yao ceramics was relatively limited, and surviving pieces are considered rare and valuable art pieces...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

Annamese blue and white bowl, circa 15th century.
Located in seoul, KR
The bowl's design features fluid, dynamic brushstrokes typical of Annamese pottery, where cobalt blue underglaze was used to create intricate patterns before a clear glaze was applied. 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 : Dish Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Diameter : 17cm 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

Annamese Blue and White Dish, circa 15th century.
Located in seoul, KR
A blue-and-white porcelain dish with a central floral motif, likely a lotus, which is a recurrent symbol in Asian art representing purity and beauty. The lotus is surrounded by concentric patterns of foliage and vines, typical of the blue-and-white ceramics that were prevalent during the Ming Dynasty. The cobalt blue used for the intricate designs stands out against the white background, giving the piece a timeless elegance. The design's fluidity and organic shapes suggest it was painted by a skilled artisan, making it a fine example of the artistry from the period when it was created. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam 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

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

Annamese stoneware pot, Hoi An Hoard, late 15th century.
Located in seoul, KR
This ceramic piece beautifully captures the scene of a sparrow perched on a small branchs, depicted with a minimalist touch. The artist skillfully conveys the sense of intimacy as the sparrow approaches the slender twig. The simplicity of the design is evident in the clean lines and subtle details, allowing the viewer to focus on the essence of the moment. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam Type : Stoneware Pot Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Hoard Reference : 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

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 Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Celadon

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 Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

An Annamese stoneware with cobalt blue, Hoi An Hoard, Late 15th century
Located in seoul, KR
Lively birds flit across the body of this pear-shaped vase. The cobalt blue of the underpainting remains dark, even though the clear glaze of the surface has worn away after centuries under the sea. There was remarkable variation in the condition of the ceramic...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

A Rare Annamese Blue and white with green glaze dish circa 15th century.
Located in seoul, KR
A parrot on a tree. Stoneware with underglaze blue and painted green. The leaves were creatively expressed with green-glaze. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam 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

A Rare Annamese Blue and white Ewer, Circa 15th century
Located in seoul, KR
Stoneware painted with underglaze cobalt blue and remnants of overglaze enamel. Valuable piece housed in a few major museum collections in the United States. Year/Period : 15th century Region : North Vietnam Type : Ewer Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Reference : 1) Phoenix Art Museum - OBJECT NUMBER 2000.108.1 2) Asian Art Museum of San Francisco - Annamese Collection 3) 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

A Rare Gilted Annamese Blue and white Ewer, Circa 15th Century
Located in seoul, KR
Although heavily influenced by the Chinese ceramic tradition, Vietnam materials and potting styles are unique. Technically not ‘porcelain’, which is translucent and pure white, these stonewares are different in appearance from Chinese and other Southeast Asian ceramics. Vietnamese wares are typically more heavily potted and have an off-white clay body. Cobalt oxide could have been imported from West Asia via China to produce the blue tones. Year/Period : 15th century Region : North Vietnam Type : Ewer 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

Chinese Ming Dynasty Bronze Buddhist Lion Incense Burner! Tongshi Sculpture Art
Located in Peoria, AZ
MAGNIFICENT! MING DYNASTY BRONZE LION INCENSE BURNER! EXTREMELY RARE! APPROXIMATE DIMENSIONS: 7" Tall x 7" Wide A BRONZE BUDDHIST LION MING DYNASTY Well cast, standing on all fo...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Stone Buddha’s Head
Located in New York, NY
A master-carved Chinese stone head of Buddha featuring a serene face with Fine sculpted features, flanked by long pendulous ear lobes. This impotent...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Stone

Silver Buddhist Statue with Gold Plated Bronze Lotus Stand
Located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Rare combination of a silver Buddha and a gilt pedestal. The meticulous workmanship is superb. With the sign of ???? (Manufactured in era of Yongle emperor) on the bottom.
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Silver, Bronze

Five Color Hand Painted Dragon Small Pot, Ming Period
Located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Small jar with lid made in the five-color hand painting commonly used in Ming Dynasty Wanli Period. Presumed to have been used for storing tea leaves. ...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Ming Dynasty 17th Century Glazed Terracotta Sancai Temple Roof Tile
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period temple roof tile from the 17th century, with turquoise glaze, bird and flower motifs. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty which ruled from 1368 to ...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

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 Chinese Ming Style Peach Wood Altar Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Chinese peach wood altar table in ming style. From Jiangsu Province, 1830-1840. Peach is a beautiful type of wood with warm undertones. Furnitur...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Fruitwood

17th Century Ming Dynasty Carved Stone Barrel #02 (Pair or Individually)
Located in Chicago, IL
- Sold individually or as a pair - 17th Century Ming Dynasty carved stone barrel, with Foo Dog handles, floral reliefs and bat wing decoration. The Chinese symbol for bat and for go...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Marble

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 Antiquities

Materials

Marble

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

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

Chinese Ming Dynasty 17th Century Three-Color Glazed Terracotta Temple Roof Tile
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period temple roof tile from the 17th century, with turquoise finish, bird and flower. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this ancient templ...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

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

17th Century Pair of Painted Terra Cotta Chinese Gentlemen on Horses
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a unique pair of painted Chinese terra cotta gentlemen in native costumes on horseback, purported to be Ming.
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Clay

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

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.

Recently Viewed

View All