Ming Furniture
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
Ming Style Chinese Scholar's Cabinet
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful, Ming dynasty style scholar's cabinet. The doors and side panels are all solid single boards set with mitered, tenon and mortise construction. Two exterior and interior d...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Horseshoe Chairs Oversize 19th Century
Located in Somis, CA
A pair of extra large, sold wood, 19th century Chinese Horseshoe Chairs. The solid, 2" thick, continuous rounded crest rail is composed of thre...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm, Wood
19th Century Chinese Scholar's Cabinet Glass Curio
Located in Somis, CA
A late 19th century solid wood Chinese scholar's cabinet with glass doors and removable shelves. The glass doors with elegant black lacquered frames are mounted on dowels adorned wit...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Asian Solid Wood Ming Style Table Bench
Located in Somis, CA
Beautiful solid wood table finished all around. Top is of mitered, tenon and mortise, solid single board floating panel construction. Cinched waist and 4 hoof feet legs. A pair of ve...
Category
2010s Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Jumu Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Jumu low table / coffee table. Table top is 46" wide 23" deep, from outside edge of legs is 49 1/2" wide 27" deep, 18" height. We carry f...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Red Lacquer Low Table with Fret Work Top
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine red lacquer low table / coffee table with fret work top, elegant fine red lacquer finished. Purchase red lacquer low table / coffee table also come with glass top that can place...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Carved Wood Long Bench
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An elaborate and finely carved bench in a pleasing Chestnut tone wood. Scrolled crest rail ends and arm ends. With four carved panels on the back with floral and fruit vines. A reeded skirt rail and with a shaped and carved running band of leafy vines. Innner sides carved with complimentary leafy motifs. The reeded back frame with square supports. The Bench is quite sturdy and surprisingly comfortable.
L. 75", Depth 21", H. 33 1/2"
Condition: Please see all detail photos. Signs of age include scrapes on the left arm end, repair to right arm end, stable age crack to left-side facing seat...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th C. Asian Wood Storage Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A classic Chinese two-door cabinet with two short over one long drawer. It opens to a printed paper lining with two shelves. Brass metal mounts. The wood has a warm honey tone and th...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Of Chinese Vintage Horseshoe Back Hardwood Armchairs
Located in Norwood, NJ
A pair of Chinese hardwood horseshoe back armchairs, each curved back with downswept arms and outswept hand grips, centering on an elegant shaped carved splat, flanked by cylindrical...
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Hardwood
Pair of Chinese Rosewood Carved Sofas or Benches
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic pair of Chinese carved rosewood sofas or benches featuring geometric armrests and gently curved spindle backs. Each bench has a spring cushion constructed in the frame for ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Metal
Asian Ming Style Carved Mahogany Sofa Settee, 1940-1960
Located in Rochester, NY
Very elegant Ming style mahogany hardwood sofa settee in nicely aged original color w/ beautifully figured grain to wood. Fine hand crafted hand carved details and pegged woodwork...
Category
20th Century Singaporean Ming Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Mahogany
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Style 1920s Horseshoe Back Bamboo Armchairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style 1920s horseshoe back bamboo armchairs a pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style horseshoe back armchairs from the early 20th century, with fretwork moti...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
Red Lacquer Altar Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Red lacquer altar table with everted flangers.
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Low Kang Opium Bed Coffee Table with Chow Legs and Hand Carved Frieze
Located in Yonkers, NY
A large antique Ming Dynasty style kang opium bed from the early 20th century, with bulging chow legs and hand-carved frieze in scroll pattern. Created in northern China during the e...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Carved Camphor Wood Trunk As Cocktail Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Camphor wood trunk with hinged lid, heavily and intricately carved with raised panels of landscapes, trees, pagodas, foliate motifs set against a background of flowers throughout. Th...
Category
20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Square Table, circa 1890
Located in Somis, CA
An extraordinary 19th century oversize Ming square table. The table top is constructed of four frame members and rests on the waist and apron that connect to four rounded legs. Such ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Jumu End Tables
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu wood end tables.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Side Table with Humpback Stretcher
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style side table with humpback stretcher.
Chinese Ming Dynasty style side table from the mid 19th century with
hump...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
19th Century Chinese Horseshoe Round Back Chairs All Original a Pair
Located in Somis, CA
A pair of large, sold wood, all original, early 19th century Chinese Provincial Horseshoe Chairs. The solid, 2" thick, rounded crest rail is constructed with one single continuous be...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Glass Linen Cabinet with Carved Wood
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful 20th century solid wood custom linen press with glass door. The cabinet is constructed with three frame members, among them two are inset with choice elm woods that form the sides. The elm woods with grains of swirls and sweeps resemble the Chinese mountain and water scene. The unique front...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Style Butterfly Cabinet with Carved Spandrels and Doors
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden butterfly cabinet from the 19th century, with carved spandrels, drawers, doors and dark patina. Born in China during the 19th century, this exquis...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Peach wood & Hard Cane Coffee Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese 19th century daybed / coffee table / end of bed bench.
Crafted in peach wood with a central woven rattan top panel insert mounted on a wooden board, making it sturdy enough ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Fruitwood
Chinese Tiered Stand with Inset Rose Marble Top
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An antique stone-inlaid Chinese stand with two tiers enhanced by open work and hand carved motifs, indicative to these pieces, such as the scroll, ornamental vines and greek key and ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
Chinese Vintage Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Low Prayer Table with Fretwork Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Chinese Ming style elmwood prayer table from the mid 20th century, with fretwork top and horse hoof feet. Created in China during the midcentury period, this low elmwood prayer table captures our attention with its square fretwork top sitting above a waisted apron. Raised on four straight legs with horse hoof extremities, the table is adorned with a discreetly carved apron on all sides. With its clean lines and warm patina, this Ming style Chinese prayer table...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Waisted Side Table with Woven Rattan Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style waisted side table from the early 20th century, with woven rattan top, humpbacked stretcher and horse hoof legs. Born in China during the early ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Antique Chinese Elaborately Carved Scholar’s Bench
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very fine antique bench with masterful carving, superb proportions and in all original condition. The crest rail and back with openwork panels of confronting dragons in the clouds....
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
Chinese Elm Altar Large Console Table
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Chinese console table with hand carved spandrels on both side of the table.
A long elmwood altar or console table features side panels with carved, stylized ruyi motifs, a sacred fu...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Ornately Carved Chinese Luohan Bed, circa 1550
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous luohan daybed anchors its surroundings with its monumental scale and incredible carved decoration. Known as a luohan chuang, or couch bed, this form of low-backed daybe...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Fine Older Chinese Robe Rack in Cinnabar Paint
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine vintage robe rack with generous proportions having a good traditional form. There are two carved dragon head top elements that are powerfully carved, ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair Asian Ming Style Carved Mahogany Lounge Chairs, 1940-1960
Located in Rochester, NY
A very elegant pair of Asian Ming style hand carved mahogany hardwood lounge chairs in nicely aged original surface color w/ beautifully figured grain. Exceptional quality finely det...
Category
20th Century Singaporean Ming Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Mahogany
Antique Chinese Ming Stone Table, c. 1500-1600
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese 16-17th century Ming stone table carved from a solid piece of stone. This table has a traditional scalloped apron and legs ending in scrolled feet.
In well-preserved origi...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
Cabinet in Original Black Lacquer, Shanxi Province, 1820-1830
Located in Kastrup, DK
Original black lacquer cabinet with a pair of doors.
The front with a layer of "thick varnish" this is used to attach the thick varnish, first the canvas and after the "varnish pa...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Metal
Large Jumu Wood Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Large Jumu wood low table, antique kang table, can be used as coffee table.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Style Wooden Coffee Table with Hand-Woven Rattan Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style square-shaped wooden coffee table from the 19th century, with original distressed finish and hand-woven rattan top. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period in the 19th century, this coffee table features the stylistic characteristic of the Ming Dynasty. The table presents a square top with woven rattan inset, adorned with a reeded edge on all sides. Showcasing its original finish with a nicely distressed patina revealing its age and use, the table is raised on four straight legs connected to one another through humpback stretchers. With its elegant Ming lines and great patina, this Qing Dynasty wood and rattan coffee table...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Wood
15th-16th Century Ming Dynasty Cabinet. Red Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare and well-preserved 16th century cupboard / cabinet.
Detailed carved top section depicting a floral leaf design and people in polychrome lacquer.
Front with red lacquer, pair of ...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Northern Chinese Courtyard Door, Hu Tong Culture
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb antique wabi-sabi door from a Northern Chinese courtyard house, Hu Tong, China, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Composed of 5 elements: two door panels, the outer structure, and two...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
Profusely Carved Asian Display Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An elegant Asian display cabinet, profusely carved throughout with glass door with carved trim and surround that reveals two long and one short s...
Category
Early 20th Century Asian Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid-20th Century Large Chinese Rosewood Center Table
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional carved rosewood center table in the Ming style in large old timber from the mid 20th century. This piece is very high quality and style.
It would easily work with Eu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Pair of Japanese Kyokuroku Folding Chairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Japanese red lacquered folding meditation armchair for monks.
Pair of kyokuroku chairs in original red lacquer with gilt carvings and embossed brass hardware.
One chair wit...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
19th Century Chinese Southern Administrator's Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
A fine 19th century Chinese huali (rosewood) Southern Administrator's armchair with gently curved crestrail and arms, four-spindle backsplat, brass fittings, woven cane seat, and tra...
Category
1850s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Ming Dynasty Style Coffee Table with Green Lacquer Top and Natural Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Chinese Ming Dynasty style low square-shaped coffee table from the mid 20th century with green lacquer top and horse hoof legs. Created in China during the Midcentury period, this Ming style table features a dark green lacquered top with central board, sitting above a waisted apron with curving accents. Raised on four legs with horse hoof extremities, the table boasts a nicely distressed patina, slightly different on all sides. With its clean lines, contrasting colors and rustic flair, this vintage Ming Dynasty style Chinese low coffee table...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Vintage Ming Dynasty Style Waisted Side Tables with Stretchers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden side tables from the early 20th century, with carved aprons, humpback stretchers and horse hoof legs. Created in China during the ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Nesting Tables Set of 4 Ming Hua Li Wood
Located in Somis, CA
Our Chinese nesting tables are very elegant and versatile. Each and every table is a complete piece on its own, unlike most other sets with one of the stretchers removed to accommodate "nesting". The tables are made of solid Hua Li wood, a close relative to the revered Huang Hua Li...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Antique Rose Chairs Pair Armchairs
Located in Somis, CA
The famed Rose chair's legacy began in the Song dynasty when they were wider and shorter. Ming dynasty revolutionized the ancient chairs by elevating and st...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Black & Green Lacquer Consol Table, Shandong, 1830-1840
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese Altar console / side table with everted ends on the top, square legs with stretchers.
Original lacquer, black with green lacquer top.
Natural age-related patina which is high...
Category
1830s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Massive And Magnificent Antique Chinese Basket As Cocktail Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A rare and extraordinary Antique octagonal Carry Basket thoughtfully re-purposed as a Cocktail Table. Once likely used for linen or clothing storage, the Basket retains its capacity ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Natural Wood Two-Door Cabinet with Floral Décor and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Ming Dynasty style natural wood two-door cabinet from the mid-20th century, with floral décor and hidden drawers. This mid-century cabinet, crafted in the style of the Ming...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th Century Elmwood Center Hall Table with Ming Dynasty Stone Inset
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese 19th century elmwood center hall table with Ming dynasty 15th or 16th century courtyard stone inset. Born in China during the 19th century, this elegant center table...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
Black Walnut Wood Tall Chinese End Table
By Asian Modern
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
Crafted from the finest black walnut wood, this modern Chinese side table showcases a deep, rich tone and intricate grain patterns unique to each piece. The traditional Chinese motif...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Ming Dynasty Style Natural Wood Stool or Side Table with Humpback Stretcher
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Chinese Ming dynasty style natural wood side table from the mid-20th century, with humpbacked stretcher, rich grain and cylindrical l...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Style Red Lacquered Console Cabinet with Doors and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style red lacquered console cabinet from the early 20th century, with five drawers and double doors. Born dur...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Jumu Wood Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Simple Jumu wood low table with framed cane top, beautiful wood grain and texture.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Style Wedding Chair with Carved Medallion and Curving Arms
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden wedding chair from the early 20th century, with carved medallion, curving armrests and natural wood patina. The chair’s open back is eleg...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Painted Compound Cabinets, Late Ming Dynasty
Located in Chicago, IL
Seamlessly constructed and lacquered black, this pair of spectacular Ming-dynasty compound cabinets provided the perfect blank canvas for painted scen...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Rustic Chinese Yumu Plank-top Recessed-leg Painting Table
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most impressive size rustic Provincial Chinese recessed-leg painting table (dining table)
Early 19th century, crafted of northern elm (yumu) sourced from the forests of N...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
An Exceptional French Polished Rosewood Altar Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rosewood Altar Table with a particularly elegant and strong traditional form with upswept ends, fine graining and particularly beautiful graining...
Category
20th Century Asian Ming Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Vintage Lamp Table with Humpback Stretchers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese vintage side lamp table from the mid 20th century, with horse hoof feet and humpback stretchers. Created in China during the midcentury pe...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Low Chinese Painted Book Cabinet, Ming Dynasty
Located in Chicago, IL
A rolled-up scroll or treasured root pot may have once been among the treasured objects stored in this 19th century book chest. Expertly constructed in China'...
Category
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Ming furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, tables, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming furniture 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $350 and tops out at $52,980 while the average work can sell for $2,900.