Ming Sculptures and Carvings
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
Antique Ming Dynasty Chinese Earthenware Horse Sculpture Míngqì Tomb Figure
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce 600 year old (approx) Chinese pottery Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) large glazed earthenware míngqì tomb figure, modeled as horse sculpture with saddle, stirrups, and integral ba...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Earthenware
Chinese Carved Wood Bodhisattva Guanyin, Late Ming Dynasty, 17th Century
Located in Austin, TX
An attractive carved wood figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, known as Guanyin in China, late Ming Dynasty, early 17th century, China.
Guanyi...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Gesso, Wood
Pair Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Buddhist Lions and Attendants, 17th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A fantastic pair of large Chinese tileworks sancai glazed Buddhistic lions and attendants, late Ming Dynasty, first half of the 17th century, Shanxi, China. Presented on custom 20th century wood and lacquer table-form stands.
This pair of lions and attendants portray Buddhist lions...
Category
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
An Important Chinese Carved Wood Figure of Guanyin, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
An Important Chinese Carved Wood Figure of Guanyin, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century
Description:
A dignified portrayal of the bodhisattva, respl...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Period Male Foo Dog Guardian Lion Hand-Carved Sculpture
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period (1368 - 1644) hand-carved stone Foo Dog guardian lion sculpture depicting a male placing his paw atop a ball. Created in Ch...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
Chinese Carved and Painted Wood Sculpture of Guanyin
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful carving of Guanyin, shown standing on a rocky outcrop, mounted on a lobed wooden base. It was once used as a lamp, and can be rewired. Nice faded painted surface.
Guany...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Chinese Yellow and Russet Jade Mythical Beast, Ming Dynasty or Earlier
Located in Austin, TX
A superb Chinese yellow and russet nephrite jade carving of a mythical beast, Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644) or earlier, China
The mythical beast is portrayed with feline features, i...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
Chinese Sancai Glazed Warrior Roof Ridge Tile, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A fantastic Chinese sancai (three color) glazed pottery roof ridge tile of an armored warrior on horseback, late Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), circa 1600, C...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
Large Gilt Bronze Buddha Young Shakyimuni Statue 31 Lb
Located in Somis, CA
The magnificent 31 lb bronze Buddha statue, crafted in the Ming dynasty style, captivates with its timeless beauty and serene presence. Depicting a young Shakyamuni, the statue exude...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings
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 Sculptures and Carvings
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 Sculptures and Carvings
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 Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Carved Celadon and Russet Jade Mythical Animal, Ming Dynasty or Earlier
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and unusual carving of a mythical animal, possibly a pixiu, of celadon and russet nephrite jade, Ming Dynasty or earlier, China.
The mythical animal masterfully carved as a...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Jade
Chinese Ming Dynasty Carved, Painted and Giltwood Amitayus Buddha
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful and serene Chinese Ming dynasty carved wood figure of the Buddha Amitayus, the Buddha of long life, and a form of Amitabha Buddha. He is seated in dhyanassana, dressed in...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Rare Early 20 Century Bronze Busts of Three Chinese Deities Fu, Lu, Shou (福禄寿)
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A rare complete set of three patinated bronze busts of Chinese Deities Fu, Lu, Shou (福禄寿) . three prominent gods that hold significant importance in Chinese culture and belief. T...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Pair Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed and Painted Pottery Figures, 16th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A striking pair of large Chinese glazed and painted pottery figures, Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), circa 16th century, China.
The impressive and realistically modeled figures each portrayed standing upright upon a sancai (three color) glazed pedestal of kang table form.
The man is dressed in a short black surcoat over a long robe and pants, a smart cap upon his head. His face is warm and welcoming, with wide eyes and a slight smile on his lips. He holds his hands out in front of him, palms up, almost as if shrugging, though presumably originally holding an object or offering, now lost.
The woman of slightly smaller stature, and dressed in a longer surcoat over a long robe and skirt. She wears a fitted cap upon her head. Her hands also held out in front, grasping long lost objects. Her face is slightly more severe, with a somewhat pinched look, and slight frown upon her lips.
The size of these figures is remarkable, as is the realism and attention to detail, almost as if they were modeled after real people, as opposed to the more common and generic Ming Dynasty pottery...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Pottery
A large wood Buddha/Guanyin with traces of pigments Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
By Master
Located in Vienna, AT
A LARGE WOOD FIGURE OF GUANYIN WITH TRACES OF PIGMENTS
MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)
The bodhisattva is shown seated in padmasana, wearing long flowing ro...
Category
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Hardwood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Architectural Terracotta Roof Tile Figure Qilin Foo Dog pr
Located in Forney, TX
A remarkable pair of large Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) earthenware Imperial roof decorations - ornamental architectural terracotta roof tile beasts.
15th/16th century or earlier, Northern China, most likely Forbidden City, Dongcheng District, Beijing, figural pottery modeled as mythical qilin (foo dog / guardian lion), the crouching beast with legs back and flaming body depicted ready to pounce. Retaining partial remnants of the red wax export seal, indicating they are authentic and were legally exported out of the country.
Dimensions: (approx)
Largest: 18" Tall, 19" Wide, 8" Deep
History:
Chinese roof tiles have been a part of Chinese architecture for over 2,000 years. These unique and beautifully crafted tiles have become an integral part of traditional Chinese culture, and have gained international recognition for their beauty and cultural significance. In this article, we will explore the different types of Chinese roof tiles, their construction, cultural significance, preservation and restoration techniques, and modern uses.
Chinese imperial roof decorations or roof charms or roof-figures (Chinese: 檐獸/檐兽; pinyin: yán shòu) or "walking beasts" (Chinese: 走獸/走兽; pinyin: zǒu shòu) or "crouching beasts" (Chinese: 蹲獸/蹲兽; pinyin: Dūn shòu) were statutes placed along the ridge line of official buildings of the Chinese empire. Only official buildings (palaces, government buildings, and some temples) were permitted to use such roof decorations.
Occasionally arranged in an outward marching procession with various different examples, the number and type indicating the importance of the duties performed within the building or within the courtyard protected by a gate. With a maximum number of nine, the mythical beast was one of the highest in rank, thus modeled set to pounce upon the man and lower ranking creatures, ready to devour them should they stray from performing their duties with faithfulness and rectitude
The Design and Construction of Chinese Roofs:
The roof design is an important aspect of Chinese architecture, with each component of the roof playing a specific role. Chinese roof tiles fit into the overall design of the roof and are placed on top of wooden supports called purlins. The interlocking system of Chinese roof tiles ensures that they stay in place and prevent leaks. Ridge tiles...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Earthenware, Terracotta
Large Antique Asian Wood Sculpture of the Laughing Buddha
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very large antique Asian wood carving of the iconic Laughing Buddha. The sculpture has great form, the Buddha with his right hand resting ...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Stone Finials with Peaches and Persimmons, 17th/18th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
Over four hundred years ago, these rare stone finials once adorned the garden or courtyard of a traditional Qing-dynasty home. Hand-carved in Shanxi province, they offer a rare glimp...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Limestone
Grande Buddha Cinese in Legno
By Ebanista
Located in Brescia, IT
Grande scultura di un Buddha in legno scolpito e laccato in policromia di bella proporzione e colore.
Scultura riprodotta nel novecento con precisione e ottima qualità .
Lo stato di ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Bronze Nanhai Guanyin, 16th/17th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A decidingly charming Chinese polychromed and gilt cast bronze figure of Nanhai Guanyin, Guanyin of the South Sea, Ming Dynasty, 16th/17th century, China.
Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, is portrayed here as a beatific figure seated upon a raised lotus pedestal over waves. Guanyin is dressed in heavy robes, and wears an elaborate headdress. The small figure of Amitabha Buddha in the headdress positively identifies this figure as Guanyin.
Guanyin rests one hand in his lap, holding a cup of pure water said to be able to alleviate all suffering. His other hand is raised, holding a willow branch which is used to sprinkle the healing waters.
The two lotus blossoms to either side of Guanyin would originally have supported figures of the acolytes...
Category
Early 1600s Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Carved Wood Teaching Buddha in Ming Style
Located in Atlanta, GA
A statue of standing Buddha (Shakyamuni), finely carved out a single block of wood (might be cypress based on the wood grains). Attired in a flowing robe with open chest, the Buddha ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Antique Pair of Late Ming Dynasty Silk Road Carved Stone Guardian Lions
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare pair of large Chinese carved stone foo dog guardian lions. Originated from a house of a mandarin (a public official in the Chinese Empire), located on The Silk Road.
Here they were placed in front of the gate, with the gate doors mounted on the base behind the lions.
The pair consist of a male with a ball on his back, and a female holding a puppy. The ball represents the world and the puppy represents nature or a nurturing spirit.
One stand lightly carved with a horse, the other with a deer. The front of the stand is carved with camel...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
Chinese Soapstone Fish Carving 20th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
Chinese Soapstone fish carving 20th century.
This exquisite soapstone sculpture is a unique carving, as it shows to us the natural formation of two stones with the grey soapstone accompanied by the red, yellow and beige soapstone carved into a beautiful depiction of fish and and underwater coral.
Shoushan stone...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Soapstone
Chinese Ming Dynasty Terracotta Court Official Statuette, Original Polychromy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A petite Chinese Ming dynasty green glazed terracotta court official figurine from the 15th or 16th century, with original polychromy. Attracting our eye with its vibrant polychromy,...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Terracotta
Chinese Ming Style Bronze Metal Seated Buddha
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Diminutive Chinese bronze metal Buddha sculpture depicted sitting. Beautifully crafted in the Ming style with intricate details. The bronze has a rich pat...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Bronze Patinated Polychromed Buddhist Lion Incense Burner! Tongshi Sculpture Art
Located in Peoria, AZ
MAGNIFICENT!
BRONZE LION
INCENSE BURNER!
EXTREMELY RARE!
APPROXIMATE DIMENSIONS: 7" Tall x 7" Wide
Well cast, standing on all four legs (very rare pose!) while twisting its sin...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty
Provenance:
Private Old Australian Collection Acquired in Beijing Market in 1980s.
Description:
The cavity ...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Early Chinese Stone Budha Hand Fragment
Located in Bradenton, FL
Early Chinese stone Budha hand fragment.
A stone sculpture of a Buddha hand in a traditional gesture known as
Verada Mudra, meaning Compassion / Sincerity.
Once part of a large Buddha sculpture...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty
Provenance: Private Old Australian Collection Acquired in Beijing Market in 1980s.
Description:
A devotional...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Hand Carved Stone Monkey Sculpture with Infant Monkey
Located in Yonkers, NY
A 19th century Chinese Ming dynasty hand carved stone monkey sculpture. This Chinese sculpture features a monkey figure, sitting on a rock formation, holding a square item, perhaps a...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
Ming Warrior Statue
Located in Somis, CA
An all original, 18th century, hand carved, solid wood statue of a young Ming warrior on horse. Warrior wears a full, elaborate armor fronted with a shield under a large circular col...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Lacquered and Gilt Bronze Bodhisattva, 17th Century
Located in Austin, TX
Chinese late Ming dynasty bronze figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, also known as Guanyin (Quan Yin, Kwan Yin, Kuan Yin), 17th century, China
The figure well cast in two ...
Category
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Carved wooden statuette of Guandi God of war & dog lion of Fo - China Ming 18th
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
This marvelous polychrome carved wooden statuette represents a Buddhist temple guardian, Guandi or Guan Yu sitting on a Fo dog.
The guardian and the dog are on a base whose feet reca...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
China Antique Pair "Spirit Path" Horse Sculptures, Ming Dynasty 500 Years Old
Located in South Burlington, VT
China, a monumental pair (2) of 500 year old lime stone “Spirit Path” Equine horse head sculptures.
Ming dynasty, (1368-1644 CE).
A pair of near life size and robust head sections with fine, wavy combed manes, well defined mouths, ears, nostrils, and ornamental bridles, all carved in a medium to dark gray limestone with considerable weathering to surfaces. The smaller head with a later inscription on bottom and signed “Zhuang”.
Formerly exhibited “Treasures from Asia”, Shelburne Vermont, Shelburne Art Center, 2006. Originally found in the vicinity of the village of Chuan near Luoyang City, Henan Provance, China.
Each mounted on a custom iron display stand.
Dimensions:
A the smaller 32.5cm, 13” high and 62.5cm, 25” in length and with display stand, 60cm, 24” high;
b the larger 37.5cm, 15” high and 67.5cm, 27” in length and with display stand
65cm, 26” high.
Please view additional photographs from our Chinese antiquities catalog 35 Years Collecting 35 Treasures, page 60.
History:
Placing stone animals and human figures along spirit paths in front of 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. Life size “spirit path” stone horse sculptures are known and can be viewed from Ming dynasty tombs including thirteen imperial tombs of the Ming Dynasty scattered over an area of forty square kilometers in Changping District to the northwest of Beijing.
The first Ming tomb...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Limestone
Chinese Ming Dynasty Terracotta Courtsman Statuette with Original Polychromy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty painted terracotta courtsman figure with original polychromy. Attracting our eye with its weathered appearance and subtle polychromy, this Ming Dynasty terracotta courtsman figure exudes historical charm and elegance. This exquisite statuette, dating from the Chinese Ming Dynasty, features a courtsman resting on a hexagonal base, providing a stable and aesthetically pleasing foundation. Topped with a simple headdress and clothed in a long, flowing robe, the figure showcases a slight movement of the hips, creating a sense of liveliness and grace.
His right arm is extended in a gesture, while his left arm remains hidden under his clothes, adding an element of mystery and sophistication. The original polychromy, though weathered, adds a touch of vibrant color that enhances the figure's visual appeal and historical authenticity.
This Chinese courtsman figure will make for an exquisite decorative addition to any home. Its refined elegance and rich cultural heritage make it a versatile piece, perfect for placing on a commode, side table, or shelf. Whether in a living room, study, or entryway, this Ming Dynasty figure will bring a touch of ancient Chinese artistry and timeless beauty to any interior space.
With its harmonious blend of form and function, this painted terracotta courtsman figure celebrates the enduring appeal of Ming Dynasty art...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Terracotta
Ming Period Stucco Head of a Court Lady with Original Paint Mounted on Stand
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period stucco head of a court lady from the 15th or 16th century, mounted on a wooden stand. Crafted in China during the Ming Dynasty, this stucco head is moun...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Stucco
Early 20th Century Ming Dynasty-inspired Guanyin Wooden Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Inspired by the Ming Dynasty, this elegant statue of Guanyin, Goddess of Compassion, was hand carved in the 20th century. The artist captures the timeless and spiritual aura of Guany...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood, Paint
Chinese Sancai Glazed Buddhist Arhat, Ming Dynasty, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This imposing figure is the head of an Arhat, a Buddhist devotee who has attained enlightenment, also called a “Luohan.” The eighteen original Arhat are the personal disciples of Buddha and the guardians of Buddhist adherents. Each is represented with a unique disposition, posture, and distinctive symbol.
This exquisitely formed monumental ceramic Arhat dates to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and has likely been separated from its original full body sculpture...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Small Chinese Carved Timber Gilt and Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty
Provenance: Private Old Australian Collection Acquired in Beijing Market in 1980s.
Description:
The cavity in...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Polychrome Lacquer and Gilt Iron Figure of Ananda
Located in Austin, TX
Ananda is portrayed in a typical fashion, as a youthful monk with a shaved head and dressed in simple robes. He stands upon a double lotus pedestal with hands clasped in front of him...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Iron
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 Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Terracotta
Chinese Small Cizhou Glazed Figure of a Daoist Deity, Song to Ming Dynasty
Located in Austin, TX
A small and charming Chinese cizhou ware glazed pottery figure of a Taoist deity or official, Song to Ming Dynasty, 13th - 15th century, China, ex. Christi...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stoneware
A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty
Provenance: Private Old Australian Collection Acquired in Beijing Market in 1980s.
Description:
The cavity in the back...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
16th-17th Century Chinese Ming Dynasty Fu Dog Censer Incense Vase
Located in Hampstead, QC
This is a rare Chinese Ming Dynasty bronze Fu Dog figural bronze tripod lidded censer used for incense. It has a Fu Dog or Qilin figural top lid with superbly carved details. The Fu ...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Stoneware Funeral Shrine Model and Figure Ming Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stoneware shrine model with a figurine made in Ming dynasty (15th-17th century) in China and used as funeral burial objects. It is not known whether the two objects were originally associated, but they display similar glaze and oxidation and were in the same collection. The stoneware building is an architectural rendering of a typical ancestor shrine used at the time. It features a single room behind an elaborate front with double doors, under a multiple layered eaves. There are great architectural and decorative details throughout. The green glaze shows a wonderful silvery oxidation, an indication that the piece was buried in the ground. The side appears to be glazed lightly originally and some scrape marks and oxidized glaze residues remains. The back is unglazed. The figure is a typical tomb figurine...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stoneware
Chinese Ming Celestial Mingqi Horse Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
This hand carved Chinese wooden horse is a type of centuries-old burial figurine known as míngqì. Depicting the pleasures of daily life, míngqì f...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Bronze Figure of the Infant Buddha
Located in Austin, TX
A rare and unusual Chinese Ming Dynasty bronze figure of the Buddha as an infant. The young Prince Siddhartha, who would grow up to become the Buddha, is portrayed standing, one hand pointing to the sky, the other to the ground. He is naked, save for a baby apron...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Bronze
A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Small Chinese Carved Timber Polychrome Figure, Ming Dynasty
Provenance:
Private Australian Collection Acquired in the Beijing Market in 1980s.
Description:
The cavity in the ba...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Tall Attendant Figure, 16th-17th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A tall Chinese green and amber glazed figure of an attendant, Ming Dynasty, 16th-17th century, China.
The figure stands upon an integral plinth, dressed in long robes...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Pottery
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 Sculptures and Carvings
Chinese Ming Dynasty Carved Wood Budda
Located in Dallas, TX
A carved wood Budda from the Shanxi region, made during the Ming Dynasty. The carved figure has an ancient polychrome finish.
Category
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Lady Guanyin Bodhisattva Gilded Wood Carving - Ming Dynasty, China 1368-1644 AD
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Magnificent Lady Guanyin Bodhisattva seated in Royal Relaxation pose hand-carved in Gilded Wood with traces of paint still visible.
This expressi...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Chinese Wanli-Era Cast Iron Bell
Located in Chicago, IL
A cast iron bell, when struck with a wooden beam, announced the time of day to villagers. This monumental example is covered in relief casts of chrysant...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Iron
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 Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Clay
Chinese Ceramic Glazed Guardian Ming Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stoneware figure depicting a seated armored warrior with a striking pose circa 15th-17th century. He is likely one of the four heavenly kings, th...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stoneware
Chinese Ming Dynasty Tomb Funeral Pottery Bed Model
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese stoneware day bed model circa Ming dynasty (15th-17th century). The miniature models were traditionally made as burial offering objects. Pottery models of daily life necess...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stoneware
Ming sculptures and carvings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Ming sculptures and carvings for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sculptures and carvings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, decorative objects, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming sculptures and carvings 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 sculptures and carvings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $600 and tops out at $45,000 while the average work can sell for $5,285.