Ming Asian Art and Furniture
In what’s considered a golden age of Chinese furniture, Ming dynasty artisans produced expertly made designs that married elegance and function. Ming furniture was versatile, such as tables that doubled as writing desks and dining spaces. But it was also beautiful, enhancing a room with clean lines, soft curves and sophisticated decoration.
Dating from 1368 to 1644, the Ming dynasty was a vibrant time for international trade and culture. Especially for scholars and the wealthy, there was an emphasis on a home’s design to promote a good life. From large wardrobes to angular sofas, Ming-style furniture was defined by its joinery, which, instead of nails, involved meticulously designed interlocking elements of wood. This material was carefully selected and positioned to make the grain part of the design. The slow-growing huanghuali, a yellowish rosewood, was particularly valued for its bright color.
Although ornamentation was minimal, Ming dynasty furniture often featured carved or painted details of flowers, insects, dragons, fruits and other motifs. Chairs crafted for scholars could include calligraphic brush writing. As overseas trade expanded, techniques from the West, like cloisonné enamel painting, adorned table screens and other pieces.
Ming furniture influenced styles abroad such as Queen Anne in England and Hollywood Regency in the United States. The curved shape of Ming armchairs had a profound impact on legendary Scandinavian modernist furniture designer Hans Wegner. The Danish cabinetmaker shared the Ming artisans’ interest in creating streamlined, functional furnishings, and his China chair, Round chair and Wishbone chair are inspired by Ming dynasty seating. Today, the Ming-style horseshoe chair is a graceful and sought-after type of seat, and contemporary Chinese designers such as Jerry Chen and Gan Erke are also drawing on this heritage for a new era of style.
Find a collection of Ming cabinets, decorative objects, lounge chairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.
16th Century Hong Kong Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Copper
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Earthenware
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Elm, Wood
20th Century American Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Gesso, Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
1970s Chinese Vintage Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood, Hardwood
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic
15th Century and Earlier East Asian Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Celadon
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
17th Century Hong Kong Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Bronze
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Bronze
16th Century Hong Kong Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Brass
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Stone
20th Century Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wool
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Rosewood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Earthenware
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Celadon
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Stone
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Asian Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Lacquer
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Earthenware
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Rosewood
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Silk
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Celadon
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Hardwood, Lacquer
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Celadon
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Earthenware
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Stoneware