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.
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Silk
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Iron
20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Terracotta
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Pottery
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Celadon
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Stone
Late 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Stone
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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20th Century Asian Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Earthenware, Terracotta
16th Century Japanese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Pottery
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Clay
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Celadon
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Stoneware
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Stoneware
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Stoneware
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Stoneware
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Bamboo
20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Metal, Bronze
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Celadon
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic
20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood, Paint
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Pottery
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Bronze
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Celadon
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Celadon
1960s Chinese Vintage Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Celadon
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Metal
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Celadon
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Stoneware
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Elm
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood