Ming Asian Art and 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
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
A Rare Blue And White Octagonal Box And Cover, Ming Dynasty Wanli Six-Character
Located in seoul, KR
Numerous similar octagonal blue and white boxes with Wanli, Jiajing marks are housed in prestigious museum collections. An example in the Tokyo National Museum is featured in Illustr...
Category
16th Century Hong Kong Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Asian Well's Wooden Water Bucket
Located in Greenwich, CT
Asian well's water wooden water bucket with handle surrounded with cast iron brackets. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and ha...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
Unusual 17th Century Chinese Porcelain Ming Period Plate with Fenghuang
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this lovely and unusual Chinese porcelain plate from the late Ming period. Early 17th century, more than probably Swatow ware.
Origin: China
Age; early 17th cen...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Mahogany
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Stone
A Rare Large Wucai Dragons and Phoenix Jar, Ming dynasty Longqing Emperor
Located in seoul, KR
The blue dragon and the red dragon are depicted in dynamic postures, each extending its claws to grasp a ruyi pearl (如意珠). The phoenix is adorned with flowing feathers and delicate c...
Category
16th Century Hong Kong Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Ming Dish Blue & White porcelain, Tianqi or Chongzhen Circa 1620-1644
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a hand painted Chinese Export porcelain dish, which we date to the 17th century, Ming Dynasty, Tianqi or Chongzhen c.1620-1640
The dish is fairly thickly potted with a fai...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 Vietnamese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Wanli / Tianqi Ming Chinese Porcelain Kraak Chinese Taste Figural Plate
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this new arrival and very happy with it. Late Ming period Kraak plate of exceptional quality in cobalt blue of larger size. In general the piece is already of high q...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Ming Period Kraak Tokkuri Sake Bottles Kosometsuke Landscape Chinese
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Excited and really happy to share these 2 pieces.
Pair of Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Tokkuri (Sake Bottles)
Jingdezhen kilns, Early 17th century (Late Ming dynasty), made for...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Set of 3 Chinese Rosewood Garden Stools or Side Tables
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Vintage Chinese Rosewood Garden Stools or Side Tables, circa 1920's
Elegant design, great functionality , finely executed and High Quality !
Note : could be sold as a pair or i...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Lotus Petal 'Longquan' Celadon Bowl, Ming dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The bowl features a relatively deep green glaze and a smooth and lustrous finish. The exterior is intricately incised with a lotus petal design, symbolizing purity and spiritual enlightenment, while the interior remains plain to emphasize the glaze's elegance. Over centuries, a natural brown discoloration has appeared on the exterior, reflecting its historical authenticity and prolonged chemical reaction during burial. This is also considered a part of the aesthetic element of celadon.
Period: Ming Dynasty (1368~1644)
Region: Longquan, China
Medium: Stoneware - Celadon glazed
Type: Tripod censer
Size : 18.5 cm(Diameter) , 7.5cm(Height)
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from 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 Hong Kong Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Celadon
A Large Carved Longquan Celadon Yuhuchunping, Yuan-Ming Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The bulbous body is adorned with elegantly carved floral motifs, with intertwining vines and flowers forming a natural, flowing pattern. The base is left unglazed. Base surface crack...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Indonesian Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Celadon
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Hong Kong Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Celadon
A Rare Dingyao Green-Glazed Dragon Dish, Liao-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 Hong Kong Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Chinese Antique Screen Set of 4 Ming Style with Flower Pegs
Located in Somis, CA
This is a set of beautiful, all original, rare, 19th-early 20th century Ming style Chinese antique window screens. The simple, elegant design is ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
Very Rare Antique Chinese Porcelain Jiajing - Wanli period 1560-1600 Bowl wit
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Lovely decorated piece. A very rare type with landscape on the inside and Mandarin Ducks in a Lotus pond on the outside
China Jingdezhen kilns
Ming Dynastie, Jiajing or Wanli Reign
...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Metal
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique 17C Chinese Porcelain Ming China Swatow Zhanghou Blue Ground
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very beautiful plate, rare monochrome blue ground. Great study material.
Condition
Overall Condition; 2 large crackle line in central plate, 1 running out in a hai...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Blue and White "Grape Dish", Ming Dynasty, 16th Century, Jiajing Period
Located in Delft, NL
Large Chinese Blue and White "Grape Dish",
Ming Dynasty, Jiajing Period, 16th Century
Large blue and white "Grape Dish".
Ming dynasty (1368-1644),
Jiaj...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Ming Dynasty Carved Table Screen
Located in Kastrup, DK
A rare 16-17th cenury Ming Dynasty standing table screen. Untoched original condition.
Hand carved wood, the panel is carved with relief details depicting a dragon, cranes, mythical...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese 17th C Wanli Ming Dynasty Plate Dish Porcelain Chenghua Marked
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description
A rare Ming blue and white Porcelain dish. Great quality decoration Three Friends of Winter. Chenghua marked.
Box included.
Condit...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Jumu End Tables
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu wood end tables.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Four Green Glazed Pottery Attendant Figures, Ming Dynasty(1368-1644)
Located in seoul, KR
The first figure wears a short cap and takes a posture as if carrying something on the shoulder, possibly symbolizing a servant or a messenger.
The second figure wears a tall hat and...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Antique Chinese Ming Style Blue and White BW Bunch Of Lotus Charger 19c Qing
Located in Richmond, CA
An antique Chinese porcelain charger, hand decorated in underglaze blue and white, exemplifying the revered Ming style. The focal point, a central medallion within a double circle bo...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Elm
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon Glazed Charger
Located in Stamford, CT
Longquan celadon glazed charger having fluted rim with well centre and incised stylized decoration. Ming dynasty. Underside with burnt orange firing m...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Ming Small Vase porcelain Wanli / Transitional Hatcher wreck, Ca 1625-40
By The Hatcher Collection
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a hand painted 17th century, late Ming dynasty, porcelain Jar or small Vase which we attribute to the Hatcher shipwreck cargo, this piece being from the Wanli /transitional period, circa 1625- 1640.
The Jar/ Vase is fairly thickly potted with a very white glaze to the porcelain.
It is decorated with a man and a boy stood against a tree with rocks, mountains and flying bats in the background all hand painted in various shades of a clear under-glaze cobalt blue. The irregular shaped head, bald high forehead, and straight pencilled beard with moustache support this date and period.
Notes: The Hatcher Cargo...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Large Pair of Chinese Glazed Earthenware Covered Martaban Storage Jars
Located in Forney, TX
A large and most impressive pair of antique / vintage Chinese glazed earthenware covered Martaban storage jars, having sand and ochre brown glaze palette, incised with auspicious myt...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Ming Period Large Pottery Horse with Saddle (15-16th Century)
Located in seoul, KR
This Ming Dynasty painted pottery horse is depicted standing on a tiered rectangular pedestal. The horse has a well-proportioned body, with sturdy legs and a slightly arched neck. The eyes and muzzle are subtly outlined and incised.
The mane is sculpted with deep, parallel grooves. The tail is long and slightly curved left, extending downward. The saddle is prominently featured at the center of the horse’s back, detailed with a raised, rounded seat and an attached stirrup hanging down one side. The saddlecloth is textured with a crosshatch pattern, bordered by a row of carved fringe-like elements. The horse's legs display subtle musculature, and the hooves are clearly defined, with black pigment accentuating their edges.
The original painted pigments, including white, black, and ochre, are still visible, though faded in some areas. The black pigment highlights the mane, tail, and parts of the bridle, while the ochre tones accentuate the saddle and decorative elements.
Period: Ming Dynasty
Medium: Green, black, and ochre glazed Pottery
Type: Figure
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference : Asian Civilisations Museum - Accession No. C-1384 / 1994-00441 - Ming Dynasty Figure of Horse
(Type : Closely Related)
* Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures
Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties.
A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Pottery
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Jade
Pair of Red Lacquer Chests
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pair of red lacquer chests with open doors and removable shelf inside on each chest, one drawer inside each chest.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Antique Japanese/Chinese Gilt Imari Arita Porcelain Rice Bowls & Covers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique Imari porcelain rice bowls and covers
Likely Japanese but possibly Chinese.
Each decorated to the exterior with intricate gilt flowers and vines on a painted...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
A Ming Dynasty Patinated Bronze Relief Work Vase Turned to a Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Hailing from the Ming period in 16/17th century, this monumental bronze vase is a fine example of the auspicious decor and markings unique to Chinese furnishings. The vase is cast wi...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Ming Period Kosometsuke Landscape Chinese Porcelain Kaiseki Dish
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Very happy and delighted with this new arrival. A very nicely potted, shaped and painted blue and white Kosometsuke piece in nice cobalt blue!
Visible in the pictures is a lidded box...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Brass
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Earthenware, Terracotta
Wanli Antique Ming Period Chinese Porcelain Kraak Plate CHENGHUA MARKED
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely potted and painted kraak plate of a desirable cobalt blue! Stunning piece with beautiful and typical landscape scene. Visible is a grasshopper on a rock
Moulded in the ...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Two blue and white jars, officials in garden, Rabbit mark to base, Ming dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
17th century, painted in underglaze blue with eight figures including officials in a garden landscape, marked on the bottom with a sitting rabbit(blue hare), Transitional period(Late...
Category
17th Century Hong Kong Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Stone
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
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 Asian Art and Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Mahogany
Ming asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Ming asian art and 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 asian art and furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, tables, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming asian art and furniture made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original asian art and furniture, popular names associated with this style include and Gracie. 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 asian art and furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $195 and tops out at $137,256 while the average work can sell for $3,038.