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.
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Limestone
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain, Ceramic
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Silk
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Bronze
Early 1600s Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Bronze
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Burl, Elm, Lacquer
20th Century Asian Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Metal
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Metal
Mid-20th Century Asian Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Fabric, Wood
15th Century and Earlier East Asian Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Bronze, Enamel
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood, Leather
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Brass
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
19th Century Asian Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Mother-of-Pearl, Glass, Rosewood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Terracotta
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Rattan, Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Elm
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
19th Century Asian Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Leather, Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Stone
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
16th Century Indonesian Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Stone
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
17th Century Vietnamese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
19th Century 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
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Iron
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Limestone
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Elm
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Limestone
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Ceramic
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Terracotta
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Asian Art and Furniture
Porcelain