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.
Antique Asian Temple Stone Relief Carved Architectural Element
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent, rare, one of a kind, ancient Asian temple stone architectural panel, likely frieze fragment. Born in Asia, pre-18th century, most likely mu...
Stone
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...
Limestone
Victorian Over Door Architectural Element
Located in Hanover, MA
Victorian over-door architectural element in distressed old paint. Wired on verso for hanging on a wall or simply place on top of a tallboy. From a Beacon Hill, Boston townhouse.
Wood
17th Century Stone Capital
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A large 17th century French capital on a associated base. Sculpted front and sides, flat backside. Great to decorate a garden or display indoors.
Sandstone
Teakwood Architectural Temple Pediment
Located in Chicago, IL
This giant architectural element once graced the pediment of a Northern Thai temple. It is from Chiang, Mai, Thailand and entirely made from Teakwood, which is naturally resistant ...
Teak
Antique Carved Wood Overdoor Architectural Element
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1844 Antique carved wood overdoor architectural panel
Hardwood
Pair of Small Dutch Brass Andirons, 17th Century
Located in Haarlem, Noord-Holland
Busts of a queens on spreading mermaid legs, with turned vases on top.
Brass, Iron
17th Century South Indian Hand-Carved Hardwood Architectural Element
Located in New York, NY
Antique hand-carved hardwood architectural element from South India, approximately 17th century, 31 in long. $1,250 31" L × 5.5" D × 9" H One of a kind. Hand-carved hardwood, South ...
Hardwood
$5,175 / set
H 8 in W 23 in D 4 in
Pair of Chinese 19th Century Hand Carved and Painted Temple Guardian Lions
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Chinese sculpted and polychromed temple guardian lions architectural wood carvings. Born in China during the 18th or 19th century, each...
Wood
$1,100
H 66 in W 12 in D 2.5 in
Chinese 19th Century Black Vertical Sign with Gold and Red Calligraphy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese antique black vertical sign from the 19th century, with gold calligraphy. Created in China during the 19th century, this tall and narrow woode...
Wood
$18,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 39.5 in W 30 in D 14 in
17th C. Hand Carved Stone Niche Wall Mount Plaque Architectural Element Antique
Located in West Hollywood, CA
17th C. Hand Carved Stone Niche Wall Mount Plaque Architectural Element Antique . Late 1600’s Rare hand carved stone Niche from a Chateau Estate Provenc...
Stone, Limestone
English 19th Century Pair of Cast Stone Acorn Finials
Located in Sunshine, LA
An English pair of 19th century stylized acorn finials in cast stone, displaying a beautifully softened, weathered patina gained over a century of exposure to the elements. Their ele...
Cast Stone
19thc. Giltwood Architectural Element
Located in New Orleans, LA
Carved and Gilded Wood Urn
Wood
$12,800
H 97 in W 59 in D 8 in
17th - 18th Century Portuguese Antique Architectural Pinewood Baroque Surround
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Portuguese Baroque architectural wall frame made of partly gilded Pinewood, in good condition. The tall, surround is particularized by ...
Pine, Giltwood
Antique French Zinc Architectural Building Element
Located in Sheffield, MA
Neoclassical style building element in the neoclassical taste. Antique French long segment of zinc metal architectural fragment that will make a unique wall decor...
Zinc
Pair of 19th Century Hand-Carved Italian Stone Artichoke Finials
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 19th century weathered stone artichoke finials. They are all hand chiseled and have bulbous shapes with a layered, petal-like pattern coverin...
Stone
Italian Architectural Element 18th C
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Giltwood and Painted Panel 18th C.
Wood
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Dragon Roof Tiles
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Weathered pair of Chinese dragon roof tiles hand-crafted from terracotta style pottery. Made in the Ming Dynasty style featuring a worn-off glazed fi...
Pottery
Sandstone Relief with Auspicious Symbols
Located in Chicago, IL
This sandstone carving once added grace and beauty to a wall surrounding a private residence or temple. The panel is mounted with a metal mount and stands on a wooden plinth. The car...
Sandstone
Set of Four Chinese Geometric Lattice Window Panels
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Assembled set of four Chinese window panels featuring a geometric open fretwork lattice design. Similar in size with one narrow 18 inch panel and ...
Wood