Ming 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
Mid-Century White Lacquered Asian Modern James Mont Ming Style Credenza
By James Mont
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century James Mont inspired Ming style white lacquered credenza. It was manufactured by Sanford Furniture Company. It does have brass c...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
$2,096 Sale Price
25% Off
Antique Asian Incised and Glazed Clay Covered Bowl or Incense Box
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An antique and possibly ancient incised Asian Ceramic Container or Incense Box. The piece with a deep Gray glazed surface incised with intricate floral and scrolling pattern with the...
Category
18th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Clay
Japanese 4-Panel Byobu Screen
Located in Astoria, NY
Japanese Four Panel Byobu Screen, with hand-painted scenes of flowers within gilt borders, chop seal marks to each panel. Larger panels: 38.75" H x 17.25" W x 1" D. Provenance: From ...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Ming Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Paper
Vintage Asian Ming Carved Greek Key Ebonized Console Table
Located in West Chester, PA
Vintage Asian inspired console table with carved apron.
Knee clearance 23.75”
The color will appear to be close to black in many interior settings although it it is actually a very d...
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
19th C. Chinese Ming Style Elm Coffer / Low Cabinet / Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century Chinese Ming Style Elm Coffer / Low Cabinet / Bench
Measures 45" in width, 15" in depth and 17" tall.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Elm
19th Century Chinese Horseshoe Round Back Chairs All Original a Pair
Located in Somis, CA
A pair of large, sold wood, all original, early 19th century Chinese Provincial Horseshoe Chairs. The solid, 2" thick, rounded crest rail is constructed with one single continuous be...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
$1,250 Sale Price / set
50% Off
Mid-Century Asian Modern Ming Style Burl Wood Executive Desk By Lane
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century burl wood Asian modern desk by Lane Furniture. It has dovetail construction and is marked in the drawer. The drawers include one file drawer. The opening for a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
$2,246 Sale Price
25% Off
Red Lacquer Desk
Located in Greenwich, CT
Red lacquer desk with three drawers with pierce carvings motif.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
$3,600
Vintage 'Ming Style' Temple Jar Blue and White Glazed Porcelain
Located in Glasgow, GB
Vintage porcelain temple jar, handcrafted towards the end of the 20th century, in 1980s China
Artistically decorated in a simple yet decorative Ming-era style. Its body features a figural scene perfectly realized in hand-painted cobalt blue enamel. Flying birds and floral motifs are interspersed between bold blue borders and graphic Chinese-style decorations. Coming together and creating a striking contrast against the luminous white underglaze porcelain.
The porcelain jar measures 20 cm in height and 15 cm in diameter.
It's in good condition for its age and use, bearing only x1 small chip to the lip of the temple jar. And is stamped on its underside with a 'Zhongguo Zhi Zao...
Category
1980s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Enamel
$103 Sale Price
50% Off
Fine Black Lacquer Sideboard
Located in Greenwich, CT
A refined and elegant black lacquer sideboard, framed top supported by square legs and joined by four drawers and two pairs of doors, brass fitting and ring pulls. We carry fine qual...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine black lacquer console table with four drawers, waterfall legs, brass fitting, elegant and simple form, beautiful lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
James Mont Style Black Lacquered Horsehoe Back Lounge Chairs by Century
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of Asian modern black lacquered horseshoe back lounge chairs with brass fittings. Signed Century Furniture Company. All original beautiful glowing condition. Style of James Mon...
Category
20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Ming Square Table, circa 1890
Located in Somis, CA
An extraordinary 19th century oversize Ming square table. The table top is constructed of four frame members and rests on the waist and apron that connect to four rounded legs. Such ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
$2,200 Sale Price
60% Off
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Elegant black lacquer console table with five drawers, brass fitting. Simple form and beautiful color. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared man...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Ming Style Chinese Scholar's Cabinet
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful, Ming dynasty style scholar's cabinet. The doors and side panels are all solid single boards set with mitered, tenon and mortise construction. Two exterior and interior d...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$1,200 Sale Price
36% Off
Enrique Garcel Tessellated Bone Cocktail Table
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century tessellated lacquered bone cocktail table.
Category
Late 20th Century Colombian Ming Furniture
Materials
Bone, Wood
Large and Narrow Chinese Altar Console, 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Large and narrow Chinese altar console, 20th century
Scrolling and geometrical motifs
Nicely distressed patina, with dark red/burgundy hue
We ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
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 Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Simple black lacquer console table with waterfall legs, elegant color and lines
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
$2,500 Sale Price
28% Off
Antique Ming Wanli 1560-1590 Chinese Porcelain Swatow/Zhangzhou Bowl
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A Chinese blue and white porcelain bowl with cranes and flowers.
end of the 16th century. Swatow
——————————————————————————————————————
Condition
2 chips to rim and crackle lines. ...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$2,326 Sale Price
20% Off
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Simple black lacquer console table with waterfall legs, elegant color and lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many times in "Architecture Digest...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
$3,680 Sale Price
20% Off
1970s Ming Style Michel Taylor For Baker Furn. Console Alter Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is such a good size! This is burl wood console table design by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture as part of his Far East Collection. It is marked and in very good condition.
M...
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Burl
$1,496 Sale Price
25% Off
Japanese Meiji Bronze Koro on Stand
Located in Astoria, NY
Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Koro on Stand, late 19th century, in three sections, decorated with various birds and foliage, dragons, and masks, on scrolled feet. 66" H x 13" W x 13" D.
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Elegant black lacquer console table with five drawers, brass fitting. Simple form and beautiful color. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared man...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Japanese Bamboo & Orchids 4-Panel Byobu Screen
Located in Astoria, NY
Japanese Bamboo and Orchids Scene Four-Panel Byobu Screen, gouache on silk, with iron red six character mark on the lower right panel, in ebonized wood frame. 24" H x 39" W. Provenan...
Category
20th Century Japanese Ming Furniture
Materials
Silk, Hardwood
Antique Ming Dynasty Chinese Earthenware Horse Sculpture Míngqì Tomb Figure
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce 600 year old (approx) Chinese pottery Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) large glazed earthenware míngqì tomb figure, modeled as horse sculpture with saddle, stirrups, and integral ba...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Late 20th Century Ming Style Solid Rosewood Square Coffee Table w/ Chow Legs
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning vintage Ming Cow leg style solid rosewood square coffee table. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. We f...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Ming Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Rare Early Ming Dynasty Blue-and-White Porcelain Plates
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A fine group of early Ming dynasty (c. 15th century) porcelain dishes, hand-painted in cobalt blue underglaze with floral and foliate motifs. These plates were found in Japan, where ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Pair Mid Century Henredon Ming Style Walnut Side Tables
By Henredon
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Mid Century Henrendon Furniture Ming Style Walnut Side Tables. Measure 26" in width, 26" in depth and 25.5" in height.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Chinese Martaban Pottery Floor Vase
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Chinese Martaban pottery floor vase with green drip glaze and distinctive fluted handles. The vase exhibits a fine traditional form and strong pleasin...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Ming Style Blue and White Underglazed Porcelain Ginger Jar
Located in Glasgow, GB
A vintage blue and white 'Ming Style' ginger jar, crafted in China during the latter half of the 20th century.
A smooth hexagonal-shaped body showcases the revered technique of Chin...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Enamel
$62 Sale Price
62% Off
Antique Ming 1620-1644 Chinese Porcelain Kosometsuke Incense Burner Decorated Bu
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A Chinese blue and white porcelain incense burner. Pictured in the book of Tang Ying Academy about the Kosometsuke exhibition in the Jingdezhen Yanshan Art Museum. Also with beuatifu...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Ming Stone Table, c. 1500-1600
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese 16-17th century Ming stone table carved from a solid piece of stone. This table has a traditional scalloped apron and legs ending in scrolled feet.
In well-preserved origi...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
Set of Five Chinese Antique Screens Ming Style
Located in Somis, CA
A set of beautiful Chinese antique screens in natural finish. Each of the five screens has a middle section featuring a different flower, symbo...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
$15,000 / set
Fine Jumu Console Table with Drawers
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Jumu console table with three drawers. Very elegant and fine quality. Beautiful color and simple form. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeare...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Porcelain Ming Provincial Jar or Vase Blue & White, Jiajing 16th Century
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a Chinese handcrafted porcelain provincial jar or vase, all hand painted in cobalt blue and dating to the Ming period of the early 16th century or possibly earlier.
The jar ...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, 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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
$825 Sale Price
70% Off
Pair of Vintage Ming Dynasty Style Waisted Side Tables with Stretchers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden side tables from the early 20th century, with carved aprons, humpback stretchers and horse hoof legs. Created in China during the ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
A Rare Longquan Celadon 'Peony' Vase Yuan-Ming Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This vase features a traditional vase coated with a clear and rich green celadon glaze. A fine network of crazing covers the surface. The neck is adorned with raised vine motifs, whi...
Category
15th Century and Earlier East Asian Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Celadon
Ming Dynasty Period Golden Brown Glazed Martaban Water Jar with Tiger Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty period glazed ceramic Martaban water jar from the 17th century, with tiger motifs and petite handles. Created in China during the 17th century, this Ming Dynasty perio...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Horseshoe Chairs Oversize 19th Century
Located in Somis, CA
A pair of extra large, sold wood, 19th century Chinese Horseshoe Chairs. The solid, 2" thick, continuous rounded crest rail is composed of thre...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm, Wood
$2,800 Sale Price / set
38% Off
Chinese Carved Wood Long Bench
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An elaborate and finely carved bench in a pleasing Chestnut tone wood. Scrolled crest rail ends and arm ends. With four carved panels on the back with floral and fruit vines. A reeded skirt rail and with a shaped and carved running band of leafy vines. Innner sides carved with complimentary leafy motifs. The reeded back frame with square supports. The Bench is quite sturdy and surprisingly comfortable.
L. 75", Depth 21", H. 33 1/2"
Condition: Please see all detail photos. Signs of age include scrapes on the left arm end, repair to right arm end, stable age crack to left-side facing seat...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Style Elm Cabinet with Doors, Drawers and Removable Panel
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty style elmwood antique cabinet from the 19th century, with two doors, drawers and lower removable panel. Crafted in China during ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Baker Historic Charleston Collection Asian Style Cocktail Table w/ Glass Top
Located in Germantown, MD
Baker Furniture Company Historic Charleston Reproductions Collection Asian Style Cocktail / Coffee Table with protective Glass Top. G...
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Glass, Hardwood, Mahogany
Fine Pair of Intricately Carved Marble Garden Foo Lion Figures
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of opposing foo lions with elaborately carved curled fur and seated on bases. One places a paw on a ball, the other on an upside down baby foo lion. Overall fine time worn sur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Marble
Ming Dynasty Carved Ancestor Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
Marvel at the exquisite artistry of this carved wood Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644) ancestor figure—a captivating depiction of a seated man adorned in the distinguished attire o...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
15th-16th Century Ming Dynasty Cabinet. Red Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare and well-preserved 16th century cupboard / cabinet.
Detailed carved top section depicting a floral leaf design and people in polychrome lacquer.
Front with red lacquer, pair of ...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Polychrome wooden statue depicting Guanyin Bodhisattva, Ming, 16th century
Located in Milano, IT
In a realm where time stands still, there exists a 16th-century masterpiece, a sculpture of unparalleled beauty that transports you to the heart of the Ming dynasty. Here, in a place of reverence and artistry, sits the Chinese Bodhisattva Guanyin, the embodiment of compassion, enshrined in a form of breathtaking elegance.
Guanyin's divine presence is unveiled as he is seated in padmasana, the lotus position, a symbol of purity and enlightenment. His regal robes...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Painted Compound Cabinets, Late Ming Dynasty
Located in Chicago, IL
Seamlessly constructed and lacquered black, this pair of spectacular Ming-dynasty compound cabinets provided the perfect blank canvas for painted scen...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
18th Century Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Cabinet with Original Décor
Located in Kastrup, DK
A stunning Chinese tapered cabinet from the 18th century, black lacquered with original gilt chinoiserie motifs.
Created in China during the Qi...
Category
Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
$4,628 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Solid Single Board Console Table
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful 19th century console table in the Ming style. The solid wood table of mitre, tenon and mortise construction, has a thick single board top that...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
$3,550 Sale Price
69% Off
Chinese Carved Celadon and Russet Jade Mythical Animal, Ming Dynasty or Earlier
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and unusual carving of a mythical animal, possibly a pixiu, of celadon and russet nephrite jade, Ming Dynasty or earlier, China.
The mythical animal masterfully carved as a...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Jade
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Elegant black lacquer console table with five drawers, brass fitting. Simple form and beautiful color. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared man...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Ming Style Bronze Metal Seated Buddha
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Diminutive Chinese bronze metal Buddha sculpture depicted sitting. Beautifully crafted in the Ming style with intricate details. The bronze has a rich pat...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Vintage Chinese Ming Style Black Lacquer & Cowhide Arm Chair, Mid-20th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Vintage Chinese ming style black lacquer & cowhide arm chair.
Additional information:
Materials: cowhide, lacquer, wood.
Color: black.
Period: ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Cowhide, Wood
Chinese Tiered Stand with Inset Rose Marble Top
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An antique stone-inlaid Chinese stand with two tiers enhanced by open work and hand carved motifs, indicative to these pieces, such as the scroll, ornamental vines and greek key and ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
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 Furniture
Materials
Elm
Fine Red Lacquer Low Table with Fret Work Top
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine red lacquer low table / coffee table with fret work top, elegant fine red lacquer finished. Purchase red lacquer low table / coffee table also come with glass top that can place...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
$2,600 Sale Price
27% Off
Antique Ming Tianqi Chinese Porcelain Kosometsuke Plate Luohan and Marked Base
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description
Sharing with you this Chinese porcelain deep dish from the early 17th century which measures 20.5CM in diameter.
The central image shows a Buddhist or Daoist sage (likely...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Ming furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Ming 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 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 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Century Furniture, George Zee, Broyhill, and Baker Furniture Company. 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 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 $690,000 while the average work can sell for $2,941.
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