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.
Large Chinese Hand Woven Market Flower Basket
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and very decorative Chinese hand woven market flower basket with single center handle, cinched center and an over-cast edge stitch. Dimensions: 34 1/8" L, 17 3/4" W and 10 1...
Metal
Asian Shoulder Yolk Basket
Located in Dallas, TX
The Brendan Bass Estate Collection pays homage to the beauty of vintage and antique pieces, each artfully concealing endless stories collected through the generations in which they ...
Wicker
Large 19th century hand woven and pine basket
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Large 19th century hand woven and pine basket circa 1895. Generous sized Scandinavian hand woven basket, quite possibly have been used as a crib for an infant. Carrying handle each...
Birch, Pine
Peach Basket
Located in New York, NY
Peach basket. Vintage American large woven peach of very sturdy construction in a soft peach brown tone. United States, 1920’s. Dimensions: 26" L x 17" W...
Wood
Woven Chinese Grain Basket
Located in Chicago, IL
This woven tray basket was originally used for harvesting grains or as a kitchen vessel for food prep and storage. Despite its humble origin, the basket exhibits remarkable workmansh...
Willow
Hand woven buttock basket, 1900's
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Large hand woven buttock basket. Splines and hand carved ribs of swamp birch with a fixed hickory loop handle. Early 20th century.
Birch, Hickory
Vintage Chinese Willow Woven Fisherman Basket Asian Storage Container
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Chinese Willow Woven Fish or Grain Basket. Vintage Chinese fisherman basket hand woven from natural willow wood with removable lid. This woven reed fisherman’s basket was use...
Rattan, Wood
Woven Chinese Grain Basket
Located in Chicago, IL
This woven tray basket was originally used for harvesting grains or in a kitchen for food prep and storage. Despite its humble origin, the basket exhibits remarkable workmanship, bea...
Willow
Vintage Large American Hand Woven Gathering Buttocks Basket
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage or antique oversized gathering basket features traditional rib or buttocks shape with the bent wood ring rim and handle. The plaited splints are carefully interwoven to carry...
Wicker, Oak
Antique Chinese Woven Basket
Located in New York, NY
Antique Collection Basket. Antique Chinese Woven Basket. Beautifully hand-woven large rattan and bamboo collection basket. Used to gather ...
Bamboo, Rattan
Panamint Shouldered Basket
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Panamint shouldered basket with three butterflies. 7 1/2" x 5" Period: First quarter 20th century Origin: Panamint Size: 7 1/2" x 5". Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deal...
Other
Antique Asian Red & Black Lacquer 4 Tier Woven Grass Chinese Wedding Basket
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous antique Asian red lacquered 4 tier woven grass stackable Chinese Wedding basket with hand painted & etched details, purposely distressed finish handle, & handwrought bail handle on top. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, No outstanding flaws, just natural aging. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 19th Century. A Tisket… A Tasket… A BEAUTIFUL Red Basket!!! WOW!!! What a COOL FIND!!! This is a FANTASTIC 4 tier stackable antique Chinese Wedding basket...
Rattan, Seagrass, Lacquer
$595
H 24 in W 19 in D 15.5 in
Chinese Asian Antique Rattan and Bamboo Tiered Qing Wedding Basket, 19th Century
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful, large, hand-woven rattan and bamboo Chinese three-tiered handled wedding basket. From a Los Angeles Asian/Chinese art and artifacts collection. We are listing it as ea...
Bamboo, Rattan, Lacquer
Antique Large Chinese Woven Wicker Wedding Basket
Located in West Hartford, CT
Three tiered Asian Chinese wedding basket was certainly make a statement! Woven reeds split bamboo throughout. Dragon head metal brass handles...
Brass