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.
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying Chinese ce...
Porcelain
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying Chinese ce...
Porcelain
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying Chinese ce...
Porcelain
Chinese Cloissoné Trinket Box in Blue and Gray Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming cloisonné box in soft shades of gray, beautifully accented by a striking blue floral motif that serves as its elegant focal point. Delicate in scale yet rich in craftsmans...
Enamel
Antique Chinese Scroll Box
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Stained leather covered wood in deep oxblood and dark brown tones. With three stitched plaques with raised characters on the front. A brass mount with lock on the front (lacking the ...
Leather, Wood
Antique Chinese Food Presentation Covered Box
Located in Forney, TX
A remarkable antique food box from the Shanxi province, North China, late Ming (1368-1644) to early Qing (1644-1912) Dynasty. An extraordinary e...
Wood, Paint
$400Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.32 in W 15.16 in D 5.12 in
A Chinese Wooden Black Painted Pillow Box, Early 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Wooden Black Painted Pillow Box, Early 20th Century Description: The box features a black finish adorned with hand-painted golden garden scenes and floral patterns. Prove...
Wood
$345
H 12.6 in W 4.73 in D 3.35 in
Chinese ceramic Green Glazed 'Shiwan' Opium Pillow, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Shiwan ceramic pillow of earthenware features a green glaze. Pillows in this shape were not only used by opium smokers but most typically were used fo...
Ceramic
MCM Lidded Green Marble Trinket Box with Brass Accents
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM lidded green marble trinket box with brass accents, circa 1970s. The box has well cut lines and features brass feet and a cool brass lizard hand...
Marble, Brass
$415
H 16.34 in W 3.94 in D 4.34 in
Chinese Ceramic Green Glazed 'Shiwan' Opium Pillow, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Shiwan ceramic pillow of earthenware features a green glaze with hints of blue. Pillows in this shape were not only used by opium smokers but most typ...
Ceramic
$220
H 1.375 in Dm 1.938 in
Annamese Blue and White Ceramic Small Box, Chu Dau kiln, Vietnam, circa 1500
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Annamese Blue and White Ceramic Small Box, Chu Dau kiln, Vietnam, circa 1500. A globular form with a narrow slightly countersunk base. The cover crisply decorated in a line drawing of cobalt depicting a central floral medallion from which radiate six foliate petals, the sides with six peaked cartouche containing alternating patterns of waves and leafy tendrils. The design perfectly aligning over the well fitting lid to the body. Condition: One tiny popped blister on the lid, minor rim frits, otherwise excellent condition. Measuring: 1.375 in. high x 1.9375 in. in diameter. (35 x 50 mm) Weight: 2 oz. (58g.) 15th/16th century. Provenance: Vietnam art...
Ceramic
$545
H 5.52 in W 30.32 in D 4.73 in
Chinese Ceramic Green Glazed 'Shiwan' Opium Pillow, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Shiwan ceramic pillow (headrest) of earthenware features a green & blue glaze. Pillows in this shape were not only used by opium smokers but most typi...
Ceramic
Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon Dish with Geometric Design, 15th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A heavily potted and richly glazed celadon dish, Longquan kilns, early Ming Dynasty, mid 15th century, China. The large dish glazed in a deep olive cela...
Ceramic
Antique Chinese Cameo Agate Snuff Bottle
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique Chinese Cameo Agate Snuff Bottle, 19th century. The stone of a cloudy translucent color and caramel skin on the front side carved in high relief creating a cameo effect of a ...
Agate
Antique Chinese Chalcedony “Peanut and Jujube” Snuff Bottle
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique Chinese Chalcedony “Peanut and Jujube” Snuff Bottle, Qing Dynasty. The large pear shaped striated stone carving of a caramel colored jujube fruit (Chinese date) and two beige...
Agate
Amber Trinket Box
Located in Tampa, FL
A beautifully decorated Indian metal box with a stone of amber on the top. 1920s or earlier There once was a fabric inside but it has disintegrated you can see it, all of the fibers ...
Stone, Metal
Ming Dynasty Celadon Glazed Charger
Located in Stamford, CT
Ming dynasty celadon glazed charger having fluted interior with plain well center.
Ceramic
Vintage Wooden Trinket Box
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Small Walnut trinket box lined with felt. Original felt on the bottom. Shown with life size hand model for scale. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940-1970. ...
Felt, Wood
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying ceramic ex...
Porcelain
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying ceramic ex...
Porcelain
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying ceramic ex...
Porcelain
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying ceramic ex...
Porcelain
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying ceramic ex...
Porcelain
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying ceramic ex...
Porcelain
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying ceramic ex...
Porcelain
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest the it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying cerami...
Porcelain
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying ceramic ex...
Porcelain
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest the it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying cerami...
Porcelain
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest the it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying cerami...
Porcelain
Petite Ming Shipwreck Box, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The soft, matte texture and eroded wear of this petite porcelain box suggest the it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying cerami...
Porcelain