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 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 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 the it spent many years submerged in saltwater, likely excavated from a sunken trade ship carrying cerami...
Porcelain
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
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
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
$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
$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
$436Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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
$318Sale Price|51% Off
H 3.44 in Dm 3.7 in
Chinese Ming Ceramic Provincial Jar Celadon Glaze, Early 17th Century
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a Chinese hand-thrown ceramic provincial jar with a light celadon glaze which we date to the Ming period of the early 17th century or possibly earlier. The jar is hand potted...
Ceramic
Petite Antique Anglo Indian Bone and Tortoise Box
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Charming petite antique Anglo Indian lidded box handcrafted in indigenous hardwoods clad in tortoise shell and decorated with elaborate lacy bone designs, featuring an etched and pai...
Bone, Tortoise Shell
Chinese Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon Peony Deep Dish, 14th-15th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful Chinese celadon glazed deep dish with an impressed peony design to the center, Ming Dynasty, circa 1400, Longquan kilns, China. The lovey dish covered in an attractive ...
Porcelain
Petite Chinese Cinnabar Lacquered Turtle Box
Located in San Diego, CA
A petite Chinese cinnabar lacquered turtle box, circa 1980's. The box is in very good vintage condition and measures 3.5"W x 2.5"D x 1.75"H. #3427
Lacquer
Sleek Burl & Walnut Petite Jewelry Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Sleek and stylish petite walnut jewelry box with a burl wood lid, circa 1990s. The piece measures 6.25"W x 4.25"D x 2.25"H (6"H when the lid is open) and has a velvet lined storage c...
Walnut, Burl
Chinese Ming Dynasty Ko-Sometsuke Wucai Porcelain Plate
Located in Newark, England
CHONGZHENG 1628-1644 From our Chinese collection, we are delighted to offer this rare example Chinese Ko-Sometsuke Wucai Porcelain Plate. The plate potted in porcelain ceramic of ci...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Mid-century Italian Ceramic Box by Raymor c.1960
By Raymor
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A mid-century ceramic glazed jewelry or trinket box. Marked "Italy" underneath. CREATOR Attributed to Raymor, Italy. DATE OF MANUFACTURE 1960. MATERIALS AND TECHN...
Ceramic
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
Sold
H 4 in W 5.75 in D 3.5 in
Antique Semi Translucent Jadeite Turtle Box & Stand, China, Early 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Antique semi translucent turtle box - original yew wood base - China - early 20th century. Un-restored antique condition - visible old repair to the ne...
Jade