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 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
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
$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
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
$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
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
Ming Dynasty Celadon Glazed Charger
Located in Stamford, CT
Ming dynasty celadon glazed charger having fluted interior with plain well center.
Ceramic
$795
H 6 in W 11 in D 9 in
Antique Tramp Art Diamond 2 Tier Hinged Carved Wood Presentation Jewelry Box e
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Tramp Art Diamond 2 Tier Hinged Carved Wood Presentation Jewelry Box. Item features stunning carving, hinged lid with interior mirror, upholstered interior, very nice antique...
Wood
Antique Chinese Burled Scroll Pot, Early 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
Among the many esteemed objects of the traditional Chinese scholar’s studio was the scroll pot, a large container for storing one's collection of landscape paintings, poetry and work...
Burl
Antique Chinese Champlevé Enamel Scarab Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
Finely detailed champlevé scarab shape box with gilt wash interior. Traces of antique mirror on inner top. Rich colors of blue, turquoise purple finely enameled all around box.
Bronze
Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Blue and White Covered Box
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Cloisonne Box Round enamel box with lid in a blue and white pattern. Circa, early 20th century Measures: H 5 in. (12.7 cm) NMA No. 2084
Enamel
Antique Chinese Moss Agate Snuff Bottle
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique Chinese Moss Agate Snuff Bottle, 19th century. The bottle of a deep forest green color overall with white and brown inclusions. The finely carved rounded square form well ho...
Agate, Tourmaline
Chinese Painted Scholar's Presentation Box, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This painted wooden box is a 19th-century Chinese snack box, once presented as a gift for a holiday or special occasion. To the delight of the recipi...
Wood
Antique Chinese Export Silver Box Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese Export silver box; an addition to our collection of Chinese silverware. This exceptional antique Chinese Export Silver (CES) box has a plain rectangular form. The surface of the body is encompassed with exceptional chased oriental Chinese dragon designs amidst clouds, all on a matte background; each panel bears a plain and unembellished border. This antique silver box is fitted with a hinged silver cover, bearing a continuation of cloud ornamentation to the side panels. The upper plateau of the cover is ornamented with two further dragon designs accented with impressive emanating whiskers, incorporating a circular vacant cartouche to the centre. By virtue of its size this versatile box could be used for a multitude of functions. The box features a solid silver base which is plain and unembellished, apart from the feature hallmarks; a solid silver base is a sign of quality. The hallmarks struck to the underside of this antique Chinese box...
Silver
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
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