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.
Chinese Ming Buddhist Oil Lamp, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This sculptural ceramic object is a Chinese oil lamp from the late Ming dynasty, originally used in altar displays for Buddhist ceremonies and ritual ...
Ceramic
Chinese Ming Kneeling Man Oil Lamp, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
This curious ceramic form is a sculptural Chinese candle stand or oil lamp from the late Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Rustic and highly textured, the sculptural ceramic form is thick wi...
Ceramic
Chinese Ming Buddhist Oil Lamp, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This sculptural ceramic object is a Chinese oil lamp from the late Ming dynasty, originally used in altar displays for Buddhist ceremonies and ritual ...
Ceramic
Chinese Ming Oil Lamp with Santal Candle
Located in Chicago, IL
This sculptural ceramic object is a Chinese oil lamp from the late Ming dynasty, originally used in altar displays for Buddhist ceremonies and ritual ...
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
$565Sale Price / set|67% Off
H 14 in Dm 10.25 in
A 20th Century Chinese Porcelain Table Lantern (SINGLE ITEM)
Located in San Francisco, CA
THIS IS FOR ONE LANTERN ONLY<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< In the tradition of marriage lanterns. Composed of four parts each. Finely enameled decorated borders with butterflies on a pr...
Enamel
Pair of Chinese Porcelain Foo Dogs
Located in Essex, MA
Each seated on pedestals one stepping on a ball the other clutching a reptilian creature. Painted in the spinach and egg color.
Other
$3,832
H 2 in Dm 11.4 in
Chinese Kraak Porcelain Plate or Dish, Blue and White, Ming Wanli, Circa 1600
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a Kraak or Kraak-ware Chinese Export porcelain dish or deep plate hand painted in a typical Blue and white pattern, made during the reign of Wanli (1573 to 1620). The dish i...
Porcelain
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
Antique Chinese Ming Porcelain Dish, Blue and White, Wanli Circa 1600
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a Chinese Export Ming porcelain Dish or shallow Plate hand painted in a typical Blue and white pattern, made during the reign of Wanli (1573 to 1620). The dish is fairly hea...
Porcelain
$27,500
H 48.75 in W 26.25 in D 12 in
Pair Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Buddhist Lions and Attendants, 17th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A fantastic pair of large Chinese tileworks sancai glazed Buddhistic lions and attendants, late Ming Dynasty, first half of the 17th century, Shanxi, China. Presented on custom 20th century wood and lacquer table-form stands. This pair of lions and attendants portray Buddhist lions...
Ceramic, Wood
Antique Ming Wanli 1600-1640 Chinese Porcelain Kosometsuke Plate Cows
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A Chinese blue and white porcelain Dish of beautiful shape and design. Visible is a scene of a sheperd with cows. A poem is also visible at the top. Early 17th century. Similar dishe...
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Porcelain Candle Holders
Located in Land O' Lakes, FL
A pair of early 20th century Chinese porcelain hand painted candlesticks with pink, yellow and blue florals with various shades of green foliage. The designs wrap around the candle h...
Porcelain
Pair of Ming Dynasty Horsemen Roof Tiles
Located in London, GB
A pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) sancai-glazed ridge tiles modelled as horse and rider. Both tiles are glazed in rich green and amber, the horses ...
Pottery
Chinese Ceramic Green Glaze 'Shiwan' Oil Lamp Set, Early 20th Century
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This set of Shiwan ware oil lamps from the early 20th century features the distinctive green glaze. Shiwan ware is a style of Chinese pottery from the Shiw...
Ceramic, Pottery
Majapahit Terracotta Horse on Stand, Java, Indonesia, c. 1500
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Majapahit horse is crafted from terracota and is mounted on a stand. It was excavated amongst the shrines of Mount Penganggungan, East Java, Indonesia. Terracotta pottery was an...
Terracotta
Brass Dragon Incense Burner
Located in Somis, CA
Exquisite incense burner features dragons all-over. Double dragons surrounding fire balls symbolize the vitality of life. Single dragon finial symbolizes le...
Brass
Chinese Temple Censer
Located in Somis, CA
This exquisite Ming Xuan De style incense burner is the exact model of a traditional temple censer. The burner consists two parts, a large pot and a cove...
Bronze
Pair of Brass Dragon Incense Burners
Located in Somis, CA
Exquisite incense burner features dragons all-over. Double dragons surrounding fire balls symbolize the vitality of life. Single dragon finial symbolizes le...
Brass