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 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
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 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
Large Pair of Chinese Candle Holders in a Patinated Verdagris Finish
Located in Dallas, TX
A large pair of Chinese bronze candle stands candlesticks in a patinated and verdigris finish. These large and impressive candle holders have three foo dog legs and a dragon wrappe...
Bronze
Pair of Carl Auböck Patinated Brass Candle Holders
Located in Utrecht, NL
Pair of patinated candle holders designed by Carl Aubock in 1948. This signature piece from the Auböck collection is hand made manufactured in Vienna Austria workshop ever since 1948...
Brass
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
A Pair of Large Italian Carved Wood Candle Holders
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
Highly ornate solid wood candle holders with a carved and painted swag detail. Perfect for conversion into electrified table lamps.
Wood
A Chinese Longquan Celadon Lotus Bowl, Ming Dynasty
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Longquan Celadon Lotus Bowl, Ming Dynasty Diameter: 16.7 cm Height: 5.5 cm Provenance: The Collection of Dr. John Yu AC Dr. Yu was the Foundi...
Ceramic
Ming Dynasty Period Golden Brown Glazed Martaban Water Jar with Tiger Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty period glazed ceramic Martaban water jar from the 17th century, with tiger motifs and petite handles. Created in China during the 17th century, this Ming Dynasty perio...
Ceramic
Pair of Patinated Bronze Art Deco Female Figure Candle Holders
Located in Malibu, CA
Pair monumental patinated bronze Art Deco candle holders. Designer and year unknown.
Bronze
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
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
Pair of Brutalist Candle Holders in Patinated Bronze 1960s
Located in Meer, VAN
Pair of Brutalist Candle Holders in Patinated Bronze 1960s. Beautiful pair of brutalist style candle holders in patinated bronze. Heavy quality and execution, very nice brutalist de...
Bronze
$2,220
H 15.75 in W 7.09 in D 7.09 in
Large Art Deco Candle Holder in Patinated Brass Early 20th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Remarkable Art Deco candle holder in patinated brass, first half of the 20th century. A beautiful and large candle holder with a remarkable art deco design. This candle holder is a...
Brass
$1,659Sale Price|43% Off
H 1.58 in Dm 8.08 in
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
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