Ming Figurative Sculptures
MING STYLE
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.
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Style: Ming
Chinese Ming Style Bronze Metal Seated Buddha
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Diminutive Chinese bronze metal Buddha sculpture depicted sitting. Beautifully crafted in the Ming style with intricate details. The bronze has a rich pat...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Tomb Attendants with Zodiac Animals
Located in Dallas, TX
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Ming Dynasty.
A fabulous set of two mould-made, glazed ceramic zodiac figures. Each wearing long draping gowns of rich green, yellow and orange hues. Each figure ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Large Gilt Bronze Buddha Young Shakyimuni Statue 31 Lb
Located in Somis, CA
The magnificent 31 lb bronze Buddha statue, crafted in the Ming dynasty style, captivates with its timeless beauty and serene presence. Depicting a young Shakyamuni, the statue exude...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Ming Dynasty Terracotta Court Official Statuette, Original Polychromy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A petite Chinese Ming dynasty green glazed terracotta court official figurine from the 15th or 16th century, with original polychromy. Attracting our eye with its vibrant polychromy,...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Chinese Carved and Painted Wood Sculpture of Guanyin
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful carving of Guanyin, shown standing on a rocky outcrop, mounted on a lobed wooden base. It was once used as a lamp, and can be rewired. Nice faded painted surface.
Guany...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Two Large green glazed figures, Ming Period (1368-1644)
Located in seoul, KR
Statues of Chinese dignitaries crafted from terracotta, featuring glazes in green and ocher, are set on rectangular bases. The wide-sleeved robes and craftsmanship, along with the cylindrical flat hats with detachable head, indicate their Chinese origin, specifically from the Ming Era.
Period: Ming Dynasty
Medium: Green-glazed Pottery
Type: Figure
Provenance : Acquired in early 2000s from Hongkong
* Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures
Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties.
A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty-Style Equestrian Roof Tile, 18th C.
Located in San Francisco, CA
A circa 18th century Chinese Ming dynasty-style equestrian form glazed pottery roof tile.
Classic figural depiction of a proud celestial warrior on horseback, hand-crafted of eart...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware, Terracotta, Pottery
Chinese Ming Dynasty Lacquered and Gilt Bronze Bodhisattva, 17th Century
Located in Austin, TX
Chinese late Ming dynasty bronze figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, also known as Guanyin (Quan Yin, Kwan Yin, Kuan Yin), 17th century, China
The figure well cast in two ...
Category
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Ming Dynasty Polychrome Lacquer and Gilt Iron Figure of Ananda
Located in Austin, TX
Ananda is portrayed in a typical fashion, as a youthful monk with a shaved head and dressed in simple robes. He stands upon a double lotus pedestal with hands clasped in front of him...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Iron
Taoist bronze figure China, Ming dynasty, 16th century
Located in Milano, IT
In the heart of ancient China, within the resplendent Ming dynasty, a masterpiece was cast in bronze, a testament to a culture steeped in mysticism and spirituality. This Taoist bron...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Ming Warrior Statue
Located in Somis, CA
An all original, 18th century, hand carved, solid wood statue of a young Ming warrior on horse. Warrior wears a full, elaborate armor fronted with a shield under a large circular col...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Early Ming Dynasty Chinese Buddha Statue, circa 14th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine late Yuan to early Ming Chinese terracotta gilt and polychrome painted Buddha figure, he is dressed in thick robes, his hair arranged in ty...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Large Antique Asian Wood Sculpture of the Laughing Buddha
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very large antique Asian wood carving of the iconic Laughing Buddha. The sculpture has great form, the Buddha with his right hand resting ...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
17th Century Chinese Ming Bronze Figure of a Boy
Located in Chicago, IL
Fine cast bronze figures created over 400 years ago during China's Ming dynasty are rare and highly appreciated. In this exceptional example, a spirited young boy stands on a lotus b...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Ayutthaya Lacquered And Gilt Bronze Buddha Head 15th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
Ayutthaya Lacquered and Gilt Copper Bronze Buddha Head
Circa 15th Century
A beautifully lacquered and gilt bronze Buddha head from the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Thailand, circa 15th ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Ming Dynasty Sancai Glazed Dignitary Tomb Figures
Located in Dallas, TX
A Pair of Chinese Enameled Sancai Glazed Pottery Attendant Figures Representing Dignitaries.
Ming Dynasty Period. Circa 1600AD
Dimensions; 23 x 5.5 x 5.25 inches (58.4 x 13.7 x 13.3 ...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Jade Figure of Guanyin
Located in Bradenton, FL
Most likely Ming 15th/16th Century, carved chicken bone jade figure of a standing Guanyin (Quanyin) holding a scroll in one hand, prayer beads in the other. Affixed to carved wood ba...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Organic Material
Ming Dynasty Bronze Figure of the Infant Buddha
Located in Austin, TX
A rare and unusual Chinese Ming Dynasty bronze figure of the Buddha as an infant. The young Prince Siddhartha, who would grow up to become the Buddha, is portrayed standing, one hand pointing to the sky, the other to the ground. He is naked, save for a baby apron...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Pair Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Dignitary Figures
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Ming dynasty sancai blue glazed pottery figures.
Circa 1500 AD Ming Dynasty
I have owned over 250 ming tomb figures including over 80...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Ming Dynasty Carved, Painted and Giltwood Amitayus Buddha
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful and serene Chinese Ming dynasty carved wood figure of the Buddha Amitayus, the Buddha of long life, and a form of Amitabha Buddha. He is seated in dhyanassana, dressed in...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
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 ...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Soapstone Fish Carving 20th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
Chinese Soapstone fish carving 20th century.
This exquisite soapstone sculpture is a unique carving, as it shows to us the natural formation of two stones with the grey soapstone accompanied by the red, yellow and beige soapstone carved into a beautiful depiction of fish and and underwater coral.
Shoushan stone...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Soapstone
Chinese Ming Dynasty Carved Wood Budda
Located in Dallas, TX
A carved wood Budda from the Shanxi region, made during the Ming Dynasty. The carved figure has an ancient polychrome finish.
Category
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Bronze Nanhai Guanyin, 16th/17th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A decidingly charming Chinese polychromed and gilt cast bronze figure of Nanhai Guanyin, Guanyin of the South Sea, Ming Dynasty, 16th/17th century, China.
Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, is portrayed here as a beatific figure seated upon a raised lotus pedestal over waves. Guanyin is dressed in heavy robes, and wears an elaborate headdress. The small figure of Amitabha Buddha in the headdress positively identifies this figure as Guanyin.
Guanyin rests one hand in his lap, holding a cup of pure water said to be able to alleviate all suffering. His other hand is raised, holding a willow branch which is used to sprinkle the healing waters.
The two lotus blossoms to either side of Guanyin would originally have supported figures of the acolytes...
Category
Early 1600s Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Tall Attendant Figure, 16th-17th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A tall Chinese green and amber glazed figure of an attendant, Ming Dynasty, 16th-17th century, China.
The figure stands upon an integral plinth, dressed in long robes...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
A large wood Buddha/Guanyin with traces of pigments Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
By Master
Located in Vienna, AT
A LARGE WOOD FIGURE OF GUANYIN WITH TRACES OF PIGMENTS
MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)
The bodhisattva is shown seated in padmasana, wearing long flowing ro...
Category
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
Ming Dynasty Carved Ancestor Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
Marvel at the exquisite artistry of this carved wood Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644) ancestor figure—a captivating depiction of a seated man adorned in the distinguished attire o...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed and Painted Pottery Figures, 16th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A striking pair of large Chinese glazed and painted pottery figures, Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), circa 16th century, China.
The impressive and realistically modeled figures each portrayed standing upright upon a sancai (three color) glazed pedestal of kang table form.
The man is dressed in a short black surcoat over a long robe and pants, a smart cap upon his head. His face is warm and welcoming, with wide eyes and a slight smile on his lips. He holds his hands out in front of him, palms up, almost as if shrugging, though presumably originally holding an object or offering, now lost.
The woman of slightly smaller stature, and dressed in a longer surcoat over a long robe and skirt. She wears a fitted cap upon her head. Her hands also held out in front, grasping long lost objects. Her face is slightly more severe, with a somewhat pinched look, and slight frown upon her lips.
The size of these figures is remarkable, as is the realism and attention to detail, almost as if they were modeled after real people, as opposed to the more common and generic Ming Dynasty pottery...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Wood Horseman
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Hand Carved Glazed Wood Horse with Rider
22 tall x 22 w x 5.5 d
Preowned Original vintage unrestored condition. Vintage p...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Gold Ornaments of Antique Chinese Buddha Statues / 17th-19th Centuries
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is thought to be part of the decoration of a gilt-bronze Buddha made in ancient China, from the late Ming to the Qing dynasties.
It is thought that it is probably an ornament t...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Copper
Ming Dynasty Songzi Guanyin with Child
Located in Dallas, TX
A Chinese Fahua glazed pottery figure of Songzi Guanyin with child. A rare yellow, turquoise and green glazed statue of Guanyin with downward gaze h...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Carved Wood Bodhisattva Guanyin, Late Ming Dynasty, 17th Century
Located in Austin, TX
An attractive carved wood figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, known as Guanyin in China, late Ming Dynasty, early 17th century, China.
Guanyi...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Gesso, Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Attendants
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed earthenware figure of Attendant
The condition of these 5 century old glazed pottery tomb figures is outstand...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Carved Wood Teaching Buddha in Ming Style
Located in Atlanta, GA
A statue of standing Buddha (Shakyamuni), finely carved out a single block of wood (might be cypress based on the wood grains). Attired in a flowing robe with open chest, the Buddha ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Terracotta Courtsman Statuette with Original Polychromy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty painted terracotta courtsman figure with original polychromy. Attracting our eye with its weathered appearance and subtle polychromy, this Ming Dynasty terracotta courtsman figure exudes historical charm and elegance. This exquisite statuette, dating from the Chinese Ming Dynasty, features a courtsman resting on a hexagonal base, providing a stable and aesthetically pleasing foundation. Topped with a simple headdress and clothed in a long, flowing robe, the figure showcases a slight movement of the hips, creating a sense of liveliness and grace.
His right arm is extended in a gesture, while his left arm remains hidden under his clothes, adding an element of mystery and sophistication. The original polychromy, though weathered, adds a touch of vibrant color that enhances the figure's visual appeal and historical authenticity.
This Chinese courtsman figure will make for an exquisite decorative addition to any home. Its refined elegance and rich cultural heritage make it a versatile piece, perfect for placing on a commode, side table, or shelf. Whether in a living room, study, or entryway, this Ming Dynasty figure will bring a touch of ancient Chinese artistry and timeless beauty to any interior space.
With its harmonious blend of form and function, this painted terracotta courtsman figure celebrates the enduring appeal of Ming Dynasty art...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
Pair of Chinese Ming Sancai Chiwen Roof Tiles, c. 1650
Located in Chicago, IL
These monumental Chinese roof tiles were once installed as part of the elaborate roof of a Ming-dynasty temple or grand courtyard home. Dated to the 17th century or earlier, the scul...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
Pair of Chinese Ming Sancai Dragon Roof Tiles, c. 1650
Located in Chicago, IL
This incredible pair of sancai-glazed Chinese roof tiles were once installed as part of the elaborate roof of a Ming-dynasty temple or grand courtyard home. Dated to the 17th century...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Earthenware
A Pair of Small 19 Century Chinese Patinated Bronze Statues of Gods or Deities
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A pair of exceptional small patinated bronze castings of a male and female Chinese Deities or Gods possibly representing Shouxing God of Longevity Immortality and Good Fortune, and G...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Sancai Glazed Buddhist Arhat, Ming Dynasty, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This imposing figure is the head of an Arhat, a Buddhist devotee who has attained enlightenment, also called a “Luohan.” The eighteen original Arhat are the personal disciples of Buddha and the guardians of Buddhist adherents. Each is represented with a unique disposition, posture, and distinctive symbol.
This exquisitely formed monumental ceramic Arhat dates to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and has likely been separated from its original full body sculpture...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
Chinese Miniature Mingqi Skirted Table
Located in Chicago, IL
This miniature ceramic table is from Shanxi Province and may have been made to represent Mingqi, a type of ancient Chinese burial good. Mingqi were plac...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Ceramic
Ming figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Ming figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage figurative sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming figurative sculptures made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for figurative sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $500 and tops out at $28,800 while the average work can sell for $4,000.