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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
Antique Bronze Buddha Statue
Antique Bronze Buddha Statue

Antique Bronze Buddha Statue

Located in Somis, CA

An antique Chinese bronze Buddha sculpture. Buddha is seated in dhyana asana (lotus position) upon a lotus-form base, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. The right hand is ra...

Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Chinese Ming Sancai Chiwen Roof Tiles, c. 1650
Pair of Chinese Ming Sancai Chiwen Roof Tiles, c. 1650

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

Chinese Ming Dynasty Lacquered and Gilt Bronze Bodhisattva, 17th Century
Chinese Ming Dynasty Lacquered and Gilt Bronze Bodhisattva, 17th Century

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

Pair of Chinese Ming Sancai Dragon Roof Tiles, c. 1650
Pair of Chinese Ming Sancai Dragon Roof Tiles, c. 1650

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

Large Gilt Bronze Buddha Young Shakyimuni Statue 31 Lb
Large Gilt Bronze Buddha Young Shakyimuni Statue 31 Lb

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

Early Ming Dynasty Chinese Buddha Statue, circa 14th Century
Early Ming Dynasty Chinese Buddha Statue, circa 14th Century

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

Ming Warrior Statue
Ming Warrior Statue

Ming Warrior Statue

$880Sale Price|20% Off

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

Pair Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Dignitary Figures
Pair Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Dignitary Figures

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 Terracotta Courtsman Statuette with Original Polychromy
Chinese Ming Dynasty Terracotta Courtsman Statuette with Original Polychromy

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 Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed and Painted Pottery Figures, 16th Century
Pair Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed and Painted Pottery Figures, 16th Century

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

Chinese Ming Dynasty Terracotta Court Official Statuette, Original Polychromy
Chinese Ming Dynasty Terracotta Court Official Statuette, Original Polychromy

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

Tall Ming Dynasty Sancai Glazed Dignitary Tomb Figures
Tall Ming Dynasty Sancai Glazed Dignitary Tomb Figures

Tall 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

17th Century Chinese Ming Bronze Figure of a Boy
17th Century Chinese Ming Bronze Figure of a Boy

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

Chinese Ming Style Bronze Metal Seated Buddha
Chinese Ming Style Bronze Metal Seated Buddha

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

Chinese Carved Wood Teaching Buddha in Ming Style
Chinese Carved Wood Teaching Buddha in Ming Style

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 Carved and Painted Wood Sculpture of Guanyin
Chinese Carved and Painted Wood Sculpture of Guanyin

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

Ayutthaya Lacquered And Gilt Bronze Buddha Head 15th Century
Ayutthaya Lacquered And Gilt Bronze Buddha Head 15th Century

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 Carved Ancestor Figure
Ming Dynasty Carved Ancestor Figure

Ming Dynasty Carved Ancestor Figure

$3,600Sale Price|20% Off

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

Chinese Ming Dynasty Bronze Nanhai Guanyin, 16th/17th Century, China
Chinese Ming Dynasty Bronze Nanhai Guanyin, 16th/17th Century, China

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

Gold Ornaments of Antique Chinese Buddha Statues / 17th-19th Centuries
Gold Ornaments of Antique Chinese Buddha Statues / 17th-19th Centuries

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

Chinese Jade Figure of Guanyin
Chinese Jade Figure of Guanyin

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

Chinese Sancai Glazed Buddhist Arhat, Ming Dynasty, c. 1600
Chinese Sancai Glazed Buddhist Arhat, Ming Dynasty, c. 1600

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

Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Wood Horseman
Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Wood Horseman

Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Wood Horseman

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, an antique Chinese Ming Dynasty hand carved glazed wood horse with rider. Dimensions: 22' H x 22" W x 5.5" D Delivery withi...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Ming Dynasty Bronze Figure of the Infant Buddha
Ming Dynasty Bronze Figure of the Infant Buddha

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

Ming Dynasty Polychrome Lacquer and Gilt Iron Figure of Ananda
Ming Dynasty Polychrome Lacquer and Gilt Iron Figure of Ananda

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

Chinese Ming Dynasty Carved, Painted and Giltwood Amitayus Buddha
Chinese Ming Dynasty Carved, Painted and Giltwood Amitayus Buddha

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

Taoist bronze figure China, Ming dynasty, 16th century
Taoist bronze figure China, Ming dynasty, 16th century

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 Dynasty Songzi Guanyin with Child
Ming Dynasty Songzi Guanyin with Child

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 Ming Dynasty Carved Wood Budda
Chinese Ming Dynasty Carved Wood Budda

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 Soapstone Fish Carving 20th Century
Chinese Soapstone Fish Carving 20th Century

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

A Pair of Small 19 Century Chinese Patinated Bronze Statues of Gods or Deities
A Pair of Small 19 Century Chinese Patinated Bronze Statues of Gods or Deities

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

Pair of Ming Dynasty Horsemen Roof Tiles
Pair of Ming Dynasty Horsemen Roof Tiles

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 Miniature Mingqi Skirted Table
Chinese Miniature Mingqi Skirted Table

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.