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Ming 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
PAIR of Large Chinese Foo Dogs Gilded Metal with good detail, Circa 1920s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
These are a very good Large pair of Chinese foo or lion dogs on plinth's, sometimes called temple lions made of metal and hand gilded with fine detail, all in the Ming style but dating to the 20th century, Circa 1920s period. These are an unusually large pair of Foo Dogs...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures

Materials

Metal

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 Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

1960s Mother Guardian Foo Dog Pair
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
Exceptionally avant garde style approaching surrealist, bulging eyes and rich hued glazes; extremely rare to find as a pair, meant to be tile-roof finials. Breath taking and large ...
Category

1960s Chinese Vintage Ming Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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 Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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 Sculptures

Materials

Organic Material

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 Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Ming Design Glazed Terracotta Tricolor Prancing Horse Sculpture on Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty style glazed terracotta prancing horse figure from the 20th century with polychrome finish. Crafted in the Ming style, this small terracotta prancing horse att...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Ming Dynasty 17th Century Hand Carved Stone Monkey Temple Sculpture
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period hand carved stone monkey temple sculpture from the 17th century, depicted seated and holding a round stone disc above its head. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty period which spanned from 1368 to 1644, this hand carved stone sculpture...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Jin Long 'Golden Dragon' 24K Gold and Diamond Olisbos Sculpture
Located in Halls Head, Western Australia
The Jin Long (Golden Dragon) is an electroformed 24K pure gold and fine diamond olisbos sculpture featuring a traditional Chinese dragon totem symbol...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Ming Sculptures

Materials

Gold

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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 Sculptures

Materials

Pottery, Earthenware, Terracotta

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 Sculptures

Materials

Soapstone

Chinese Ceramic 3 Leg Cash Toad, circa 1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chinese ceramic 3 leg cash toad, circa 1900. Low fired clay with beautifully applied drip glaze in greens and white. In the style of a Ming Period Censor. May also be used as a sma...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Ming Dynasty Period Male Foo Dog Guardian Lion Hand-Carved Sculpture
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period (1368 - 1644) hand-carved stone Foo Dog guardian lion sculpture depicting a male placing his paw atop a ball. Created in Ch...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Stone

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 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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood

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 Sculptures

Materials

Copper

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...
Category

Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Chinese Red Coral Carving of Guan Yin over Lotus Flower
Located in Gainesville, FL
Chinese red coral carving of Kwan Yin over the lotus flower. The figure is attached to the wooden stand with overall dimension 6 " tall, 2 1...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures

Materials

Coral

A large wood Buddha/Guanyin with traces of pigments Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
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 Sculptures

Materials

Hardwood

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 Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

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 Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Bi Disks, Set of 3
Located in Forney, TX
An exceptional antique trio of hand carved Ming Dynasty Chinese bi disks, dated to the late 19th century, featuring three distinctive circular stones wit...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Stone

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 patinated finish with verdigris.
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze

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 Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

19th Ming Chinese Bronze Duck
Located in Pasadena, TX
Bronze standing duck. Standing neck raised and mouth open with detailed feathers. 14.5 high.
Category

Late 18th Century Asian Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

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 Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Late Ming Era Documented Glazed Pottery Horse
Located in Kastrup, DK
An elegant Chinese Ming dynasty pottery figurine depicting a horse in a standing pose with polychrome finish (aubergine, light brown and g...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Chinese Ming Dynasty Terracotta Official Statuette with 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 nice polychromy, th...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming 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 Sculptures

Materials

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 Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

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 Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

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 Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Thai Southeast Asian Bronze Seated Buddha, Circa 17th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
Possibly Khmir period but probably just after. Bronze buddha seated in bhumisparsha mudra on stepped base, remnants of earlier gilding throughout, I have been dealing in ancient bronze Buddhas...
Category

17th Century Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Asian Hard Stone Disc
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Chinese hard stone disc on black metal stand, beautiful form, color and texture. Measures: 7" wide, 8.2" total height included stand. Stone disc itself...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures

Materials

Stone

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 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 Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

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 Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Fine Pair of Carved Marble Garden Foo Lion Figures
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of opposing foo lions with elaborately carved curled fur and seated on bases. One places a paw on a ball, the other on an upside down baby foo lion. Overall fine time worn sur...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ming Sculptures

Materials

Marble

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 statuette featu...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Gesso

Ming Period Stucco Head of a Court Lady with Original Paint Mounted on Stand
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period stucco head of a court lady from the 15th or 16th century, mounted on a wooden stand. Crafted in China during the Ming Dynasty, this stucco head is moun...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Stucco

Pair of Chinese Wood Statues of Guanyin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of polychrome carved wood statue depicting Guanyin, the Chinese goddess of Mercy. They were likely dated to late Qing dynasty but executed in Ming dynasty style. The Bodhisattva are in the seated "Royal Ease...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Pair of 20th Century Italian Terracotta Fu Dogs
Located in Houston, TX
A fabulous large pair of Italian terracotta Fu dogs. The opposing pair are ornately handmade and hand painted with vibrant jewel tones.
Category

20th Century Italian Ming Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

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 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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Ming Style Sacai Glazed Pottery Figure of a Horse China with C.O.A.
Located in New York, NY
Realized between 1368AD-1644 AD, this stunning documented horse figurine was realized in China during the Ming period. Executed using a Sacai glaze, the sculpture offers a cream colo...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Ming Dynasty Bronze Luohan with Deer
Located in Dallas, TX
A very whimsical and spirited Luohan from calls in the beasts of the forest as to protect them from harm. These bronzes are rare but come up for sale from time to time. This piece sh...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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 Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Ming Celestial Mingqi Horse Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
This hand carved Chinese wooden horse is a type of centuries-old burial figurine known as míngqì. Depicting the pleasures of daily life, míngqì f...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Bronze Bust of Buddha, Thailand Ayutthaya, circa 18th Century
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This is a finely modeled and perfectly casted dark green patinated bust of Buddha. He has a serene smile, elongated eyes and long earlobes. The hair is fashioned in snail shell curls...
Category

18th Century Thai Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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 Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Rare, Ming-Dynasty, Terracotta Figural Procession
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Beautiful and unusual, hand-molded, painted and glazed, eight-person procession of robed attendants both surrounding, and bearing a litter born on poles. The central figures and litt...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

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 Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Chinese Ming Dynasty Hand Carved Stone Monkey Sculpture with Infant Monkey
Located in Yonkers, NY
A 19th century Chinese Ming dynasty hand carved stone monkey sculpture. This Chinese sculpture features a monkey figure, sitting on a rock formation, holding a square item, perhaps a...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Song to Ming Dynasty Cast Iron Daoist Buddhist Head
Located in Dallas, TX
Daoist sage, official, or possibly a Buddhist acolyte. A large, thick and heavy cast iron statue of a head. Custom vintage carved hardwood stand finishes off this outstanding and de...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Chinese Ming Dynasty Sancai Glazed Pottery Architectural Model, 16th Century
Located in Austin, TX
An unusually large Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed pottery architectural model of a shrine or cabinet, Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), circa 16th century, China. The shrine model crafted o...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Ming sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Ming sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, asian art and furniture, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming sculptures made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sculptures, popular names associated with this style include and Colin Burn Art. 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 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 $690,000 while the average work can sell for $4,280.

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