Ming Sculptures
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.
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures
Metal
20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures
Bronze
1960s Chinese Vintage Ming Sculptures
Ceramic
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Bronze
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Organic Material
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Bronze
20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures
Terracotta
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Stone
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Ming Sculptures
Gold
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Wood
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Pottery, Earthenware, Terracotta
20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures
Soapstone
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures
Ceramic
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Stone
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Pottery
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Copper
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Ceramic, Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures
Coral
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Hardwood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Ceramic
Early 1600s Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Bronze
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Stone
20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures
Metal, Bronze
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Pottery
Late 18th Century Asian Antique Ming Sculptures
Bronze
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Pottery
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Pottery
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Terracotta
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures
Wood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Pottery
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Pottery
15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Ming Sculptures
Bronze
17th Century Antique Ming Sculptures
Bronze
20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures
Stone
19th Century Asian Antique Ming Sculptures
Wood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Pottery
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Pottery
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Wood
Mid-20th Century Ming Sculptures
Marble
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Terracotta
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Wood, Gesso
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Wood, Stucco
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Wood
20th Century Italian Ming Sculptures
Terracotta
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Bronze
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Wood
20th Century Chinese Ming Sculptures
Ceramic
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Bronze
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Terracotta
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Wood
18th Century Thai Antique Ming Sculptures
Bronze
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Bronze
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Terracotta
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Stone
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Iron
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Sculptures
Pottery