Skip to main content

Ming Decorative Objects

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.

to
55
160
1
118
12
30
1
2
2
5
1
1
1
26,218
14,172
9,022
5,618
3,926
3,078
2,310
1,712
1,340
1,309
1,142
1,092
996
942
922
678
655
589
117
85
25
19
15
81
72
143
131
127
10
10
Height
to
Width
to
161
161
161
Style: Ming
Rare Chinese Porcelain Ming Period Kosometsuke Dish OX, ca 1600-1660
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Porcelain dish with underglaze blue. Scene of a lovely Ox or Cow in a landscape. Ming dynasty, Tianqi or Chongzhen period (1621-1644) Additional information: Material: Porcelain & ...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair Antique 18th century Dutch Delft Earthenware Plate Delftware Based On Ch
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nice Dutch Delft blue plates with nice decoration of the month of august In 18th c chinese style 18th century. Diameter: 23 cm. Condition: Typical rimflaws Condition Good condition...
Category

17th Century Dutch Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Taste Tianqi/Chongzhen Dish Porcelain Ming Plate China Old
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely decorated plate. Late Ming. Prunus blossom and Dragonfly great symbolism Symbol of Winter, corresponding to the month of January. One of the "Three Friends of Winter"....
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Top Quality Wanli Antique Ming Period Chinese Porcelain Kraak Plate Deers
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely potted and painted kraak plate of a desirable cobalt blue! Stunning piece with beautiful scene of deers in a landscape. Absolute top Quality kraak ware Condition some...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Porcelain Hatcher Cargo Kraak Ghendi porcelain South China
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this very nicely decorated kraak Ghendi with a geometrical decoration. The piece was part of the Hatcher Collection. Auctioned by Christies Amsterdam in 1984. It is in very good condition. The Hatcher Junk...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique 19th century Dutch Delft Earthenware Plate Delftware Porceleine Klauw
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description Nice Dutch Delft blue plate with nice decoration Porceleyne Claeuw Delft - 1658=1840 In 19th with Willem III as a child 18th century. Diameter: 232 cm. Condition: Good ...
Category

17th Century Dutch Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

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...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Tianqi Kosometsuke Antique Chinese Porcelain 17c Ming Dynasty Ni Zan
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this beautiful dish Visible is a typically painted scene for this period. Mountain landscape with bamboo and clouds house in the right centre. The shape is very nice...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Stone

Antique Chinese Zhangzhou Swatow Slip Decoration Charger Ming Dynasty
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Unusual Majestic and Large Chinese Ming period Swatow Charger. It's quite difficult to catch the true color of this one in the studio, the photos outside with phone are therefore the...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Kosometsuke Antique Chinese Dynasty Dish China Porcelain Unusual, 17th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Beautiful dish in blue and white, late ming period Tianqi or Chongzhen. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Decoration Type / Colour: Blue & White, Ko-Sometsuke Re...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

36CM Antique 17/18th c Kraak Style Blue White Dutch Delftware Earthenware Cha.
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Earthenware dish with a flat rim. Decorated in different shades of blue on a white tin glaze. Central scene of a grasshopper on a rock. These kind of dishes were made after Chinese K...
Category

17th Century Dutch Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Porcelain Serving Dish Ming Dynasty, 17C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Beautiful serving dish in blue and white with central a reverse decorated floral lotus scene, the walls with branches and the border with geometric design. The base has a six charact...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Off-White and Botanical Design Globular Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese Qing Dynasty-style (late 19th Century) globular, off-white porcelain vase decorated with blooming flora and branches, and pink and purple decorative patterns around the neck....
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Hongzhi or Zhengde Dish Fish, 15th/16th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely decorated and highly unusual dish from the 15th/16th century. The dish is beautifully designed with a beautiful fish in the centre. 9-1-23-1-1 Additional information:...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Porcelain Serving Dish Lotus, 17C Ming Dynasty
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Beautiful serving dish in blue and white with central a reverse decorated floral lotus scene, the walls with branches and the border with geometric design. The base has a six charact...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Antique Ming Period Arabesque Chinese Porcelain Dish Sacred Mushroom
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely potted and painted blue and white Kosometsuke plate of a desirable cobalt blue! Stunning piece with design of Turkish style Arabesque pattern and central a Lingzhi Fung...
Category

17th Century Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Antique Chinese Porcelain River Landscape Butterflies Dish Ko Akae, Early 17thC.
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing this new arrival. An amazing Blue and white porcelain dish with added enamels in red and green. For the Japanese Market. Very interesting piece with a riverlandscape scene wi...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Stucco

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Antique Ming Period Xieyi Yuan Poem Landscape Chinese Porcelain Kaiseki Dish
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely potted and painted blue and white Kosometsuke Kaiseki dish plate of a desirable cobalt blue! Stunning piece with design of a landscape in the style of the yuan painter ...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Porcelain Late Ming or Transitional Plate Landscape
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A Blue & White Ko-sometsuke plate with a landscape scene Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: China Period: 17th century Ming (1368 - 1620) Age: ...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

19th Ming Chinese Bronze Duck
19th Ming Chinese Bronze Duck
$1,740 Sale Price
40% Off
Antique Chinese Porcelain Kosometsuke Ladies in Meeting Plate Marked, 17th C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely decorated kosometsuke plate with an unusual scene of 4 Ladies in a garden, seems like they have a meeting. A pot with a plant in the middle lower part of the scene and ...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Period Chinese Porcelain Dish Charger Deer and Crane Antique Marked Ming, 16 C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Large and very nice Blue and White Charger/Dish from the Ming Period. Jiajing. Absolute cool item marked Ming Additional information: Material: Porcelain Period: 17th century Qing (...
Category

17th Century Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Imari-Style Orange and Blue Monumental Ceramic Urn
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese orange, white and blue monumental floor vase celebrating Japanese Imari ware in both palette and design, decorated with medallions of bloom...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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 decorative bust, circa 10th...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Urn Chinese Glazed Brown Ming China
Located in New York, NY
Urn Chinese Glazed Brown Ming China. A Glaced Ming Urn from China. Made during the Ming Period 1368-1644.
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Pottery

Antiquer 17th C Dehua Blanc de Chine Whistles European figure and Cat Dutchman
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A Shunzhi or Kangxi Blanc de Chine Porcelain European figure in sitting position. Its also a whistle. Blanc de Chine Statues like these were made in the kilns of Dehua in Fujian pro...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Asian Shoulder Yolk Basket
Located in Dallas, TX
The Brendan Bass Estate Collection pays homage to the beauty of vintage and antique pieces, each artfully concealing endless stories collected through the generations in which they ...
Category

20th Century Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Wicker

Japanese sweetmeat set of Kosometsuke dishes. Vintage/modern copy after
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this very nice sweetmeat set of Kosometsuke dishes. Japanese vintage/modern copy after Chinese ming example. All with stamp mark to the base. Pictures of the origi...
Category

20th Century Japanese Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Blue and White and Raised Rose Pattern Octagonal Porcelain Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Chinese blue and white porcelain vase with an octagonal, faceted shape wrapped in blue bands featuring white iconography at the base and convex top, framing a center area that altern...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Bronze Figure of a Seated Luohan, Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644
Located in Torino, IT
Cast seated wearing a simple robe with his right hand resting on the hilt of a snake-entwined sword, the left hand held aloft, his face with meditative expre...
Category

Early 1600s Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Blue White Porcelain Vase With Gilt Silver Phoenix Dragons, 20th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
The pair of Blue White Porcelain Vases with Gilt Silver Phoenix Dragons, dating from the 20th century, is an exquisite examples of decorative art, blending traditional Chinese porcel...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Antique Ming Period Chinese Porcelain River Landscape Dish Kosometsuke Market
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing new arrival. An amazing Blue and white porcelain dish, Kosometsuke for the Japanese Market. Very interesting. China, Ming dynasty. ⁠ Decorated in the centre with a river lan...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Porcelain Serving Dish Ming Dynasty, 17th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Beautiful serving dish in blue and white with central a reverse decorated floral lotus scene, the walls with branches and the border with geometric design. The base has a six charact...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Ming decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Ming decorative objects 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 decorative objects 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, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming decorative objects 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 decorative objects, 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 decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $228 and tops out at $690,000 while the average work can sell for $3,151.

Recently Viewed

View All