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.
Chinese White and Blue Raised Rose Design 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 concave top, framing a center area that alter...
Porcelain
Pair of Chinese Beige and Orange Fish Design Meiping Porcelain Vases
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Chinese Ming/Jiajing-style beige porcelain vases with Meiping forms decorated in orange fish and flower motifs and geometric-patterned bands around the tops and bases, accent...
Porcelain
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...
Ceramic, Wood
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...
Bronze
Chinese Ming Iron Brushed Jar, c. 1550
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite Ming-dynasty (1368-1644) storage jar is attributed to the kilns of Yunnan province, loosely decorated with iron underglaze in a manner typical of the region. Dated to the...
Earthenware
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...
Iron
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...
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...
Silver
Chinese Ming Celadon Oil Bottle, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite ceramic vessel is a Ming-dynasty (1368-1644) bottle originally used for storing cooking oil or condiments. Dated to the 15th/16th century, the bottle has a gracefully cur...
Earthenware
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.
Wood
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...
Porcelain
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...
Porcelain
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 ...
Porcelain
Pair of Circa 1820 Chinese Patinated Bronze Deity Sculptures, 5" Tall
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...
Bronze
Pair Blue and White Porcelain Vases - Ming Double Gourd Urns
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Breathtaking pair of Chinese blue and white porcelain urns Double gourd form with intricate hand painted arabesques and motifs Classy pair ready to add light and oomph to any room Pl...
Porcelain
Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Tall Ming Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Boho Glazed ceramic vase. A classic Ming style in a black high gloss finish. Rests on a wooden plinth. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Ceramic
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...
Porcelain
Price Upon Request
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...
Porcelain