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.
Very Rare Ming Dynasty Porcelain Ewer with Ottoman Gem-Set Tombak Mounts
Located in London, GB
Very rare Ming dynasty porcelain ewer with ottoman gem-set tombak mounts Chinese and Turkish, 16th/17th century Measures: Tombak: height 20cm,...
Multi-gemstone, Brass
Chinese Ming Celadon Bottle Vase, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
This petite ceramic bottle is a Ming-dynasty (1368-1644) vessel originally used for serving rice wine or spirits. The small round bottle is beautiful in its imperfection, shaped with...
Earthenware
Chinese Ming Cobalt Brushed Wine Bottle, c. 1550
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant yet unrefined, this ceramic wine bottle from Yunnan province is a testament to the wabi-sabi beauty of provincial Chinese pottery. Dated to the 15th/16th century, the bottle ...
Earthenware
Chinese Ming Cobalt Brushed Oil Bottle, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant ceramic vessel is a Ming-dynasty (1368-1644) bottle originally used for storing oil or sauces. Dated to the 15th/16th century, the bottle has a gracefully curved form kn...
Earthenware
Chinese Vintage Altar Vase with Crackle Celadon Finish and Flaring Neck
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese vintage altar vase from the mid 20th century, with celadon crackle finish and flaring neck. We currently have 3 vases available, priced and sold $1,300 each. Created in China during the midcentury period, this tall altar vase charms...
Porcelain
Korean Goryeo Celadon Glazed Bottle Vase with Kintsugi Repair, 12th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A sublime Korean celadon glazed cup mouth bottle vase, Goryeo Dynasty, 12th century, Korea. The elegant bottle vase, originally used to serve wine, features a gorgeous Goryeo celadon...
Stoneware
$6,500
H 14 in Dm 9.5 in
Chinese Qing Dynasty Flambé Glazed Bottle Vase, Tianqiuping, Late 19th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A gorgeous Chinese monochrome red flambé glazed bottle vase, called a tianqiuping, Qing Dynasty, late 19th century. The voluptuous body o...
Porcelain
$38,013 / set
H 0.04 in W 0.04 in D 0.04 in
Large Set of Chinese 17th Century Porcelain Ming Dynasty Plates Chenghua Marked
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
The exact selection can vary from the picture due to stock changes. A set of 30 plates from the early 17th century. Variation on a theme. Late Ming dynasty blue and white...
Porcelain
Ming Dynasty Celadon Glazed Charger
Located in Stamford, CT
Ming dynasty celadon glazed charger having fluted interior with plain well center.
Ceramic
Korean Celadon Inlay Vase Goryeo Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
On offer is an antique Korean ceramic vase from the end of Goryeo to the beginning of Joseon period (circa 14-15th). The vase features celadon crackled glaze with underglaze inlay design in black and white. The vase was a transitional piece made toward the end of Goryeo to the beginning of Joseon Yi dynasty...
Ceramic
Chinese Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon Peony Deep Dish, 14th-15th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful Chinese celadon glazed deep dish with an impressed peony design to the center, Ming Dynasty, circa 1400, Longquan kilns, China. The lovey dish covered in an attractive ...
Porcelain
$534
H 6.3 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
Celadon Vase, in a Green Color, Ceramic, Mid-20th Century, Made in China
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Green Celadon vase. This ceramic was made in China in the 20th century. It is small in size and has decorations in the manner of the Song period.
Ceramic, Celadon
Antique Korean Celadon Ceramic Meiping Vase with Slip Inlay Goryeo Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Korean ceramic celadon vase with inlay design from Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392AD) circa 11th century. Crafted in celadon-glazed ceramic with an olive-green tone, the vase features ...
Ceramic
Petite Ming Shipwreck Medicine Jar, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
The eroded surface of this petite, Ming-dynasty medicine jar tells a story of trade, tradition and lost treasure. A matte texture and traces of marine life suggest the jar spent many...
Earthenware
$997 / set
H 11 in W 40.75 in D 40.75 in
Antique Pair Rose Medallion Chinese Porcelain Brush Wash Vases arrtib. Liu Yucen
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning Pair of Chinese Republic Period Hand Painted Porcelain Cylindrical Brush Wash Vases Urns firmly attributed to Chinese Artist Liu Yucen (1904-1969) early Twentieth Century ...
Porcelain, Ceramic
Small Korean Celadon Ceramic Vase with Slip Inlay Goryeo Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small Korean ceramic celadon bottle vase with inlay design from Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392AD) circa 12th century. The vase has a classic baluster form with a slightly flared mouth...
Ceramic
Sold
H 6.89 in Dm 3.23 in
Chinese Black and White Antique Pottery Vase/ Ming Dynasty /14th-15th Century
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a sake bottle made in China during the Ming Dynasty, 14th-15th century. The place is a kiln called "Cizhou ware", which is about 400 to 500 km sou...
Pottery
19th Century, Chinese Porcelain SNUFF BOTTLE, Blue and White, Ming Style
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good quality Chinese snuff bottle, made from porcelain during the 19th Century. The cylindrical bottle has a double gourd shape on a fairly tall foot. The bottle has...
Agate