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 Ming Ceramic Provincial Jar Celadon Glaze, Early 17th Century
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a Chinese hand-thrown ceramic provincial jar with a light celadon glaze which we date to the Ming period of the early 17th century or possibly earlier. The jar is hand potted...
Ceramic
$1,750Sale Price|30% Off
A Chinese Cizhou Stonweare Jar, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Cizhou Stonweare Jar, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century Description: Produced in Northern China, Cizhou ware was especially popular from the Song to Yuan dynasties (11th–14th cen...
Stoneware
$1,750Sale Price|30% Off
A Chinese Cizhou Stonweare Vessel, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Cizhou Stonweare Vessel, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century Description: Produced in Northern China, Cizhou ware was especially popular from the Song to Yuan dynasties (11th–14th ...
Stoneware
Chinese Ming Cobalt Brushed Jar, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This Ming-dynasty (1368-1644) storage jar is attributed to the kilns of Yunnan province, loosely decorated with cobalt underglaze in a manner typical of the region. Dated to the 15th...
Earthenware
A Chinese Cizhou Stonweare Vessel, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Cizhou Stonweare Vessel, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century Description: Produced in Northern China, Cizhou ware was especially popular from the Song to Yuan dynasties (11th–14th ...
Stoneware
A Chinese Cizhou Stonweare Jar, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Cizhou Stonweare Jar, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century Description: Produced in Northern China, Cizhou ware was especially popular from the Song to Yuan dynasties (11th–14th cen...
Stoneware
Ming Dynasty Period Golden Brown Glazed Martaban Water Jar with Tiger Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty period glazed ceramic Martaban water jar from the 17th century, with tiger motifs and petite handles. Created in China during the 17th century, this Ming Dynasty perio...
Ceramic
Chinese Ochre Brown Glazed Martaban Jar, Ming Dynasty, 15th-16th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and large Chinese brown ochre glazed stoneware storage jar, commonly known as a Martaban or Martavan jar, Ming dynasty, 15th-16th century. The elegant ovoid jar with a slen...
Stoneware
Chinese Ming Cobalt Brushed Celadon Jar, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
Warped by fire and eroded by time, this ceramic storage jar from Yunnan province is a testament to the wabi-sabi beauty of provincial Chinese pottery. Dated to the 15th/16th century,...
Earthenware
Large Chinese Martaban Ming Dynasty Stoneware Storage Vase with Dragons
Located in Dallas, TX
Large Martaban Ming dynasty stoneware storage vase with dragons, 14th century. Beautiful Ochoa and yellow brown glaze with decorated dragons and Ming clouds. Applied snail or dragon ...
Stoneware
$700Sale Price|60% Off
A Chinese Brown Glazed Martaban Storage Jar, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Brown Glazed Martaban Storage Jar, Ming Dynasty, 17th Century Description: Impressed Circular Pattern, covered overall in a brown glaze. Martaban jars are named after the...
Stoneware
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
Chinese Ming Iron Brushed Jar, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This 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 15th/1...
Earthenware
Chinese Ming Iron Brushed Jar, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This 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 15th/1...
Earthenware
Chinese Ming dynasty Martaban 39 Inch Stoneware Storage Vase with Dragons
Located in Dallas, TX
Large Martaban Ming dynasty stoneware storage vase with dragons, 14th century. Beautiful Ochoa and yellow-brown glaze with decorated dragons and Ming clouds. Applied snail or dragon ...
Stoneware
Chinese Ming Cobalt Brushed Cloud Jar, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful in its imperfection, this ceramic storage jar from Yunnan province has a crawled glaze finish that reveals the maker's hand. Dated to the 15th/16th century, the sculptural ...
Earthenware
Chinese Ming Cobalt Brushed Storage Jar, c. 1500
Located in Chicago, IL
Warped by fire and eroded by time, this ceramic storage jar from Yunnan province is a testament to the wabi-sabi beauty of provincial Chinese pottery. Dated to the 15th/16th century,...
Earthenware
Chinese Ming Cobalt Brushed Jar, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This Ming-dynasty (1368-1644) storage jar is attributed to the kilns of Yunnan province, loosely decorated with cobalt underglaze in a manner typical of the region. Dated to the 15th...
Earthenware
Chinese Ming Iron Brushed Jar, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This 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 15th/1...
Earthenware
Chinese Ming Iron Brushed Jar, c. 1600
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
Chinese Ming Horse Eye Wine Jar, 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 jar was...
Earthenware
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
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.
Pottery
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
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 porous, matte surface texture suggests the jar spent many years su...
Earthenware
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 porous, matte surface texture suggests the jar spent many years su...
Earthenware
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
Chinese Ming Cobalt Brushed Jar, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This Ming-dynasty (1368-1644) storage jar is attributed to the kilns of Yunnan province, loosely decorated with cobalt underglaze in a manner typical of the region. Dated to the 15th...
Earthenware
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
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