Ming Vases
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.
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Ceramic, Porcelain
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Celadon, Porcelain
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Vases
Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Vases
Stoneware
20th Century Chinese Ming Vases
Silver
20th Century Chinese Ming Vases
Porcelain
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Ceramic
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Ceramic, Porcelain
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Ceramic
Late 20th Century American Ming Vases
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Ming Vases
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Stoneware
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Bronze
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Ceramic
Late 20th Century Asian Ming Vases
Art Glass, Wood
15th Century and Earlier Asian Antique Ming Vases
Ceramic
20th Century Chinese Ming Vases
Ceramic, Porcelain
20th Century Chinese Ming Vases
Porcelain
20th Century Chinese Ming Vases
Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Pottery
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Pottery
20th Century European Ming Vases
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Ming Vases
Ceramic, Majolica
1860s Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Porcelain
20th Century Japanese Ming Vases
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Vases
Ceramic
15th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Ming Vases
Pottery
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Vases
Porcelain
20th Century Japanese Ming Vases
Bronze
16th Century Japanese Antique Ming Vases
Pottery
20th Century Chinese Ming Vases
Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Japanese Antique Ming Vases
Pottery
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Pottery
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Stoneware
Late 20th Century Ming Vases
Porcelain
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Stoneware
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Stoneware
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Stoneware
20th Century Italian Ming Vases
Ceramic
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Vases
Ceramic, Porcelain
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Ceramic, Pottery
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Vases
Bronze