Ming Pottery
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.
1860s Unknown Antique Ming Pottery
Pottery
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Pottery
Stoneware
20th Century Spanish Ming Pottery
Terracotta, Earthenware, Pottery
19th Century American Antique Ming Pottery
Pottery
Early 20th Century Spanish Ming Pottery
Ceramic, Terracotta, Earthenware
19th Century French Antique Ming Pottery
Stoneware
19th Century Unknown Antique Ming Pottery
Earthenware
1880s Chinese Antique Ming Pottery
Pottery
Mid-19th Century American Antique Ming Pottery
Iron
1970s American Vintage Ming Pottery
Clay
19th Century English Antique Ming Pottery
Pottery
1960s German Vintage Ming Pottery
Pottery
Early 20th Century Spanish Ming Pottery
Ceramic, Terracotta, Earthenware
1990s American Ming Pottery
Earthenware
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Pottery
Terracotta
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Pottery
Pottery
15th Century and Earlier Cambodian Antique Ming Pottery
Terracotta