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.
Kettle in a shell
Located in Porto, PT
English-style kettle with trivet and lamp. Body with embossed decoration marked 'British', made in Birmingham. Wooden handle. No wear. Height: 31 cm.
Metal
Pair of jugs and pair of pots with lids; cloisonne
Located in Porto, PT
Pair of vases and pair of lidded pots; Cloisonne. Chinese Minguo period (1912-1949); in gilded metal Cloisonne; decorated with vegetal motifs. Jars with carved wooden bases. Height: ...
Metal
Russian Gilt Silver and Cloisonné Spoon
Located in Norton, MA
FINE RUSSIAN ENAMELED SPOON Length 4.25 inches, 14.4 grams.
Silver, Enamel
Silver Travertine Cylinder Bowl with Lid
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Stunning, aesthetic, timeless are words that can be used to describe this elegant and modern travertine bowl from Kiwano. Expertly crafted and finished by hand, our travertine vases ...
Travertine
Handcrafted Six Napkin Rings in Natural Capiz Pearl Shell
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Set of six napkin rings in natural capiz pearl in flower shape. Luminous, beautiful pearl shell color. vintage set of 6 flower shaped made of natural semi iridescent capiz shell. Due...
Shell
Russian Gilt Silver and Cloisonné Enamel Salt and Spoon
Located in Norton, MA
FINE RUSSIAN ENAMELED SALT AND SPOON Diameter of salt 2 1/16"x2 1/4" H, hallmarked. Spoon, 2 7/8" L 54.8 grams
Silver, Enamel
19th Century Copper Pot With Lid
Located in New York, NY
Hand-picked by buyers at Ann Morris Inc.
Copper
Antique English Silver Plated Nautilus Shell Spoon Warmer
Located in Wilton, CT
Made from silver plate, this charming Victorian piece of tableware captures history of the dining experience of the era. Spoon warmers were considered to be one of the essential “fan...
Silver Plate
Hand-Painted Shell Iron Tray
By Les Ottomans
Located in Milan, IT
Vassoio decorativo in ferro, dipinto a mano
Iron
$7,980
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
English King by Tiffany and Co Sterling Silver Kettle on Stand #10053 (#4908)
Located in Big Bend, WI
ENGLISH KING (c. 1885) Patterns similar to our English King were first used in France and England late in the eighteenth century and have remained among the most popular styles for>flatware today, in both Europe and America. Tiffany & Co. first made its own version of English King in 1885. It harmonizes with any eighteenth-century-inspired style neo-Georgian, Colonial, Louis XVI, Sheraton, Chippendale, Adam or Hepplewhite. The rich, intricate decoration of Tiffany's English King pattern reflects the luxurious entertainments given during the latter part of the eighteenth century and will enhance and give a sense of occasion to present-day settings. Designed by Charles Grosjean (1841-1888). Grosjean worked in his family's firm which produced high end silverware to prominent New York City retailers, including Tiffany. Upon his father's death, Grosjean left his family firm to become superintendent of Tiffany's silver factory in 1868. He had great background in silver and was an artist and was referred to as "one of the best living decorators of silver". He was a teacher in the Tiffany School and designed a few full lines of sterling patterns...
Sterling Silver
Fine Antique English Georgian Copper And Brass Water Kettle
Located in New Orleans, LA
A fine antique George III copper kettle with a shaped handle, spout and lift off lid. A beautiful patina that only comes with age and many years of loving use. This stunning copper ...
Brass, Copper
Rosenthal Sanssouci Coffee Pot, Sugar Bowl and Cream Jug, 1950s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rosenthal Sanssouci coffee pot, sugar bowl and cream jug. Hand-painted flowers, foliage in relief and gold edge. 1950s. The coffee pot measures:...
Porcelain
Art Nouveau Shell with Handle by Albert Koehler
By AK & Cie
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass silvered with engraved thistle on the bottom made by Albert Koehler, circa 1900 in Vienna. Signed AK & Cie in the handle. Excellent restored.
Brass
$715Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.06 in W 7.68 in D 11.62 in
Antique Scullery Kettle, English, Copper, Stovetop Teapot, Victorian, Circa 1870
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique scullery kettle. An English, copper stovetop teapot, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1870. Charming example with an attractive colour and polished finish D...
Copper