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 Dynasty Antique Sancai Glazed Attendants Tomb Figure Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A pair of large antique Chinese polychrome ceramic attendants, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Outstanding 500+ year old Sancai glazed earthenware pottery tomb figures, exceptionally executed figural form, exquisitely detailed, one holding a teapot, the other holding a charger, rising on rare sculptural plinth...
Ceramic, Earthenware
$9,162Sale Price|20% Off
Polychrome wooden statue depicting Guanyin Bodhisattva, Ming, 16th century
Located in Milano, IT
In a realm where time stands still, there exists a 16th-century masterpiece, a sculpture of unparalleled beauty that transports you to the heart of the Ming dynasty. Here, in a place of reverence and artistry, sits the Chinese Bodhisattva Guanyin, the embodiment of compassion, enshrined in a form of breathtaking elegance. Guanyin's divine presence is unveiled as he is seated in padmasana, the lotus position, a symbol of purity and enlightenment. His regal robes...
Wood
Gothic sculpted panel in oak from the 16th century, Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
This finely carved wooden panel from Belgium, dating to the 16th century, exemplifies the restrained geometry and rustic elegance of Gothic domestic ornamentation. Hewn from solid oa...
Oak
Bambi Carved Wooden Carousel Figure: Antique
Located in Mortsel, BE
Capture the enchantment of childhood with this delightful antique carousel figure featuring a carved wooden Bambi. Mounted on a rocking metal frame, this nostalgic piece evokes the whimsy and charm of classic carousels. The intricate woodwork and playful design make it a unique and cherished addition to any collector's ensemble, bringing a touch of vintage magic...
Wood
18th Century Wooden Cross, Guanajuato, Mexico
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Wooden cross Guanajuato, Mexico Wood, paint 22 x 13 inches, (56 cm x 33 cm) 18th century A wonderful old wooden cross with a painted crucified Christ figure, an angel, possibly Mary Magdelene...
Wood, Paint
Late 19th Century Carved Wooden Angel
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Impressive wood carved angel with amazing detail. Certainly the work of a master carver. Found among the entire contents of a Catholic Church in the Midwest which was said to have cl...
Gesso, Wood, Paint
$1,100Sale Price|62% Off
H 16 in W 5 in D 4 in
"Saint Lucia" Early 19th Century Santos Figure Polychromed Mexico
Located in Wiscasset, ME
She is depicted holding a tray aloft with her eyes, which she gouged out in order to keep from being married off to a Pagan. Polychromed gesso with gilding. Some small bits of polyc...
Wood
19th Century Wooden Rocking Horse
Located in Sheffield, MA
The 19th century charming and rustic rocking horse now mounted on two straight boards is made of handcrafted wood pieces cleverly assembled, and has a leather saddle, reins and stirrups. A great addition for those who collect Early American country antiques...
Wood
Pair of Chinese Lacquered Wall Plaques
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Asian Chinese style (19/20th Century) red lacquered vertical wall plaques with gold lettering and lattice top and bottom (PRICED AS PAIR).
Gold
Antique Mexican Judas Figure in Papier-Mâché
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Expressive traditional Mexican Judas figure crafted in papier-mâché and hand-painted in vibrant polychrome. The piece represents the iconic effigy associated with Holy Week celebrati...
Paper
Antique Wooden Statue of Wilhelm Tell, Brienz circa 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Wooden Statue of Wilhelm Tell, Brienz circa 1900 A nice handcarved wooden statue featuring Wilhelm Tell and his son. It is a classica...
Wood
$2,450
H 7.75 in W 4 in D 4 in
Antique Carved & Painted Troubadour or Minstrel, Nodder Figure with a Violin
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century carved and painted wood figure of a troubadour or minstrel wearing a hat and long coat with his trousers tucked into knee-high boots and having a violin under one arm wi...
Abalone, Gesso, Pine, Paint
Brutalist folk art polychrome wooden church sculpture
Located in CHAPONOST, FR
A folk art or Brutalist-style sculpture from around 1900, carved from a single piece of wood to depict a church. We love the wood's patina, the polychrome finish, and the raw, artisa...
Wood
$320
H 7 in W 1.38 in D 2.75 in
Wood Black Forest Brienz Carved Figural Gnome Nutcracker German Antique, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1900s Black Forest Brienz wood carved Nutcracker in form of a Gnome. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk.
Wood
$285
H 7.88 in W 3 in D 5.5 in
Black Forest Wood Carved Bear Catchall Figure Statue German Antique 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming, hand-carved wooden figure statue of a lovable Black Forest Bear from the early 20th century. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail from wood and with its original g...
Brass
16th Century Wooden Madonna with Child, circa 1500
Located in Esbeek, NL
Beautiful Madonna with child, original polygrome, circa 1500 Flemish, South of Netherland.
Wood
$600Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.5 in W 19.75 in D 3.75 in
Antique Chinese Cork Diorama, Temple Garden Scene, 1940
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
Antique Chinese large cork diorama depicting temple and garden scene.
Glass, Hardwood, Cork
Sold
H 7.5 in W 24 in D 24 in
Vintage Oriental Woodcraft Taiwan Ming Chess Checker Table Top Game Board
Located in Dayton, OH
A handmade kiln dried hardwood tabletop chess board with ming styling featuring a sliding drawer that holds plastic chess and checkers pieces. Made in Keelung Taiwan by Oriental Woodcraft LTD. Measures: board- 24" x 24" x 7.5" H king...
Plastic, Hardwood
Sold
H 8 in W 3 in D 3 in
Important Ancient Chinese Zodiac Figure Holding a Dragon, Ming Dynasty 1368-1644
Located in South Burlington, VT
Important ancient Chinese Zodiac figure holding a dragon, Ming dynasty, 1368-1644 This interesting zodiac figure is one in a series of twelve (12) tomb figures each brandishing a d...
Pottery
Sold
H 8 in W 3 in D 3 in
Important Ancient Chinese Zodiac Figure Holding a Horse, Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644
Located in South Burlington, VT
Important ancient Chinese Zodiac figure holding a horse, Ming dynasty, 1368-1644 This interesting zodiac figure is one in a series of twelve (12) tomb figures each brandishing a di...
Pottery, Ceramic