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.
Large Asian Standing Carved and Ebonized Floor Mirror with Gilt Details
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large scale square frame with staggered panels surrounding the center mirror. A top and bottom panel on the front are decorated with gilt foliate scrolled motifs. The back with thr...
Wood
$850
H 12 in W 63.5 in D 2 in
19th Century Asian Architectural Transom Panel with Pierced Carved Foliage
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Asian Architectural transom panel with pierced carved foliage.
Wood
$277
H 7.09 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
Large vintage Shiva lingam stone Indian Asian Art Sculpture Interior Décor
Located in London, GB
A multi-coloured stone Shiva Lingam, a elongated egg shaped stone used for Shaivite worship in Hindu rituals These heavy stones are sacred and come from the Narmada River in In...
Stone
$950
H 7.5 in W 10.5 in D 10.5 in
Large Asian Decorative Wooden Jewelry Box with Hammered Brass Metal Overlay
By Rajhastani
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Large Asian decorative wooden jewelry box with brass overlay. Large ethnic Indian hand painted decorative jewelry wood box with brass metal hammere...
Brass
$3,850
H 27 in W 16 in D 16 in
Antique Asian Large Carved Green Fluorite Lamp with Custom Red Pagoda Shade
Located in Toronto, ON
A beautiful large antique Chinese carved fluorite lamp on a bronze base with a custom "Pagoda" shade in red silk and vintage metallic trim. Newly re-wired with a gold silk cord. The ...
Stone, Bronze
19th Century Indian Wooden Box with Brass Details and Distressed Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Indian wooden box from the 19th century, with brass details and weathered appearance. Topped with a rectangular lid fitted with a c-scroll handle and half opening to revea...
Brass
Vintage Mid-20th Century Asian Hand Painted Folding Large Wall Fan
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Mid-20th century hand-painted lacquered wood and heavy paper large decorative fan. Vintage Asian Extra Large Hand Painted Folding Fan Art. Stunning vintage Asian large hand-painted folding wall fan chinoiserie. In good vintage condition! This amazing Chinoiserie chic Hollywood Regency style wall fan would look fabulous anywhere to add those special vibes to any decor. Monumental Chinese folding fan that is extra large when fully opened. This is a vintage piece from the 1960s most likely. The colors are still incredibly vivid and the folding mechanism works. This makes a wonderful sculptural wall decoration. The fan is ready for installation with two threaded hooks on the reverse side This hand painted gilt monumental folded Chinese Export fan...
Paper
Large Antique, Two-Sided Floor Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great mirror in solid elm. Identical on both sides! The mirror glass has been recently replaced on both sides and has a 3/4 inch bevel.
Glass, Mirror, Elm
Faux-Bamboo Wall Mirror with Chinese Carved Panel
Located in Chicago, IL
This rectangular wall mirror features an antique Chinese bed panel and a contemporary gilt frame carved to resemble lengths of segmented bamboo. Like...
Mirror, Wood
$1,275
H 12 in W 28.75 in D 17 in
Red Lacquered Blanket Chest with Gold Details and Calligraphy Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A red lacquered blanket chest with gold details and calligraphy motifs. This red blanket chest draws the eye with its linear silhouette, enhanced by a rich red finish accented with e...
Wood
$23,931
H 67.72 in W 27.17 in D 19.69 in
Standing Carved Wood Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara, Guanyin, China, 1368-1644
Located in Torino, IT
Early Ming standing carved wood Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin), China 1368-1644. This massive Bodhisattva Guanyin is depicted here in the...
Wood
A Knife With Asian Decorations & Original Handle From 1960s.
Located in Lejre, DK
This knife, featuring Asian decorations and an original handle, dates back to around the 1960s. It is a fine example of mid-20th century craftsmanship, combining both functional and...
Aluminum
$750
H 8 in W 16.5 in D 13 in
Rustic Indian 19th Century Wooden Box with Iron Details and Incised Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
An Indian rustic wooden box from the 19th century, with nicely weathered appearance, iron details and incised motifs. Created in India during the 1...
Iron