Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
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.
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
Late 20th Century American Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
20th Century American Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Rosewood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
Early 20th Century Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
18th Century Asian Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Stone
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Hardwood, Paint
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Paper
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Terracotta
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Pottery
21st Century and Contemporary British Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Cotton, Linen
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Pine
21st Century and Contemporary American Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Linen
Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Soapstone
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Terracotta
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Terracotta
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
1920s Burmese Vintage Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary French Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Oak
20th Century Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Enamel
19th Century Japanese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Gold Leaf
20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood, Lacquer
20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass, Silver Leaf
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Enamel
Late 19th Century English Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Zinc
1970s Unknown Vintage Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
Mid-17th Century Spanish Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Iron
20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Soapstone, Brass
20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
1970s Vintage Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
Late 20th Century Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Plastic, Hardwood
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Lacquer
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood, Lacquer
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Lacquer
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass, Bronze, Iron
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Pottery
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood