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.
Ming Dynasty Style Wedding Chair with Carved Medallion and Curving Arms
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden wedding chair from the early 20th century, with carved medallion, curving armrests and natural wood patina. The chair’s open back is eleg...
Wood
Pair of Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Scholar' Armchairs with Rattan Seats
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style elm scholar's chairs from the early 20th century, with unusual upper rail, carved panels on the splats, curved arms and rattan seats. Born in Chi...
Elm, Rattan
$3,500Sale Price / set|27% Off
Pair of Fine Horseshoe Back Armchairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of elegant horseshoe back armchairs. Beautiful color, form and lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has be...
Wood
$476Sale Price|20% Off
Ming-Inspired Black Lacquer Armchair in the Style of James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Trenton, NJ
This armchair captures the harmony of Ming-style design infused with James Mont’s mid-century vision. The black lacquered frame highlights its sculptural beauty, creating a dramatic ...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
$1,721Sale Price / set|25% Off
Ming Style Rosewood Armchairs w/Pink Velvet Seat Cushions Made in China a Pair
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Ming style armchairs comprised of rosewood frames & removeable pink velvet seat cushions made in China a pair. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are v...
Velvet, Rosewood
Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Carved Back Elmwood Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Early 20th century Chinese elmwood armchairs with finely carved back and elongated arms and legs. Measure 30" wide at the legs ends, 25" wide the arms, 27" in depth, 37.5...
Elm
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Style 1920s Horseshoe Back Bamboo Armchairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style 1920s horseshoe back bamboo armchairs a pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style horseshoe back armchairs from the early 20th century, with fretwork moti...
Wood, Bamboo
Ming Dynasty Style Wedding Armchairs with Curving Arms and Woven Rattan Seats
Located in Yonkers, NY
A near pair of Ming Dynasty style vintage wedding armchairs from the mid-20th century, with woven rattan seats, curving armrests and natural wood patina. Crafted during the mid-20th ...
Rattan, Wood
Set of 2 Chinese high-backed armchairs in the style of the Ming Dynasty, 1920
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
Elegant pair of Chinese high-backed armchairs in the classic style of the Ming Dynasty, made around 1920. The chairs are characterized by their slender, upright shape and harmoniousl...
Elm
Blonde Chinese Horseshoe Armchairs Grand Tutor Oriental Country Antique Thrones
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous rare pair of large blonde Chinese bent-arm Horseshoe-back armchairs in lovely antique condition. Almost certainly made in Shandong Province in 19th Century China, these ex...
Elm
$1,396Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Chinese Ming Style Rosewood and Upholstered Seat Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Chinese Ming Style Rosewood and Upholstered Seat Armchairs. Custom loose seat cushion. Measures 22" in width, 22" in depth and 3...
Rosewood
Pair of Chinese Ming Style Bamboo Horseshoe Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic pair of 20th century Chinese export bamboo chairs featuring a gracefully curved horseshoe back ending with out swept hooks. Constructed in the Ming dynasty style with a deco...
Bamboo, Wood
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Painted Horseshoe Back Armchairs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of 19th century Chinese painted horseshoe back armchairs. Made from elmwood.
Wood
Ming Dynasty Style Scholar's Lamp-Hanger Chair with Rattan Inset Seat and Back
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty style antique scholar's chair from the early 20th century, with inset rattan back splat and seat. This Ming Dynasty style scholar's chair from the early 20th century e...
Rattan, Wood
Vintage Chinese Horseshoe Back Armchair with Carved Splat and Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
Gracefully proportioned and sculptural in silhouette, this vintage Chinese horseshoe back armchair draws on centuries of tradition while offering a quiet, natural presence. The conti...
Wood
Chinese Elmwood Dark Patina Dengguayi Scholar's Lamp Armchair with Pierced Splat
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style elmwood scholar's lamp-hanger armchair from the late 19th century, with carved splat, dark patina, curving arms and side stretchers. Born during the Qing...
Elm
Ming Dynasty Style Wedding Armchairs with Curving Arms and Woven Rattan Seats
Located in Yonkers, NY
A near pair of Ming Dynasty style vintage wedding armchairs from the mid-20th century, with woven rattan seats, curving armrests and natural wood patina. This near pair of Ming dynas...
Rattan, Wood
Mid 20th C Chinese Rosewood Armchair in the Ming Style
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mid 20th C Chinese Rosewood Armchair in the Ming Style. Very elegant lines, handmade. Very sturdy as a desk or side chair. Hong Kong label under the seat. During the period when thi...
Rosewood
Chinese Ming Style Chromed Steel Officials Hat Chair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent reimagined Chinese Ming style officials hat chair beautifully crafted from steel with a smooth, thick, seamless chromed finish. The armchair...
Steel, Chrome
$3,000Sale Price / set|21% Off
Pair of Chinese Ming Style Armchairs with Dali Marble Inset
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stunning pair of Chinese carved hardwood armchairs made in the Ming style featuring an open fretwork Greek Key design, frame and an inset back splat with Dali marble...
Marble
$2,592 / set
Pair of Armchairs "Official Back", circa 1840
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of "Official Back" armchairs. In Chinese "Yoku Back" Untouched made in elm wood, burgundy lacquer and natural age-related patina with clear lacquer as surface finish. Called "...
Elm
$2,592 / item
Pair of Armchairs "Official Back", c. 1840
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of "Official Back" armchairs. In Chinese "Yoku Back" Untouched made in elm wood, burgundy lacquer and natural age-related patina with clear lacquer as surface finish. Called "...
Elm
$2,480Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Horse Shoe Back Armchairs, China, circa 1900
Located in Belmont, MA
Pair of very interesting horse shoe back armchairs, China, circa 1900. Chinese elm with carved decorations on the back and front. Beautiful patina.
Elm
Pair Of Ming Style Leather Lounge Chairs
Located in Hudson, NY
A spectacular and chic pair of Ming Style armchairs with embossed leather seats. Made from extremely hardwood with a gorgeous weathered patina through the ebony glaze. The alligator ...
Wood, Leather
Later 20th Century Chinese Blonde Wood Official's Hat or Yoke Back Chairs, Pair
Located in Austin, TX
A stunning pair of 20th century Chinese yoke back armchairs crafted of cypress, baimu. The chairs of typical style and construction, and k...
Cypress
Antique Chinese Armchairs Pair Official Hat Yoke Back Carved Motifs Lacquered
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of fine antique lacquered Chinese armchairs in wonderful condition. Impressively sized and dripping with quality, this beautiful pair will add stunning bygone Orienta...
Elm
$1,200Sale Price|36% Off
H 68.75 in W 45 in D 22.25 in
Ming Style Scholar's Cabinet, Hand-Carved Wood, 19th Century China
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful, Ming dynasty style scholar's cabinet. The doors and side panels are all solid single boards set with mitered, tenon and mortise construction. Two exterior and interior d...
Bronze
$1,050Sale Price|25% Off
H 29 in W 31 in D 27 in
Hollywood Regency James Mont Style Lacquer Lounge Armchair by Century
By James Mont, Century Furniture
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Hollywood Regency style lounge accent chair by Century Furniture. This James Mont style armchair features a gloss black lacquer wood frame with brass hardware accents. Cushion is new...
Brass
Pair of James Mont Style Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century
By James Mont, Century Furniture
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent pair of large Chinese ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century. Originally designed by James Mont these chairs epitomize his over the...
Brass
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Huanghuali Horseshoe Back Armchairs
Located in Water Mill, NY
Pair of 19th century Chinese Huanghuali horseshoe back Armchair, with very good patina. Some restoration. Contact dealer for more information.
$4,800 / set
H 37.41 in W 22.84 in D 23.63 in
Pair of Fine French Art Deco Mahogany Armchairs by Gaston Poisson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Gaston Poisson - A Pair of fine French Art Deco mahogany bridge armchairs. Arm height is 26 1/2"
Upholstery, Mahogany
$5,500
H 30 in W 21.5 in D 20 in
English Regency Period 19th Century Mahogany Horseshoe Back Upholstered Armchair
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English Regency period mahogany horseshoe back armchair from the 19th century, with balusters, large scrolling arms, carved volutes, turned legs, petite casters and red upholstery...
Brass, Other
$52,980 / set
H 102 in W 44.5 in D 20.25 in
Pair of Chinese Painted Compound Cabinets, Late Ming Dynasty
Located in Chicago, IL
Seamlessly constructed and lacquered black, this pair of spectacular Ming-dynasty compound cabinets provided the perfect blank canvas for painted scen...
Brass
$960Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 14 in D 14 in
Pair of 1950s Leather and Lacquered Bar Stools in the Style of James Mont
By James Mont
Located in New York, NY
An outstanding pair of bar stools with new finish and upholstery. The stools' design is in the eccentric style of James Mont, who mixed various styles in his furniture. This pair is ...
Leather, Wood
$4,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 42 in W 31 in D 23 in
Lovely Pair of Flower Back Grosfeld House Armchairs Hollywood Regency
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A spectacular pair of Grosfeld House chairs featuring a flower shaped backrest, channeled arms and an intricate carved wooden frame. A rare and completely stunning pair of chairs fro...
Upholstery, Mahogany
James Mont Ming Style Black Lacquer & Brass Chairs, a pair
Located in Wichita, KS
Ming style yoke back black lacquered low chair in the style of James Mont. circa, midcentury-1970s. Upholstered in performance velvet in a wonderful shade of green. These collecti...
Brass
$2,621Sale Price|25% Off
H 29.5 in W 31 in D 27 in
Vintage Chinoiserie Ming Style Yoke Back Chairs Black Lacquered Style James Mont
By James Mont, Century Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Asian Chinoiserie Ming style yoke back chairs with black lacquered frames & brass details in the style of James Mont. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that thes...
Brass
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Side Table with Humpback Stretcher
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style side table with humpback stretcher. Chinese Ming Dynasty style side table from the mid 19th century with hump...
Rosewood
Asian Modern Black Lacquer Armchair
Located in Trenton, NJ
This Chinoiserie Ming-Style Black Lacquer Arm Chair brings a captivating blend of Eastern aesthetics and timeless elegance. This exquisite armchair is a true work of art, meticulousl...
Metal
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Official's Hat Chairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Chinese yoke back official's hat chairs in ming style. Created in elm wood in the 19th century each chair features intricate carvings of traditional...
Elm
Fine Black Lacquer Armchair
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine black lacquer yoke back armchair. Beautiful color, form and lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared ...
Lacquer
Sold
H 46 in W 24 in D 19 in
Pair of Authentic Late 18th Century Chinese Ming Style Scholar's Armchairs
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Likely dating to the 18th century these Chinese Scholar's chairs are an embodiment of generations and style. The upper rails and the curved splats feature supporting iron mounts anch...
Iron
Pair of Antique "Lazy Chairs" Ming Style Approx. 1840
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of "Lazy Chairs" in Ming style. Made in linden wood with beautiful patina. This model is called the "Lazy Chair" in China because of the reclining shape. From Shanxi Province approx. 1840. Made in linden tree.
Wood
Pair Of Chinese Vintage Horseshoe Back Hardwood Armchairs
Located in Norwood, NJ
A pair of Chinese hardwood horseshoe back armchairs, each curved back with downswept arms and outswept hand grips, centering on an elegant shaped carved splat, flanked by cylindrical...
Wood, Hardwood
Ming Style Arm Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
James Mont Ming Style Lounge Chair Solid wood ebonized frame with traditional Ming legs. Rich burl back inset. Turquoise cushion.
Burl
19th Century, Ming Style Official's Hat Chair
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese "Official's Hat Chair" in elmwood. Ming style. Named "Official's Hat Chair" as the chair mimics the brimmed hats of Chinese government workers in th...
Elm
Pair of Chinese Mahogany Armchairs 1950s
Located in Asaa, DK
Pair of Chinese Mahogany armchairs 1950s Set of handcrafted Chinese armchairs in Ming style. This type of chair has been produced in China since the Ming Dynasty Period. Beautifully curved lines and horseshoe shaped arm- and backrest. Slender and light construction with round legs. Very comfortable. This model was later a significant inspiration to among others Danish architect Hans J. Wegner when he designed the The China Chair. This specific set was purchased in China and imported to Denmark in the 1950s. Two light blue cushions...
Mahogany
Sold
H 39 in W 25 in D 18.5 in
Pair of Hand Carved Chinese Ming Style Lacquered Arm Chairs, 20th Century
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This pair of Chinese Ming style armchairs are carved with extraordinary detail adding an almost sculptural effect. The lacquered surface shows att...
Wood
Pair of Yokeback Armchairs in the Ming Style
Located in London, GB
A pair of continuous yokeback armchairs in the Ming style, each chair with an subtly arched yokeback toprail supported by shaped spandrels and curving down to...
Padouk
Pair of 19th Century Ming Dynasty Style Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
A pair of Chinese hardwood chairs in well worn patina, crafted in the Ming dynasty style, late 19th century. Perfect accent chairs of very fine...
Wood, Paint