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.
$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
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 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
Pair of Vintage Raymond Sobota Ming Style Accent Chairs
Located in Bellport, NY
Pair of Ming Style Vintage Chinoiserie Accent Chairs from the iconic Chin Hua Collection by Raymond K Sobota. Showing high quality hardwood construction, Carved Back Splat, Brass Acc...
Brass
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
$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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
$2,612 / 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
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
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
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
$2,612 / 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
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
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
$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
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
$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
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
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.
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
$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
$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
$1,995
H 18.5 in W 50 in D 16.5 in
Vintage Chinoiserie Ming Style Bench by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture
By Raymond K. Sobota, Century Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Wonderful vintage Chinoiserie Ming style black lacquered bench by Raymond Sobota for Century Furniture, needs reupholstered. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage...
Fabric, Wood
$700Sale Price|30% Off
H 41.5 in W 26.5 in D 27 in
Vintage French Empire Style Birch Upholstered Library Accent Arm Chair Green
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th Century French Empire Style Upholstered Arm Chair. Made from birch with a high back featuring a scalloped crest rail, green velvet upholstery and downswept scrolled acant...
Fabric, Birch
$3,495
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
$17,500 / set
H 36.62 in W 22.05 in D 22.84 in
Pair of Fine French Art Deco Mahogany Armchairs by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Pair of fine French Art Deco mahogany bridge armchairs by Jules Leleu. Price includes re-upholstery with customer's own material.
Mahogany
$2,850Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 35 in W 19.5 in D 15 in
Pair of Chinese Antique Lady's Chairs Red Carved
Located in Somis, CA
A rare and exceptional pair of 19th century Chinese lady’s chairs, preserved in remarkable original condition—an increasingly uncommon find, especially as a matched set. Elegantly pr...
Wood
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 28.25 in D 27.25 in
Ming Style Black Lacquer & Brass Low Chair After James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Pasadena, TX
Ming style black lacquer & brass low chair after James Mont. Ming style yoke back black lacquered low chair with square brass sabots in the style of ...
Ash
$2,875
H 38 in W 22 in D 17.5 in
Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Wedding Chair with Curving Back and Carved Splat
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty style elmwood wedding chair from circa 1900, with carved panels on the splat, curved arms, and gooseneck front posts. This early 20th-century Ming Dynasty style weddin...
Elm
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