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
Chinese Horseshoe-Back Armchair, Ming Style Hardwood Quanyi, Late 19th Century
Located in San Carlos, CA
A Chinese horseshoe-back armchair, or quanyi, made in the Ming style in the late 19th century. The continuous crest rail sweeps down to form the arms and ends in outswept hand grips,...
Hardwood
$400Sale Price|32% 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 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
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
$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 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 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
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
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. Longevity character carved in a circular enclosure on the b...
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
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
2 Fine Antique Armchairs Chinese Carved Motifs Official Hat Yoke Back 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
Chinese Ming Style Yoke-Back Scholar’s Armchair
Located in Stafford, TX
Vintage Chinese Ming Style Yoke-Back Scholar’s Armchair A beautifully crafted vintage Chinese Ming Revival yoke-back armchair, inspired by the elegant proportions of traditional Chi...
Wood, Elm
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
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
$2,510 / 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
$2,510 / 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
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
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
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
$861Sale Price|50% Off
Chinese armchair
Located in Porto, PT
Chinese armchair. Chinese; Minguo period (1912-1949); made of exotic wood with carvings. Dimensions: 105x54x47 cm.
Wood
$861Sale Price|50% Off
Chinese armchair
Located in Porto, PT
Chinese armchair. Chinese piece made of tamarind wood with mother-of-pearl inlays; Minguo period (1912-1949). Marble seat. Top with... Dimensions: 97x66x50 cm
Wood
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
Pair of Chinese Export Ming Dynasty-Style Hardwood Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A handsome pair of Chinese armchairs executed in a Ming Dynasty-style Southern Official's Hat form constructed from radiant hardwood. The chairs feature continuous, gently curving li...
Fabric, Hardwood
$5,000 / set
H 30 in W 27.25 in D 26.5 in
Pair of Chinoiserie Style James Mont Chairs with Dupioni Silk Cushions 1960
By James Mont
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful pair (2 chairs) of Chinoiserie Chairs by James Mont. Seats have been recovered in new Duponi silk, black lacquer and brass accents
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.
19th Century Pair of Round-back Upholstered Armchairs
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th century pair of round-back upholstered armchairs. Dates from the transition period between square William IV lolling chairs and curvilinear Victorian; the carved embellishment t...
Mahogany
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
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
$2,995
H 30 in W 28.25 in D 27.25 in
Ming Style Black Lacquer & Brass Low Chair After James Mont Scalamandre Zebra
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning vintage Ming style yoke back black lacquered low chair with square brass sabots in the style of James Mont. Re-upholstered in El Morocco Espresso f...
Brass
$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 Century Furniture, James Mont
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
$5,711 / set
H 37.8 in W 33.08 in D 35.83 in
Pair of c.1900 English country house scroll back armchairs
Located in Malton, GB
These are a lovely pair of large c.1900 English country house armchairs. Standing on elegant ash cabriole legs and retain original casters. The quality of these chairs is very high w...
Beech
$2,650 / set
H 36.75 in W 24.5 in D 24.25 in
Pair of French Louis XV Carved Cane Back Armchairs C. 1900
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 36 3/4 in W: 24 1/2 in D: 24 1/4 in SH: 20 in Elevate your space with this beautifully crafted pair of antique French Louis XV-style carved cane back armchairs, dat...
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Hardwood Armchairs
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of 19th century Chinese hardwood arm chairs, each with carved bats above a motif and surrounded by cherries and leaves, raised on square section legs united by st...
Hardwood
$2,900
H 39 in W 21 in D 16.5 in
Single 19th Century Chinese Horseshoe-Back Bamboo Armchair with Elm Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A 19th century Chinese armchair with horseshoe back and elmwood base. This Chinese horseshoe-back armchair was made in bamboo with an elmwood base in the 19th century. This chair ens...
Bamboo, Elm
Pair of Carved Mahogany Hepplewhite Shield Back Armchairs Circa 1900
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A graceful pair of hand carved mahogany Hepplewhite shield back armchairs. The backs with pierced shields with swags and gilt accents in the Prince of Whales...
Mahogany
$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
$7,500 / set
H 38 in W 24 in D 18.75 in
Pair of Qing Dynasty Chinese Carved Walnut Armchairs 'Fushouyi'
Located in Austin, TX
A good pair of Chinese carved walnut wood (hetao mu) armchairs. The back features two facing stylized dragons around a central shou (longevity) medallion below a scrolled crest r...
Walnut
$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
Pair of Chinese Ming Style Scholar's Armchairs with Marble Inset
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An organic and elaborately crafted pair of 20th century Chinese Export hardwood scholar's armchairs crafted in the Ming Revival style. Each chair features a squared back composed of ...
Marble
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
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 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
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
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 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
Sold
H 40 in W 27 in D 19.5 in
Vintage Chinese Ming Style Natural Wood Horseshoe Armchair with Carved Splat
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese vintage Ming dynasty style natural wood horseshoe back armchair from the mid-20th century, with carved splat and apron. Born in China during the midcentury period, this arm...
Wood
19th Century Chinese Official's Hat Armchair
Located in Kastrup, DK
19th century Chinese Official's armchair. Linden wood and black lacquer with natural wear and tear. Good seating comfort. China, 1840-1860. Nam...
Wood