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.
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Provincial Horseshoe Chairs, Solid Wood
Located in Somis, CA
A pair of large, sold wood, all original, early 19th century Chinese Provincial Horseshoe Chairs. The solid, 2" thick, rounded crest rail is constructed with one single continuous be...
Wood
$2,292Sale Price / set|20% Off
Ming Style Chinese Ceremonial Chairs, Zitan Wood, 1870-1875
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as it provides detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our items. This series of four b...
Hardwood
Vintage Chinese Ming Style Side Chair, Handcrafted in Hong Kong, 1950
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Asian Chinese Ming style side chair in solid wood. Handcrafted in Hong Kong. Great to use as en entry chair, side chair or office chair. Very g...
Wood
$3,633 / set
Set of Six Chinese Dining Chairs in Ming Style
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage set of Chinese in Ming style dining chairs in solid wood. Glossy redwood frames - two with arms, and four without. Includes teal color...
Wood
Pair of Chinese Elmwood Yoke-Back Side Chairs with Original Paint, circa 1890
Located in Casteren, NL
This remarkable pair of Chinese chairs was crafted around 1890 from solid elmwood. Originating in China, the chairs were designed in a traditional style related to the classical yoke...
Elm, Lacquer, Paint
Pair of Early 19th Century Chinese 'Lazy Chairs' in Walnut and Black Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of 'Lazy Chairs' in walnut, black lacquer with a natural cracked wear that gives the chairs an exciting and artistic look. Ming style, early 19th century China. The term 'Laz...
Walnut, Lacquer
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
$1,196 / item
19th Century Yoke Back Chair
Located in Nijlen, BE
Elegant Yoke-back chairs of fine quality with soft patina. These yoke-back chairs have no armrests which made them popular at banquets or large dinner parties. They were light weight...
Elm
Rare Hongmu Comb-Back Armchairs, Hand-Carved, Late Qing Dynasty, Asia
Located in Oirlo, LI
Very elegant pair of late hongmu comb-back armchairs, Late Qing Dynasty Each chair of elegant form with arched humpback top -rail supported on round posts extending to the back legs...
Wood
Large Set of Ten Chinese Ming Revival Solid Elm Dining Chairs, circa 1960
Located in Casteren, NL
This elegant and substantial set of ten Chinese dining chairs was made circa 1960 from solid elm. Inspired by traditional furniture from the Ming dynasty, the chairs combine a refine...
Elm, Lacquer
19th Century Mahogany Wood Chinese Ming Armchair With Cane Seat
Located in High Point, NC
This dining chair makes its impression through dark mahogany, simple slat back. Originating in France during 19th Century, it shows the construction techniques typical of the time. B...
Mahogany
Pair of Early 19th Century Chinese 'Lazy Chairs' in Walnut and Black Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of 'Lazy Chairs' in walnut, black lacquer with a natural cracked wear that gives the chairs an exciting and artistic look. Ming style, early 19th century China. The term 'Lazy'...
Walnut, Lacquer
$4,929Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 39.38 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Set of Six French 19th Century Louis XV Style Caned Dining Chairs in Walnut
Located in Lucenec, SK
A set of six French hand carved dining chairs from the second half of the 19th century with cane seats and backrests. Louis XV-style dining chairs in walnut style with well-articula...
Cane, Walnut
$3,717 / set
H 34.06 in W 16.15 in D 17.72 in
Six Original Victorian circa 1890 Steeple Back Gothic Arch Oak Dining Chairs 6
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of six original Gothic revival English oak Victorian dining chairs circa 1890 A very decorative and well made set, each chair ...
Oak
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.
Set of Six W2 Dining Chairs by Hans Wegner
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of six W2 chairs designed in 1953 by Hans Wegner for C. M. Madsen, Denmark. Solid teak wood and new upholstery with tan leather.
Leather, Teak
$16,000 / set
H 46.07 in W 17.13 in D 18.9 in
Dining Chairs in the Style of Vittorio Valabrega, 1950s, Set of 8
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Dining Chairs in the Style of Vittorio Valabrega, velvet and wood, Italy, 1950s, set of eight. These sculpted chairs recall the Art Deco Movement with their elegant shapes. The wood...
Wood, Velvet
$4,000 / set
H 46.07 in W 17.13 in D 18.9 in
Dining Chairs in the Style of Vittorio Valabrega, 1950, Set of 2
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Dining Chairs in the Style of Vittorio Valabrega, green velvet and wood, Italy, 1950, set of two. These sculpted chairs recall the Art Deco Movement with their elegant shapes. The w...
Velvet, Wood
Set of Six Rare Brass Dining Side Chairs
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of rare design brass chairs. Low profile HEAVY brass dining chairs.
Brass
$4,500 / set
H 32.3 in W 20.1 in D 19.7 in
Pair of Gustavian Klismos Chairs in Original Paint, circa 1800
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of period Gustavian klismos chairs, Swedish, circa 1800, scraped to their original paint and newly covered in linen. The klismos, antiqu...
Fabric, Wood
French, Louis XV Style caned Chairs, Set of Six
By Massant
Located in Montreal, Quebec
Set of six French pale Trianon grey patinated chairs with natural caned backs and seats, in the classic style of Louis XV. The carved legs joined by an en...
Cane, Giltwood, Wood
Pair of 19th Century Klismos Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair 19th century Danish Klismos chairs. Collected in Copenhagen elegant pair of late 19th century Danish Klismos Chairs. Ebonized hardwood wi...
Hardwood
$4,500 / set
H 39.5 in W 17.25 in D 19 in
Pair of Provincial Rococo Chairs in Original Paint, circa 1790
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of period provincial Rococo chairs, Swedish, circa 1790, scraped to their original paint and newly covered in linen. Made in the countryside as the Rococo lingered in provinci...
Fabric, Wood
$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
19th Century Mahogany Wood Chinese Ming Armchair With Cane Seat
Located in High Point, NC
This dining chair makes its impression through dark mahogany, simple slat back. Originating in France during 19th Century, it shows the construction techniques typical of the time. B...
Mahogany
Pair of Vintage in the Style of Chinese Horseshoe Wooden Folding Chairs
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Introducing the 19th-century Vintage in the Style of Chinese Horseshoe Wooden Folding Chairs. Chinese Horseshoe Chairs initially crafted as seats of distinction, were exclusively res...
Wood, Fabric, Thread, Paint
Vintage Chinese Ming Style Arm Chairs, a Pair
Located in Raymondville, TX
A vintage pair of Chinese Ming style lacquered wood arm chairs with seat cushions. The chinoiserie design features a splat back, low arms w...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
1970s Ming Style Arm Chairs by Baker Furniture Company, Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a vintage pair of Ming style arm chairs by Baker Furniture. The ivory lacquer is vintage, and the blue marbleized upholstery is new. They a...
Upholstery, Wood
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 38.5 in W 28 in D 25 in
Extra Large Chinese Horseshoe Chairs Oversize 19th Century Round Back Ming
Located in Somis, CA
A pair of extra large, sold wood, 19th century Chinese Horseshoe Chairs. The solid, 2" thick, continuous rounded crest rail is composed of thre...
Elm, Wood
Sold
H 40 in W 22.5 in D 21.5 in
6 1980s White Furniture Mahogany & Burl Mandarin Ming Chinoiserie Dining Chairs
Located in Dayton, OH
Six vintage 1980s Mandarin dining chairs by White Furniture. Made of mahogany and burl, with Ming style form. Featuring burled and pierced back splat and woven rattan/caned seat.
Upholstery, Rattan, Mahogany, Burl
Sold
H 39.5 in W 24 in D 22 in
Chinese Ming James Mont Style Chinoiserie Occasional Chairs Having Chong Legs
By James Mont
Located in Southampton, NJ
A beautiful pair of Ming Style chairs having sculptural mahogany Chong legs under highback seats with scenic Chinese upholstery. Seat cushions clip at the back so they won’t slide. V...
Cotton, Silk, Mahogany
Sold
H 42.13 in W 19.3 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Mid-19th Century Chinese Ming Style Chairs in Jumu Wood with Wicker Seat
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of chairs made of Jumù wood (Southern Elm) Ming style. From Jiangsu Province, circa 1840-1860. Sold as a pair.
Wicker, Wood
Pair of Antique Chinese Horseshoe Back Elm Armchairs
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of Chinese hardwood horseshoe back armchairs, each curved back with downswept arms and outswept hand grips, centring an elegant shaped pierced splat, flanked by cylindrical st...
Elm
Pair of Qing Dynasty Armchairs
Located in Chicago, IL
This early Qing Dynasty pair of official's hat armchairs is from Shanxi, China and dates to the early 1900s. Though made during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912), the design of the chai...
Elm
Breuton Ming-Inspired Mandarin Lipstick Red Chromed Steel Armchairs
By Stanley Jay Friedman, Brueton
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous Ming-inspired armchairby Brueton. lipstick, red sinuous line that meet the ground with a chromed steel cuff on each the foot. Show stopper.. I would recommend reupholstering...
Wood