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.
Ornately Carved Chinese Luohan Bed, circa 1550
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous luohan daybed anchors its surroundings with its monumental scale and incredible carved decoration. Known as a luohan chuang, or couch bed, this form of low-backed daybe...
Elm
Daybed in the Manner of Ming Style
Located in Kastrup, DK
Decorative daybed, designed circa 1920–30, presumably in England and inspired by Chinese Ming-style furniture. The piece features a newly upholstered seat with a loose, tailored cush...
Fabric, Wood
$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
$6,247
H 21.66 in W 34.85 in D 77.56 in
Daybed with Mahogany Frame in the Manner of Charlotte Perriand, France 1950s
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Berlin, DE
French daybed from the 1950s, defined by a clear, architectural mahogany frame and a refined sense of proportion. Newly upholstered, the piece reflects the postwar French approach to...
Metal
$6,000
H 5.25 in W 18.5 in D 12 in
Straits Chinese Carved Hardwood Bamboo Inlay Display Stand, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
A remarkable straits Chinese (also known as Peranakan or Nyonya) carved hardwood and bamboo inlaid and embellished table-form stand, originally for dis...
Lacquer, Bamboo, Hardwood
French Daybed in the Manner of Jacques Adnet, 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1950s French daybed in the manner of Jacques Adnet, crafted in warm-toned wood. Its tapered legs and diamond-latticed sides reflect the careful craftsmanship of the era, where ever...
Upholstery, Wood
Marcel Breuer Style Daybed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing Marcel Breuer style daybed. Tubular chrome at both ends. Bed has hinges which allow it to be lifted, allowing for storage underneath. Great piece ...
Chrome
Chinese Carved Wood Long Bench
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An elaborate and finely carved bench in a pleasing Chestnut tone wood. Scrolled crest rail ends and arm ends. With four carved panels on the back with floral and fruit vines. A reeded skirt rail and with a shaped and carved running band of leafy vines. Innner sides carved with complimentary leafy motifs. The reeded back frame with square supports. The Bench is quite sturdy and surprisingly comfortable. L. 75", Depth 21", H. 33 1/2" Condition: Please see all detail photos. Signs of age include scrapes on the left arm end, repair to right arm end, stable age crack to left-side facing seat...
Wood
Italian Neoclassical Style Iron Scrolled Daybed
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish Italian iron daybed featuring large, dramatic scrolled ends with x-form stretchers. The daybed has a fitted cushion measuring 8 inches deep upholstered with newer fabric. Sup...
Iron
$6,750
H 16 in W 79 in D 39 in
1970s Barcelona daybed In The Style of Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe for Knoll
By Knoll
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On offer on this occasion is one of the most stunning and iconic Barcelona daybed. Not signed but in the Style of Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe for Knoll. Very high quality. Black leather...
Chrome
$5,635
H 14 in W 79.5 in D 33 in
Antique Low Kang Opium Bed Coffee Table with Chow Legs and Hand Carved Frieze
Located in Yonkers, NY
A large antique Ming Dynasty style kang opium bed from the early 20th century, with bulging chow legs and hand-carved frieze in scroll pattern. Created in northern China during the e...
Wood
$3,800
H 24.02 in W 82.29 in D 30.32 in
Vintage Daybed in the Style of Donald Judd, Pine wood and Linen, c. 1970s
By Donald Judd
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Vintage Daybed in the Style of Donald Judd, c. 1970s. Constructed from solid pine with a new linen cushion. Wear consistent with age and use, including marks, scratches, and minor de...
Linen, Pine
Rattan Daybed in the style of Louis Sognot - France 1960's
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet, Louis Sognot
Located in New York, NY
Rare rattan daybed with unique rattan loop shaped supporting structure. In good vintage condition. Indicated seat height is without mattress.
Rattan
Mid-Century Daybed, in the Style of George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wood-framed mid-century daybed, styled after George Nelson. Newly reupholstered in checker-pattern silk fabric.
Silk, Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 23.5 in W 41 in D 29 in
1950’s Chinese Carved Luohan Daybed Sectional With cushions and pillows - a Pair
Located in Charleston, SC
Gorgeous and intricately carved low daybed or Luohan constructed of rosewood with brass fittings in British Colonial Hong Kong. Detailed geometric fretwork and carving adorns this unusual sectional...
Brass
Impressive Chinese Day Bed
Located in Chicago, IL
This traditional daybed dates to the early 1800s and is made from Ju Mu Wood (Southern Elm). It has a traditional Mingy Dynasty style with rounded-p...
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 31.5 in W 84.26 in D 39.38 in
Antique Sofa Bed Late Ming in Carved Wood and Rattan, Late 19 Th Century
By Ming Chiao Kuo
Located in Milano, IT
Ancient late Ming sofa bed of elegant proportions, the removable rails of the backrest and armrests are made of carved wooden panels. The ornaments have been carefully inlaid with jars and various containers. The central panel has a sinuous line also in low relief that allows its ends to fit perfectly with the side panels. The inlaid rattan frame allows a sturdy and comfortable seat. Everything is held in position by tenons that block the lateral axes. The soft rattan matted seat enclosed within a rectangular frame with a wide and flat edge, the monobloc rear railing shaped slightly higher than the sides and all with rounded edges, the legs of rectangular section ending in hook-shaped feet joined by hump stretchers on the narrow sides. Well aged patina. The structure is raised on four sturdy square section legs ending in hoofed feet facing inwards. The legs of the bed are thick and add power and a sturdy appearance to this old, massive day bed. This large antique Chinese day bed...
Wood
Chinese Woven Wicker and Elmwood Opium Bed Coffee Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
This Chinese 19th century large opium bed / coffee table features a woven wicker insert (not age-related). Elmwood with natural patina. From Shanxi Province, 1840-1860.
Wicker, Elm
Antique Chinese Carved Wood and Bamboo Inlaid Daybed
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese antique daybed known as "Kang" or "Luohan bed", circa 19th century. In the Ming Style but made in the late Qing dynasty. It can also be used as a ...
Bamboo, Wood
18th Century Chinese Elm Daybed with Rattan Top
Located in San Marino, CA
A classic Ming Style 18th century, or earlier, Chinese elm “yumu” day bed with rattan top. With “Tha” style wrap around legs. Shanshi province.
Elm, Wicker
Chinese Carved Luohan Daybed
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous and intricately carved low daybed or Luohan constructed of solid teak in British Colonial Hong Kong. Detailed geometric fretwork and carving adorns this unusual sectional...
Wood