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 Style Black Lacquered Horseshoe Back Lounge Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is an Asian inspired black lacquered horseshoe back lounge chair with brass accents and bands adorning the piece. The chair is nicely upholstered in an elegant white fabric. D...
Brass
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
Mid 20th Century Ebonized Rosewood Ming Style Horseshoe Back Lounge Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid 20th Century Ebonized Rosewood Ming Style horseshoe back lounge chair. Measures 29.5" in width, 25" in depth and 29" in height. Seat height is 14" and ATM height is 23.5". Seat ...
Rosewood, Paint
Pair of Mid-Century Finn Juhl Style Lounge Chairs
By Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs feature sculpted walnut construction with comfortable vintage upholstery. Spingle backs and unique sloped arm rests add to the D...
Upholstery, Walnut
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 Vintage Rattan Lounge Chairs
Located in Hudson, NY
This pair of rattan lounge chairs are new arrivals from Sweden. Made in the 1950s both chairs are in remarkably good condition showing no major signs of wear, damage or repair. We di...
Rattan
$3,300 / set
H 27.56 in W 40.56 in D 35.83 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa Pair of 'Coronado' Lounge Chairs in Cognac Leather
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, B&B Italia
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B Italia, pair of 'Coronado' lounge chairs, cognac leather, Italy, 1966 The 'Coronado' lounge chair is designed by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for B&B talia. The s...
Leather
$2,000 / set
H 29 in W 27 in D 28.5 in
Pair of Danish Modern Viko Baumritter Style Walnut Lounge Chairs, 1950s
By Baumritter, Viko Baumritter
Located in Bainbridge, NY
American Mid Century Viko Baumritter attributed Wide Walnut Lounge Chairs. Featuring sturdy framework, angled spindle backs, sculpted solid Oak armrests and dowel legs. With upholste...
Fabric, Walnut, Oak
Pair of Gainsborough Style Lounge Chairs
Located in Vosselaar, BE
As we found a small but amazing batch of root walnut we decided to make a pair of chairs suitable for this rare woodspecies. Our choice of style was a classic high quality Gainsborou...
Walnut
$4,615 / set
H 33.47 in W 25.6 in D 29.53 in
Pair of Italian Midcentury Lounge Chairs Marco Zanuso Style
By Marco Zanuso, Arflex
Located in Echt, NL
Pair of elegant midcentury Italian lounge chairs in excellent condition. The chairs are redone in a fresh light blue wool and provided with new foam. The metal frame is lacquered ...
Brass, Metal
$2,000 / set
H 30 in W 31 in D 27 in
Pair of James Mont Style Mid-Century Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century
By James Mont
Located in Chicago, IL
A lovely pair of large Chinese ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century Furniture. Originally designed by James Mont these chairs epitomize his over the top dramatic mid-ce...
Textile, Wood
$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
$1,354Sale Price / item|50% Off
H 30 in W 29 in D 32 in
White Matte Lacquer and Natural Cane Back Lounge Chair, Soho Collection
Located in Miami, FL
A Soho armchair designed by Sérgio Batista for Uultis with white matte lacquer finish, natural cane back and gray fabric. *Please check availability prior to purchase*. The Soho arm...
Lacquer, Fabric, Cane, Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Michael Taylor Style Woven Rattan Wicker Lounge Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Grand pair of oversized woven rattan wicker cube shaped lounge chairs or club chairs made in the fabulous organic modern manner and style of Michael Taylor...
Fabric, Wicker, Rattan
$4,900Sale Price / set|58% Off
H 29.5 in W 28 in D 29.5 in
Pair of Italian Midcentury Lounge Chairs in the Style of Ico Parisi
By Ico Parisi
Located in New York, NY
Stunning pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern armchairs in the spirit of Ignazio Gardella's Diagramma and Ico Parisi 875 lounge chairs. The chairs feature...
Nickel
Sold
H 30 in W 30.5 in D 26 in
James Mont Style Black Lacquered Horsehoe Back Lounge Chairs Century Furniture
By Century Furniture, James Mont
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of Asian modern black lacquered horseshoe back lounge chairs with brass fittings. Signed Century Furniture Company. All original beautiful glowing condition. Style of James Mon...
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 30.25 in D 27 in
James Mont Lacquered Horse Shoe Chairs w/ New Silk Upholstery by Century, a Pair
By James Mont, Century Furniture
Located in Germantown, MD
Opulent pair of large James Mont Ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century Furniture. Designed by James Mont ,these chairs epitomize his over ...
Brass
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
Asian Modern Lounge Chairs Style of Michael Taylor
By Michael Taylor, Baker Far East Collection
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of Asian Modern walnut lounge chairs with original ultra-suede type upholstered seat and back cushions. In the style of Michael Taylor - Far East Collection for Baker Furniture....
Ultrasuede, Walnut, Latex
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
Pair of Chinese Ming Style Elm Horseshoe Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish pair of Chinese Ming dynasty style horseshoe chairs constructed from elm. Each horseshoe shaped arm rail is supported by an intricately pierced splat and apron. The arms have...
Elm
Baker Ming Style Lacquered Bamboo Rattan Horseshoe Armchair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Chinese Ming style bamboo rattan horseshoe armchair by Baker Furniture features an oversized frame with a caned backsplat. Finished in a rich crimson ...
Fabric, Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Pair of Ming Style Elm Horseshoe Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stylish pair of Chinese Ming dynasty style horseshoe chairs constructed from elm. Each horseshoe shaped arm rail is supported by an intricately pierced splat and apron. The arms have...
Elm