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 Ming Style Rosewood Horse Shoe Lounge Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
An Exquisite Pair of Ming Style Solid Rosewood Horse Shoe Lounge Chairs Measures 28" in width, 26" in depth and 30" in height. Seat height is 12. Arm height is 24". Seat interior wid...
Rosewood
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
$2,168Sale Price / set|20% Off
Baker Furniture Far East Collection Arm Chairs #2510 by Michael Taylor - a Pair
By Michael Taylor, Baker Far East Collection
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
A pair of Baker Furniture #2510 Arm or Lounge chairs from the Far East Collection designed by Michael Taylor. These chairs are in their original finish and are in good vintage condit...
Upholstery, Wood
Asian Inspired Black Lacquer Horseshoe Lounge Chair with Brass Accents
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
1960s Solid Ebony Chinoiserie Lounge Chairs Baker Furniture
By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Southampton, NJ
An impressive pair of solid Ebony Mid 20th Century Chinoiserie lounge chairs with distinct specs and influences pre- dating later designs by Michael Taylor for Baker, Far East Collec...
Upholstery, Ebony
Set of Four Modern Asian-Inspired Dining Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Four Mid-Century Modern Chinese inspired 3-legged armchairs. The low profile armchairs have wood frames in dark black finish and upholstered in of...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Art Deco Style Lounge Chairs
Located in Pasadena, TX
Pair of Art Deco style lounge chairs Burl framed lounge chairs upholstered in a rich eggplant fabric. Measures: 31.25 Width x 29.5 Depth...
Burl
Danish Modern Late 1950's Lounge Chair with Teak Accents
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful late 1950's or classic danish modern lounge chair on tapered teak legs. The angled back rest and thick padded seating offer maximum comfort. A sleek and sturdy design with ...
Wool, Teak
$5,500
H 26.5 in W 28 in D 28 in
Pair of Michael Taylor for Baker Far East Shoji Screen Back Slipper Chairs
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Michael Taylor for Baker - Far East Collection, Mid-Century Modern slipper chairs with Asian influence, having Shoji screen inspired backs. Price includes refinishing with CO...
Wood, Upholstery
$4,800
H 26.75 in W 90 in D 30.75 in
Michael Taylor Sofa for Baker Furniture Co. - Far East Collection - circa 1950s
Located in St. Louis, MO
Designer Michael Taylor designed four seat sofa from his Far East Collection by Baker Furniture Co. Dark brown Shoji style stained frame, seat and back cushions are down filled. This...
Upholstery, Walnut, Down
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
$2,650 / set
H 35 in W 24 in D 24 in
Pair of Michael Taylor for Baker Greek Key Armchairs Far East Collection
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage Michael Taylor Greek key armchairs for his Far East collection by Baker Furniture. In the style of James Mont, with stylized Greek key a...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of A. Rudin 619 Modern Ebonized Ming Style Lounge Chairs
By A. Rudin
Located in Rio Vista, CA
An exceptional pair of "No. 619" mint white upholstered Ming style lounge chairs made by A. Rudin, Los Angeles, CA. The chairs feature a gently curved barrel-back with large block-fo...
Fabric, Hardwood
$2,634Sale Price|20% Off
H 38.19 in W 29.53 in D 27.56 in
Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chair, Alfred Christensen, Mid 20th Century
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in Rødding, DK
A beech wingback armchair in the Danish Modern tradition, upholstered in a warm, textured bouclé and produced by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Møbelværk in the 1940s. The piece typ...
Bouclé, Beech
$1,995
H 35.25 in W 26.5 in D 31 in L 35.25 in
Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture Modern Regency Lounge Chair
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional modern Regency or Art Deco style lounge chair By Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1990s Dark mahogany frame, with leather upholstery. Measures: 26.5"W ...
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Gio Ponti Style Lounge Chairs
By Gio Ponti
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Gio Ponti style lounge chairs. The chairs have arched arms, splayed hardwood legs and upholstered in a cotton blend fabric.
Upholstery, Hardwood
$1,049
H 29.53 in W 29.53 in D 30.71 in
1960s, Danish lounge chair, furniture velour, original condition, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish lounge chair in cherry-red furniture velour. Original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Beech wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Manufactured by Danish f...
Velvet, Beech
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
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
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