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.
$719Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Chinese Ming-Style Armchair, Hand-Crafted Hardwood, Circa 1890
Located in San Carlos, CA
Elevate Your Space with Timeless Elegance! Discover the allure of our Chinese Ming-style Antique Chair, a true gem that effortlessly blends history with sophistication. This exquis...
Hardwood
Chinese Ming Style Jichimu Horseshoe Chairs and Table
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A sophisticated Chinese jichimu ("chicken wing wood") seating group comprising a pair of horseshoe chairs with matching table, dating from the late Rep...
Hardwood
Ming Dynasty Style Natural Wood Wedding Side Chair with Woven Rattan Seat
Located in Yonkers, NY
A single Chinese Ming dynasty style vintage wedding side chair from the mid-20th century, with woven rattan seat, curving back splat and natural wood patina. Born in China during the mid-century period, this elegant side chair...
Wood, Rattan
$2,901Sale Price|40% Off
H 49.61 in W 25.6 in D 25.79 in
Rare circa 1880 Burmese Solid Hardwood Hand Carved Floral Chair High Back Ornate
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this absolutely stunning solid Rosewood hand carved high back low seat Burmese chair A truly stunning piece, this type of furniture is just about as ornate as ...
Hardwood
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
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 35 in W 22 in D 24 in
Antique European Biedermeier Walnut Armchair, circa 1820
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Biedermeier armchair offers walnut frame with upholstered back and seat, S-scroll and reeded arms, raised on slightly flared and square legs, circa 1820 Measures: 35" H x ...
Fabric, Walnut, Wood
$1,200 / item
H 18.51 in W 19.3 in D 13 in
Hand-Crafted Sculptural Teak Wood Stool in Organic Modern Style
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully sculptural teak wood stool featuring a curved seat. The mix of wood textures and shades adds to its charm. Its neutral color and minimalist shape make it suitable for a...
Teak
Vintage Chinese Chippendale Style Lacquered Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage Chinese Chippendale style lacquered chair. Vintage Chinese Chippendale style chair in a gorgeous green lacquered finish. This Chino...
Wood
Vintage Chinese Chippendale Style Lacquered Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage Chinese Chippendale style chair in a gorgeous white lacquered finish. This pagoda chair has beautiful detailing and has been professionally uphol...
Wood
$3,295 / set
H 38.25 in W 22.75 in D 18 in
Pair Antique Ming Style Chinese Qing Carved Hardwood Gilt Lacquer Throne Chairs
Located in Portland, OR
A fine pair of antique late 19th/early 20th Century Chinese Ming style carved, lacquered & gilt throne armchairs, Qing dynasty, circa 1900. This very attractive pair of antique carve...
Hardwood, Lacquer
Pair of Chinese Chippendale Style Chairs
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of Chinese Chippendale style chairs. Pair of Chinese Chippendale style chairs in a gorgeous blue high gloss finish. This pair ha...
Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Side Table with Humpback Stretcher
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style side table with humpback stretcher. Chinese Ming Dynasty style side table from the mid 19th century with hump...
Rosewood
$1,295
H 33.5 in W 28.5 in D 28 in
Chinoiserie Horseshoe Yoke Back Black Lacquer Chair Ming Style Legs Made China
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning vintage Chinoiserie style horseshoe Yoke back black chair with Ming style legs and champaign colored Damask fabric with floral pattern on the seat cushion. Beautiful conditi...
Stone
$2,995 / set
H 38 in W 23.75 in D 17 in
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
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
Pair of Ming Dynasty Style Side Chairs by Henredon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of vintage Henredon Ming Dynasty style side chairs with cane seats.
Cane, Wood
Sold
H 41.5 in W 18 in D 23.25 in
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Elm Ming Style Figural Arm Chair Chinoiserie
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique late 19th century Ming style arm chair. Made of elm, featuring a figural mask on back of seat and carved dueling dragons on lower apron.
Elm
K'ang HSI Ming Vintage Asian Side Accent Chair
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a vintage side or accent chair, in the K'ang HSI Ming style. In good vintage condition. The dimensions are 21" W x 17" D x 42" B.H. x 21" S.H.
Wood
Invisible Drum Stool by July Zhou
By July Zhou
Located in Chicago, IL
Each limited-edition signed invisible drum stool by artist July Zhou is fashioned after a traditional Ming example. Unlike other Lucite furniture tha...
Lucite
Pair of Chinese Lacquered Chairs
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A pair of Ming-style Chinese red lacquered chairs, circa 1890.
Wood
Sold
H 42 in W 21 in D 18 in
Set of Six 19th Century Chinese Rosewood Chairs in the Ming Dynasty Style
Located in San Francisco, CA
A set of six 19th century Chinese rosewood, ( Hong Mu ), chairs in the Ming Dynasty style. circa 1870. The elegant shape to the backs is functional to accommodate your back. An as...
Rosewood