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.
$2,720Sale Price / set|60% Off
Pair of Chinese Rosewood Carved Sofas or Benches
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic pair of Chinese carved rosewood sofas or benches featuring geometric armrests and gently curved spindle backs. Each bench has a spring cushion constructed in the frame for ...
Metal
Mid Century Modern Baker Style Black Ming Sofa & Chair Newly Reupholstered
By Baker Furniture Company, Minton-Spidell
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Michael Taylor for Baker Black Ebonized Ming Sofa with Fretwork Back and Chair Set Custom Restored and Newly Reupholstered - 2 Piece Set ...
Mohair, Bouclé, Wood
$4,200
H 28 in W 90 in D 46 in
Mid-Century Modern Kidney Shaped Curved Serpentine Biomorphic Cloud Sofa
By Drexel, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern biomorphic kidney shaped sofa. This long tailored cloud sofa features an elongated removable single seat cushion with a curved tight back. Original neutra...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,895
H 30.75 in W 90.75 in D 30.75 in
Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Far East Collection Mid Century Sofa - Pair
By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Far East Collection Mid Century Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 90.25 wide x 30.75 deep x 30.75 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm heig...
Upholstery, Walnut
Baker Scalloped Back Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Baker Scalloped Back Sofa This sofa measures: 81.25 wide x 36 deep x 33.5 inches high, with a seat height of 20 and arm height of 24 inches We take o...
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Dunbar Style 3 Cushion Sofa
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Modern Dunbar style sofa 85" Offered is a Mid-Century Modern sofa with tapered legs. Has 3 removable seat cushions and 3 back cushions. It is in great structurally sou...
Upholstery, Wood
Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture Sofa
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture Sofa This sofa measures: 79 wide x 34 deep x 34.75 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm height of 25 inches We take our photos in a con...
Upholstery, Wood
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
$7,795 / set
H 30.75 in W 90.75 in D 30.75 in
Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Far East Collection Mid Century Sofa - Pair
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Far East Collection Mid Century Walnut Sofa - Pair Each sofa measures: 90.25 wide x 30.75 deep x 30.75 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and a...
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage Baker Chartreuse Roll Arm Sofa
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your living space with the unmistakable quality and timeless silhouette of Baker Furniture. This vintage three-seat sofa is a masterclass in traditional American craftsmanshi...
Fabric, Linen, Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt Style Sofa
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique midcentury sofa features stylish curved armrests, original studded upholstery, and a unique finish. Please confirm item location (NY or ...
Upholstery
Vintage Modern Curved Sofa, Newly Upholstered
By John Mascheroni, Milo Baughman
Located in Raleigh, NC
Beautifully restored vintage curved sofa in new striated boucle upholstery.
Wrought Iron
Baker Furniture Manhattan Sofa
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Baker Furniture Manhattan Sofa This sofa measures: 93.25 wide x 37.5 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height of 24 inches We take our photos in a control...
Upholstery
Mid Century Gondola Sofa by Baker with Brass Details
By Adrian Pearsall, James Mont, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Mid-Century Gondola sofa by Baker Furniture. Sofa has super clean lines with a bit of Asian flair. This beautiful sofa is unlike any other gondola sofa. Base is tubular wood finis...
Satin
Chinoiserie Ming Style Black Lacquer Sofa with Vintage Upholstery
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century Chinoiserie Ming Style sofa features solid wood construction with black lacquer finish, Chinese chippendale fretwork, and vintage whit...
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Ming Style Carved Wooden Sofa/Bench With Arm Chair
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Experience the artistry of Asian design with this Ming Style Carved Wooden Sofa and armchair set. The furniture pieces feature intricate carvings on the back, sides, and armrests, of...
Wood
Sold
H 32 in W 65 in D 33.5 in
Ming Style Red Lacquered Hardwood Sofa with Exquisite Upholstery and Fabric
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
This good looking sofa adds life and a sense of joy to an interior. The red lacquered hardwood construction is fashioned in the old Chine Ming style and the first class quality uphol...
Fabric, Upholstery, Hardwood, Lacquer
Superb Ming James Mont Style Scroll Sides Chow Leg Sectional Sofa
By James Mont
Located in Southampton, NJ
An exceptional Ming style sectional sofa having scroll sides with mahogany chow leg frame. Original velvet upholstery has been professionally cleaned and shows minor signs of age a...
Velvet, Mahogany