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 Michael Taylor Style Ming Inspired Hardwood Sofas
Located in Rio Vista, CA
A finely crafted pair of Chinese export Ming Dynasty-style hardwood sofa benches crafted in the manner and style of Michael Taylor for Baker Far East Collection.. Each sofa bench fea...
Fabric, Hardwood
$2,175
H 39 in W 23.5 in D 18.5 in
Ming Dynasty Style Wedding Chair with Carved Medallion and Curving Arms
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden wedding chair from the early 20th century, with carved medallion, curving armrests and natural wood patina. The chair’s open back is eleg...
Wood
Antique Chinese Ming Style Scholar's Cabinet
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
$2,075 / set
H 19.5 in W 16 in D 16 in
Pair of Vintage Ming Dynasty Style Waisted Side Tables with Stretchers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden side tables from the early 20th century, with carved aprons, humpback stretchers and horse hoof legs. Created in China during the ...
Wood
$1,275
H 20.25 in W 19.75 in D 19.75 in
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Vintage Lamp Table with Humpback Stretchers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese vintage side lamp table from the mid 20th century, with horse hoof feet and humpback stretchers. Created in China during the midcentury pe...
Wood
$2,800
H 27 in W 72 in D 16 in
Asian Inspired Console Table by Michael Taylor for Baker In Your Choice of Color
By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
Asian inspired console table, designed by Michael Taylor for Baker, American, circa 1960s. Inspired by a traditional Asian altar table, th...
Wood
$4,025
H 34.5 in W 57 in D 20.5 in
Ming Dynasty Style Red Lacquered Console Cabinet with Doors and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style red lacquered console cabinet from the early 20th century, with five drawers and double doors. Born dur...
Brass
$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
Asian Influenced Coffee Table by Michael Taylor for Baker
Located in Atlanta, GA
Asian influenced or chinoiserie coffee table, designed by Michael Taylor for Baker, American, circa 1960s. This table is currently being refinished and will look incredible when comp...
Brass
$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
$2,996 / set
H 37.5 in W 30 in D 27 in
Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Carved Back Elmwood Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Early 20th century Chinese elmwood armchairs with finely carved back and elongated arms and legs. Measure 30" wide at the legs ends, 25" wide the arms, 27" in depth, 37.5...
Elm
Ming Style Square Table, Suzhou, China, Late 18th Century
Located in New York, NY
A superb square center / side table, Ming style, late 18th Century. Suzhou, China. Hand-crafted in hardwood, stained in a warm light brown, with pillar style round legs, top and b...
Hardwood
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
Sold
H 27 in W 88 in D 3 in
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
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