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
Mid Century Modern Baker Style Black Ming Sofa & Chair Newly Reupholstered
By Minton-Spidell, Baker Furniture Company
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
$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
$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
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
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
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
$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
$3,295
H 33 in W 65.5 in D 34 in
Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture Modern Regency Upholstered Camelback Sofa
By Barbara Barry, Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous and very comfortable modern Regency style camelback upholstered sofa or loveseat By Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture USA, Circa Late 20th Century Measures: 65.5"W x 34...
Upholstery, Mahogany
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
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
$4,550Sale Price|30% Off
H 29 in W 33.5 in D 103 in
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
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
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