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Ming Stools

MING STYLE

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.

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Style: Ming
Late 17th/Early 18th Century Chinese Huanghuali Scholar's Stool
Late 17th/Early 18th Century Chinese Huanghuali Scholar's Stool

Late 17th/Early 18th Century Chinese Huanghuali Scholar's Stool

Located in Chicago, IL

Dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century during China's Qing dynasty, this exquisite Ming-style huanghuali scholar's stool epitomizes the pinnacle of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. Crafted from rare and revered huanghuali wood, renowned for its enduring strength, rich hues, and captivating grain patterns, this stool stands as a testament to the esteemed value placed on this precious material. Its simple yet elegant design features a high waist and humpback stretchers, lending an air of sophistication and grace. The straight square legs terminate in stylized hoof feet, adding a touch of regal charm. Each meticulously crafted joint and carefully honed detail speaks volumes about the skill and artistry of the period's master craftsmen. Beyond its intrinsic beauty, this stool embodies the cultural significance and historical importance of huanghuali furniture...

Category

Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Stools

Materials

Hardwood

17th Century Ming Dynasty Hand Carved Stone Garden Stool / Side Table #1
17th Century Ming Dynasty Hand Carved Stone Garden Stool / Side Table #1

17th Century Ming Dynasty Hand Carved Stone Garden Stool / Side Table #1

Located in Wainscott, NY

17th Century Ming Dynasty hand-carved stone garden seat is likely grey limestone or granite. The rounded barrel form and detailed relief carvings - included floral motifs and a styl...

Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Stools

Materials

Stone, Limestone, Granite

Pair of Chinese Solid Rosewood Faux Rattan Garden Style Stools or Side Tables
Pair of Chinese Solid Rosewood Faux Rattan Garden Style Stools or Side Tables

Pair of Chinese Solid Rosewood Faux Rattan Garden Style Stools or Side Tables

Located in Germantown, MD

An exquisite Pair of Chinese solid Rosewood hand crafted, hand carved Faux Rattan / vine Garden Style Stools or Side Tables in great vintage condition. May be used as side tables or ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Stools

Materials

Rosewood

17th Century Ming Dynasty Hand Carved Stone Garden Stool / Side Table #2 of pair
17th Century Ming Dynasty Hand Carved Stone Garden Stool / Side Table #2 of pair

17th Century Ming Dynasty Hand Carved Stone Garden Stool / Side Table #2 of pair

Located in Wainscott, NY

17th Century Ming Dynasty hand-carved stone garden seat is likely grey limestone or granite. The rounded barrel form and detailed relief carvings - included floral motifs and a styl...

Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Stools

Materials

Stone

Chinese Prussian Blue Lacquered Ming Stool
Chinese Prussian Blue Lacquered Ming Stool

Chinese Prussian Blue Lacquered Ming Stool

Located in Houston, TX

1940s Prussian Blue hardwood Ming style drum stool.

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Stools

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Chinese blond hardwood stool in the Ming taste, c. 1800-25
Chinese blond hardwood stool in the Ming taste, c. 1800-25

Chinese blond hardwood stool in the Ming taste, c. 1800-25

Located in Kenilworth, IL

Chinese Yumu wood (Northern Chinese elm) stool in the Ming taste. The waisted and bull nose frame and panel top is engaged to the rounded framing eleme...

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Stools

Materials

Elm

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style 1920s Red and Black Lacquered Drum Stool or Table
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style 1920s Red and Black Lacquered Drum Stool or Table

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style 1920s Red and Black Lacquered Drum Stool or Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Chinese Ming Dynasty style red and black lacquered drum stool from the early 20th century, with chinoiserie decor. Created in China during the first quarter of the 20th century, this Ming style drum stool will make for an excellent drinks table or plant Stand. Boasting a lovely black and red lacquered patina, the stool features a shaped top adorned with a delicate chinoiserie scene. This top is resting on a waisted apron, raised on an arching drum base with side stretchers. Ideal thanks to its versatile quality, this Chinese lacquered stool...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Stools

Materials

Wood

Vintage Chinese Carved and Etched Wooden Drum Table or Stool
Vintage Chinese Carved and Etched Wooden Drum Table or Stool

Vintage Chinese Carved and Etched Wooden Drum Table or Stool

Located in Troy, MI

Found in England, this exceptional Ming Dynasty style barrel stool commands attention through the intricacy of its delicately carved and etched surface. Fashioned in the classical dr...

Category

1940s English Vintage Ming Stools

Materials

Hardwood, Lacquer

Antique Ming Dynasty Style Side Table with Humpback Stretcher and Brown Patina
Antique Ming Dynasty Style Side Table with Humpback Stretcher and Brown Patina

Antique Ming Dynasty Style Side Table with Humpback Stretcher and Brown Patina

Located in Yonkers, NY

An antique Ming Dynasty style wooden side table from the early 20th century, with humpbacked stretcher and cylindrical legs. This Ming Dynasty style wooden side table from the early ...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Stools

Materials

Wood

Chinese Ming Style Mahogany Stool with Cushion
Chinese Ming Style Mahogany Stool with Cushion

Chinese Ming Style Mahogany Stool with Cushion

Located in Germantown, MD

Chinese Mahogany Stool with thick Safari Theme Cushion Measures 21" in width, 17" in depth and 19.5" in height with Cushion and 16.5" in height without cushion.

Category

20th Century Unknown Ming Stools

Materials

Brass

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17th Century English Oak Joint Stool / Bench
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Located in San Francisco, CA

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Materials

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Modern Curule Stool

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Located in High Point, NC

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Mid-Century Modern Blue Beech Vintage Folding Stool TS Roger Tallon 1970s France
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Located in Vienna, AT

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Located in Issaquah, WA

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Category

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Materials

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By Brett Paulin

Located in Toronto, Ontario

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Previously Available Items
Pair of 20th Century Ming-Style Pumpkin Stools or Tables
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Located in Chicago, IL

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Early 20th Century Chinese Rosewood Garden Seat
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Located in Kenilworth, IL

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Vintage Blue and White Garden Stool
Vintage Blue and White Garden Stool

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Vintage Blue and White Garden Stool

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Gorgeous vintage blue and white garden stool. A beautiful Ming design in a chic glazed ceramic. Perfect indoors our outside. Sure to add some cha...

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Set of Four Vintage Chinese Root Stools
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H 19.5 in W 13 in D 12 in

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Located in Bridgeport, CT

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Invisible Drum Stool by July Zhou
Invisible Drum Stool by July Zhou

Invisible Drum Stool by July Zhou

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H 19.75 in Dm 14.5 in L 19.75 in

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...

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Invisible Drum Stool by July Zhou
Invisible Drum Stool by July Zhou

Invisible Drum Stool by July Zhou

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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...

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21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Stools

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Lucite

Invisible Drum Stool by July Zhou
Invisible Drum Stool by July Zhou

Invisible Drum Stool by July Zhou

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H 19.75 in Dm 14.5 in

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...

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21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Stools

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Mirage Stool by July Zhou
Mirage Stool by July Zhou

Mirage Stool by July Zhou

Sold

H 19.5 in Dm 21.5 in

Mirage Stool by July Zhou

By July Zhou

Located in Chicago, IL

Each limited-edition signed Mirage Stool by artist July Zhou is fashioned after a traditional Ming example. Unlike other lucite furniture that is inj...

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Ming stools for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Ming stools for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage stools created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming stools made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for stools differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $650 and tops out at $6,500 while the average work can sell for $1,040.