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Ming Seating

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
Ming Dynasty Style Four Chinese Ceremonial Chairs
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest that you read the entire description, as it provides detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our items. This series of four b...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating

Materials

Hardwood

2 Vintage Chinoiserie Purple Lacquer Ming Style Slat Back Side Accent Chairs
Located in Dayton, OH
Two vintage Chinese Chinoiserie ming style side chairs featuring purple lacquer with slat backs. Dimensions: 41.5" x 20" x 18", seat 18"
Category

Late 20th Century Ming Seating

Materials

Hardwood, Lacquer

Pair of Chinese Ming Style Bamboo Horseshoe Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic pair of 20th century Chinese export bamboo chairs featuring a gracefully curved horseshoe back ending with out swept hooks. Constructed in the Ming dynasty style with a deco...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Pair of Vintage in the Style of Chinese Horseshoe Wooden Folding Chairs
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Introducing the 19th-century Vintage in the Style of Chinese Horseshoe Wooden Folding Chairs. Chinese Horseshoe Chairs initially crafted as seats of distinction, were exclusively res...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating

Materials

Wood, Fabric, Thread, Paint

Pair of Horseshoe Back Armchairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of elegant horseshoe back armchairs. Beautiful form and lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many times in " ARCHITECTURE DIGEST ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair Of Ming Style Leather Lounge Chairs
Located in Hudson, NY
A spectacular and chic pair of Ming Style armchairs with embossed leather seats. Made from extremely hardwood with a gorgeous weathered petina through the ebony glaze. The alligator...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Ming Seating

Materials

Wood, Leather

2 Chinese Ming Style Hongmu Lion Head Chinoiserie Altar Throne Arm Chairs Pair
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage pair of James Monte / Qing Dynasty / Chinoiserie style armchairs featuring heavy faux bamboo and rattan frames with open reticulated design, accented with lion heads, animal ...
Category

Late 20th Century Ming Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Red Lacquered Vintage Bench with A-Form Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese vintage Ming Dynasty style red lacquer wooden bench from the mid 20th century with A-form base, carved spandrels and distressed finish. Embrace the timeless allure of this ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Wood

Distressed Red Lacquered Chinese Vintage Ming Style Bench with A-Form Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese vintage Ming Dynasty style red lacquer wooden bench from the mid 20th century with A-form base, carved spandrels and distressed finish. Exuding...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Wood

Vintage Chinese Ming Style Black Lacquer & Cowhide Arm Chair, Mid-20th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Vintage Chinese ming style black lacquer & cowhide arm chair. Additional information: Materials: cowhide, lacquer, wood. Color: black. Period: ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ming Seating

Materials

Cowhide, Wood

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Elm

Prussian Blue Lacquered Chinese Drum Stool
Located in Houston, TX
1940s Prussian Blue hardwood Ming style drum stool.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Chinese Ming Style Chromed Steel Officials Hat Chair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Opulent reimagined Chinese Ming style officials hat chair beautifully crafted from steel with a smooth, thick, seamless chromed finish. The armchair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Chrome, Steel

James Mont Lacquered Horse Shoe Chairs w/ New Silk Upholstery by Century, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Opulent pair of large James Mont Ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century Furniture. Designed by James Mont ,these chairs epitomize his over ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Ming Seating

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair Of Chinese Vintage Horseshoe Back Hardwood Armchairs
Located in Norwood, NJ
A pair of Chinese hardwood horseshoe back armchairs, each curved back with downswept arms and outswept hand grips, centering on an elegant shaped carved splat, flanked by cylindrical...
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Ming Seating

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

Ming Style Chinese Natural Wood Horseshoe Armchair with Carved Splat and Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty style natural wood horseshoe back armchair from the mid 20th century, with carved splat and apron. Born in China during the mid-century period, this armchair c...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Wood

Chinese Horseshoe Chairs Oversize 19th Century
Located in Somis, CA
A pair of extra large, sold wood, 19th century Chinese Horseshoe Chairs. The solid, 2" thick, continuous rounded crest rail is composed of thre...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating

Materials

Wood, Elm

Mid 20th Century Oak Chinese Ming Armchair with Rush Seat
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Chinese Ming style armchair, unbranded. Solid oak with a chestnut color finish, slender curved arms that form the crest rail, "V" shaped backres...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Ming Seating

Materials

Rush, Oak

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...
Category

1970s Belgian Vintage Ming Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Ming Dynasty Style Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
A pair of Chinese hardwood chairs in well worn patina, crafted in the Ming dynasty style, late 19th century. Perfect accent chairs of very fine...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating

Materials

Wood, Paint

Set of Six Guanmaoyi Yokeback Dining Chairs, circa 1960s
Located in Peabody, MA
A set of six Classic Chinese Guanmaoyi yokeback chairs in lacquered elmwood consisting of two armchairs and four sides. These elegant high back chairs are named for their resemblance...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Wood

Ming Dynasty Style Wooden 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. Born in China during the earl...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Ming Style Waisted Stool with Horsehoof Legs and Rattan Inset
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden waisted stool from the early 20th century, with rattan inset, horse hoof legs and cloud motifs. Born in China during the early years of t...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Rattan, Wood

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 ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Metal

Chinese Antique Rose Chairs Pair Armchairs
Located in Somis, CA
The famed Rose chair's legacy began in the Song dynasty when they were wider and shorter. Ming dynasty revolutionized the ancient chairs by elevating and st...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of Chinese Ming Style Armchairs with Dali Marble Inset
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stunning pair of Chinese carved hardwood armchairs made in the Ming style featuring an open fretwork Greek Key design, frame and an inset back splat with Dali marble...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Marble

Jumu Wood Bench with Tapered Legs
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu wood bench with tapered legs, solid plank wood top with cloud motif apron. Top seating surface dimension is 43" wide, 6 1/2" deep With Tapered legs ...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Seating

Materials

Wood

Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Wedding Chair with Curving Back and Carved Splat
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty style elmwood wedding chair from circa 1900, with carved panels on the splat, curved arms, and gooseneck front posts. This early 20th-century Ming Dynasty style weddin...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Elm

Antique Chinese Ming Style Elmwood Waisted Side Table with Horsehoof Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style elmwood waisted side table from the early 20th century, with woven rattan top and horse hoof legs. Born in China during the early years of the 2...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Elm, Rattan

Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Scholar' Armchairs with Rattan Seats
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style elm scholar's chairs from the early 20th century, with unusual upper rail, carved panels on the splats, curved arms and rattan seats. Born in Chi...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Elm, Rattan

Chinese Elmwood Dark Patina Dengguayi Scholar's Lamp Armchair with Pierced Splat
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style elmwood scholar's lamp-hanger armchair from the late 19th century, with carved splat, dark patina, curving arms and side stretchers. Born during the Qing...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating

Materials

Elm

Contemporary Teak Ming Style Waisted Stool with Chow Legs and Distressed Finish
Located in Yonkers, NY
A contemporary Ming style Thai painted teak waisted stool with chow legs and carved apron. Charming us with its elegant lines and distressed finish, this Ming style stool...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Ming Seating

Materials

Teak

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Wood, Rattan

Later 20th Century Chinese Blonde Wood Official's Hat or Yoke Back Chairs, Pair
Located in Austin, TX
A stunning pair of 20th century Chinese yoke back armchairs crafted of cypress, baimu. The chairs of typical style and construction, and k...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Cypress

Chinese Antique Ming Dynasty Style Scholar's Lamp-Hanger Chair with Rattan Inset
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style antique scholar's chair from the early 20th century, with inset rattan back splat and seat. Born in China during the early years of the 20th century, thi...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Chinese Antique Ming Style Side Table with Humpback Stretcher and Brown Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming dynasty style wooden side table from the early 20th century, with humpbacked stretcher and cylindrical legs. Originally conceived as a stool in China where it...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Wood

Ming Dynasty Style Wedding Armchairs with Curving Arms and Woven Rattan Seats
Located in Yonkers, NY
A near pair of Ming Dynasty style vintage wedding armchairs from the mid-20th century, with woven rattan seats, curving armrests and natural wood patina. Crafted during the mid-20th ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Pair of Fine Horseshoe Back Armchairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of elegant horseshoe back armchairs. Beautiful color, form and lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has be...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of Elm Wood Children Armchairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pair of elmwood children armchairs with relief carving, simple and beautiful form. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has be...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Seating

Materials

Wood

Ming Dynasty Style Wedding Armchairs with Curving Arms and Woven Rattan Seats
Located in Yonkers, NY
A near pair of Chinese Ming dynasty style vintage wedding armchairs from the mid-20th century, with woven rattan seats, curving armrests and natural wood patina. Born in China during...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Vintage Asian Lacquered Ming Lounge Chairs - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Enhance your living space with this pair of Vintage Asian Lacquered Ming Lounge Chairs. These exquisite pieces, featuring elegant lacquered finishes and traditional Ming design, offe...
Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Vintage Boho Tessellated Horn Ming Chair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Add a touch of bohemian sophistication to your space with this Vintage Boho Tessellated Horn Ming Chair. Crafted with American ingenuity, this chair combines tessellated horn detaili...
Category

Late 20th Century Colombian Ming Seating

Materials

Horn, Upholstery, Wood

Mid Century Modern Baker Style Black Ming Sofa & Chair Custom Upholstered
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 Upholstered - 2 Piece Set ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Ming Seating

Materials

Mohair, Bouclé, Wood

Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Armchair
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...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Early 20th Century Chinese Rosewood Garden Seat
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Chinese rosewood barrel shaped garden seat with a burl rosewood top. From the Republic period, in the Ming Dynasty taste. China, circa 1912-1949.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Rosewood

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 Seating

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Ming Style Walnut & Bamboo Bench
Located in Kastrup, DK
A 19th century Chinese Ming style bench with a walnut frame and a top composed of bamboo slats. Square legs joined with stretchers. In original good ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating

Materials

Bamboo, Walnut

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ming Seating

Materials

Wood

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...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Ming Seating

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Chinese Tieli Wood Waterfall Bench or Small Coffee Table
Located in Doylestown, PA
Antique Chinese waterfall bench or coffee table. Wonderful Ming style bench or coffee table boasting exceptional craftsmanship with chunky dovetail c...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of Horse Shoe Back Armchairs, China, circa 1900
Located in Belmont, MA
Pair of very interesting horse shoe back armchairs, China, circa 1900. Chinese elm with carved decorations on the back and front. Beautiful patina.
Category

1910s Chinese Vintage Ming Seating

Materials

Elm

Asian Modern Black Lacquered Horseshoe Back Lounge Chairs Style James Mont
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of Asian modern black lacquered horseshoe back lounge chairs with brass fittings by Century Furniture Company. All original beautiful glowing condition. Style of James Mont. Ci...
Category

20th Century American Ming Seating

Materials

Brass

Vintage Century Chair Company Ming Foot Wood Bench With Mokum La Palma Seat
Located in west palm beach, FL
Striking mix of old and new! This incredible tagged vintage Century Chair Company wood Ming foot bench has been completely restored with a new bench frame an...
Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

19th Century Antique Pair of Chinese Handcarved Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese hand carved wood armchairs with original aged finish and bamboo seat. High back armchairs with a simple yet elegant Ming style. Natural Patina. Circa 1800s. Property...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Asian Ming Style Rosewood Upholstered Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
An Asian influenced bench by top-quality furniture maker Century Furniture, from their "Chin Hua" line designed by Raymond K Sobota. Clear lacquered hardwood in a classic Ming design...
Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

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...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Pair of Japanese Kyokuroku Folding Chairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Japanese red lacquered folding meditation armchair for monks. Pair of kyokuroku chairs in original red lacquer with gilt carvings and embossed brass hardware. One chair wit...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating

Materials

Brass

Ming seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Ming seating 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 seating created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, asian art and furniture, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming seating made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original seating, popular names associated with this style include Century Furniture, George Zee, and James Mont. 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 seating differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $495 and tops out at $14,800 while the average work can sell for $2,437.

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