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.
Mid-Century White Lacquered Asian Modern James Mont Ming Style Credenza
By James Mont
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century James Mont inspired Ming style white lacquered credenza. It was manufactured by Sanford Furniture Company. It does have brass c...
Brass
Ming Dynasty Style 19th Century Red Rose Console Cabinet with Everted Flanges
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty style red rose butterfly console cabinet from the 19th century, with everted flanges, double doors and carved panels. Step into the world of ancient elegance with this...
Bronze
CHINESE ARK Ching Dynasty 1892 19th Century with Certificate
Located in Madrid, ES
CHINESE ARK Ching Dynasty 1892 19th Century with Certificate in black lacquered wood with gold, representing plant motifs and figures. Metal hardware. Signs of use and minor flaws. ...
Wood
Petite Chinese Lacquered Noodle Cabinet, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This vintage lacquered storage chest was crafted in the mid-19th century to a streamlined shape that follows traditional Chinese cabinetry designs. This type of tapered cabinet is kn...
Elm
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
$1,895
H 30.75 in W 49.25 in D 18 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Two-Tone Lacquered Credenza
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut, Lacquer
19th Century Korean Tansu Cabinet
Located in Elkton, MD
This is an exquisite two-part Korean Tansu cabinet from the early 20th century. The upper case features four small fitted drawers, while both uppe...
Brass
$3,550
H 29 in W 60 in D 18 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Two-Tone Lacquered & Walnut Credenza
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Chrome
Vintage Asian Black Lacquered Credenza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite vintage Asian black lacquered credenza embodies timeless elegance and sophisticated design. Drawing inspiration from classic Chinoiserie aesthetics, its sleek silhouet...
Wood
$3,100
H 31.25 in W 72 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Floating Karl Springer Style Lacquered Goatskin Credenza
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful vintage modern sideboard with a grasscloth base holding a lacquered goatskin credenza. A unique and efficient design in the style of Karl Springer. The unusual design offers an additional lower shelf for storage. Four cabinet doors hide large storage compartments and drawers. A lovely midcentury case piece...
Grasscloth, Lacquer
$18,525Sale Price|35% Off
H 88 in W 50.5 in D 19.5 in
Antique 19th Century Japanese Cinnabar / Lacquer Cabinet
Located in Fulton, CA
Incredible example of Asian lacquer carving. Standing over seven feet tall, this monumental display shelf was produced in Japan at the end of the Ed...
Wood, Lacquer
15th-16th Century Ming Dynasty Cabinet. Red Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare and well-preserved 16th century cupboard / cabinet. Detailed carved top section depicting a floral leaf design and people in polychrome lacquer. Front with red lacquer, pair of ...
Elm
Mid-century James Mont Style Carved Media Credenza Stereo Cabinet
By James Mont
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This beautifully restored Mid-century Credenza Media Console with hand-carved asian scenics along the front doors in the style of James Mont. The cabinet features a working AM Radio ...
Wood
$5,500
H 74.75 in W 47.25 in D 24.25 in
19th Century Red Lacqured Chinese Cabinet with Gilt Decoration
Located in Dallas, TX
A very decorative red and black lacqured 19th century cabinet from Shanxi China. This cabinet has gilded decoration depicting mountain, foliage and temples with people as well as but...
Wood
Antique Asian Storage Chest, Heavy Wood with Iron Latch, Circa 1900
Located in Wilmington, DE
Vintage Antique Asian Storage/Blanket/ Hope Chest with Heavy Iron Latch Offered is an excellent example of Asian influence and design; a heavy wood storage chest. Features a single ...
Iron
1960s George Zee Rosewood Chinoiserie Buffet Credenza
By George Zee
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Handsome solid rosewood Chinoiserie Hollywood Regency buffet or credenza by George Zee. It is in fabulous vintage condition. Four drawers with fou...
Rosewood
1980s Vintage Boho Allesandra for Baker Ming Credenza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning vintage Boho Ming credenza. Designed by thr iconic Allesandra for Baker furniture and tagged inside the drawer. A beautiful hand painted finish in a pale peach color. Perf...
Wood, Paint
Sold
H 29 in W 76 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Black Lacquer Modern Campaign Style Chinoiserie Credenza / Chest
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century black lacquer credenza by Union National out of New York. It has campaign style brass hardware and a Ming form. There is a spray of hand painted flowers across ...
Brass
Sold
H 34 in W 80 in D 18 in
Modern Ming Credenza By Michael Taylor For Baker Furn. Far East Collection
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a handsome, timeless credenza designed by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture as part of his Far East Collection. The black lacquer finish is recent. This is a three part cred...
Wood
Sold
H 28.5 in W 22.5 in D 75 in
Late 20th-C. Ming Style Red Lacquer & Brass Credenza / Media Cabinet By Sligh
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a killer credenza! It has Asian styling with decorative brass hardware. The red lacquer finish is piped in black. It has quite a bit of storage and is in very good condition....
Brass
Vintage Regency Century Ming Credenza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Regency credenza. Made by the Century Furniture group. Beautiful black lacquered finish with gorgeous Ming medallion hardware. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Brass
Vintage Asian Century Furniture Ming Medallion Credenza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fantastic vintage Asian Ming credenza. Made by the iconic Century Furniture group. Signed on the inside drawer. Beautiful matte black finish with heavy medallion hardware. Acquired...
Wood
1960s Vintage George Zee Solid Teak Hollywood Regency Buffet Credenza
By George Zee
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Handsome solid teak Chinoiserie Hollywood Regency buffet or credenza by George Zee. It is in fabulous vintage condition. It has no outstanding flaws that we have detected. It does ha...
Teak
Vintage Asian Century Furniture Ming Credenza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fantastic vintage Asian Credenza. Made by the iconic Century Furniture group. Beautiful Burl wood cabinet with black lacquer trim. Heavy brass medallion ...
Brass
Kent Coffey Modern Ming Style Amerasia Brass & Walnut Credenza / Chest
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Kennesaw, GA
A versatile piece! From media storage to dining to bedroom, this Kent Coffey credenza is a winner. It is part of the Amerasia line that he designe...
Brass
Vintage MCM Century Black Lacquered Pagoda Credenza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Incredible vintage century credenza. Chic black lacquer with heavy brass ming hardware. Pagoda wing details. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Brass