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.
Century Furniture Asian Ming Style Tall Red Lacquer Lighted Dry Bar Cabinet
Located in West Chester, PA
A rare Ming style tall lighted bar cabinet by Century Furniture of Distinction. Upper bifold doors open to reveal a mirrored back with three a...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
$1,020Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Vintage Broyhill Ming Dynasty Collection Chinoiserie Bar
By Broyhill
Located in Charleston, SC
Broyhill "Ming Dynasty" Premier Collection buffet server / bar. This beautiful piece features a solid wood frame of dark stained maple with olive ash burlwood insets surrounded by bo...
Cherry, Maple, Burl
1960s George Zee Rosewood Chinoiserie Flip Top Bar Server
By George Zee
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Fabulous mid century flip top server/bar by George Zee of Hong Kong. From the estate of an executive of the Ford Foundation. Purchased in Hong Kong while on business in the 1960’s. Exceptional craftsmanship, solid as a rock. Double doors open to expose shelving along with 3 drawers. Ample storage. Brass hinges,unique joinery and detailed carved flush pulls...
Rosewood
1960s Solid Wheeled Walnut Flip Top Server Bar Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
Solid walnut wood. High quality construction. Solid brass hardware. Removable Granite top inlay. On wheels for easy handling. Buffet measures 42W X 20D X 31H( flipped top). 68W x 20...
Brass, Other
Milo Baughman Style Burl Cabinet or Dry Bar
Located in San Francisco, CA
Milo Baughman style two door cabinet or dry bar featuring burl olive wood doors supported by a cast aluminum floating base and a stained walnut case. Fitted interior consists of a si...
Aluminum
Vintage Dry Bar attr. to Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful vintage dry bar designed in the 1970s and attributed to Willy Rizzo. Orange suede, chromed metal bars. The set includes: illuminated shelves, a counter with a mirrored gla...
Steel
Bassett Chris Madden Collection Bar Flip Top Rolling
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on "Read More" or "View More Details" below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing is from 1st Dibs and they normally s...
Mahogany
1970s Raymond Loewy Inspired Yellow Media Cabinet by Broyhill
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Measuring about 30 inches wide × 18 inches deep × 30 inches high, this vintage Chapter One stereo/record cabinet is compact yet charismatic, offering both storage and style. All painted wood surfaces have been professionally sanded, primed, and refinished; the formerly green doors now glow in a canary yellow lacquer that captures the playful, optimistic spirit of the 1970s. The body is a crisp white that contrasts beautifully with the yellow doors. Chrome pulls and the laminate top have been buffed to a glass-like shine, restoring both brilliance and tactile smoothness. Behind two hinged doors sits a removable/adjustable shelf, enabling flexible storage for records, media components, or barware. A discreet hole has been drilled in the back panel to allow wires to pass through and components to vent, so it works as a media cabinet or dry bar with elegance. Vintage character remains in small, affectionate details: minor surface wear under close inspection, light patina around chrome edges, subtle variation in finish that affirms origin rather than detracting. Structurally strong, doors align, pulls and hinges function smoothly. Visually this cabinet serves as more than storage—it’s a centerpiece. It suits interiors that welcome bold color and retro personality: pair with minimalist furniture so the yellow pops, or with mirrored/accented surfaces and warm woods that echo the warmth. It makes a statement in living rooms, dens, or music/entertainment corners where presence and practicality matter. For collectors who value Broyhill’s Chapter One line, restored condition, and design with both culture and function, this cabinet feels rare. It offers story, color, and utility in equal measure. The FMV restoration team pulled no punches on this Broyhill Chapter One...
Hardwood
Mid Century Broyhill Brasilia Dry Bar c. 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Mid century, Space Age classic, Broyhill Brasilia dry bar, featuring the signature sculpted raised walnut arches, and decorative modernist brass drawer pulls. The top, constru...
Brass
Paul Evans Flip Top Cityscape Bar Cabinet
By Paul Evans
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step back in time with this authentic, vintage Paul Evans Cityscape bar cabinet from the 1970s. This striking piece combines the distinct aesthetic of Paul Evans with the practicalit...
Burl
Mahogany Drinks Cabinet, Dry Bar, Georgian Styling
Located in Toronto, CA
A mahogany dry bar or drinks cabinet crafted in mahogany, Georgian styled with a delicate serpentine curve to the front to give it a classic line...
Wood
Asian Dry Bar Cabinet Mid Century Chinoiserie
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Wood
Vintage Chinoiserie Bar or Small Media Cabinet
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A vintage chinoiserie style cabinet that brings warmth, craftsmanship, and subtle glamour to any space. Crafted in richly toned wood, this compact cabinet features hand-applied gilt ...
Wood
$9,941
H 47.25 in W 34.65 in D 15.75 in
Handcrafted English Oak Ziggurat Dry Bar Cabinet by SUM Furniture
Located in London, GB
Handcrafted architectural English oak Ziggurat cabinet or dry bar by Sum Furniture ltd. Thick shouldered oak legs with stepped feet. Sizeable safety glass adjustable height shelves. ...
Brass
$1,400Sale Price|50% Off
H 31 in W 41 in D 16 in
Stunning Century Furniture Mid Century Modern Burl & Glass Bar Cabinet
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stunning burl, brass and glass bar by Century Furniture having two doors with recessed hardware with inside storage. Easily moved since the bar is on casters. Removable glass has a ...
Brass
Vintage Brass Bound Padouk Wine Cooler Cellaret Hong Kong Maker
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Vintage early - mid 20th century solid padouk wine cooler with nice dove-tail joinery and heavy brass mounts. The pierce-carved lid lifts off to reveal a tin-lined interior for ice a...
Padouk