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.
$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
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
$647Sale Price|76% 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
$16,857 / set
H 73.63 in W 39.38 in D 39.38 in
Vintage Motorized Bar attr. to Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage motorized bar is a design item attributed to Willy Rizzo, and realized in 1970s. Four bottles and twelve glasses can be placed. The ceiling lig...
Steel, Metal
Bar Cabinet by Gio Frigerio, Italy 1970s
By Frigerio
Located in New York, NY
Bar cabinet by Gio Frigerio. Red lacquer doors and mirrored interior. Makers label affixed to back.
Glass, Lacquer
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
$2,840Sale Price|20% Off
H 79 in W 79 in D 21 in
1970s Vintage Wall Display Cabinet with Dry Bar, Brass & Glass
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 handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Vintage 3 Piece 1970s wall display...
Brass
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
Bar corner cabinet by Willy Rizzo, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Antwerp, BE
Designed by Willy Rizzo in the 1970s, this bar corner exemplifies the designer’s unmistakable approach to furniture as architecture, where structure, material and light converge in a...
Granite, Metal, Brass
Elegant Mid-Century Italian Mirrored Dry Bar Cabinet, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Argelato, BO
An elegant Italian dry bar, crafted from dark wood with a high-gloss finish. The bar features two mirrored doors that reflect the surrounding space, adding a touch of brightness and ...
Glass, Wood
$2,588Sale Price|20% Off
H 35 in W 30 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Asian Hand-Carved Camphor Wood Dry Bar Cabinet
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
$6,975
H 33.08 in W 37.01 in D 16.54 in
Rare Mahogany Root Swivel Bar Cabinet "MASTRO CAPPELLINI" 1970s
Located in Manzano, IT
Extraordinary vintage bar cabinet from the 1970s, a masterpiece of Brianza art craftsmanship produced by Mastro Cappellini (Meda/Carugo area). A piece of the highest cabinetry that...
Mahogany
Italian Dry Bar Cocktail Cabinet
Located in Hanover, MA
Late 1940's/early 1950's Italian dry bar, martini cabinet with inlaid fruit wood marquetry, tapering rectangular top and drop front attributed to Osvaldo Borsani.. Inside back has be...
Wood
Coastal Style Rattan Dry Bar/ Serving Cart. Circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Boho Chic / Coastal Style Rattan Dry Bar/ Serving Cart in the Franco Albini's Manner. Circa 1970s Features a two-tiered frame with ornate accents and handles at both sides. I...
Bamboo, Rattan
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
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