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
Mid 20th Century Ming Style Rosewood Coffe Table with Protective Glass Top
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite Mid 20th Century Ming Style Rosewood cocktail Table with protective Glass Top. Pristine vintage condition with very light signs of use. Measures 40" in width, 20" in d...
Brass
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Large Qing Dynasty Oak Wood Compound Cabinet With Brass Medallions
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Large Qing Dynasty Oak Wood Compound Cabinet With Brass Medallions.
Oak
Mid-Century Chinese Ming Style Lingerie / Storage / Jewelry Cabinet
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A striking vintage Asian Modern cabinet or chest-on-stand inspired by classic Ming Dynasty forms, featuring an green lacquered finish accented with warm brass trim and sculptural har...
Brass
18th Century Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Cabinet with Original Décor
Located in Kastrup, DK
A stunning Chinese tapered cabinet from the 18th century, black lacquered with original gilt chinoiserie motifs. Created in China during the Qi...
Elm
Mid-Century Henredon Ming Style Campaign Hardware Walnut Chest Of Drawers
By Henredon
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Henredon Ming style carved walnut chest with solid brass campaign hardware. It was part of the Campaign Collection that Henredon produced in the 1960s. It is in very good c...
Brass
Ming Dynasty Style Red Lacquered Console Cabinet with Doors and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style red lacquered console cabinet from the early 20th century, with five drawers and double doors. Born dur...
Brass
Antique Style Korean Tansu Butterfly Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Distinctive antique-style Korean tansu cabinet featuring traditional butterfly hardware and richly detailed craftsmanship inspired by classic Kore...
Wood
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
$8,280 / set
Pair of Chinese Reeded Golden Silk Shelves
Located in Chicago, IL
Lightweight and open, these elegant nanmu shelves are crafted in the Ming style with simplicity of form and thoughtful detail. Tall bookcases such as this were traditionally given pr...
Bamboo, Reclaimed Wood
Pair of Chinese Painted Compound Cabinets, Late Ming Dynasty
Located in Chicago, IL
Seamlessly constructed and lacquered black, this pair of spectacular Ming-dynasty compound cabinets provided the perfect blank canvas for painted scen...
Brass
Chinese Ming Style Alter Cabinet or Sideboard
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese Ming dynasty style altar cabinet or sideboard from Shanxi province, China. Elm and dark yellow lacquer with a beautiful age-related patina. Three drawers over two bi-fold d...
Elm
Mid-18th Century Ming Style Chest in Black Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
18 century chest in original black lacquer. This Ming style chest is constructed of wood with multiple layers of original black and red lacquer, acco...
Wood
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
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Century Furniture Sabota Collection Buffet
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a rare piece of Century Furniture. It's designed by Raymond Sabota for their Sabota line of furniture. It's hand-painted in a distressed fashion...
Wood, Paint
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
Henredon Asian Modern Ming Style Faux Tortoise Drip Glaze Chest / Table / Trunk
Located in Kennesaw, GA
I love this piece. It is by Henredon. It is an Asian modern style chest with a high gloss faux tortoise finish. It is a low profile piece, so it would look great at the foot of a bed...
Brass
Asian Inspired Oak Flip Top 2 Drawer Desk/Console Table w/ Rattan Front
Located in Pasadena, TX
This Table can be used as a console, a desk or open up to serve as a dining table. It's made of oak and has a top that slides over and opens up in a butterfly like fashion. The legs ...
Oak
Pair Mid 20th Century Ming Style Rosewood Side Table Cabinets with Glass Top
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite Pair of Mid 20th Century Ming Style Rosewood Side Table Cabinets with protective Glass Tops. Pristine vintage condition with very light signs of use. Feature a single t...
Brass
Small Red Chinese Console Sideboard, circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
The red lacquered polished finish with contrasting black top on this small Chinese sideboard provides a modern look allowing it to serve well in a contemporary setting. The original...
Metal
Antique Chinese Elm Tall Sideboard Cabinet Cupboard
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Chinese Elm Tall Sideboard Cabinet Cupboard
Elm
Ming Dynasty Style Cabinet with Gilt Carved Court and Work Scenes
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming dynasty style cabinet from the 19th century, with two pairs of double doors, two drawers, carved giltwood motifs and red accents. Born in China during the 19th century, this wooden cabinet captures our attention with its contrast of colors and delicately carved motifs. Presenting a linear silhouette, the cabinet is adorned with court scenes on the left panel and work scenes on the right. This gilt décor stands out beautifully on the dark ground, while other carved panels are highlighted by a red ground in the lower section. Two pairs of double doors total open to reveal a convenient storage space, the lower ones hiding inner drawers. Carved on the apron, the cabinet is resting on four straight legs. With its clean lines and skillfully carved decor, this Ming style cabinet...
Wood
Vintage Natural Wood Two-Door Cabinet with Floral Décor and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Ming Dynasty style natural wood two-door cabinet from the mid-20th century, with floral décor and hidden drawers. This mid-century cabinet, crafted in the style of the Ming...
Wood
$3,500
H 29 in W 36 in D 16 in
James Mont Style Hollywood Regency Cabinet with Oversized Gilt Rosettes Handles
By James Mont
Located in St. Louis, MO
A striking 1960s James Mont style two-door small sideboard, cabinet, or credenza, blending bold Hollywood Regency glamour with a classic Dorothy Drape...
Wood, Lacquer
Jade Lacquer Chinese Dowry Cabinet, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
A classic piece of Chinese furniture, this tall lacquered cabinet was likely part of a traditional wedding dowry, bestowed upon the groom by the bride's family filled with fine silks...
Elm
$3,475
H 46.375 in W 30.5 in D 15.875 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Storage Cabinet, 1960, Minimalist Style
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century Danish modern teak storage cabinet or bar cabinet was made in Denmark circa 1960. The classic Scandinavian design has clean, minimalist lines and an elegant,...
Brass
French Mid-Century Walnut Chest of Drawers
Located in Troy, MI
Found in France, this chest of drawers dates from the late 1950s. Made of walnut, the chest has three functional drawers with contrasting black knobs and highly figured wood. The dra...
Hardwood, Walnut
James Mont Style Hollywood Regency Lacquered Cabinet with Medallions
By James Mont
Located in Dallas, TX
Absolutely stunning and exuberant 1960's James Mont style small sideboard, dry bar cabinet or credenza is sure to turn heads featuring distinctive original large medallions on both d...
Wood
Chinese Qing Dynasty Cabinet with Original Décor
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare Qing dynasty cabinet with original well preserved decorations. Red base lacquer with polychrome decorations, black lacquer on the sides. Top...
Elm
$6,325
H 72.25 in W 46.25 in D 22 in
Chinese Qing Dynasty 19th Century Red Lacquer Cabinet with Gold Chinoiseries
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period original red lacquer cabinet from the 19th century, with gilt Chinoiserie décor. Created in China during the...
Brass
$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
$3,595
H 30.25 in W 65 in D 18 in
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern “Esprit” Walnut & 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
Industrial Metal Display Cabinet, Mid-20th Century
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This tall display cabinet has been taken down to bare metal and then sealed to give a handsome industrial factory look. The unit comes from a doctors office and is at least 100 years...
Metal
$6,325
H 72 in W 47 in D 22 in
Qing Dynasty Two-Door Cabinet with Hand-Painted Décor and Original Black Lacquer
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Qing dynasty two-door elmwood cabinet from the 19th century, with original black lacquer and hand-painted decor. Created during the Qing Dynasty in the 19th century, this exquisite...
Wood, Elm
Antique Six-Door Buffet Cabinet, Shanxi, China
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This impressive six-door buffet cabinet originates from Shanxi and dates back more than a century. Crafted from solid old poplar wood, the piece carries a beautifully timeworn surfac...
Poplar
19th C. Chinese Ming Style Elm Coffer / Low Cabinet / Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
19th Century Chinese Ming Style Elm Coffer / Low Cabinet / Bench Measures 45" in width, 15" in depth and 17" tall.
Hardwood, Elm
Vintage Chinese Elm Apothecary Chest / Lingerie Chest
Located in Stafford, TX
Vintage Chinese Elm Apothecary Chest / Lingerie Chest, Circa 1970s–1980s This handsome vintage Chinese apothecary chest is a beautifully crafted storage cabinet that blends traditio...
Elm
James Mont Style Asian Modern Solid Rosewood Dry Bar Cabinet Or Server
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1970s James Mont inspired dry bar cabinet or server. It is solid rosewood and very heavy. It has interior drawers. The back is finished as well. It is believed to have been...
Brass
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
Sold
H 77.17 in W 40.56 in D 16.93 in
Vintage three-tier Chinese lacquered wood bookcase - 20th century
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage three-tier Chinese lacquered wood bookcase - 20th century Asian Art - Antique Decoration Vintage lacquered elm bookcase Ming style, with two drawers.. Measures : 103x43cm H:1...
Wood
Ming Style Brass Clad Three Drawer Chest by Sarreid Ltd.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vintage brass clad three drawer Mid-century designed chest with ming style black wood base. Made by Sarreid Ltd. Very well made with three functional drawers.
Brass
19th Century Red Lacquer Chinese Console Cabinet Sideboard
Located in Round Top, TX
The red lacquered polished finish on this Chinese sideboard or console provides a modern look allowing it to serve well in a contemporary setting. The original red painted finish wa...
Elm, Lacquer, Paint
19th Century Chinese Elmwood Display Cabinet
Located in Round Top, TX
The superb quality of this Chinese elmwood cabinet is largely due to the exceptional finish. The old brown finish has slight red undertones and is accentuated by a hand buffed finish...
Elm, Paint
Elm Cabinet with Original Red Lacquer, China c. 1860
Located in Kastrup, DK
This well-preserved Ming-style cabinet, dating from around 1860. It is crafted from elm wood and retains its original red lacquer, which has developed a beautiful natural patina over...
Metal
Large Red Lacquer Chinese Sideboard Console, circa 1860-80
Located in Round Top, TX
This magnificent sideboard makes an impressive visual statement due to its size (just under 7.5' long) and the remarkable color. It still maintains the original red paint, protected ...
Elm, Lacquer, Paint
Sold
H 49.5 in W 29.5 in D 13.75 in
Vintage Chinese Ming Style Lacquered Elm Storage Cabinet Armoire Wardrobe
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Chinese Chinoiserie Ming style wedding cabinet / cupboard / armoire / wardrobe. Made of Elm featuring a dark red / brown lacquered finish with two doors that open to reveal...
Elm, Lacquer
1970s Michael Taylor For Henredon Asian Modern Credenza / Chest
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a walnut credenza with Ming styling designed by Michael Taylor for Henredon. It is in very good condition. The piece is marked, and the drawers have dovetail construction. ...
Walnut