Ming Furniture
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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Ming
Chinese Wanli-Era Cast Iron Bell
Located in Chicago, IL
A cast iron bell, when struck with a wooden beam, announced the time of day to villagers. This monumental example is covered in relief casts of chrysant...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Iron
Chinese Contemporary White Painted Wooden Ming Style Bench with A-Form Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese contemporary Ming Dynasty style white painted wooden bench with A-form base and carved spandrels. Our eye is immediately drawn to the soft white finish of this Ming style bench...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Polychromed Grey Stone Standing Buddha, Museum Mounted
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Ming Dynasty Polychromed Grey Stone Standing Buddha, Museum Mounted
29.5 h 31h 10 w x 7 d
Base 9.25/7.5 deep
(1368-1644)
A Polychromed Grey ...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
Fine Jumu Console Table with Drawers
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Jumu wood console table with four drawers and brass fitting. Simple and elegant form. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many times in "ARCHITECTURE DIGEST...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Meissen Gold Ming Court Dragon Chinoiserie Tea Cup & Saucer Swords
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Meissen scalloped porcelain demitasse cup and saucer, numbered B117 with gold and red dot Chinese Court dragons.
Measures: Saucer - 4.75” x 4.5” x 1.125” / Teacup - 3.5” x...
Category
Early 20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Elegant black lacquer console table with five drawers, brass fitting. Simple form and beautiful color. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared man...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Fine Black Lacquer Sideboard or Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
A refined and elegant black lacquer sideboard, framed top supported by square legs and joined by four drawers and two pairs of doors, brass fitting and ring pulls. We carry fine qual...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Black Lacquer Ming Console Table in the Style of James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Dallas, TX
Very handsome console or sofa table in the style of James Mont. Black lacquer Asian style base with brass trim and glass top. Beveled glass top sits on round brass corner finials. Ve...
Category
1970s North American Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
China Old Colorful Gilded Coromandel Pavillion And Warriors Screen
Located in South Burlington, VT
Handsome Chinese Four Panel Coromandel Hand Carved and Hand Gilded Wood Screen mounted on board.
Carved Wood panels with gilding depicting a pavilion scene with warriors and general...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Silk
1970s Ming Style Michel Taylor For Baker Furn. Console Alter Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is such a good size! This is burl wood console table design by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture as part of his Far East Collection. It is marked and in very good condition.
M...
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Burl
Chinese Ming Dynasty Bronze Buddha of the future Maitreya
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chinese Ming Dynasty period bronze figure of Bodhisattva of the future - Maitreya.
It is beautifully modeled in fine details typical of high-quality casting done in the Ming dynasty ...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Ming Dynasty Chinese Earthenware Horse Sculpture Míngqì Tomb Figure
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce 600 year old (approx) Chinese pottery Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) large glazed earthenware míngqì tomb figure, modeled as horse sculpture with saddle, stirrups, and integral ba...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Exceptional Lacquered Chinese Console Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A finely constructed classic Asian console table with peg construction and handsome graining with a particularly brilliant polished lacquer finish. A fine long table with banded top ...
Category
20th Century Asian Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Architectural Terracotta Roof Tile Figure Qilin Foo Dog pr
Located in Forney, TX
A remarkable pair of large Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) earthenware Imperial roof decorations - ornamental architectural terracotta roof tile beasts.
15th/16th century or earlier, North...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Earthenware, Terracotta
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 Furniture
Materials
Mohair, Bouclé, Wood
Vintage Boho Gilt Stopped European Trope Character Bracket
Located in west palm beach, FL
Accentuate your space with our Vintage Boho Gilt tipped European Trope Character Bracket. This unique piece features gilt detailing and characterful design, blending Bohemian charm w...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Resin, Wood
Vintage Large Ming Style Glazed Light Celadon Green Fixed Ring Porcelain Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Large Ming Style Tall Porcelain Vase, it Features Urn or Bottle Shape with Fixed Ring with Dog Mask
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Celadon, Porcelain
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 Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Style Asian Hardwood Coffee Table
Located in Fulton, CA
Ming style rectangular coffee table made entirely of a hardwood, appears to be rosewood. Warm glow to original finish. Excellent original condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
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 Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Lacquer
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Materials
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Mid Century Henredon Ming Style Walnut Side Tables
By Henredon
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Mid Century Henrendon Furniture Ming Style Walnut Side Tables. Measure 26" in width, 26" in depth and 25.5" in height.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Fine Jumu Console Table with Drawers
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Jumu wood console table with four drawers and brass fitting. Simple and elegant form. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many times in "...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Paintings By The Poet Yan Zhen RARE 3-Volume Set 2008
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Yan Zhen born 1930 is a Chinese poet, painter, and calligrapher, best known in China for his writing. Yan has published over 30 works of literature, including poetry, prose, and fict...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Paper
Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Simple black lacquer console table with waterfall legs, elegant color and lines
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
A Ming Dynasty Patinated Bronze Relief Work Vase Turned to a Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Hailing from the Ming period in 16/17th century, this monumental bronze vase is a fine example of the auspicious decor and markings unique to Chinese furnishings. The vase is cast wi...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Michael Taylor for Henredon Asian Modern Ming Style Nightstands Side Tables -S/2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a handsome pair of mahogany side tables designed by Michael Taylor for Henredon. They are in very good condition and are marked.
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Teak Ming Style Whitewash Coffee Table with Chow Legs and Carved Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A teak wood Ming style whitewash coffee table from the 20th century with chow legs and weathered patina. This vintage teak wood coffee table, styled in the Ming tradition and finishe...
Category
20th Century Thai Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Jumu Console Table with Drawers
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Jumu console table with three drawers. Very elegant and fine quality. Beautiful color and simple form. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeare...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine black lacquer console table with four drawers, waterfall legs, brass fitting, elegant and simple form, beautiful lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
20th Century Chinese Ming Style Teak Square Side Table Sculpture Stand Stool 18"
Located in Dayton, OH
Chinese Ming style accent table. Make from teak with a square frame over contoured apron and traditional form legs.
Dimensions:
19.5" x 19.5" x 18"h
Category
20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Teak
Antique Decorated Brown-Glazed Mataban Vase/Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Brown-Glazed Mataban Jar Vase
This large antique Chinese urn has six small figural handles made of beasts and multiple dragons carv...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Antique Stoneware Large Green-Glazed Mataban Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Stoneware Large Green-Glazed Mataban Jar
This large antique Chinese urn/jar has six small handles and a shiny green surface. Its sh...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Antique Stoneware Small Green-Glazed Mataban Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Stoneware Small Green-Glazed Mataban Jar / Vase
This large antique Chinese vase/jar has six small carved handles around the rim. Its neutral green glaze gives it a rustic an...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Elegant black lacquer console table with five drawers, brass fitting. Simple form and beautiful color. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared man...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Bamboo Calligraphy Brush Holder Carved With Scholars in a Garden
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese Ming style hand carved bamboo brush pot carved in the round with various scenes against the background of a bamboo forest. Two women make tea on a stove while two scholars si...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Chinese Ming Style Bronze Metal Seated Buddha
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Diminutive Chinese bronze metal Buddha sculpture depicted sitting. Beautifully crafted in the Ming style with intricate details. The bronze has a rich patinated finish with verdigris.
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Antique Chinese Elm Tall Sideboard Cabinet Cupboard
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Chinese Elm Tall Sideboard Cabinet Cupboard
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
1970s Baker Furniture Raffia Wrapped Ming Style Black Square Coffee Table
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a chic coffee table, by Baker Furniture, circa the 1970s. This exquisite table showcases a textured, patterned raffia wrap in an elegant black finish, ec...
Category
1970s American Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Raffia, Hardwood
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 Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
Early 20th Century Ming Dynasty-inspired Guanyin Wooden Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Inspired by the Ming Dynasty, this elegant statue of Guanyin, Goddess of Compassion, was hand carved in the 20th century. The artist captures the timeless and spiritual aura of Guany...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Pair of Fine Black Lacquer End Tables
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pair of fine black lacquer end tables with one drawer with shelf, brass ring pull. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many times in " ARCHITECTURE DIGEST...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Pair of Antique Chinese Shiwan Ware Pottery Statue Lamps
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Antique Chinese Shiwan Ware Pottery Statue Lamps
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Chow Leg Low Kang Coffee Table with Distressed Black Finish, Midcentury
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chow leg low Kang coffee table from the mid 20th century with custom black distressed finish. Elevate your living space with the timeless sophistication of this mid-20th century Ch...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Shanxi Ming Red Lacquer Elm Carved Chest Storage Trunk Sideboard
Located in Dayton, OH
Late Qing Dynasty red lacquer Storage Chest or sideboard. Made in Shanxi North Eastern China, circa 1880s. Features a simple rectangular frame with two doors at the center flanked by...
Category
1880s Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
Ugo Zaccagnini Ming Style Off White & Cocoa Banded Glazed Pottery Lamp, C. 1960
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Ugo Zaccagnini Handled Pottery Table Lamp with Far Eastern influence. Featuring a textured squat urn form with matte Dark Brown ring handle, dragons and Greek Key designs in relief, ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
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...
Category
1960s Hong Kong Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Antique 19th Century Chinese Shandong Ming Style Elm Painted Money Trunk Chest
Located in Dayton, OH
Late Qing Dynasty iridescent painted Elm Money Trunk / Storage Chest. Made in Shandong East China, circa 1870s. Features two upper compartments and lower cabinet for accessory storag...
Category
1870s Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm, Paint
A Ming Style Yellow Lacquer Console Table
Located in New York, NY
A Ming Style Yellow Lacquer Console Table
Category
20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Chinese Shandong Ming Style Red Lacquer Elm Carved Chest Storage Trunk
Located in Dayton, OH
Late Qing Dynasty Red Lacquered Elm Trunk. Made in Shandong East China, late 19th century. Feature a rectangular body with dovetail construction at the corners and lower carved rel...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
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 Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
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 Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine black lacquer console table with four drawers, waterfall legs, brass fitting, elegant and simple form, beautiful lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Elegant black lacquer console table with five drawers, brass fitting. Simple form and beautiful color. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared man...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Late 20th Century Burlwood Asian Ming Style Narrow Console Cabinet
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Asian Ming style narrow console cabinet, unbranded. Burlwood with smooth surface top, brass hardware & accents, and Ming style black lacquered feet. Features two doors revealing i...
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Asian Blue and White Glazed Ceramic Lamps - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Fantastic pair of vintage table lamps. Classic blue and white design with Asian characters on a Ming base shape. Rest on wooden plinths. Acquired from a Palm...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Ming Design Glazed Terracotta Tricolor Prancing Horse Sculpture on Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty style glazed terracotta prancing horse figure from the 20th century with polychrome finish. Crafted in the Ming style, this small terracotta prancing horse att...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Ming furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Ming furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, tables, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Century Furniture, George Zee, Broyhill, and Baker Furniture Company. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $195 and tops out at $690,000 while the average work can sell for $2,941.
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