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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
Ming Style Chinese Natural Wood Horseshoe Armchair with Carved Splat and Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty style natural wood horseshoe back armchair from the mid 20th century, with carved splat and apron. Born in China during the mid-century period, this armchair c...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

THOMASVILLE Burl Oak Asian Ming Influenced Parquetry End Side Tables - Pair
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of Asian Ming influenced side tables by Thomasville. Oak with burl oak parquetry design to top, Ming style apron and legs. Made in North Carolina, USA, circa 1988. Style #: ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Oak

Chinese Antique Side Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
Antique Elm wood Side Cabinet. Ming style clean lines side cabinet night stand. Elmwood Side cabinet with shelf inside. Traditional timeless design with a modern sensibility. This is a great cabinet for small places, nightstand, end table for sofa...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Elm

George Zee Rosewood Chinese Chippendale Sectional Sofa
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Phenomenal mid century George Zee Teak sectional. Superb detailing in fretwork with classic Ming legs. Versatile in placement. Solid and heavy. From the estate of an executive with T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

BROYHILL PREMIER Chinoiserie Ming Style Tri-Fold Dresser Mirror
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Chinoiserie Ming style tri-fold dresser mirror by Broyhill Premier. Hardwood, burlwood and black lacquer with brass accents. Features bevel edge center mirror with a traditional M...
Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

1960s George Zee Rosewood Chinoiserie Flip Top Bar Server
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Ming Dynasty Style Daybed/Coffee Table
Located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Made in China during the mid-19th century, its original purpose was as an "Opium Bed." The top features a woven rattan insert. The piece is finished in red lacquer, showing an age-r...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Wooden Coffee Table with Hand-Woven Rattan Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style square-shaped wooden coffee table from the 19th century, with original distressed finish and hand-woven rattan top. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period in the 19th century, this coffee table features the stylistic characteristic of the Ming Dynasty. The table presents a square top with woven rattan inset, adorned with a reeded edge on all sides. Showcasing its original finish with a nicely distressed patina revealing its age and use, the table is raised on four straight legs connected to one another through humpback stretchers. With its elegant Ming lines and great patina, this Qing Dynasty wood and rattan coffee table...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Chinese Antique Carved and Painted Altar Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A notable late 19th century carved wood altar table in old red and black paint now worn to a nice patina with a particularly decorative form. The plank top with tenons and carved edg...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Simple black lacquer console table with waterfall legs, elegant color and lines. 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

A Ming Style Cinnabar Lacquer and Brass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
The rectangular top with attractive craquelure, raised on shaped legs; with brass trimming to edges.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair Of Chinese Vintage Horseshoe Back Hardwood Armchairs
Located in Norwood, NJ
A pair of Chinese hardwood horseshoe back armchairs, each curved back with downswept arms and outswept hand grips, centering on an elegant shaped carved splat, flanked by cylindrical...
Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

Pair of George Zee Two Tier Rosewood End Tables, circa 1960s
Located in Germantown, MD
For your consideration is this fabulous pair of vintage Rosewood carved end tables, by George Zee. Stacked Ming style Chinese side table / end tables - hand crafted with kiln dried...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Mid 20th Century Oak Chinese Ming Armchair with Rush Seat
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Chinese Ming style armchair, unbranded. Solid oak with a chestnut color finish, slender curved arms that form the crest rail, "V" shaped backres...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Rush, Oak

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Single Drawer Blue Lacquer Table with Horse Hoof Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style blue lacquer side table from the early 20th century with single drawer and horse hoof legs. Created in China during the ear...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Vintage Lamp Table with Humpback Stretchers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese vintage side lamp table from the mid 20th century, with horse hoof feet and humpback stretchers. Created in China during the midcentury pe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Chinese Porclelain Celedon Planters
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Chinese porcelain fish bowls with a celadon glaze and embosed floral design. These jardinieres are a nice scale with a beauiful ...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Linen Glass Cabinet with Carved Wood
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful 20th century solid wood custom linen press with glass door. The cabinet is constructed with three frame members, among them two are inset with choice elm woods that form the sides. The elm woods with grains of swirls and sweeps resemble the Chinese mountain and water scene. The unique front...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Ming Dynasty Bronze Nanhai Guanyin, 16th/17th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A decidingly charming Chinese polychromed and gilt cast bronze figure of Nanhai Guanyin, Guanyin of the South Sea, Ming Dynasty, 16th/17th century, China. Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, is portrayed here as a beatific figure seated upon a raised lotus pedestal over waves. Guanyin is dressed in heavy robes, and wears an elaborate headdress. The small figure of Amitabha Buddha in the headdress positively identifies this figure as Guanyin. Guanyin rests one hand in his lap, holding a cup of pure water said to be able to alleviate all suffering. His other hand is raised, holding a willow branch which is used to sprinkle the healing waters. The two lotus blossoms to either side of Guanyin would originally have supported figures of the acolytes...
Category

Early 1600s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Huge Zaccagnini Pottery Mid Century Italian Ming Lamp Vintage 1950's Turquoise
Located in Wilton, CT
Huge Zaccagnini pottery square lamp with bands of Ming themed decor, flanges at the corners, and fabulous turquoise glaze, circa 1950's. Approx. 39" high overall, 24" to top of pottery, 11" square. 3 way switch. Glass bulb cover/shade holder. Heavy lamp...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Ming Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Large Scale Glazed Pottery Jar Form Table Lamps
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine pair of very large glazed pottery Jar Form Table Lamps mounted on turned wood bases. Large, ceramic, egg shaped table lamps have a white gr...
Category

20th Century Ming Furniture

Materials

Pottery

James Mont Lacquered Horse Shoe Chairs w/ New Silk Upholstery by Century, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Opulent pair of large James Mont Ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century Furniture. Designed by James Mont ,these chairs epitomize his over ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

1970s, Ming Style One Drawer Side Tables with Protective Glass Tops, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of 1970s Ming style one drawer side tables with protective glass tops in very good vintage condition. 100% All real hard wood. Rock solid pieces. Protective Smoke glass tops.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Ming Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Ming Style Ceramic Table Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Ming style ceramic table lamp in white. Decorated with hand painted iris and lily flowers with foliage in a golden brown color palette. Stands on a brown wooden base with four Ming...
Category

Late 20th Century Ming Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Abacus Solid Brass Set of Two
Located in Somis, CA
A set of 2 beautiful, solid brass abacuses. Fine constructed, the rectangular frame divided into an upper and lower deck with a beam, each deck with 17 ( ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

Chinese Ming period Dynasty Buddhist Incense Burner with a Rock Crystal Finial
Located in Hudson, NY
The Ming period or Great Ming Period is the last Han ruled dynasty in Chinese history. Considers a high mark culturally and influenced by great events at ho...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Rock Crystal

Antique Chinese Pictorial Tapestry with Traditional Crane Design
Located in Dallas, TX
77548, antique Chinese pictorial tapestry with traditional crane design. This hand knotted wool antique Chinese pictorial tapestry features a large red-crowned crane design set against an abrashed neutral field. The crane is depicted standing on one leg with its wings outstretched while perched atop a cliff alongside several bamboo plants. The crane is one of the most widely used symbols throughout Chinese art and literature and figures heavily in Chinese mythology. The creature is thought to represent longevity, immortality, nobility, and fidelity. It is often represented alongside bamboo, as it is in this piece, another symbol of longevity. The warm sepia backdrop recalls ancient Chinese scrolls...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wool

Vintage Thai Ming Style Low Drinks Table with Horsefoot Feet and Natural Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Ming Dynasty style Thai teak wood low drinks table from the mid-20th century with natural patina, carved apron and horse hoof extremities. Cr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Ming Furniture

Materials

Teak

19th Ming Chinese Bronze Duck
Located in Pasadena, TX
Bronze standing duck. Standing neck raised and mouth open with detailed feathers. 14.5 high.
Category

Late 18th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Red Coral Carving of Guan Yin over Lotus Flower
Located in Gainesville, FL
Chinese red coral carving of Kwan Yin over the lotus flower. The figure is attached to the wooden stand with overall dimension 6 " tall, 2 1...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Coral

Ming Style Arm Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
James Mont Ming Style Lounge Chair Solid wood ebonized frame with traditional Ming legs. Rich burl back inset. Turquoise cushion.
Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Burl

Vintage Coastal Cerused Knotty Pine Ming Coffee Table
Located in west palm beach, FL
Stunning vintage Ming coffee table. A beautiful high profile on a cerused knotty pine finish. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate
Category

Late 20th Century North American Ming Furniture

Materials

Pine

17th Century Ming Dynasty Carved Stone Barrel #02 (Pair or Individually)
Located in Chicago, IL
- Sold individually or as a pair - 17th Century Ming Dynasty carved stone barrel, with Foo Dog handles, floral reliefs and bat wing decoration. The Chinese symbol for bat and for go...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Marble

Chinese Ming Dynasty 17th Century Three-Color Glazed Terracotta Temple Roof Tile
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period temple roof tile from the 17th century, with turquoise finish, bird and flower. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this ancient templ...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

17th Century Ming Dynasty Carved Stone Barrel #01
Located in Chicago, IL
17th Century Ming Dynasty carved marble garden seat with Foo Dog handles, floral reliefs and bat wing decoration. The Chinese symbol for bat and fo...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Marble

Asian Modern Lounge Chairs Style of Michael Taylor
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of Asian Modern walnut lounge chairs with original ultra-suede type upholstered seat and back cushions. In the style of Michael Taylor - Far East Collection for Baker Furniture....
Category

Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Ultrasuede, Walnut, Latex

Korean Ceramic Water Dropper Joseon Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small Korean ceramic water dropper in square form circa 19th century late Joseon Dynasty. It features an underglaze blue painting of a full cluster of ...
Category

19th Century Korean Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Ming Style Early 20th Century Brown Drink Table with Pillar Strut Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style brown wooden side table from the early 20th century, with reeded apron, pillar strut motifs, hump back stretchers an...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Large and Narrow Chinese Altar Console, 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Large and narrow Chinese altar console, 20th century Scrolling and geometrical motifs Nicely distressed patina, with dark red/burgundy hue We ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Elm

Ming Dynasty Style Coffee Table with Green Lacquer Top and Natural Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Chinese Ming Dynasty style low square-shaped coffee table from the mid 20th century with green lacquer top and horse hoof legs. Created in China during the Midcentury period, this Ming style table features a dark green lacquered top with central board, sitting above a waisted apron with curving accents. Raised on four legs with horse hoof extremities, the table boasts a nicely distressed patina, slightly different on all sides. With its clean lines, contrasting colors and rustic flair, this vintage Ming Dynasty style Chinese low coffee table...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

1970s Ming Style Rosewood Horseshoe Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
For your consideration is Pair of rosewood horseshoe chairs. Chairs are in good condition. They measure 23"W x 19"D x 39"H. Seat is 20" high.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Style 1920s Horseshoe Back Bamboo Armchairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style 1920s horseshoe back bamboo armchairs a pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style horseshoe back armchairs from the early 20th century, with fretwork moti...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Antique Chinese Food Presentation Covered Box
Located in Forney, TX
A remarkable antique food box from the Shanxi province, North China, late Ming (1368-1644) to early Qing (1644-1912) Dynasty. An extraordinary e...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Ayutthaya Lacquered And Gilt Bronze Buddha Head 15th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
Ayutthaya Lacquered and Gilt Copper Bronze Buddha Head Circa 15th Century A beautifully lacquered and gilt bronze Buddha head from the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Thailand, circa 15th ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Extra Large Martaban Vase
Located in Houston, TX
Large Martaban Ming dynasty stoneware storage vase with dragons, 14th century. Beautiful Ochoa and yellow brown glaze with decorated dragons and Ming clouds. Applied dragon...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Asian Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Early 20th Century Shop Sign Console Table with Carved Calligraphy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style shop sign console table from the early 20th century, with calligraphy and cylindrical legs. Created in China during the early years of the 20th century, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinoiserie Chow Leg Ming Style Sofa Console Table Attributed to Schnadig Intl
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning chinoiserie chow leg Ming style sofa table with two beveled glass inserts and burl wood inlays. They are attributed to Schnadig Furniture I...
Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Burl

Max Kuehne Chinese Ming Style Coffee Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Ming style coffee table in a lacquered finish with carved floral decoration and silver leaf tone. Signed by Max Kuehne a German born artist who worked in America became part of the Rockport artist...
Category

Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Chinese Vintage Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Low Prayer Table with Fretwork Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Chinese Ming style elmwood prayer table from the mid 20th century, with fretwork top and horse hoof feet. Created in China during the midcentury period, this low elmwood prayer table captures our attention with its square fretwork top sitting above a waisted apron. Raised on four straight legs with horse hoof extremities, the table is adorned with a discreetly carved apron on all sides. With its clean lines and warm patina, this Ming style Chinese prayer table...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Elm

19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Bi Disks, Set of 3
Located in Forney, TX
An exceptional antique trio of hand carved Ming Dynasty Chinese bi disks, dated to the late 19th century, featuring three distinctive circular stones wit...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Stone

Antique Asian Temple Stone Relief Carved Architectural Element
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent, rare, one of a kind, ancient Asian temple stone architectural panel, likely frieze fragment. Born in Asia, pre-18th century, most likely mu...
Category

18th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Stone

Chinese Ming Dynasty Terracotta Official Statuette with Original Polychromy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A petite Chinese Ming dynasty green glazed terracotta court official figurine from the 15th or 16th century, with original polychromy. Attracting our eye with its nice polychromy, th...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Thai Southeast Asian Bronze Seated Buddha, Circa 17th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
Possibly Khmir period but probably just after. Bronze buddha seated in bhumisparsha mudra on stepped base, remnants of earlier gilding throughout, I have been dealing in ancient bronze Buddhas...
Category

17th Century Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Asian Hard Stone Disc
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Chinese hard stone disc on black metal stand, beautiful form, color and texture. Measures: 7" wide, 8.2" total height included stand. Stone disc itself...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Stone

Fine Square Red Lacquer Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
An simple and elegant square red lacquer square low table. Beautiful form, lines and color. We carry Fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many times in ...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Oriental Chinese Side Chair
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Asian Chinese Ming style side chair in solid wood. Handcrafted in Hong Kong. Great to use as en entry chair, side chair or office chair. Very g...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Attendants
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed earthenware figure of Attendant The condition of these 5 century old glazed pottery tomb figures is outstand...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Chinese Horseshoe Chairs Oversize 19th Century
Located in Somis, CA
A pair of extra large, sold wood, 19th century Chinese Horseshoe Chairs. The solid, 2" thick, continuous rounded crest rail is composed of thre...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm

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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