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 Dynasty Bronze Gu Beaker Vase
Located in Dallas, TX
Chinese bronze vase, Gu, the trumpet-shaped upper section cast with four blades filled with archaic designs. Center and lower sections depicting Toadies with very intricate backgroun...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style 1920s Red and Black Lacquered Drum Stool or Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style red and black lacquered drum stool from the early 20th century, with chinoiserie decor. Created in China during the first quarter of the 20th century, this Ming style drum stool will make for an excellent drinks table or plant Stand. Boasting a lovely black and red lacquered patina, the stool features a shaped top adorned with a delicate chinoiserie scene. This top is resting on a waisted apron, raised on an arching drum base with side stretchers. Ideal thanks to its versatile quality, this Chinese lacquered stool...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Gracie Studio Ming Style Lacquered Eight Panel Coromandel Screen
By Gracie
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare, bespoke lacquered eight-panel coromandel screen made in the Ming Dynasty style by Gracie Studio artisans in New York. Modern custom-made coromandel...
Category
20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Red Lacquer Altar Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Red lacquer altar table with everted flangers.
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed and Painted Pottery Figures, 16th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A striking pair of large Chinese glazed and painted pottery figures, Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), circa 16th century, China.
The impressive and realistically modeled figures each portrayed standing upright upon a sancai (three color) glazed pedestal of kang table form.
The man is dressed in a short black surcoat over a long robe and pants, a smart cap upon his head. His face is warm and welcoming, with wide eyes and a slight smile on his lips. He holds his hands out in front of him, palms up, almost as if shrugging, though presumably originally holding an object or offering, now lost.
The woman of slightly smaller stature, and dressed in a longer surcoat over a long robe and skirt. She wears a fitted cap upon her head. Her hands also held out in front, grasping long lost objects. Her face is slightly more severe, with a somewhat pinched look, and slight frown upon her lips.
The size of these figures is remarkable, as is the realism and attention to detail, almost as if they were modeled after real people, as opposed to the more common and generic Ming Dynasty pottery...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Antique Chinese Ming Style Waisted Stool with Horsehoof Legs and Rattan Inset
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden waisted stool from the early 20th century, with rattan inset, horse hoof legs and cloud motifs. Born in China during the early years of t...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Fine Red Lacquer Low Table with Fret Work Top
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine red lacquer low table / coffee table with fret work top, elegant fine red lacquer finished. Purchase red lacquer low table / coffee table also come with glass top that can place...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Carved and Painted Wood Sculpture of Guanyin
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful carving of Guanyin, shown standing on a rocky outcrop, mounted on a lobed wooden base. It was once used as a lamp, and can be rewired. Nice faded painted surface.
Guany...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
17th Century Pair of Painted Terra Cotta Chinese Gentlemen on Horses
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a unique pair of painted Chinese terra cotta gentlemen in native costumes on horseback, purported to be Ming.
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Clay
Ming Dynasty Style Vintage Elm Waisted Table with Humpbacked Stretcher
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty style vintage waisted altar console table from the mid-20th century, with horsehoof legs and humpbacked stretcher. Delve into the elegance of classical Chinese design ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Large Chinese Wooden Lacquered Box Decorated with Birds and Vegetal Motif
Located in Brea, CA
Chinese Art. A large wooden lacquered box decorated with birds and vegetal motif China, Ming dynasty, 17th century. 36cm x 6.5cm. Condition see more pictures.
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
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...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Ming Dynasty Style Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
A pair of Chinese hardwood chairs in well worn patina, crafted in the Ming dynasty style, late 19th century.
Perfect accent chairs of very fine...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Ming Square Table, circa 1890
Located in Somis, CA
An extraordinary 19th century oversize Ming square table. The table top is constructed of four frame members and rests on the waist and apron that connect to four rounded legs. Such ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
White Blanc de Chine Porcelain Vase with Fruit, Leaves and Vines
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Blanc de Chine white ceramic porcelain vase with a generous relief of fruit (peaches), leaves and vines, circa 20th century, China. Dimensions: 6.5" diameter x 12.5" heig...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Asian Cherry Wood Five Drawer Desk with Brass Hardware
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Asian style cherry five drawer desk with Asian style brass hardware.
Category
20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Cherry
Fine Jumu Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Jumu low table / coffee table. Table top is 46" wide 23" deep, from outside edge of legs is 49 1/2" wide 27" deep, 18" height. We carry f...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Pair of Carved Marble Garden Foo Lion Figures
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of opposing foo lions with elaborately carved curled fur and seated on bases. One places a paw on a ball, the other on an upside down baby foo lion. Overall fine time worn sur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Marble
Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Tomb Attendants with Zodiac Animals
Located in Dallas, TX
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Ming Dynasty.
A fabulous set of two mould-made, glazed ceramic zodiac figures. Each wearing long draping gowns of rich green, yellow and orange hues. Each figure ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Chinese 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 in ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Very Fine Chinese Porcelain Vase Mounted as Table Lamp
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Chinese porcelain vase mounted as a lamp with a round tiered gilt bronze or brass base embossed with berries and leaves. The lamp with cameos and panels of florals and birds that are...
Category
20th Century Asian Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Set of Six Guanmaoyi Yokeback Dining Chairs, circa 1960s
Located in Peabody, MA
A set of six Classic Chinese Guanmaoyi yokeback chairs in lacquered elmwood consisting of two armchairs and four sides. These elegant high back chairs are named for their resemblance...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Red Lacquer Chests
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pair of red lacquer chests with open doors and removable shelf inside on each chest, one drawer inside each chest.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Style Chinese Scholar's Cabinet
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful, Ming dynasty style scholar's cabinet. The doors and side panels are all solid single boards set with mitered, tenon and mortise construction. Two exterior and interior d...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Wedding Chair with Curving Back and Carved Splat
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty style elmwood wedding chair from circa 1900, with carved panels on the splat, curved arms, and gooseneck front posts. This early 20th-century Ming Dynasty style weddin...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Vintage Thai Red Lacquer Waisted Coffee Table with Rattan Inset and Chow Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Thai coffee table from the mid-20th century with red lacquered finish, rattan inset and chow legs. Born in Thailand during the midcentury period, this coffee table features...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Rattan
Ming-style Sculpture of Chinese Bodhisattva Guanyin, circa 1900s, 6518
Located in Ukiah, CA
A large Ming-style sculpture of Chinese Bodhisattva Guanyin, circa 1900s, from a century-old US collection. Dated circa 1900s based on the face (b...
Category
Early 20th Century Korean Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Jumu Wood End Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu wood end table with relief carving on apron and shelf and bottom stretchers.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Asian Wood and Marble Drinks Table or Plant Stand, Small
Located in New York, NY
A Chinese carved hardwood table or stand with a rose marble top, circa late-19th century to early-20th century, China. Piece is a rich da...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Marble
Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug with Ming Dynasty Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77449, antique Chinese Art Deco rug with Ming Dynasty style. This hand knotted wool antique Chinese Art Deco rug features a color-blocked field and border scheme festooned with asymm...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair of Jumu End Tables
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu wood end tables.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Golden Brown Glazed Martaban Water Jar with Tiger Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period glazed ceramic Martaban water jar from the 17th century, with tiger motifs and petite handles. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty era, this Martaban water jar features a golden brown patina perfectly accented with a relief decor showcasing a frieze of passing tigers. Topped with petite handles circling around the base of the neck, this Chinese Ming Dynasty Martaban jar...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Asian Amber Glass Vase or Urn
Located in Plainview, NY
A highly decorative vintage Asian amber glass vase or lid urn. The urn features a handcrafted flower brass design in the center of the vase, a round wooden base in black and gilt decorated. The lid of the urn is in the shape of a sword holder...
Category
Late 20th Century Asian Ming Furniture
Materials
Art Glass, Wood
Asian Solid Wood Ming Style Table Bench
Located in Somis, CA
Beautiful solid wood table finished all around. Top is of mitered, tenon and mortise, solid single board floating panel construction. Cinched waist and 4 hoof feet legs. A pair of ve...
Category
2010s Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Older Chinese Robe Rack in Cinnabar Paint
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine vintage robe rack with generous proportions having a good traditional form. There are two carved dragon head top elements that are powerfully carved, ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Antique Asian Wood Sculpture of the Laughing Buddha
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very large antique Asian wood carving of the iconic Laughing Buddha. The sculpture has great form, the Buddha with his right hand resting ...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
1960s Turquoise Lacquered Ming Style Chairs, a Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 1960s turquoise lacquered ming style pair of chairs. The finish and upholstery are vintage, and the chairs are unmarked. They are i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Ming Furniture
Materials
Ultrasuede, Wood
Asian Modern Style Credenza with Faux Malachite Accents by Henredon
By Henredon
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large Asian style credenza by Henredon. It makes a bold decorating statement with it’s hand painted faux malachite drawer fronts. It is marked and in very good condition.
Category
Late 20th Century Philippine Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Petite Chinese Ming Dynasty Period Glazed Pedestal with Polychrome Finish
Located in Yonkers, NY
A petite Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed pedestal from the 15th or 16th century with polychrome finish. Crafted in China during the prestigious Ming Dynasty, this petite pedestal table c...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Ming Dynasty Period Ancient Turquoise Roof Tile with Crane and Flower
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty period ancient roof tile with turquoise finish, crane and flower. Created in China during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), this ancient roof tile features a turqu...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Northern Chinese Kang Opium Bed with Chow Legs and Hand Carved Frieze
Located in Yonkers, NY
A large antique northern Chinese Ming Dynasty style kang opium bed from the early 20th century, with bulging chow legs and hand-carved frieze in scroll pattern. Born in China during ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Tall Attendant Figure, 16th-17th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A tall Chinese green and amber glazed figure of an attendant, Ming Dynasty, 16th-17th century, China.
The figure stands upon an integral plinth, dressed in long robes...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Ming Dynasty Carved Wood Budda
Located in Dallas, TX
A carved wood Budda from the Shanxi region, made during the Ming Dynasty. The carved figure has an ancient polychrome finish.
Category
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Schumacher Ming Vase Traditional Motif Multi-Color Two-Sided Pillow
By Schumacher
Located in New York, NY
Traditional motifs come out to play in this cheerful Ming vase design that evokes a definitive mood with its color way. A Schumacher Classics pattern featured as a decorative accent,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Ming Furniture
Materials
Cotton, Linen
Large Jumu Wood Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Large Jumu wood low table, antique kang table, can be used as coffee table.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Chinese Longquan Celadon Large Carved Sphere Porcelaneous Stoneware
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Ming dynasty Chinese longquan celadon large carved sphere porcelaneous stoneware.
This is unquestionably a very important and extremely rare example ...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Temple Censer
Located in Somis, CA
This exquisite Ming Xuan De style incense burner is the exact model of a traditional temple censer. The burner consists two parts, a large pot and a cove...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
18th or 19th Century Elm Doors with Iron Hardware Made into a Coffee Table
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of 18th or 19th century elm doors with iron hardware, fashion into a large Ming style coffee table. Created in China during the 18...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Iron
Antique Chinese Ebonized Hall Overmantle Mirror Carved Trumeau Chinoiserie
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Chinese ebonized Ming style hall, entry or over mantel mirror. Features ornate high relief scenes showing figures waterside by boat and inland Pagoda scene. Beveled. Measure:...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Hardwood
Chinese Carved Wood Teaching Buddha in Ming Style
Located in Atlanta, GA
A statue of standing Buddha (Shakyamuni), finely carved out a single block of wood (might be cypress based on the wood grains). Attired in a flowing robe with open chest, the Buddha ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Waisted Side Table with Woven Rattan Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style waisted side table from the early 20th century, with woven rattan top, humpbacked stretcher and horse hoof legs. Born in China during the early ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Chinese Ming Form Painting Table, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This Qing-dynasty painting table from Hunan province is a beautiful example of the elegance of Chinese furniture design. With its broad surface ideal for contemplating scrolls and pa...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Jumu Wood Asian Kang Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu wood antiques Asian Kang low table, can be use large coffee table or side table or bench seating with relief carving on the aprons.
The table is very sturdy and can be use for ...
Category
1870s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Style Wooden Incense Stand with Cabriole Legs and Carved Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming dynasty style square wooden waisted incense atand from the 19th century, with carved apron, cabriole legs and floor stretcher. Born in China during the 19th c...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Style Natural Wood Wedding Side Chair with Woven Rattan Seat
Located in Yonkers, NY
A single Chinese Ming dynasty style vintage wedding side chair from the mid-20th century, with woven rattan seat, curving back splat and natural wood patina. Born in China during the mid-century period, this elegant side chair...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Rattan
Antique Chinese Ming Style Altar Table with Carved Apron and Black Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming dynasty style altar console table from the 19th century, with black patina, everted flanges, carved spandrels and sides. Born in China during the 19th century...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Terracotta Courtsman Statuette with Original Polychromy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty painted terracotta courtsman figure with original polychromy. Attracting our eye with its weathered appearance and subtle polychromy, this Ming statuette featu...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Ming Dynasty Style Chinese Elm Sang de Bœuf Console Table with Carved Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style elm wood altar console table from the 19th century, with sang de bœuf patina and carved floral apron. Born in Chi...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
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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