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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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Style: Ming
Antique Chinese 17th Century Blue White Shunzhi / Kangxi Lotus Pond Porcelain
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely and rare decorated plate. Transitional / Early Qing, late 17th century. Decorated with lotus pond Condition 1 line, 2 small glaze line to rim (1 only visible out...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Enamel Bronze Mask Censer in the Shape of a Bell Bird, Japan, Edo or Meiji
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A tripod polychrome cloisonné incense burner, decorated with characters and masks. Unmarked, Japan, 19th century. Provenance: collection Nieuwenhove. Condition Overall ...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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

Antique Chinese 17c Kosometsuke Tianqi/Chongzhen Dish Porcelain Playing Boys
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A late Ming blue and white porcelain dish, Tianqi or Chongzhen, period circa1620-1635. This small Transitional porcelain saucer-shaped di...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Antique Chinese Wanli / Tianqi Kosometsuke Plate 1600-1644 Porcelain Ming Monk
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Lovely plate great scene of a monk Marked at base. Condition 1 line to rim and some rimfritting/mushikui. 2 firing flaws in base, 1 next to rim and 1 in circle. Size: 188 x 23...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Kaiseki Set of 5 Chinese Porcelain 17th C Kosometsuke Boy and Bird di
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely decorated set of 5 late ming blue and white porcelain dishes, Tianqi or Chongzhen Period c.1620-1635. Box included These...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Chinese Wood Statues of Guanyin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of polychrome carved wood statue depicting Guanyin, the Chinese goddess of Mercy. They were likely dated to late Qing dynasty but executed in Ming dynasty style. The Bodhisattva are in the seated "Royal Ease...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Carved Wood Bodhisattva Guanyin, Late Ming Dynasty, 17th Century
Located in Austin, TX
An attractive carved wood figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, known as Guanyin in China, late Ming Dynasty, early 17th century, China. Guanyi...
Category

Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Gesso, Wood

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

Ming Warrior Statue
Located in Somis, CA
An all original, 18th century, hand carved, solid wood statue of a young Ming warrior on horse. Warrior wears a full, elaborate armor fronted with a shield under a large circular col...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Ming Dynasty Period Green Glazed Miniature Armoire with Bracket Feet
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period miniature terracotta armoire with green glazed finish and bracket feet. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), this miniature terracott...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Antique Chinese KoSometsuke 17th Century Porcelain Ming Transitional Monkey Deer
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely decorated plate. A late Ming Ksometsuke porcelain dish, Tianqi or Chongzhen Period 1621–1644. Painted with a deer, monkey, butterfly, bird and pine tree. For similar examples of this listing see: Sheaf, C. (1989). Christies London, the Peony-Pavilion-Collection. Arts of Asia...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Ming Style Accent Side Table with Dark Wood Patina and Humpback Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming dynasty style accent side table from the early 20th century with dark wood patina, lower shelf and humpbacked apron. This elegant Chinese side table features ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese 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...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

17th Century Ming Dynasty Chinese Zitan Libation Cup Silver Inlaid
Located in Brea, CA
17th century Ming dynasty Chinese Zitan libation cup silver inlaid, of deep oval form , the exterior carved in high relief and undercut around the sides and base with gnarled branche...
Category

Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Ming Dynasty Lacquered and Gilt Bronze Bodhisattva, 17th Century
Located in Austin, TX
Chinese late Ming dynasty bronze figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, also known as Guanyin (Quan Yin, Kwan Yin, Kuan Yin), 17th century, China  The figure well cast in two ...
Category

Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Set of 8 Chinese Silver Lacquer Bowls with Mother of Pearl Inlaid
Located in Brea, CA
A fine set of 8 pieces Chinese lacquered and mother of pearl inlaid bowls with silvered interiors from the 18th century Qing Dynast...
Category

Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

17th Century Pair of Ming Dynasty Chinese ZiTan Inlaid Silver Cups
Located in Brea, CA
17th century a pair of Ming dynasty Chinese ZiTan inlaid silver cups, the exterior carved in high relief and undercut around the sides and base with Chi dragon, 5 edges with silver l...
Category

Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Jumu Wood Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Simple Jumu wood low table with framed cane top, beautiful wood grain and texture.
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese Solid Single Board Console Table
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful 19th century console table in the Ming style. The solid wood table of mitre, tenon and mortise construction, has a thick single board top that displays stunning wood grai...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Set of Five Stoneware Tomb Figurines of Musician Ming Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A group of five figurines made of terracotta and glazed in green and splash of yellow. These figurines of musicians were made as burial objects to be placed in the tomb, often as a l...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Chinese Taste Kosometsuke Tianqi/Chongzhen Dish Porcelain Go players
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely decorated plate. Late Ming. Go players in a mountain landscape under a palm tree and next to a pavillion. Dish on high foot. For similar examples of this listing see...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Large Chinese Martaban Ming Dynasty Stoneware Storage Vase with Dragons
Located in Dallas, 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 snail or dragon ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Chinese Stoneware Funeral Shrine Model and Figure Ming Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stoneware shrine model with a figurine made in Ming dynasty (15th-17th century) in China and used as funeral burial objects. It is not known whether the two objects were originally associated, but they display similar glaze and oxidation and were in the same collection. The stoneware building is an architectural rendering of a typical ancestor shrine used at the time. It features a single room behind an elaborate front with double doors, under a multiple layered eaves. There are great architectural and decorative details throughout. The green glaze shows a wonderful silvery oxidation, an indication that the piece was buried in the ground. The side appears to be glazed lightly originally and some scrape marks and oxidized glaze residues remains. The back is unglazed. The figure is a typical tomb figurine...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Antique Chinese 17th Century Kosometsuke Tianqi/Chongzhen Dish Porcelain Playing
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely decorated plate. Late Ming. Boys playing For similar examples of this listing see: S. Marchant & Son (2008). Ming Porcelain for the Japanese Market: ko-sometsuke ...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Ming Dynasty 15th or 16th Century Glazed Terracotta Funeral Table Mingqi
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty period glazed terracotta funeral table mingqi from 15th-16th century with food and drinks. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty, this terracotta funeral table showcases a typical Chinese altar, painted in green with tempera and adorned with a lovely variety of modeled and painted miniature food and drinks such as cakes. Called Mingqi, these kinds of terracotta models were traditionally placed in Chinese burials...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Scholar' Armchairs with Rattan Seats
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style elm scholar's chairs from the early 20th century, with unusual upper rail, carved panels on the splats, curved arms and rattan seats. Born in Chi...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Elm, Rattan

Antique Chinese Ming Style Elmwood Waisted Side Table with Horsehoof Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style elmwood waisted side table from the early 20th century, with woven rattan top and horse hoof legs. Born in China during the early years of the 2...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Elm

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 Style Sacai Glazed Pottery Figure of a Horse China with C.O.A.
Located in New York, NY
Realized between 1368AD-1644 AD, this stunning documented horse figurine was realized in China during the Ming period. Executed using a Sacai glaze, the sculpture offers a cream colo...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Ceramic Glazed Guardian Ming Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stoneware figure depicting a seated armored warrior with a striking pose circa 15th-17th century. He is likely one of the four heavenly kings, th...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Petit Chinese Ming Dynasty 17th Century Terracotta Granary with Verdigris Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A 17th century Chinese Ming Dynasty granary hand made from terracotta with a verde-gris patina. This miniature of a traditional Chinese granary features a conical top and rests on th...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Ming Style Altar Table with Foliage Carved Frieze and Open Fretwork
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style altar console table from the 19th century, with scrolls-carved apron, and open fretwork motifs. Attracting our attention with its elegant lines and skilf...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Japanese Painting. Bird and Flower. 19th century copy of Lu Ji by Ogata Tomin.
Located in Kyoto, JP
Ogata Tomin (1839 -1895) Birds in a spring landscape Ink and colour on silk. Inscription reads: “Copy of Lu Ji, painted with heartfelt appreciation” “Painted by Tomin Ogat...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Silk

Majestic Zhangzhou Swatow Charger Ko Akae Verte China Ming Dynasty
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Majestic and large Chinese Ming period Swatow charger with beautiful and rare scene of two phoenixes in a landscape scene. Other birds flying around. The enamel is not in good condit...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Nesting Tables Set of 4 Ming Hua Li Wood
Located in Somis, CA
Our Chinese nesting tables are very elegant and versatile. Each and every table is a complete piece on its own, unlike most other sets with one of the stretchers removed to accommoda...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Petite Chinese Ming Dynasty Period Glazed Table with Polychrome Finish
Located in Yonkers, NY
A petite Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed table from the 15th or 16th century with polychrome finish. Crafted in China during the prestigious Ming Dynasty, this petite table charms us wit...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Ming Dynasty 15th or 16th Century Chinese Glazed Terracotta Funeral Table Mingqi
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty period glazed terracotta funeral table mingqi from 15th-16th century with food in dishes. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty, this terracotta funeral table showcases a typical Chinese altar, painted in green with tempera and adorned with a lovely variety of modeled and painted miniature foods such as cakes and breads. Called Mingqi, these kinds of terracotta models were traditionally placed in Chinese burials...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Elm Altar Large Console Table
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Chinese console table with hand carved spandrels on both side of the table. A long elmwood altar or console table features side panels with carved, stylized ruyi motifs, a sacred fu...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Elm

Pair of Fine Black Lacquer End Tables
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine black lacquer end tables. Simple and elegant form. Beautiful color and form. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been app...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Pair of Jumu End Tables
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu wood end tables.
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rare and Unusual Antique Kashgar Rug with Mughal Pattern
Located in Milan, IT
A very rare small format, very finely knotted antique rug from the oasis of Kashgar, located in eastern Turkestan. Distinguished by a unique soft red background and by an all-over pattern consisting of a trellis containing a directional floral blossom motif characteristic of the Indian Mughal Dynasty...
Category

Early 19th Century East Turkestani Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wool

Rare Antique Chinese Ningxia Rug with Blue Lotus Flowers on a Blush Pink Field
Located in Milan, IT
This rare Ningxia rug features a blush pink background decorated by a directional pattern of large blue lotus flowers, symbols of long life, connected by a thin leafy vinery. The blu...
Category

Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

Antique Chinese Porcelain Ming Wanli Chinese Plate Rare Decoration
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely decorated plate with a rare size 14-11-18-1-1 Condition Overall condition a (Good) lots of rimfrits as to be expected from this type of kraak porcelain. ...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Elaborately Carved Scholar’s Bench
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very fine antique bench with masterful carving, superb proportions and in all original condition. The crest rail and back with openwork panels of confronting dragons in the clouds....
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Stone

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Elm Cabinet with Doors, Drawers and Removable Panel
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty style elmwood antique cabinet from the 19th century, with two doors, drawers and lower removable panel. Crafted in China during ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

Ming Period Stucco Head of a Court Lady with Original Paint Mounted on Stand
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period stucco head of a court lady from the 15th or 16th century, mounted on a wooden stand. Crafted in China during the Ming Dynasty, this stucco head is moun...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood, Stucco

Jumu Wood Bench with Tapered Legs
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu wood bench with tapered legs, solid plank wood top with cloud motif apron. Top seating surface dimension is 43" wide, 6 1/2" deep With Tapered legs ...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture

Materials

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique 17C Chinese Porcelain Ming China Swatow Zhanghou Blue Ground
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very beautiful plate, rare monochrome blue ground. Great study material. Condition Overall Condition; 2 large crackle line in central plate, 1 running out in a hai...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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

Pair of Early 19th Century Chinese 'Lazy Chairs' in Walnut and Black Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of 'Lazy Chairs' in walnut, black lacquer with a natural cracked wear that gives the chairs an exciting and artistic look. Ming style, early 19th century China. The term 'Lazy'...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Walnut, Lacquer

Antique Chinese Kosometsuke circa 1600-1644 Porcelain China Plate Wanli Lot
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A fabulous and rare Kosometsuke plate 11-2-20-1-1 All will be packed neat and sent track and trace and insurance. Registered airmail Condition: Overall condition; silver res...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

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 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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