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.
$1,746Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair J.L. George Ming Style Rosewood Bedside Tables
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of J. L George Ming Style Rosewood Bedside Tables in great vintage condition. Measures 22" in width, 15: in depth and 26.5" in height. Feature one drawer...
Rosewood
18th Century Polychrome Wood Statue of A Mongo Warrior Guard Ming Dynasty
Located in Somis, CA
A fantastic Ming dynasty polychrome wood statue of a Mongo warrior, standing firm and commanding, with large, alert, bulging eyes, a broad nose and mouth—facial features of the north...
Wood
16th Century Pottery Model of a Folding Chair, Ming dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This piece is an example of Mingqi, items specifically crafted for burial to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. The terracotta army is the most renowned example of such buria...
Pottery
Swatow Lidded Boxes in the shape of Waves and Flowers, Late Ming Era(16-17th c)
Located in seoul, KR
Small green-glazed boxes from the late Ming dynasty cargo. Identical pieces are included on page 142, 143 of the Bin Thuan catalog titled 'The Age of Discove...
Ceramic, Pottery
Chinese Ming Cobalt Brushed Rice Bowl, c. 1550
Located in Chicago, IL
This Ming-dynasty (1368-1644) bowl is attributed to the kilns of Yunnan province, painted in dark cobalt underglaze with flower blossoms and sweeping brushstrokes. Dated to the 15th/...
Earthenware
Antique Chinese Armchairs Pair Official Hat Yoke Back Carved Motifs Lacquered
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of fine antique lacquered Chinese armchairs in wonderful condition. Impressively sized and dripping with quality, this beautiful pair will add stunning bygone Orienta...
Elm
Chinese Ming Clouded Celadon Bowl, c. 1400
Located in Chicago, IL
This lovely earthenware bowl from the early Ming dynasty (1368-1644) is cloaked in an allover celadon glaze with smooth texture and an opaque, clouded finish. Once used daily for foo...
Earthenware
Moulded Goldfish Blue and White Dishes, Ming Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
Exquisitely decorated set of plates, dating back to around 1500, from the Hongzhi or Zhengde period. Intricately adorned with a raised, moulded goldfish design. The goldfish, painted in a orange-red enamel, are set amidst water plants depicted in rich cobalt blue. These plates enjoyed widespread popularity, not only in the local markets of China but also overseas in countries. This style of plate played a significant role in the daily life of the Sengoku period in Japan, as evidenced by several similar flat bowls excavated from the Ichijodani Asakura Ruins in Fukui Prefecture, Japan, along with other ceramic artifacts...
Ceramic
Pair of Small White porcelain Cup, Late Ming Era(16-17th Century)
Located in seoul, KR
Teacup from the late Ming dynasty shipwreck. An identical piece is included on page 141 of the Bin Thuan catalog titled Asian Ceramic Found along Maritime Si...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Chinese Ming Cobalt Brushed Jar, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This Ming-dynasty (1368-1644) storage jar is attributed to the kilns of Yunnan province, loosely decorated with cobalt underglaze in a manner typical of the region. Dated to the 15th...
Earthenware
$976Sale Price|30% Off
Chinese Ming Style Mahogany Stool with Cushion
Located in Germantown, MD
Chinese Mahogany Stool with thick Safari Theme Cushion Measures 21" in width, 17" in depth and 19.5" in height with Cushion and 16.5" in height without cushion.
Brass
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,...
Cotton, Linen
Pair of Blue White Porcelain Vase With Gilt Silver Phoenix Dragons, 20th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
The pair of Blue White Porcelain Vases with Gilt Silver Phoenix Dragons, dating from the 20th century, is an exquisite examples of decorative art, blending traditional Chinese porcel...
Silver
Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Tall Ming Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Boho Glazed ceramic vase. A classic Ming style in a black high gloss finish. Rests on a wooden plinth. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Ceramic
$850 / set
Set of Four Ming Musicians, 'Men'
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Ming musicians (men) 7.75h A set of glazed musicians with drums and trumpets. The base of the sculpture is 2 inches by 2.25 inches - the stand measures 3 inches by 3 inches. Whi...
Pottery
$2,796Sale Price / set|30% Off
Mid 20th Century Ming Style Rosewood Coffe Table with Protective Glass Top
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite Mid 20th Century Ming Style Rosewood cocktail Table with protective Glass Top. Pristine vintage condition with very light signs of use. Measures 40" in width, 20" in d...
Brass
Chinese Miniature Mingqi Skirted Table
Located in Chicago, IL
This miniature ceramic table is from Shanxi Province and may have been made to represent Mingqi, a type of ancient Chinese burial good. Mingqi were plac...
Ceramic
Antique Lacquered Chinese Console Table Side Desk Inlaid Jumu Elm Early 20th C
Located in London, GB
An extremely charming lacquered Chinese table in lovely antique condition. Traditionally crafted in China, most likely in the early Twentieth C...
Brass
Asian Ming Style Rosewood Upholstered Bench
Located in Germantown, MD
An Asian influenced bench by top-quality furniture maker Century Furniture, from their "Chin Hua" line designed by Raymond K Sobota. Clear lacquered hardwood in a classic Ming design...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Lady Guanyin Bodhisattva Gilded Wood Carving - Ming Dynasty, China 1368-1644 AD
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Magnificent Lady Guanyin Bodhisattva seated in Royal Relaxation pose hand-carved in Gilded Wood with traces of paint still visible. This expressi...
Wood
$1,326Sale Price|30% Off
Mid 20th Century Ebonized Rosewood Ming Style Horseshoe Back Lounge Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid 20th Century Ebonized Rosewood Ming Style horseshoe back lounge chair. Measures 29.5" in width, 25" in depth and 29" in height. Seat height is 14" and ATM height is 23.5". Seat ...
Rosewood, Paint
$1,155Sale Price|20% Off
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.
Rosewood
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...
Resin, Wood
Antique Ming Period Chinese Porcelain River Landscape Dish Kosometsuke Market
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing new arrival. An amazing Blue and white porcelain dish, Kosometsuke for the Japanese Market. Very interesting. China, Ming dynasty. Decorated in the centre with a river lan...
Porcelain
Price Upon Request
Antique Chinese Porcelain Serving Dish Ming Dynasty, 17th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Beautiful serving dish in blue and white with central a reverse decorated floral lotus scene, the walls with branches and the border with geometric design. The base has a six charact...
Porcelain