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
Period: 19th Century
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
Antique Meiji Period 19 / 20C Japanese Porcelain Swan/Geese Charger Arita
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Haring with you this very nice piece with what seems to be 2 flying swans. They could also be Geese.
Unmarked at base.
Condition
Perfect, just some frits to base rim. Size: 37...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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 appeared many times in "Architect...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Wood Horseman
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Hand Carved Glazed Wood Horse with Rider
22 tall x 22 w x 5.5 d
Preowned Original vintage unrestored condition. Vintage p...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
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
19th Century, Ming Style Official's Hat Chair
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese "Official's Hat Chair" in elmwood. Ming style.
Named "Official's Hat Chair" as the chair mimics the brimmed hats of Chinese government workers in th...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Pair of Armchairs "Official Back", c. 1840
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of "Official Back" armchairs. In Chinese "Yoku Back"
Untouched made in elm wood, burgundy lacquer and natural age-related patina with clear lacquer as surface finish.
Called "...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Chinese Blackened Huanghuali Chair
Located in Cape Town, WC
This huanghuali chair from the Ming dynasty is a revised iteration from the previous Song dyntasty; in which archaistic expressions were drawn upon a...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
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 Chinese Imperial Emperor Ancestral Painting on Silk
Located in Miami, FL
Antique 19th century painting on silk depicting a Ming Dynasty Chinese emperor.
Beautifully executed with great details. Hand-painted o...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Silk, Wood, Paint
19th Century Chinese Red Lacquered End Table
Located in London, GB
Chinese red lacquered end table, dating to the 19th century designed in the Ming style.
Dimensions: H48 x W39.5 x D30 cm.
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer, 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
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
Museum Quality Antique Chinese Pillar Rug with Lotus Flowers
Located in Milan, IT
A very unusual long and narrow pillar rug, decorated by large lotus flowers with tracery in a manner reminiscent of Ming period weavings. It is very finely ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
Fine Antique Blue Peking Imperial Dragon Carpet, Circa 1880
Located in Milan, IT
A central, five-clawed dragon (the symbol of both the forces of nature and the Chinese emperor), is surrounded by four other dragons, all floating on an indigo blue background. At bo...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
Six Posted Canopy Bed with Carved Fretwork Railings circa 1800 Suzhou Double Bed
Located in 10 Chater Road, HK
Fine six-posted canopy bed.
The bed base with a rounded-front edged frame and a caned top, supported on circular-sectioned legs decorated with straight stretchers and vertical stru...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Square Low Table
Located in 10 Chater Road, HK
The fine table topped with a floating panel set within an ice-plate edged frame, above a waist, the plain apron extending to form the circular-sectioned legs, braced with straight st...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
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 Two Blue & White Porcelain Glazed Yuan-Style Weights
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Two Chinese Blue & White under glazed porcelain weights in the Yuan (1279-1368) style but probably later. The weights are of tapered square-section shape with a rounded pierced top w...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Mint Antique Imperial Chinese Ningxia Throne Back Cover with Lion Dogs
Located in Milan, IT
A rare example of Ningxia Chinese throne back cover of Imperial quality in pristine condition. A true gem distinguished by a plethora of shades of red, ...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wool
Antique Indigo Blue Geometric Ningxia Chinese Rug with Rosettes in Compartments
Located in Milan, IT
A rare and unusual Chinese rug decorated with an all-over pattern of eight-petalled rosettes, joined together to form a lattice in the negative of which is the longevity motif, that ...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
Chinese Ming Style Alter Cabinet or Sideboard
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese Ming dynasty style altar cabinet or sideboard from Shanxi province, China.
Elm and dark yellow lacquer with a beautiful age-related patina.
Three drawers over two bi-fold d...
Category
Mid-19th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
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
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
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
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
Fine Antique Blue Peking Chinese Rug with Scrolling Lotus Flowers
Located in Milan, IT
A very finely woven antique Chinese rug woven in the Imperial workshops of Peking. Distinguished by an elegant pattern of scrolling lotus flowers on an indigo background, this type r...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wool
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
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
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
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
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
19th Century Chinese Apothecary Balance Scale Stand
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Large Chinese carved wood apothecary balance scale with stand and storage drawer cabinet. It features beautiful carved fretwork on the top and sides...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare Antique Kansu Rug with Tiger Pelt Pattern and Confronting Dragons
Located in Milan, IT
This rug belongs to a small group of weavings recently defined as RKO because of their distinctive design, consisting of a sequence of bands with strokes and dashes that are reminiscent of the sonic sound waves present on the logo of the RKO motion picture company. The structural characteristics of this piece, together with the type of wool employed, indicate its origin to the district of Kansu, of which we know only fifteen examples. The field pattern is clearly a rendition of a tiger pelt...
Category
Early 19th Century East Turkestani Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wool
Black & Green Lacquer Consol Table, Shandong, 1830-1840
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese Altar console / side table with everted ends on the top, square legs with stretchers.
Original lacquer, black with green lacquer top.
Natural age-related patina which is high...
Category
1830s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Butterfly Cabinet with Carved Spandrels and Doors
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden butterfly cabinet from the 19th century, with carved spandrels, drawers, doors and dark patina. Born in China during the 19th century, this exquis...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinoiserie Lacquered Square Display Table, c. 1800s
Located in 10 Chater Road, HK
The fine square table is topped with a floating panel, enclosed within a flush sided frame, supported on square-sectioned corner legs, braced with straight stretchers and vertical st...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm, Lacquer
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
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
Antique Chinoiserie Walnut Square Display Table with Fretwork Aprons, c. 1800’s
Located in 10 Chater Road, HK
The table is topped with a floating panel, enclosed within a frame decorated with molded ice-plate edge and open-carved reticulated scroll aprons, supported on corner legs carved wit...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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
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 Style Elm Altar Cabinet with Carved Sides, Drawers and Doors
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming dynasty style altar cabinet from the 19th century, with everted flanges, two drawers over double doors and carved sides. Behold the resplendent allure of this antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style altar cabinet, a 19th-century treasure from the Qing Dynasty period that exudes an aura of serene elegance. Marrying graceful lines with exquisite craftsmanship, this cabinet is a quintessential piece for those who wish to infuse their living spaces with a touch of timeless oriental charm.
The cabinet’s rectangular top is beautifully flanked by two everted flanges, crafting a dignified silhouette. Below the top, an understated yet sophisticated façade reveals two drawers adorned with delicate brass teardrop pulls. The drawers’ simplistic beauty is harmoniously balanced by the double doors beneath, which feature a captivating round medallion lock.
One's gaze is irresistibly drawn to the cabinet’s sides, intricately carved with scrolled motifs that reflect the craftsmanship and artistry of the Qing Dynasty. The cabinet offers convenient storage space within, providing a functional elegance to any room.
Standing tall on straight legs, the cabinet's carved apron adds an additional layer of refined details. The patina, rich with stories of yesteryears, enhances the cabinet's enigmatic appeal.
Measuring 34.5 inches high without the everted flanges, this Chinese altar cabinet...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ming Style Altar Table with Everted Flanges, Cloud Motifs and Mythical Creatures
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style altar console table with carved apron, everted flanges, cloud motifs and mythical creatures. Attracting our attention with its elegant lines and skillful...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Ju Mu Wood Scholar's Cabinet
Located in Greenwich, CT
A refined and elegant tapered ju mu wood scholar's cabinet, elegant form, beautiful wood grain, 19th century, We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appe...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese 19th Century Elmwood Center Hall Table with Ming Dynasty Stone Inset
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese 19th century elmwood center hall table with Ming dynasty 15th or 16th century courtyard stone inset. Born in China during the 19th century, this elegant center table...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
Set of Five Chinese Antique Screens Ming Style
Located in Somis, CA
A set of beautiful Chinese antique screens in natural finish. Each of the five screens has a middle section featuring a different flower, symbo...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Ju Mu Wood Altar Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
A refined ju mu wood altar table with everted flanges, supported by straight legs, beautiful color, form and lines. We carry fine quality furniture wi...
Category
Late 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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