Ming Furniture
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.
1950s American Vintage Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Walnut
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stoneware
Late 20th Century North American Ming Furniture
Ceramic
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Enamel
Late 20th Century Colombian Ming Furniture
Horn, Upholstery, Wood
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Celadon
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery
20th Century Ming Furniture
Wicker
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Burl
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wool
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Lacquer
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Bronze
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
1970s North American Vintage Ming Furniture
Brass
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic, Pottery
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Hardwood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Bronze
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Earthenware
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Celadon
Late 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stone
1960s Hong Kong Vintage Ming Furniture
Rosewood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stone
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
16th Century Japanese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Clay
20th Century Asian Ming Furniture
Wood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Earthenware, Terracotta
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
20th Century Thai Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Resin, Wood
Late 20th Century Ming Furniture
Hardwood, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Mohair, Bouclé, Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Celadon, Porcelain
20th Century Ming Furniture
Teak
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery, Stoneware
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Brass
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Brass
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Celadon
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Celadon
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain