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.
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Jade
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Brass
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Gesso, Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Brass
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Rosewood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wool
1980s Thai Vintage Ming Furniture
Gold, Enamel
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Jade
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Walnut
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Bronze
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Multi-gemstone, Brass
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Earthenware, Terracotta, Pottery
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Earthenware
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stoneware
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Rosewood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Marble
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Bronze
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
17th Century Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Brass
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stone
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Metal
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Copper
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery
17th Century Dutch Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Furniture
Stoneware
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm, Wood
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Velvet, Rosewood
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Stone
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stoneware
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic, Stoneware
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Bronze
20th Century Singaporean Ming Furniture
Hardwood, Mahogany
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Terracotta
20th Century Japanese Ming Furniture
Porcelain
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Iron
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Bamboo, Wood
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Earthenware
15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Ming Furniture
Bronze
1970s Vintage Ming Furniture
Tapestry, Chenille, Cane, Walnut
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Furniture
Celadon
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Ming Furniture
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Grasscloth, Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm