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
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine black lacquer console table with four drawers, waterfall legs, brass fitting, elegant and simple form, beautiful lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Fine Jumu Console Table with Drawers
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Jumu wood console table with four drawers and brass fitting. Simple and elegant form. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many times in "...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Magnificent Court Attendants in Terracotta - Ming Dynasty, China 1368-1644 AD TL
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
A magnificent pair of male and female courtiers from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE) in excellent condition. They are wearing traditional Daopao robes in green and black garments wit...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Chinese Four-Fold Screen with Cranes, Lotuses, Peonies, and Bamboo, 1963
Located in Tonbridge, Kent
Chinese Four-Fold Screen with Cranes, Lotuses, Peonies, and Bamboo, 1963, "Creek Dwelling" Workshop
Description:
An authentic Chinese fou...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Ming Style Chinese Chair
Located in Milano, IT
This Chinese chair, dating from the late 1800s and crafted in the Ming style, is a fascinating example of traditional Chinese art and craftsmanship. The da...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
$1,800
Chinese Ming Hongmu Kang Table, c. 1650
Located in Chicago, IL
During winter in the colder provinces of China, life revolved around the kang, a heated brick platform that household members would sit or recline upon. Placed on top of the kang, lo...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Max Kuehne Chinese Ming Style Coffee Table
By Max Kuehne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Ming style coffee table in a lacquered finish with carved floral decoration and silver leaf tone. Signed by Max Kuehne a German born artist who worked in America became part of the Rockport artist...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antique Early 17th Century Ming Chinese Porcelain Dish Fishnet Plum Pattern
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A Chinese porcelain dish.
With design of plum blossoms against an overall fishnet pattern, also dots in repeat. Executed in underglaze blue and overglaze green and red.
Tianqi or Cho...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Simple black lacquer console table with waterfall legs, elegant color and lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many times in "Architecture Digest...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
$3,680 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$1,632 Sale Price
20% Off
A Rare Large Wucai Dragons and Phoenix Jar, Ming dynasty Longqing Emperor
Located in seoul, KR
The blue dragon and the red dragon are depicted in dynamic postures, each extending its claws to grasp a ruyi pearl (如意珠). The phoenix is adorned with flowing feathers and delicate c...
Category
16th Century Hong Kong Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
$10,500 Sale Price
30% Off
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Elegant black lacquer console table with five drawers, brass fitting. Simple form and beautiful color. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared man...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Antique early 20th century Dutch Delft Iznik Style Earthenware Jug ca 1910
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A small, beautifully shaped spherical jug with a slightly tapering neck by De Porceleyne Fles. Dated between 1910–1930, it belongs to the 'Nieuw Delfts' series, inspired by ceramics ...
Category
17th Century Dutch Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Asian Well's Wooden Water Bucket
Located in Greenwich, CT
Asian well's water wooden water bucket with handle surrounded with cast iron brackets. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and ha...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Gilt Bronze Buddha Young Shakyimuni Statue 31 Lb
Located in Somis, CA
The magnificent 31 lb bronze Buddha statue, crafted in the Ming dynasty style, captivates with its timeless beauty and serene presence. Depicting a young Shakyamuni, the statue exude...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$2,840 Sale Price
20% Off
Asian Modern Grasscloth Wrapped Ming Style Console Tables Att. Baker Furn. -Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of Ming style grasscloth wrapped console tables attributed to Baker Furniture Company. They both are in very good condition. The textured grasscloth is a deep almost b...
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Grasscloth, Wood
Carved Camphor Wood Trunk As Cocktail Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Camphor wood trunk with hinged lid, heavily and intricately carved with raised panels of landscapes, trees, pagodas, foliate motifs set against a background of flowers throughout. Th...
Category
20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Unusual 17th Century Chinese Porcelain Ming Period Incense Container Tianqi
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this lovely and unusual Chinese porcelain incense container from the late Ming period, Tianqi period most probably. Jingde...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon Glazed Charger
Located in Stamford, CT
Longquan celadon glazed charger having fluted rim with well centre and incised stylized decoration. Ming dynasty. Underside with burnt orange firing m...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Chinese Porcelain Kraak Plate Deers Ming Period
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely potted and painted kraak plate of a desirable cobalt blue! Stunning piece with beautiful scene of deers in a landscape.
Absolute top Quality kraak ware
Additional inf...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$1,814 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Chinese Black Lacquered Ming Style Coffee Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
A Chinese Ming style coffee table crafted in elm wood with original black lacquer and natural patina, enhanced with a clear lacquer sur...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
A Longquan Celadon-Glazed 'Dragon' Dish, Yuan Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The dish is decorated to the centre with a moulded appliqué dragon chasing the flaming pearl surrounded by a carved stylised foliage band at the cavetto. The moulded fluted exterior ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Celadon
$5,925 Sale Price
25% Off
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 accommodate "nesting". The tables are made of solid Hua Li wood, a close relative to the revered Huang Hua Li...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
$2,200 / set
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
Top Quality Wanli / Tianqi Antique Ming Period Chinese Porcelain Crane Waves
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description
A very nicely potted and painted early 17th century dish of a desirable cobalt blue!
Stunning piece with unusal reverse decorated design. Visible are cranes, different k...
Category
17th Century Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Antique Screen Set of 4 Ming Style with Flower Pegs
Located in Somis, CA
This is a set of beautiful, all original, rare, 19th-early 20th century Ming style Chinese antique window screens. The simple, elegant design is ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Porclelain Celedon Planters
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Chinese porcelain fish bowls with a celadon glaze and embosed floral design. These jardinieres are a nice scale with a beauiful ...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$1,800 / set
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
$3,200 / set
Chinese Carved Celadon and Russet Jade Mythical Animal, Ming Dynasty or Earlier
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and unusual carving of a mythical animal, possibly a pixiu, of celadon and russet nephrite jade, Ming Dynasty or earlier, China.
The mythical animal masterfully carved as a...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Jade
Rarity 17C small Chinese Porcelain ‘Hatcher Cargo’ blue and white Box Christies
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Size doesn't matter
Visible in the pictures is a very nice small box from the Hatcher Cargo.
Mid 17th century
Painted with chrysanthemum to the domed cover.
Provenance: This litt...
Category
17th Century Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Elm Wood Children Armchairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pair of elmwood children armchairs with relief carving, simple and beautiful form. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has be...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
$3,500 / set
Chinese Yellow and Russet Jade Mythical Beast, Ming Dynasty or Earlier
Located in Austin, TX
A superb Chinese yellow and russet nephrite jade carving of a mythical beast, Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644) or earlier, China
The mythical beast is portrayed with feline features, i...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Jade
Chinese Ming Celestial Mingqi Horse Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
This hand carved Chinese wooden horse is a type of centuries-old burial figurine known as míngqì. Depicting the pleasures of daily life, míngqì f...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Carved and Gilt Decorated Chinese Screen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A large and intricate Asian carved and gilt panel that may be utilized as an architectural element, wall decoration or screen. In one piece with six panels with four recessed section...
Category
20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Very rare Kosometsuke Antique Chinese 17c Ming Dynasty Plate China Porcelain
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Beautiful dish in blue and white, with added copper red. This is a Jingdezhen made dish made for the Japanese market. Kosometsuke.
With a floral and bird decoration. Base with a che...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$3,109 Sale Price
20% Off
Chinese Ochre Brown Glazed Martaban Jar, Ming Dynasty, 15th-16th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and large Chinese brown ochre glazed stoneware storage jar, commonly known as a Martaban or Martavan jar, Ming dynasty, 15th-16th century.
The elegant ovoid jar with a slen...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
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.
Category
20th Century Unknown Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
$976 Sale Price
30% Off
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 Chinese Solid Rosewood Faux Rattan Garden Style Stools or Side Tables
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite Pair of Chinese solid Rosewood hand crafted, hand carved Faux Rattan / vine Garden Style Stools or Side Tables in great vintage condition. May be used as side tables or ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
$2,450 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Chinese Wanli Blue & White Porcelain Precious Objects Shallow Dish
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A good quality antique Chinese Ming period blue and white porcelain dish or bowl decorated with precious objects dating from the Wanli reign 1573 to 1619. This finely made bowl stand...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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
$3,500
Very Rare Ming Dynasty Porcelain Ewer with Ottoman Gem-Set Tombak Mounts
Located in London, GB
Very rare Ming dynasty porcelain ewer with ottoman gem-set tombak mounts
Chinese and Turkish, 16th/17th century
Measures: Tombak: height 20cm,...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Brass
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
$2,080 Sale Price
30% Off
Unusual Wanli Antique Ming Period Chinese Porcelain Kraak Floral Objects Plate
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely potted and painted kraak plate of a desirable cobalt blue! Stunning and unusual scene with geometric design, flowers and objects.
Absolute top Quality kraak ware!
Co...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Chinese Ming Swatow Zhangzhou Crackle Celadon Charger, circa 1600
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Great piece; In good condition.
Chrysantemum flowers.
Great piece; In good condition.
A very nice and rare bowl with central scene of a bird in a landscape.
Condition
Ove...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$1,728 Sale Price
20% Off
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...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
$3,550 Sale Price
69% Off
Pair of Red Lacquer Chests
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pair of red lacquer chests with open doors and removable shelf inside on each chest, one drawer inside each chest.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
$3,840 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Taoist bronze figure China, Ming dynasty, 16th century
Located in Milano, IT
In the heart of ancient China, within the resplendent Ming dynasty, a masterpiece was cast in bronze, a testament to a culture steeped in mysticism and spirituality. This Taoist bron...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Chinese Southern Administrator's Chair
Located in Chicago, IL
A fine 19th century Chinese huali (rosewood) Southern Administrator's armchair with gently curved crestrail and arms, four-spindle backsplat, brass fittings, woven cane seat, and tra...
Category
1850s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Chinese Elm Audience Chair, c. 1850
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Chinese audience chair in the Ming Dynasty taste. The chair is made from Northern Chinese Elm with traces of original black lacquer throughout. The chair has a frame and panel...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Pair of Antique Japanese/Chinese Gilt Imari Arita Porcelain Rice Bowls & Covers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique Imari porcelain rice bowls and covers
Likely Japanese but possibly Chinese.
Each decorated to the exterior with intricate gilt flowers and vines on a painted...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Ming Period Chinese Porcelain Charger Eagle and Goat Yin Yang Harmony
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing this new arrival. An amazing Blue and white porcelain dish, Kraak porcelain.
China, Ming dynasty Wanli period (1572-1620),
Decorated in the centre with a bird of prey ...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$9,852 Sale Price
20% Off
Ming Dynasty Style Red Lacquered Console Cabinet with Doors and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style red lacquered console cabinet from the early 20th century, with five drawers and double doors. Born dur...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
16th-17th Century Chinese Pine Center Table with Carvings and Decorations
Located in Kastrup, DK
16th-17th century center table from 'Shanxi Province, China with 1 drawer.
Made of pine and with original polychrome lacquer.
Original condition. Rare piece of furniture.
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
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 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Paint
$1,326 Sale Price
30% Off
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
$7,040 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Ming Period Cizhou Statue of a Guanyin China Chinese Porcelain
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Chinese statue representing Kwan Yin/ Guanyin seated in rajalilasana on a throne, holding a child on her knees, two servants on either side. Cizhou porcelain with cream and brown gla...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$4,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Ming Period Kosometsuke Landscape Chinese Porcelain Kaiseki Dish
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Very happy and delighted with this new arrival. A very nicely potted, shaped and painted blue and white Kosometsuke piece in nice cobalt blue!
Visible in the pictures is a lidded box...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Ming Period Chinese Porcelain Literatus and attendant Charger Flies W
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this new arrival. An amazing Blue and white porcelain dish, Kraak porcelain.
China, Ming dynasty Wanli period (1572-1620),
Decorated in the centre with a lite...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$15,979 Sale Price
20% Off
Kosometsuke Antique Chinese Dynasty Dish China Porcelain Unusual, 17th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Beautiful dish in blue and white, late ming period Tianqi or Chongzhen.
Additional information:
Material: Porcelain & Pottery
Decoration Type / Colour: Blue & White, Ko-Sometsuke
Re...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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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