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.
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Marble
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
1860s Unknown Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery
Late 20th Century Unknown Ming Furniture
Wood, Leather
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Wood
1970s Vintage Ming Furniture
Tapestry, Chenille, Cane, Walnut
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Unknown Ming Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Hardwood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Bronze
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Stone
20th Century Singaporean Ming Furniture
Hardwood, Mahogany
20th Century Singaporean Ming Furniture
Hardwood, Mahogany
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Elm
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stone
1970s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Wood, Hardwood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stone
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Walnut
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery, Earthenware, Terracotta
1970s Vintage Ming Furniture
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Abalone, Lacquer
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Ceramic
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Metal
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Rosewood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stoneware
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Soapstone
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Lacquer
Early 20th Century Ming Furniture
Brass
20th Century Asian Ming Furniture
Wood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Cowhide, Wood
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Lacquer
Late 19th Century Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stone
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Elm
19th Century Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Lacquer
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Brass
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Walnut, Lacquer
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Brass
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood