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
A Rare Annamese Blue and white Ewer, Circa 15th century
Located in seoul, KR
Stoneware painted with underglaze cobalt blue and remnants of overglaze enamel. Valuable piece housed in a few major museum collections in the United States.
Year/Period : 15th century
Region : North Vietnam, Vietnam
Type : Ewer
Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship
Reference :
1) Phoenix Art Museum - OBJECT NUMBER 2000.108.1
2) Asian Art Museum of San Francisco - Annamese Collection
3) Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000
* Vietnamese trade ceramics
Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Rare Figure of an Attendant Wearing Swirling Vest, Ming Dynasty(1368-1644)
Located in seoul, KR
Statues of attendant crafted from terracotta, dressed in a black coat-like garment with a vest adorned with swirling patterns. Set on rectangular bases.
Period: Ming Dynasty
Medium...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Early 20th Century Ming Dynasty-inspired Guanyin Wooden Sculpture
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Inspired by the Ming Dynasty, this elegant statue of Guanyin, Goddess of Compassion, was hand carved in the 20th century. The artist captures the timeless and spiritual aura of Guany...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Pair of Chinese Stone Finials with Peaches and Persimmons, 17th/18th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
Over four hundred years ago, these rare stone finials once adorned the garden or courtyard of a traditional Qing-dynasty home. Hand-carved in Shanxi province, they offer a rare glimp...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Limestone
Grande Buddha Cinese in Legno
By Ebanista
Located in Brescia, IT
Grande scultura di un Buddha in legno scolpito e laccato in policromia di bella proporzione e colore.
Scultura riprodotta nel novecento con precisione e ottima qualità .
Lo stato di ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
A Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Polychrome Porcelain Dish, circa 1620
Located in London, GB
A large Chinese Ming Dynasty polychrome porcelain dish, circa 1620.
Late Ming Dynasty.
Painted in turquoise, black and red enamels with a central 'Split Pagoda' pattern scene, the cavetto with four landscape vignettes alternating with stylised seals.
Many Mid-Century studio potters were inspired by the shapes and designs of ancient Chinese and Ming pottery.
We believe this dish is a good example of this, which is why it will fit with both antique and modern interiors, making it the perfect cross-collecting piece.
See Bonhams Lot 168 from Asian Art sale...
Category
1620s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$6,578 Sale Price
30% Off
Vintage Asian Elmwood Coffee Table
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A super chic and beautiful vintage Asian elmwood coffee table with scalloped apron.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Chinese Taste Kosometsuke Tianqi/Chongzhen Dish Porcelain Mi
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely decorated plate. Late Ming. Traders and travellers in a landscape. An extraordinary border pattern. Very rare type of plate.
C...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$1,706 Sale Price
20% Off
Chinese Ming Dynasty Emperor Yellow Imperial Robe Hand Painted & Framed on Silk
Located in Topeka, KS
Magnificent vintage Chinese Ming Dynasty Emperor portrait wearing a yellow Imperial robe w/ dragons & phoenix, & symbols hand painted on silk matted & framed in black lacquered wood frame. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, there is some waviness to the silk I assume from being rolled at some point in its life. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 19th-20th Century.
ALL HAIL… HIS MAGESTY… THE EMPEROR!!!! WOW!!! Take a bow folks!!! This is a magnificent hand painted on silk ancestral portrait depicting an emperor (likely of the Ming Dynasty) sitting in his Royal throne… Let’s take a dive into some FACINATING facts… The Emperor’s robes...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Silk, Glass, Wood
Five Green Glazed Pottery Attendant Figures, Ming Dynasty(1368-1644)
Located in seoul, KR
The three figurines in the back exhibit the typical form of attendants, wearing conical red hats and adopting poses where their right hands are either held in front of their chests o...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Sancai Glazed Buddhist Arhat, Ming Dynasty, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This imposing figure is the head of an Arhat, a Buddhist devotee who has attained enlightenment, also called a “Luohan.” The eighteen original Arhat are the personal disciples of Buddha and the guardians of Buddhist adherents. Each is represented with a unique disposition, posture, and distinctive symbol.
This exquisitely formed monumental ceramic Arhat dates to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and has likely been separated from its original full body sculpture...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Carved Wood Budda
Located in Dallas, TX
A carved wood Budda from the Shanxi region, made during the Ming Dynasty. The carved figure has an ancient polychrome finish.
Category
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
A Chinese Deep Brown Glazed Footed Bowl, 15th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Chinese Deep Brown Glazed Footed Bowl, 15th Century
Provenance: The Collection of Dr. John Yu AC
Dimension: Height: 7.3 cm. Dimension: 15.5 cm
Dr. Yu was the Founding Chair of V...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
$735 Sale Price
30% Off
Century Furniture Black Lacquer and Brass Ming Style Console
Located in Pasadena, TX
This console table was made in the Ming style.
The table resembles an altar table.
It's lacquered in Black and has beautiful brass pulls,
There are 2 drawers for storage.
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Lacquer
Four Green Glazed Pottery Attendant Figures, Ming Dynasty(1368-1644)
Located in seoul, KR
The first figure wears a short cap and takes a posture as if carrying something on the shoulder, possibly symbolizing a servant or a messenger.
The second figure wears a tall hat and...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Vietnamese Blue And White Bowl Circa 15th Century
Located in seoul, KR
The artwork, with its foliage and floral motifs, suggests a connection to the natural world—a common theme in Vietnamese art. Such items were highly traded, and their recovery from shipwrecks helps us understand the extent of maritime commerce in Southeast Asia during the 15th and 16th centuries. This piece embodies the craftsmanship and aesthetic values of the period, providing insights into the cultural and economic contexts of its time.
Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty
Region : North Annam
Type : Bowl
Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship
Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue
Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000
* Vietnamese trade ceramics
Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Small Celadon Chrysanthemum Dish, Five Dynasties/Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
Potted with the fluted sides rising from a recessed base, carved to the interior with Chrysanthemum, covered overall with a grayish-green glaze, save for a ring to the underside left unglazed to reveal the gray stoneware...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Celadon
Rare Annamese Stoneware with underglaze Blue and Painted Green, 15-16th Century
Located in seoul, KR
A bird on a tree. Stoneware with underglaze blue and painted green. The leaves were creatively expressed with green-glaze.
The use of green overpainting, a distinctive element in Annamese ceramics, parallels similar examples documented in The Age of Discovery: Asian Ceramics Found Along the Maritime Silk Road, particularly on pages 59, 64, and 66 of the Annamese ship catalog. Such pieces were widely traded along the Maritime Silk Road, showcasing the rich cultural exchange between Vietnam and other regions.
Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty
Region : North Annam, Vietnam
Type : Dish
Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship
Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue
1) Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000
2) Asian Ceramic Found along Maritime Silk Route / National Maritime Museum of Korea
* Vietnamese trade ceramics
Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Chinese Guan Yin Figure Early Ming Dynasty
Located in Lymington, GB
A rare Chinese Guan Yin figure, early Ming dynasty (1368-1644).
Beautifully painted carved wood retaining a significant amount of its apparently or...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Vintage Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Baluster Form Vase
Located in Doylestown, PA
Blue and white baluster form porcelain vase with Zhongfeng mark on base, c. 1960s.
Beautiful vase with a sweeping mountainous scene and unique calligraphy script. A unique Chinese p...
Category
1960s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Set of 3 Early 20th Century Chinese Green Glazed Candlesticks
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A set of 3 green glazed ceramic candlesticks. All three similar but in a different size (28 cm high, 11 and 19 or in inches 11, 4.3 and 7.5). The glaze wonderfully aged and of a eleg...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Davis Cabinet Asian Style Dark Stained Bedside Tables
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Davis Cabinet Asian Ming Style Dark Stained Bedside Tables.
Measures 20" in width, 16" in depth, 24" in height.
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
17th Century Chinese Ming Bronze Figure of a Boy
Located in Chicago, IL
Fine cast bronze figures created over 400 years ago during China's Ming dynasty are rare and highly appreciated. In this exceptional example, a spirited young boy stands on a lotus b...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Patinated 19th Century Wooden Cabinet from Shanxi Province
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Discover a piece of history with this exquisite 19th-century cabinet from China's Shanxi province. Key features include:
Authentic: Over 100 years old wood
Material: Handcrafted elm...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Metal
Ming Dynasty Green-Glazed Horse and Rider (15-16th Century)
Located in seoul, KR
Statues of Chinese horse and rider, featuring glazes in green, amber, are set on rectangular bases.
Period: Ming Dynasty
Medium: Green-glaze...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Ming Period Large Pottery Horse with Saddle (15-16th Century)
Located in seoul, KR
This Ming Dynasty painted pottery horse is depicted standing on a tiered rectangular pedestal. The horse has a well-proportioned body, with sturdy legs and a slightly arched neck. The eyes and muzzle are subtly outlined and incised.
The mane is sculpted with deep, parallel grooves. The tail is long and slightly curved left, extending downward. The saddle is prominently featured at the center of the horse’s back, detailed with a raised, rounded seat and an attached stirrup hanging down one side. The saddlecloth is textured with a crosshatch pattern, bordered by a row of carved fringe-like elements. The horse's legs display subtle musculature, and the hooves are clearly defined, with black pigment accentuating their edges.
The original painted pigments, including white, black, and ochre, are still visible, though faded in some areas. The black pigment highlights the mane, tail, and parts of the bridle, while the ochre tones accentuate the saddle and decorative elements.
Period: Ming Dynasty
Medium: Green, black, and ochre glazed Pottery
Type: Figure
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference : Asian Civilisations Museum - Accession No. C-1384 / 1994-00441 - Ming Dynasty Figure of Horse
(Type : Closely Related)
* Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures
Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties.
A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Soapstone Fish Carving 20th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
Chinese Soapstone fish carving 20th century.
This exquisite soapstone sculpture is a unique carving, as it shows to us the natural formation of two stones with the grey soapstone accompanied by the red, yellow and beige soapstone carved into a beautiful depiction of fish and and underwater coral.
Shoushan stone...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Soapstone
16th Century Pottery Model of a Folding Chair, Ming dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This piece is an example of Mingqi, items specifically crafted for burial to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. The terracotta army is the most renowned example of such buria...
Category
16th Century Hong Kong Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Large Wood Sculpture of Boddhisatva Head Ming Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large antique Chinese carved wood sculpture of a Boddhisattva head circa 16-17th century from Ming Dynasty. Likely part of a full body life-size statue, the head was finely carved, p...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
18th Century Set of 8 Chinese Silver Lacquer Bowls with Mother of Pearl Inlaid
Located in Brea, CA
A fine set of 8 pieces Chinese lacquered and mother of pearl inlaid bowls with silvered interiors from the 18th century Qing Dynast...
Category
Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Antique Stoneware Large Green-Glazed Mataban Vase Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Stoneware Large Green-Glazed Mataban Jar
This large antique Chinese urn/jar has six small handles and a shiny green surface. Its sh...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Chinese Ming Iron Bell with Dragon Handle, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This monumental Ming-dynasty bell once pealed in a Chinese village, sounding out in celebration or giving notice of important events. Expertly forged, the cast-iron bell is detailed with characters in intricate relief, and its exaggerated scallop rim is traced with oversized rivets. Covered in scales and ending in expressive faces, the bell's handle is cast in the form of a two-headed hong dragon, thought to be the embodiment of a rainbow and thus visible only after rainfall. Frosted with snow or lit from within by flickering candles, this sculptural bell takes on a magical presence in the winter garden.
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Iron
Late 20th Century Ming Style Asian Rosewood Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th Century South East Ming Style Asian Rosewood Side Table.
Measure 17" in width and 14" in depth and 18" in height.
Category
Late 20th Century Thai Ming Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Rosewood
Brown-Glazed Moulded Box And Cover, Fujian Kiln, Yuan-Ming Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The circular domed cover moulded with a brown glaze that falls short of the straight foot. The pattern on the left features a central circular design with simple shapes and lines car...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Impressive Terracotta Funerary Procession - Ming Dynasty, China '1368-1644 AD'
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Impressive Funeral Ensamble of 10 Terracotta Glazed Figures in green and caramel colors depicting a votive procession with a palanquin, his four carriers, a horse, a stableman, two musicians, and an offering carrier.
This ensemble is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, and Certificate of Expertise by Jean-Yves Nathan - Specialist in Asian Arts for the CEDEA (The European Confederation of Art Experts).
Burial figurines of graceful dancers, mystical beasts, and everyday objects reveal both how people in early China approached death and how they lived. Since people viewed the afterlife as an extension of worldly life, these figurines, called mingqi, sometimes referred as “spirit utensils” or “vessels of ghosts” disclose details of routine existence and provide insights into belief systems over a thousand-year period.
The Ming dynasty was the ruling dynasty of China – then known as the Empire of the Great Ming – for 276 years (1368–1644 AD). Founded by Chu Yuan-chang, the rebel leader that was successful in removing the mongols from the throne. Chinese control was re-asserted in China and eastern Asia. Literature became more important, schools were created, and the justice system was reformed. The Ming dynasty is described by some as "one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history,” was the last imperial dynasty in China ruled by ethnic Han Chinese.
The practice of burying ceramic objects with the deceased went into decline from the 10th to the 14th Century AD. There was a revival in placing miniature representations of glazed terracotta objects such a furniture, food offerings, horses, miniature statues...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Pair Of Ming Style Leather Lounge Chairs
Located in Hudson, NY
A spectacular and chic pair of Ming Style armchairs with embossed leather seats. Made from extremely hardwood with a gorgeous weathered patina through the ebony glaze.
The alligator ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Leather
Important Ancient Chinese Effigy Pug Dog, Ming Dynasty 1368-1644
Located in South Burlington, VT
China, a carving of a canine “Pug”, Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644 CE
Dimensions: 38 cm, 15” High
Photographs taken indoors and out of doors for your viewing pleasure.
The hand carved limestone beast shown on its haunches with naturalistic joyful expression and a well defined compact head, ears, noes, eyes, feet, and tail parted to one side on reverse with distinctive collar ornament seated four square on a thick base all-over showing a weathered surface from significant age.
Formerly exhibited “Asia Week” New York City, Fuller Building, Hutton Gallery 2006.
Provenance: ex collection luoyang, Henan Province, China.
Includes custom display base as shown
Catalog reference: 35 years collecting 35 treasures, Number 35, p.76 (photo)
In ancient China, it is a well-known fact that several types of small dogs were bred and were favored pet gifts between emperors and kings including Lion Dogs, Pekingese and Lo-sze breeds. Some Lo-sze are pictured wearing collars with bells a frequent combination fancied by European royalty of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Lo-sze or pugs were prized for their compact body, good bones, flat face, square jaw, short coat, curled tail, side set back ears, and temperate disposition.
History:
Placing stone animals in important tombs can be traced back at least to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), some two thousand years ago. In ancient times, stone animals and human figures placed before imperial tombs symbolized royal power and privilege in addition to decorative functions.
The first Ming tomb...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Limestone
$6,000 Sale Price
29% Off
6 Elegant Ming Dynasty Court Attendants in Glazed Terracotta, China 1368-1644 AD
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
A fine set of a six court attendants as in the Forbidden City of Beijing, elegantly dressed in a Green & Red Daopao – a traditional men’s formal attire from the Ming Dynasty dated 1368-1643 A.D. – with glazed robes and Red Pigment remains in their hat and belts. They stand in an honorary posture atop a red plinth, some with orifices in their hands, where spirit objects were placed to comfort or satisfy the deceased. The heads are detachable, as often seen on the larger figures from this period.
They are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, and Certificate of Expertise by Jean-Yves Nathan - a leading authority specialized in Far East Archaeology from the CEDEA (The European Confederation of Art Experts).
Burial figurines of graceful dancers, mystical beasts, and everyday objects reveal both how people in early China approached death and how they lived. Since people viewed the afterlife as an extension of worldly life, these figurines, called mingqi, sometimes referred as “spirit utensils” or “vessels of ghosts” disclose details of routine existence and provide insights into belief systems over a thousand-year period.
The Ming dynasty was the ruling dynasty of China – then known as the Empire of the Great Ming – for 276 years (1368–1644 AD). Founded by Chu Yuan-chang, the rebel leader that was successful in removing the mongols from the throne. Chinese control was re-asserted in China and eastern Asia. Literature became more important, schools were created, and the justice system was reformed. The Ming dynasty is described by some as "one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history,” was the last imperial dynasty in China ruled by ethnic Han Chinese.
The practice of burying ceramic objects with the deceased went into decline from the 10th to the 14th Century AD. There was a revival in placing miniature representations of glazed terracotta objects such a furniture, food offerings, horses, miniature statues...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Two Annamese Small Yuhuchunping, 15th century, Le Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
These 15th-century Annamese ceramics from Le dynasty, are notable for their rarity and refined design. The Yuhuchunping vases, with their elegant pear-shaped bodies and delicate blue...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Two Annamese Miniature Covered Boxes with Scenary Motif, 15th century, Le Dynast
Located in seoul, KR
Vietnamese covered boxes with representative scenary designs. Both are made of cream-colored base and blue designs, typical of Annamese pottery. These shared characteristics highligh...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
A Pair of Small 19 Century Chinese Patinated Bronze Statues of Gods or Deities
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A pair of exceptional small patinated bronze castings of a male and female Chinese Deities or Gods possibly representing Shouxing God of Longevity Immortality and Good Fortune, and G...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Rare Annamese Stoneware with underglaze Blue and Painted Green, 15-16th Century
Located in seoul, KR
This Annamese ceramic plate features a central floral motif rendered in underglaze blue, complemented by delicate green-painted leaves—an innovative characteristic of Annamese ceramics of the time. The rim is adorned with swirling cloud patterns and additional stylized floral designs.
The use of green overpainting, a distinctive element in Annamese ceramics, parallels similar examples documented in The Age of Discovery: Asian Ceramics Found Along the Maritime Silk Road, particularly on pages 59, 64, and 66 of the Annamese ship catalog. Such pieces were widely traded along the Maritime Silk Road, showcasing the rich cultural exchange between Vietnam and other regions.
Year/Period : 15th century
Region : North Vietnam, Vietnam
Type : Dish
Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship
1) Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000
2) Asian Ceramic Found along Maritime Silk Route / National Maritime Museum of Korea
* Vietnamese trade ceramics
Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
1970s Ming Style Rosewood Horseshoe Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
For your consideration is Pair of rosewood horseshoe chairs.
Chairs are in good condition.
They measure 23"W x 19"D x 39"H. Seat is 20" high.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
$1,700 / set
Pair of Small White porcelain Cup, Late Ming Era(16-17th Century)
Located in seoul, KR
Teacup from the late Ming dynasty shipwreck. An identical piece is included on page 141 of the Bin Thuan catalog titled Asian Ceramic Found along Maritime Si...
Category
17th Century Vietnamese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Pair of Small Jarlet with arabesque design, Late Ming Era(16-17th century)
Located in seoul, KR
Pair of jarlet from the late Ming dynasty cargo. An identical piece is included on page 145 of the Bin Thuan catalog titled 'The Age of Discovery: Asian Cera...
Category
16th Century Vietnamese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Large Martaban Storage Jar
Located in Savannah, GA
A large brown glazed Martaban storage jar, c. 17th-18th century.
Tapering ovoid form with molded sides depicting dragons, cranes and floral ornamentation.
Six dragon head looped ...
Category
18th Century Burmese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Ming Dish Blue & White porcelain, Tianqi or Chongzhen Circa 1620-1644
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a hand painted Chinese Export porcelain dish, which we date to the 17th century, Ming Dynasty, Tianqi or Chongzhen c.1620-1640
The dish is fairly thickly potted with a fairl...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
An Annamese stoneware with cobalt blue, Hoi An Hoard, Late 15th century
Located in seoul, KR
At the center of the vase, a bird is depicted with clean yet detailed lines, capturing the moment mid-flight with a sense of dynamic energy. The artist skillfully conveys the bird’s vitality with minimal strokes, creating the impression that it could soar into the sky at any moment.
Though there are no explicit branches or leaves, the flowing curves of the background subtly connect the bird with the natural world. The simplicity of the lines creates a harmonious relationship between the bird and its environment, reflecting the artist’s ability to evoke nature without relying on intricate details.
The neck of the vase is adorned with elegant plant motifs, where stems and leaves stretch upward, complementing the overall shape of the vase. These motifs, while simple, add sophistication and enhance the vase’s graceful form.
At the base, repeating geometric patterns contribute to the sense of balance and stability. These patterns not only ground the piece but also serve as decorative elements, completing the vase’s aesthetic unity.
Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty
Region : North Annam, Vietnam
Type : Yuhuchun Vase
Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship
Reference :
1) Seattle Art Museum - Gift of Mary and Cheney Cowles, 2000.125.
2) Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000
3) Asian art museum, San Francisco
* Vietnamese trade ceramic...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Annamese Stoneware Dish with Lotus Motif, 15-16th Century Vietnam, Le Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This Annamese ceramic dish features a central lotus motif, enclosed by a thin circular border. The rim is adorned with intertwining vine patterns and swirling motifs. The dish has a gently curved form with a well-proportioned depth and a neatly finished rim.
Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty
Region : North Annam, Vietnam
Type : Dish
Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship
Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue
Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000
* Vietnamese trade ceramics
Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Chinese Caledon Glaze Porcelain Ginger Jar Table Lamps Large Pair
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Sunning pair of vintage porcelain Caledon glaze ginger jar lamps with original shades.
These are LARGE lamps with adjustable shade height. As shown 34" tall.
Requires 2 standard ligh...
Category
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Antique Lacquered Chinese Console Table Side Desk Inlaid Jumu Elm Early 20th C
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Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
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Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
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Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
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Asian Wood and Marble Drinks Table or Plant Stand, Small
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A Chinese carved hardwood drinks table or plant stand with a rose marble top, early-20th century, China. Piece is a rich dark brown carved hardwood with ball and claw feet and a rose...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
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Marble
Large Pair of Chinese Glazed Earthenware Covered Martaban Storage Jars
Located in Forney, TX
A large and most impressive pair of antique / vintage Chinese glazed earthenware covered Martaban storage jars, having sand and ochre brown glaze palette, incised with auspicious myt...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
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
$2,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Blue and White Porcelain Moonflask Vases
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Chinese Ming Dynasty Xuande Period-style (late 19th Century) white porcelain vases with moonflask forms, blue floral and bird motifs and marks no...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
17th Century Huanghuali Book Stand
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This book stand is all original without any replacement pieces. The piece has very clean lines and a simple form typical of the Ming style which emphasizes purity of form. The two ...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
$16,000 Sale Price
20% Off
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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