Skip to main content

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.

1
732
10
4
to
122
483
183
746
744
745
191,151
115,586
41,259
31,894
14,958
11,445
10,248
10,158
9,393
8,574
7,217
7,135
6,227
5,790
5,528
5,117
4,603
3,505
319
128
285
14
70
64
97
7
1
11
1
1
7
11
4
354
260
127
97
97
643
600
583
45
40
6
5
4
3
3
Style: Ming
Chinese Ming Dynasty Bronze Nanhai Guanyin, 16th/17th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A decidingly charming Chinese polychromed and gilt cast bronze figure of Nanhai Guanyin, Guanyin of the South Sea, Ming Dynasty, 16th/17th century, China. Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, is portrayed here as a beatific figure seated upon a raised lotus pedestal over waves. Guanyin is dressed in heavy robes, and wears an elaborate headdress. The small figure of Amitabha Buddha in the headdress positively identifies this figure as Guanyin. Guanyin rests one hand in his lap, holding a cup of pure water said to be able to alleviate all suffering. His other hand is raised, holding a willow branch which is used to sprinkle the healing waters. The two lotus blossoms to either side of Guanyin would originally have supported figures of the acolytes...
Category

Early 1600s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Ming Style Floral Ceramic Table Lamps, a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of Ming style ceramic table lamps. Hand painted with subtle pink peonies, sprigs of crab apple flowers, and pale green and beige leaves on a white background. Crab apple flowe...
Category

Late 20th Century Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

Ming Style Chinese Natural Wood Horseshoe Armchair with Carved Splat and Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty style natural wood horseshoe back armchair from the mid 20th century, with carved splat and apron. Born in China during the mid-century period, this armchair c...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Coastal Cerused Knotty Pine Ming Coffee Table
Located in west palm beach, FL
Stunning vintage Ming coffee table. A beautiful high profile on a cerused knotty pine finish. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate
Category

Late 20th Century North American Ming Furniture

Materials

Pine

Bobyrug’s Wonderful Antique Chinese Pictural Embroidery with Silk and Metal
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Exquisite Early 20th Century Chinese Embroidery Discover a stunning piece of art from the early 20th century – a Chinese embroidery masterpiece. This work of art features a mythologi...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Chinese Pictorial Tapestry with Traditional Crane Design
Located in Dallas, TX
77548, antique Chinese pictorial tapestry with traditional crane design. This hand knotted wool antique Chinese pictorial tapestry features a large red-crowned crane design set against an abrashed neutral field. The crane is depicted standing on one leg with its wings outstretched while perched atop a cliff alongside several bamboo plants. The crane is one of the most widely used symbols throughout Chinese art and literature and figures heavily in Chinese mythology. The creature is thought to represent longevity, immortality, nobility, and fidelity. It is often represented alongside bamboo, as it is in this piece, another symbol of longevity. The warm sepia backdrop recalls ancient Chinese scrolls...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair of Armchairs "Official Back", c. 1840
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of "Official Back" armchairs. In Chinese "Yoku Back" Untouched made in elm wood, burgundy lacquer and natural age-related patina with clear lacquer as surface finish. Called "...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Elm

Chinese Ming Style Bronze Metal Seated Buddha
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Diminutive Chinese bronze metal Buddha sculpture depicted sitting. Beautifully crafted in the Ming style with intricate details. The bronze has a rich patinated finish with verdigris.
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Ming Style Arm Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
James Mont Ming Style Lounge Chair Solid wood ebonized frame with traditional Ming legs. Rich burl back inset. Turquoise cushion.
Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Burl

BROYHILL PREMIER Chinoiserie Ming Style Credenza / Dresser
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Asian Ming style dresser or credenza by Broyhill Premier, from their "Ming" Collection. Maple, black lacquer, burlwood banded top & door fronts, br...
Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mid 20th Century Oak Chinese Ming Armchair with Rush Seat
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Chinese Ming style armchair, unbranded. Solid oak with a chestnut color finish, slender curved arms that form the crest rail, "V" shaped backres...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Rush, Oak

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

1960s George Zee Rosewood Chinoiserie Flip Top Bar Server
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Fabulous mid century flip top server/bar by George Zee of Hong Kong. From the estate of an executive of the Ford Foundation. Purchased in Hong Kong while on business in the 1960’s. Exceptional craftsmanship, solid as a rock. Double doors open to expose shelving along with 3 drawers. Ample storage. Brass hinges,unique joinery and detailed carved flush pulls...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Chinese Ming Small Vase Cargo Shipwreck Wanli/Transitional Period, Circa 1625-40
By The Hatcher Collection
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a hand painted 17th century, late Ming dynasty, porcelain Jar or small Vase which we attribute to the Hatcher shipwreck cargo, this piece being from the Wanli /transitional period, circa 1625- 1640. The Jar/ Vase is fairly thickly potted with a very white glaze to the porcelain. It is decorated with a man and a boy stood against a tree with rocks, mountains and flying bats in the background all hand painted in various shades of a clear under-glaze cobalt blue. The irregular shaped head, bald high forehead, and straight pencilled beard with moustache support this date and period. Notes: The Hatcher Cargo...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Imperial Emperor Ancestral Painting on Silk
Located in Miami, FL
Antique 19th century painting on silk depicting a Ming Dynasty Chinese emperor. Beautifully executed with great details. Hand-painted o...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Silk, Wood, Paint

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 Large Scale Glazed Pottery Jar Form Table Lamps
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine pair of very large glazed pottery Jar Form Table Lamps mounted on turned wood bases. Large, ceramic, egg shaped table lamps have a white gr...
Category

20th Century Ming Furniture

Materials

Pottery

BROYHILL PREMIER Chinoiserie Ming Style Tri-Fold Dresser Mirror
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Chinoiserie Ming style tri-fold dresser mirror by Broyhill Premier. Hardwood, burlwood and black lacquer with brass accents. Features bevel edge center mirror with a traditional M...
Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Ming Dynasty Horsemen Roof Tiles
Located in London, GB
A pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) sancai-glazed ridge tiles modelled as horse and rider. Both tiles are glazed in rich green and amber, the horses ...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Asian Amber Glass Vase or Urn
Located in Plainview, NY
A highly decorative vintage Asian amber glass vase or lid urn. The urn features a handcrafted flower brass design in the center of the vase, a round wooden base in black and gilt decorated. The lid of the urn is in the shape of a sword holder...
Category

Late 20th Century Asian Ming Furniture

Materials

Art Glass, Wood

A Ming Style Cinnabar Lacquer and Brass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
The rectangular top with attractive craquelure, raised on shaped legs; with brass trimming to edges.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

Chinese Antique Carved and Painted Altar Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A notable late 19th century carved wood altar table in old red and black paint now worn to a nice patina with a particularly decorative form. The plank top with tenons and carved edg...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Antique Chinese Carved Bi Disks, Set of 3
Located in Forney, TX
An exceptional antique trio of hand carved Ming Dynasty Chinese bi disks, dated to the late 19th century, featuring three distinctive circular stones wit...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Stone

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style 1920s Red and Black Lacquered Drum Stool or Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style red and black lacquered drum stool from the early 20th century, with chinoiserie decor. Created in China during the first quarter of the 20th century, this Ming style drum stool will make for an excellent drinks table or plant Stand. Boasting a lovely black and red lacquered patina, the stool features a shaped top adorned with a delicate chinoiserie scene. This top is resting on a waisted apron, raised on an arching drum base with side stretchers. Ideal thanks to its versatile quality, this Chinese lacquered stool...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Chinese 16/17C Chinese Porcelain Kraak Wanli Plate
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description A very nicely decorated plate with a beautiful scene of the Three Friends of Winter. With a nice empty rim. Wanli, Tianqi or Chong...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Asian Cherry Wood Five Drawer Desk with Brass Hardware
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Asian style cherry five drawer desk with Asian style brass hardware.
Category

20th Century Ming Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Antique Chinese Blackened Huanghuali Chair
Located in Cape Town, WC
This huanghuali chair from the Ming dynasty is a revised iteration from the previous Song dyntasty; in which archaistic expressions were drawn upon a...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

THOMASVILLE Burl Oak Asian Ming Influenced Parquetry End Side Tables - Pair
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of Asian Ming influenced side tables by Thomasville. Oak with burl oak parquetry design to top, Ming style apron and legs. Made in North Carolina, USA, circa 1988. Style #: ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Oak

Chinese Antique Gourd-Shaped Blue and White Porcelain Vase, Ming Period
Located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo
The bottom sign tells this vase was made in the era of Xuande emperor. The characteristic Arabic pattern is Influenced by the Silk Road trade in Ming p...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

James Mont Lacquered Horse Shoe Chairs w/ New Silk Upholstery by Century, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Opulent pair of large James Mont Ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century Furniture. Designed by James Mont ,these chairs epitomize his over ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

Ming Style Ceramic Table Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Ming style ceramic table lamp in white. Decorated with hand painted iris and lily flowers with foliage in a golden brown color palette. Stands on a brown wooden base with four Ming...
Category

Late 20th Century Ming Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Ming period Dynasty Buddhist Incense Burner with a Rock Crystal Finial
Located in Hudson, NY
The Ming period or Great Ming Period is the last Han ruled dynasty in Chinese history. Considers a high mark culturally and influenced by great events at ho...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Rock Crystal

Antique Chinese Porcelain Lotus Ming 1600-1640 Tianqi Chongzhen Anhua Engraving
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description A Blue & White Kosometsuke plate with a lovely scene of a lotus and hidden engraved anhua decoration of flowers in the white aera. Just Superb! Condition 3 Chips, 1 ...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Large and Narrow Chinese Altar Console, 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Large and narrow Chinese altar console, 20th century Scrolling and geometrical motifs Nicely distressed patina, with dark red/burgundy hue We ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Elm

Museum Quality Antique Chinese Pillar Rug with Lotus Flowers
Located in Milan, IT
A very unusual long and narrow pillar rug, decorated by large lotus flowers with tracery in a manner reminiscent of Ming period weavings. It is very finely ...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wool

Antique Vases in Southern China / Small Vases / 16th to 17th Centuries
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is believed that pottery baked in southern China in the early Ming dynasty was imported into Japan. It is a small size. The upper part is slightly ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Ming Dynasty Style 19th Century Red Rose Console Cabinet with Everted Flanges
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty style red rose butterfly console cabinet from the 19th century, with everted flanges, double doors and carved panels. Step into the world of ancient elegance with this...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of George Zee Two Tier Rosewood End Tables, circa 1960s
Located in Germantown, MD
For your consideration is this fabulous pair of vintage Rosewood carved end tables, by George Zee. Stacked Ming style Chinese side table / end tables - hand crafted with kiln dried...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

19th Century Chinese Red Lacquered End Table
Located in London, GB
Chinese red lacquered end table, dating to the 19th century designed in the Ming style. Dimensions: H48 x W39.5 x D30 cm.
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Lacquer, Wood

Bixia Yuanjun Figure of Bronze Dated Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644
Located in London, GB
Bixia Yuanjun figure of bronze dated Ming Dynasty 1368-1644. Base of hardwood. Height excluding base 26cm; Heigh including base 31cm. Condition: Corrosion on reverse/back; ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Thai Ming Style Low Drinks Table with Horsefoot Feet and Natural Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Ming Dynasty style Thai teak wood low drinks table from the mid-20th century with natural patina, carved apron and horse hoof extremities. Cr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Ming Furniture

Materials

Teak

Ming Style Chinese Scholar's Cabinet
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful, Ming dynasty style scholar's cabinet. The doors and side panels are all solid single boards set with mitered, tenon and mortise construction. Two exterior and interior d...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Six-Panel Rosewood Carved Lattice Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic Chinese six-panel Rosewood carved lattice folding screen. Features intricate geometric patterns with Greek key motif. Each panel is 17.5 inches wide and has a contrasting o...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

Fine Antique Blue Peking Imperial Dragon Carpet, Circa 1880
Located in Milan, IT
A central, five-clawed dragon (the symbol of both the forces of nature and the Chinese emperor), is surrounded by four other dragons, all floating on an indigo blue background. At bo...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wool

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

19th Ming Chinese Bronze Duck
Located in Pasadena, TX
Bronze standing duck. Standing neck raised and mouth open with detailed feathers. 14.5 high.
Category

Late 18th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Horseshoe Chairs Oversize 19th Century
Located in Somis, CA
A pair of extra large, sold wood, 19th century Chinese Horseshoe Chairs. The solid, 2" thick, continuous rounded crest rail is composed of thre...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood, Elm

17th Century Ming Dynasty Carved Stone Barrel #02 (Pair or Individually)
Located in Chicago, IL
- Sold individually or as a pair - 17th Century Ming Dynasty carved stone barrel, with Foo Dog handles, floral reliefs and bat wing decoration. The Chinese symbol for bat and for go...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Marble

Antique Chinese 17C Porcelain Ming/Transitional Kraak Literatus Dish with Box
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description Nice and beautifully decorated dish. Unusual decoration of a litratus in a garden scene under a tree. Superb quality of painting and potting. Ca 1595-1645. Truly nice co...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Ming Dynasty Style Coffee Table with Green Lacquer Top and Natural Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Chinese Ming Dynasty style low square-shaped coffee table from the mid 20th century with green lacquer top and horse hoof legs. Created in China during the Midcentury period, this Ming style table features a dark green lacquered top with central board, sitting above a waisted apron with curving accents. Raised on four legs with horse hoof extremities, the table boasts a nicely distressed patina, slightly different on all sides. With its clean lines, contrasting colors and rustic flair, this vintage Ming Dynasty style Chinese low coffee table...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Six Posted Canopy Bed with Carved Fretwork Railings circa 1800 Suzhou Double Bed
Located in 10 Chater Road, HK
Fine six-posted canopy bed. The bed base with a rounded-front edged frame and a caned top, supported on circular-sectioned legs decorated with straight stretchers and vertical stru...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

17th Century Ming Dynasty Carved Stone Barrel #01
Located in Chicago, IL
17th Century Ming Dynasty carved marble garden seat with Foo Dog handles, floral reliefs and bat wing decoration. The Chinese symbol for bat and fo...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Marble

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

Square Low Table
Located in 10 Chater Road, HK
The fine table topped with a floating panel set within an ice-plate edged frame, above a waist, the plain apron extending to form the circular-sectioned legs, braced with straight st...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Elm, Lacquer

Chinese Ming Style Early 20th Century Brown Drink Table with Pillar Strut Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style brown wooden side table from the early 20th century, with reeded apron, pillar strut motifs, hump back stretchers an...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique 17C Chinese Porcelain Ming China Swatow Zhanghou Blue Ground
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description 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 hairline. 1 more crackle line from base rim. also 2 small chips. Size: 165 x 28 mm or 6.5x1.1" Period 16th Century 17th...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Late Ming Era Documented Glazed Pottery Horse
Located in Kastrup, DK
An elegant Chinese Ming dynasty pottery figurine depicting a horse in a standing pose with polychrome finish (aubergine, light brown and g...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Antique Chinese Porcelain Charcoal Container Ming Period Landscape Figure
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description Dating to the early 17th century most likely. Of absolute lovely quality painting with a figural landscape scene. Matching storage box included. Condition fritt...
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.

Recently Viewed

View All