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
Korean Ceramic Water Dropper Joseon Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small Korean ceramic water dropper in square form circa 19th century late Joseon Dynasty. It features an underglaze blue painting of a full cluster of ...
Category
19th Century Korean Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
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
Antique Chinese 16/17C Chinese Porcelain Ming Transitional Kraak Plate FROG
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description
A very nicely decorated plate with a Frog on on a rock in a landscape scene. Wanli, Tianqi or Chongzhen Period 1590 – 1640
With a nice moulded double chrysanthemum ...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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 fai...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Tomb Attendants with Zodiac Animals
Located in Dallas, TX
Ca. 1368-1644 AD. Ming Dynasty.
A fabulous set of two mould-made, glazed ceramic zodiac figures. Each wearing long draping gowns of rich green, yellow and orange hues. Each figure ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
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
Oriental Chinese Side Chair
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Asian Chinese Ming style side chair in solid wood.
Handcrafted in Hong Kong.
Great to use as en entry chair, side chair or office chair.
Very g...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Set of Five Stoneware Tomb Figurines of Musician Ming Dynasty
Located in Atlanta, GA
A group of five figurines made of terracotta and glazed in green and splash of yellow. These figurines of musicians were made as burial objects to be placed in the tomb, often as a l...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Ming Dynasty 17th Century Three-Color Glazed Terracotta Temple Roof Tile
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period temple roof tile from the 17th century, with turquoise finish, bird and flower. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this ancient templ...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Fine Red Lacquer Low Table with Fret Work Top
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine red lacquer low table / coffee table with fret work top, elegant fine red lacquer finished. Purchase red lacquer low table / coffee table also come with glass top that can place...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Large Chinese Wooden Lacquered Box Decorated with Birds and Vegetal Motif
Located in Brea, CA
Chinese Art. A large wooden lacquered box decorated with birds and vegetal motif China, Ming dynasty, 17th century. 36cm x 6.5cm. Condition see more pictures.
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
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
Antique Chinese Porcelain 17th C Kosometsuke Literati City Kosometsuke
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description
A very nicely decorated kosometsuke plate with a rare scene of a scholar and attendant reaching a city. The lower boats shows some fishermen in boats and waves. The border has fans and geometric designs. Underglaze blue enamels.
Keeping save Box included
Symbolism
A traveller in a...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Early 20th Century Shop Sign Console Table with Carved Calligraphy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style shop sign console table from the early 20th century, with calligraphy and cylindrical legs. Created in China during the early years of the 20th century, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Two Blue & White Porcelain Glazed Yuan-Style Weights
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Two Chinese Blue & White under glazed porcelain weights in the Yuan (1279-1368) style but probably later. The weights are of tapered square-section shape with a rounded pierced top w...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Gracie Studio Ming Style Lacquered Eight Panel Coromandel Screen
By Gracie
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare, bespoke lacquered eight-panel coromandel screen made in the Ming Dynasty style by Gracie Studio artisans in New York. Modern custom-made coromandel...
Category
20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Attendants
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed earthenware figure of Attendant
The condition of these 5 century old glazed pottery tomb figures is outstand...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Ming Style Accent Side Table with Dark Wood Patina and Humpback Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming dynasty style accent side table from the early 20th century with dark wood patina, lower shelf and humpbacked apron. This elegant Chinese side table features ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
17thC Ming Chinese Jar porcelain Hand Painted Blue & White with hardwood Stand
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a hand painted 17th century, Ming dynasty, porcelain Jar or small Vase complete with a hand carved hardwood stand.
The Jar is fairly thickly potted with no foot rim as is...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain, Hardwood
Mint Antique Imperial Chinese Ningxia Throne Back Cover with Lion Dogs
Located in Milan, IT
A rare example of Ningxia Chinese throne back cover of Imperial quality in pristine condition. A true gem distinguished by a plethora of shades of red, ...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wool
Ayutthaya Lacquered And Gilt Bronze Buddha Head 15th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
Ayutthaya Lacquered and Gilt Copper Bronze Buddha Head
Circa 15th Century
A beautifully lacquered and gilt bronze Buddha head from the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Thailand, circa 15th ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Thai Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Red Lacquer Altar Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Red lacquer altar table with everted flangers.
Category
1930s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
White Blanc de Chine Porcelain Vase with Fruit, Leaves and Vines
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Blanc de Chine white ceramic porcelain vase with a generous relief of fruit (peaches), leaves and vines, circa 20th century, China. Dimensions: 6.5" diameter x 12.5" heig...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Chinese Ming Dynasty Terracotta Official Statuette with Original Polychromy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A petite Chinese Ming dynasty green glazed terracotta court official figurine from the 15th or 16th century, with original polychromy. Attracting our eye with its nice polychromy, th...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Antique Chinese Food Presentation Covered Box
Located in Forney, TX
A remarkable antique food box from the Shanxi province, North China, late Ming (1368-1644) to early Qing (1644-1912) Dynasty.
An extraordinary e...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
15th-16th Century Ming Dynasty Cabinet. Red Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare and well-preserved 16th century cupboard / cabinet.
Detailed carved top section depicting a floral leaf design and people in polychrome lacquer.
Front with red lacquer, pair of ...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Ceramic Ox Bow Tomb Votive Chair
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese green glazed ceramic votive chair.
Ming Dynasty 1368 A.D.–1644 A.D. Originally purchsed from Gracie Gallery, New York City; original label on base.
Provenance: A P...
Category
Early 1600s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Fine Jumu Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Jumu low table / coffee table. Table top is 46" wide 23" deep, from outside edge of legs is 49 1/2" wide 27" deep, 18" height. We carry f...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Thai Southeast Asian Bronze Seated Buddha, Circa 17th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
Possibly Khmir period but probably just after. Bronze buddha seated in bhumisparsha mudra on stepped base, remnants of earlier gilding throughout, I have been dealing in ancient bronze Buddhas...
Category
17th Century Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Ming Dynasty Chinese Longquan Celadon Large Carved Sphere Porcelaneous Stoneware
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Ming dynasty Chinese longquan celadon large carved sphere porcelaneous stoneware.
This is unquestionably a very important and extremely rare example ...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
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 Carved and Painted Wood Sculpture of Guanyin
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful carving of Guanyin, shown standing on a rocky outcrop, mounted on a lobed wooden base. It was once used as a lamp, and can be rewired. Nice faded painted surface.
Guany...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon Peony Deep Dish, 14th-15th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful Chinese celadon glazed deep dish with an impressed peony design to the center, Ming Dynasty, circa 1400, Longquan kilns, China.
The lovey dish covered in an attractive ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Vintage Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Low Prayer Table with Fretwork Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Chinese Ming style elmwood prayer table from the mid 20th century, with fretwork top and horse hoof feet. Created in China during the midcentury period, this low elmwood prayer table captures our attention with its square fretwork top sitting above a waisted apron. Raised on four straight legs with horse hoof extremities, the table is adorned with a discreetly carved apron on all sides. With its clean lines and warm patina, this Ming style Chinese prayer table...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Early Chinese Kangxi Period '1662-1722' Ningxia Rug with Blossom Palmettes
Located in Milan, IT
A very unusual Chinese rug, possibly used originally as a dais cover, which had been previously attributed to the Western region of Gansu (H. König, Gansu, Hali 138, London 2005, pl. 13, p. 58). However both the structure and the colours are fairly typical of Ningxia weavings from the Kangxi period (1662-1722), which marks the first Qing Dynasty empire following the Ming Dynasty and which still carries much of its iconography. Of particular note are the four stylised blue dragons on a coral background which decorate the corners of the composition. A true masterpiece of early Chinese textile art.
Category
Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wool
Asian Modern Lounge Chairs Style of Michael Taylor
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of Asian Modern walnut lounge chairs with original ultra-suede type upholstered seat and back cushions. In the style of Michael Taylor - Far East Collection for Baker Furniture....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Ultrasuede, Walnut, Latex
Antique Indigo Blue Geometric Ningxia Chinese Rug with Rosettes in Compartments
Located in Milan, IT
A rare and unusual Chinese rug decorated with an all-over pattern of eight-petalled rosettes, joined together to form a lattice in the negative of which is the longevity motif, that ...
Category
1880s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wool
Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Tall Attendant Figure, 16th-17th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A tall Chinese green and amber glazed figure of an attendant, Ming Dynasty, 16th-17th century, China.
The figure stands upon an integral plinth, dressed in long robes...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
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
17th Century Pair of Painted Terra Cotta Chinese Gentlemen on Horses
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a unique pair of painted Chinese terra cotta gentlemen in native costumes on horseback, purported to be Ming.
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Clay
Asian Hard Stone Disc
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Chinese hard stone disc on black metal stand, beautiful form, color and texture. Measures: 7" wide, 8.2" total height included stand. Stone disc itself...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug with Ming Dynasty Style
Located in Dallas, TX
77449, antique Chinese Art Deco rug with Ming Dynasty style. This hand knotted wool antique Chinese Art Deco rug features a color-blocked field and border scheme festooned with asymm...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wool
Ming Style Patinated Wooden Cocktail Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A monumental wooden coffee table in the Ming style, very large and heavy, for the large room. Would be wonderful to hold selections of books, art, sculpture and foot cushions...
Category
20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Very Fine Chinese Porcelain Vase Mounted as Table Lamp
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Chinese porcelain vase mounted as a lamp with a round tiered gilt bronze or brass base embossed with berries and leaves. The lamp with cameos and panels of florals and birds that are...
Category
20th Century Asian Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair Ming Style Pedestal Tables
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of sturdy, well made cerused light wood Ming style pedestals.
Category
1960s Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Asian Temple Stone Relief Carved Architectural Element
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent, rare, one of a kind, ancient Asian temple stone architectural panel, likely frieze fragment. Born in Asia, pre-18th century, most likely mu...
Category
18th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
Chinese Ming Style Alter Cabinet or Sideboard
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese Ming dynasty style altar cabinet or sideboard from Shanxi province, China.
Elm and dark yellow lacquer with a beautiful age-related patina.
Three drawers over two bi-fold d...
Category
Mid-19th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
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
Chinese Antique Ming Style Natural Wood Side Table with Humpback Stretcher
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming dynasty style natural wood side table from the early 20th century, with humpbacked stretcher, rich grain design and cylindrical legs. We currently have two ta...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair Large Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed and Painted Pottery Figures, 16th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A striking pair of large Chinese glazed and painted pottery figures, Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644), circa 16th century, China.
The impressive and realistically modeled figures each portrayed standing upright upon a sancai (three color) glazed pedestal of kang table form.
The man is dressed in a short black surcoat over a long robe and pants, a smart cap upon his head. His face is warm and welcoming, with wide eyes and a slight smile on his lips. He holds his hands out in front of him, palms up, almost as if shrugging, though presumably originally holding an object or offering, now lost.
The woman of slightly smaller stature, and dressed in a longer surcoat over a long robe and skirt. She wears a fitted cap upon her head. Her hands also held out in front, grasping long lost objects. Her face is slightly more severe, with a somewhat pinched look, and slight frown upon her lips.
The size of these figures is remarkable, as is the realism and attention to detail, almost as if they were modeled after real people, as opposed to the more common and generic Ming Dynasty pottery...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Large Antique Asian Wood Sculpture of the Laughing Buddha
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very large antique Asian wood carving of the iconic Laughing Buddha. The sculpture has great form, the Buddha with his right hand resting ...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
17th Century Pair of Ming Dynasty Chinese ZiTan Inlaid Silver Cups
Located in Brea, CA
17th century a pair of Ming dynasty Chinese ZiTan inlaid silver cups, the exterior carved in high relief and undercut around the sides and base with Chi dragon, 5 edges with silver l...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Early 20th Century Tianqiuping or Globular Cloisonné Vase
Located in Miami, FL
Large early 20th century tianqiuping or globular cloisonné vase. Highest quality enamel cloisonné, withe background with graphic scenes and floral pattern and with three large frame ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Early 19th Century Chinese 'Lazy Chairs' in Walnut and Black Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of 'Lazy Chairs' in walnut, black lacquer with a natural cracked wear that gives the chairs an exciting and artistic look.
Ming style, early 19th century China.
The term 'Lazy'...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Walnut, Lacquer
Pair of Chinese Wood Statues of Guanyin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of polychrome carved wood statue depicting Guanyin, the Chinese goddess of Mercy. They were likely dated to late Qing dynasty but executed in Ming dynasty style. The Bodhisattva are in the seated "Royal Ease...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Porcelain Ca 1600-1640 Kosometsuke Plate Shou Lao 8 Immortals
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Lovely and rare Chinese porcelain plate from the early 17th century.
Central scene of the well known Shou Lao, God of Longevity, flying on a crane among the clouds.
In the front of him are the 8...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese 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 in ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Petite Chinese Ming Dynasty Period Glazed Pedestal with Polychrome Finish
Located in Yonkers, NY
A petite Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed pedestal from the 15th or 16th century with polychrome finish. Crafted in China during the prestigious Ming Dynasty, this petite pedestal table c...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
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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