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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
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

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

Asian Solid Wood Ming Style Table Bench
Located in Somis, CA
Beautiful solid wood table finished all around. Top is of mitered, tenon and mortise, solid single board floating panel construction. Cinched waist and 4 hoof feet legs. A pair of ve...
Category

2010s 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

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

Ming Dynasty Celadon Glazed Charger
Located in Stamford, CT
Ming dynasty celadon glazed charger having fluted interior with plain well center.
Category

Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

Extra Large Martaban Vase
Located in Houston, TX
Large Martaban Ming dynasty stoneware storage vase with dragons, 14th century. Beautiful Ochoa and yellow brown glaze with decorated dragons and Ming clouds. Applied dragon...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Asian Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

Gracie Studio Ming Style Lacquered Eight Panel Coromandel Screen
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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 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

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

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

Max Kuehne Chinese Ming Style Coffee Table
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

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

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

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

Pair of 19th Century Ming Dynasty Style Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
A pair of Chinese hardwood chairs in well worn patina, crafted in the Ming dynasty style, late 19th century. Perfect accent chairs of very fine...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

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

Red Lacquer Altar Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Red lacquer altar table with everted flangers.
Category

1930s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

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

Chinese Ming Dynasty Golden Brown Glazed Martaban Water Jar with Tiger Motifs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period glazed ceramic Martaban water jar from the 17th century, with tiger motifs and petite handles. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty era, this Martaban water jar features a golden brown patina perfectly accented with a relief decor showcasing a frieze of passing tigers. Topped with petite handles circling around the base of the neck, this Chinese Ming Dynasty Martaban jar...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

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

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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