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
Pair of Qingbai Funerary Vases with Daoist figures, Southern Song-Yuan Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
A pair of large Qingbai jars from the Song or Yuan Dynasty, designed for tomb offerings, featuring tall proportions with short bodies and extended necks. These Mingqi jars, typically...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Chinese Contemporary White Painted Wooden Ming Style Bench with A-Form Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese contemporary Ming Dynasty style white painted wooden bench with A-form base and carved spandrels. Our eye is immediately drawn to the soft white finish of this Ming style bench...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Jumu Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Jumu console table with waterfall legs, elegant color and lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many times ...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine black lacquer console table with four drawers and pair of doors. Very elegant and fine quality. Beautiful color and simple form. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant fin...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Mid-Century Chinese Ming Style Lingerie / Storage / Jewelry Cabinets - Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of Ming style green and gilt storage cabinets. They are styled to mimic a chest or box on stand. The pair are in very good condition. The cabinets would make great sto...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Vintage Asian Blue and White Glazed Ceramic Lamps - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
Fantastic pair of vintage table lamps. Classic blue and white design with Asian characters on a Ming base shape. Rest on wooden plinths. Acquired from a Palm...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Large Ming Style Glazed Light Celadon Green Fixed Ring Porcelain Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Large Ming Style Tall Porcelain Vase, it Features Urn or Bottle Shape with Fixed Ring with Dog Mask
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Celadon, Porcelain
Vintage Boho Gilt Stopped European Trope Character Bracket
Located in west palm beach, FL
Accentuate your space with our Vintage Boho Gilt tipped European Trope Character Bracket. This unique piece features gilt detailing and characterful design, blending Bohemian charm w...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Resin, Wood
Ming Dynasty Period Scholar's Garden: Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Lacquer Kang Table
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Behold the splendor of Ming Dynasty artistry with this magnificent Kang table (SKU: ZD71), an exceptional piece of furniture from the 16th to 17th century. This table is not merely a...
Category
16th Century Japanese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Important Chinese Blue And White Dish, China Wanli Period
Located in Saverne, Grand Est
Slightly lobed dish in eight braces with flared rim with underglaze blue decoration of birds in a garden.
Usual frittings on the border and a fine hairline at 12 o'clock (invisible t...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Ming Style Asian Hardwood Coffee Table
Located in Fulton, CA
Ming style rectangular coffee table made entirely of a hardwood, appears to be rosewood. Warm glow to original finish. Excellent original condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Pair Mid 20th Century Ming Style Rosewood Side Table Cabinets with Glass Top
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite Pair of Mid 20th Century Ming Style Rosewood Side Table Cabinets with protective Glass Tops. Pristine vintage condition with very light signs of use.
Feature a single t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Mid 20th Century Ming Style Rosewood Coffe Table with Protective Glass Top
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite Mid 20th Century Ming Style Rosewood cocktail Table with protective Glass Top. Pristine vintage condition with very light signs of use.
Measures 40" in width, 20" in d...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Single Gourd Vase Lamp, Olive Glazed, Christopher Spitzmiller
Located in London, GB
Christopher Spitzmiller's iconic Large Single Gourd lamp of large proportions, in the style of Chinese Ming dynasty vases. Entirely handmade in Chri...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Ming Furniture
Materials
Gold Leaf, Brass
2 Vintage Chinoiserie Purple Lacquer Ming Style Slat Back Side Accent Chairs
Located in Dayton, OH
Two vintage Chinese Chinoiserie ming style side chairs featuring purple lacquer with slat backs.
Dimensions:
41.5" x 20" x 18", seat 18"
Category
Late 20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Lacquer
Early 20th Century Chinese Rosewood Garden Seat
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Chinese rosewood barrel shaped garden seat with a burl rosewood top. From the Republic period, in the Ming Dynasty taste.
China, circa 1912-1949.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Bowl with mandarin duck and lotus pattern design, Late Ming Era(16-17th century)
Located in seoul, KR
Bowl from the late Ming dynasty cargo. An identical piece is included on page 136 of the Bin Thuan catalog titled 'The Age of Discovery: Asian Ceramics Found Along the Maritime Silk ...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Swatow Lidded Boxes in the shape of Waves and Flowers, Late Ming Era(16-17th c)
Located in seoul, KR
Small green-glazed boxes from the late Ming dynasty cargo. Identical pieces are included on page 142, 143 of the Bin Thuan catalog titled 'The Age of Discovery: Asian Ceramics Found ...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Pair Mid Century Henredon Ming Style Walnut Side Tables
By Henredon
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair of Mid Century Henrendon Furniture Ming Style Walnut Side Tables. Measure 26" in width, 26" in depth and 25.5" in height.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Walnut
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 Silk Route.
Period: Ming D...
Category
17th Century Chinese 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 Ceramics Found Along the Mari...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
1970s Michael Taylor For Henredon Asian Modern Credenza / Chest
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a walnut credenza with Ming styling designed by Michael Taylor for Henredon. It is in very good condition. The piece is marked, and the drawers have dovetail construction.
...
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Small Longquan Celadon 'Twin Fish' Dish, Southern Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The "twin fish" dishes, emblematic of fertility and marital joy, are also recognized as one of the Eight Buddhist symbols. These dishes were prominently produced by the Longquan kiln...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Celadon
Cizhou Rectangular Pillow with Carved Decoration, Yuan Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
Cizhou ware is known for its robust forms and freely applied decoration, often featuring a white slip under clear glaze. The pillow is rectangular, with a slightly curved top surface...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery, Stoneware
Paintings By The Poet Yan Zhen RARE 3-Volume Set 2008
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Yan Zhen born 1930 is a Chinese poet, painter, and calligrapher, best known in China for his writing. Yan has published over 30 works of literature, including poetry, prose, and fict...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Paper
A Ming Dynasty Patinated Bronze Relief Work Vase Turned to a Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Hailing from the Ming period in 16/17th century, this monumental bronze vase is a fine example of the auspicious decor and markings unique to Chinese furnishings. The vase is cast wi...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Standing Green Glazed Pottery Attendant Figure
Located in seoul, KR
This standing attendant male figure is dressed in a front-closing green robe, cinched at the waist with a sash tied in a knot. Atop his head sits a red hat. He adopts a formal pose o...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Simple black lacquer console table with waterfall legs, elegant color and lines
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Fine Jumu Console Table with Drawers
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Jumu wood console table with four drawers and brass fitting. Simple and elegant form. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many times in "...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Blue And White Swatow Charger, Late Ming Era(17th century)
Located in seoul, KR
Famous late ming dynasty chinese blue and white swatow porcelain plate. Birds are depicted playing in nature with rocks. Compared to the same type of swatow porcelain, the blue color...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Chinese Qingbai Small Model of a Granary Set, Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
Two granary model porcelains. East Asia, This pottery representation of a granary sits on a layered base, topped with a conical lid that also acts as its roof, all finished in a grey...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
A Qingbai Carved Meiping Porcelain, Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The vase exhibits a finely crafted structure, characterized by its wide shoulders and elongated, tapering sides, topped with a compact, ribbed cylindrical neck. Its exterior is adorn...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Michael Taylor for Henredon Asian Modern Ming Style Nightstands Side Tables -S/2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a handsome pair of mahogany side tables designed by Michael Taylor for Henredon. They are in very good condition and are marked.
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
1970s Baker Furniture Raffia Wrapped Ming Style Black Square Coffee Table
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a chic coffee table, by Baker Furniture, circa the 1970s. This exquisite table showcases a textured, patterned raffia wrap in an elegant black finish, ec...
Category
1970s American Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Raffia, Hardwood
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine black lacquer console table with four drawers, waterfall legs, brass fitting, elegant and simple form, beautiful lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Qingbai Yuhuchunping Vase Porcelain, Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
Covered with a fine bluish glaze, the body entirely decorated with an incised decoration of elegant leafy scrolls and blooming lotuses. "Yuhuchunping" translates to 'spring wine bott...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
A Rare Moulded Dingyao 'Cranes And Fishes' Bowl, Northern Song - Jin Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This bowl stands out for its detailed depiction of two fish amid soft spiral waves, bordered by two cranes within the bowl. The design's depth and clarity, from the lifelike portraya...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Carved 'Yaozhou' Celadon-Glazed Bowl, Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The bowl is potted with steep, flared sides and decorated to the interior with stylized peonies among scrolling tendrils. The exterior is carved with vertical lines below the everted...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Celadon
Chinese Ming Dynasty Martaban Jar
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
Chinese Ming Dynasty 1368 - 1644 Martaban Jar . Dates to the early Ming period .
High neck and wide shoulders , brown slip glaze , unglazed base , loop-handles. rolled lipped rim ty...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Clay
A Rare Dingyao Green-Glazed Dragon Dish, Northern Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This green-glazed bowl was finely crafted with an attention to detail that highlights the skill of the Cizhou green and Ding ware potter. Its delicate form has been adorned with a dr...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware
Fine Black Lacquer Sideboard
Located in Greenwich, CT
A refined and elegant black lacquer sideboard, framed top supported by square legs and joined by four drawers and two pairs of doors, brass fitting and ring pulls. We carry fine qual...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Antique Decorated Brown-Glazed Mataban Vase/Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Brown-Glazed Mataban Jar Vase
This large antique Chinese urn has six small figural handles made of beasts and multiple dragons carv...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Fine Jumu Console Table with Drawers
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Jumu console table with three drawers. Very elegant and fine quality. Beautiful color and simple form. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeare...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Teak Ming Style Whitewash Coffee Table with Chow Legs and Carved Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A teak wood Ming style whitewash coffee table from the 20th century with chow legs and weathered patina. This vintage teak wood coffee table, styled in the Ming tradition and finishe...
Category
20th Century Thai Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Stoneware Large Green-Glazed Mataban 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
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
Antique Stoneware Small Green-Glazed Mataban Jar
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Stoneware Small Green-Glazed Mataban Jar / Vase
This large antique Chinese vase/jar has six small carved handles around the rim. Its neutral green glaze gives it a rustic an...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stoneware
20th Century Chinese Ming Style Teak Square Side Table Sculpture Stand Stool 18"
Located in Dayton, OH
Chinese Ming style accent table. Make from teak with a square frame over contoured apron and traditional form legs.
Dimensions:
19.5" x 19.5" x 18"h
Category
20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Teak
20th Century Chinese Ming Style Lacquered & Painted Elm Chest Entry Hall Console
Located in Dayton, OH
Chinese lacquered and painted two door chest. Features a rectangular frame made from Elm in Beijing. Constructed via centuries old mortise and ten design. The front of the chest show...
Category
20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm, Paint
Small Celadon Chrysanthemum Dish, Northern Song Dynasty(AD 960~1127)
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...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Celadon
Chinese Bamboo Calligraphy Brush Holder Carved With Scholars in a Garden
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinese Ming style hand carved bamboo brush pot carved in the round with various scenes against the background of a bamboo forest. Two women make tea on a stove while two scholars si...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Bamboo
Antique Chinese Elm Tall Sideboard Cabinet Cupboard
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Chinese Elm Tall Sideboard Cabinet Cupboard
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Elegant black lacquer console table with five drawers, brass fitting. Simple form and beautiful color. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared man...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
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 sat high on the roof of a Ming dynasty building. Hand-carved in Shanxi province, they offer a glimpse of a bygone era - man...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Limestone
Pair of Chinese Ming Style Bamboo Horseshoe Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic pair of 20th century Chinese export bamboo chairs featuring a gracefully curved horseshoe back ending with out swept hooks. Constructed in the Ming dynasty style with a deco...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
A Molded Qingbai 'Flowers' Dish, Southern Song Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The plate depicted here exhibits the intricate floral patterns and lotus motifs that are typical of Southern Song designs. The central floral motif captures the essence of Oriental b...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
A Longquan Celadon-Glazed 'Dragon' Dish, Yuan Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The dish is decorated to the centre with a moulded appliqué dragon chasing the flaming pearl surrounded by a carved stylised foliage band at the cavetto. The moulded fluted exterior ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Celadon
Pair of 20th Century Chinese Porcelain Oxblood Glazed Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Chinese porcelain vases with an oxblood, red, sang de boeuf glaze. These large vases are very decorative and would make a great pair of lamps or vases.
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
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
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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