Ming Furniture
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.
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Brass
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery
1880s Antique Ming Furniture
Elm, Lacquer
1870s Antique Ming Furniture
Elm, Paint
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Hardwood
Late 19th Century Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Metal
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Bamboo, Walnut
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Walnut
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain, Wood
19th Century Southeast Asian Antique Ming Furniture
Brass
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Leather, Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Bamboo, Wood
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood, Fabric, Thread, Paint
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
Late 19th Century Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
19th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Bronze
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Softwood
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Brass
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Rattan, Fruitwood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Hardwood, Paint
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Rosewood
1860s Unknown Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Metal
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Ming Furniture
Bronze
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Hardwood
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Hardwood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
19th Century Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Walnut
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stone
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Metal
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
19th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture
Leather, Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stone
Late 19th Century Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Lucite
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Walnut, Lacquer
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Brass
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Metal
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Lacquer
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Rattan, Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic