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
Period: Early 20th Century
Antique Meissen Gold Ming Court Dragon Chinoiserie Tea Cup & Saucer Swords
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Meissen scalloped porcelain demitasse cup and saucer, numbered B117 with gold and red dot Chinese Court dragons.
Measures: Saucer - 4.75” x 4.5” x 1.125” / Teacup - 3.5” x...
Category
Early 20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Fine Black Lacquer Sideboard or Console Table
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
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
China Old Colorful Gilded Coromandel Pavillion And Warriors Screen
Located in South Burlington, VT
Handsome Chinese Four Panel Coromandel Hand Carved and Hand Gilded Wood Screen mounted on board.
Carved Wood panels with gilding depicting a pavilion scene with warriors and general...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Silk
Ming Dynasty Style Wooden Wedding Chair with Carved Medallion and Curving Arms
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden wedding chair from the early 20th century, with carved medallion, curving armrests and natural wood patina. Born in China during the earl...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
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
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
Pair of Horse Shoe Back Armchairs, China, circa 1900
Located in Belmont, MA
Pair of very interesting horse shoe back armchairs, China, circa 1900. Chinese elm with carved decorations on the back and front. Beautiful patina.
Category
1910s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Antique Chinese Tieli Wood Waterfall Bench or Small Coffee Table
Located in Doylestown, PA
Antique Chinese waterfall bench or coffee table.
Wonderful Ming style bench or coffee table boasting exceptional craftsmanship with chunky dovetail c...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
CHINESE MING DYNASTY Triangle Palace Arm Chair Upholstered Seating RED
Located in Peoria, AZ
EYE-CATCHER!
MING DYNASTY
TRIANGLE ARM CHAIR!
RED ENAMEL & SILK
EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY
DIMENSIONS: APPROX. 28" TALL BY 20" WIDE
This phenomenally rare Ming dynasty styled palace arm chair is simply superb! The epitome of dramatic ornamental design for the style conscious interior! One can't take ones eyes off this beautiful red triangle shaped chair!
This would be wonderful in an Asian themed setting or as a style break in almost any decor. As a stand alone piece it has the necessary drama to work additional interest and detail into any open space.
The condition is very fine vintage. Upholstery tacks...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Elegant Antique Chinese Carved and Gilt Panels
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Striking and decorative tall wall panels carved and gilt with overall openwork large scrolled acanthus leaves in relief, each leaf with raised ribs edg...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Large Chinese Blue And White Vase In Meiping Shape, China Late Qing Dynasty
Located in Saverne, Grand Est
Large Meiping-shaped porcelain vase with underglaze blue decoration of a dragon pursuing the sacred pearl.
This rotating decoration of the dragon over the entire body of the vase was...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Horseshoe Back Armchairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of elegant horseshoe back armchairs. Beautiful form and lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many times in " ARCHITECTURE DIGEST ...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Red Lacquered Ming Style Lined Small Chest or Trunk
Located in Doylestown, PA
Antique Chinese red lacquered Ming style lined small chest or trunk, circa 1920.
This handsome chest features unique oversized brass hardware, a fabric lined interior and two side h...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Profusely Carved Asian Display Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An elegant Asian display cabinet, profusely carved throughout with glass door with carved trim and surround that reveals two long and one short s...
Category
Early 20th Century Asian Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Early-19th Century Antique Chinese Small Rug - 5'10'' X 3'3''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Chinese Rugs, as opposed to most of the antique rug productions, were woven almost exclusively for internal consumption. Since they were mostly sheltered from European and We...
Category
Early 1900s Asian Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wool
Pair Early 20th Century Chinese Ceramic Foo Dogs
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Low fired ceramic Chinese "Ming" style pair matching Foo Dogs with beautiful cracked and dripped glazed four color finish.
This beautiful couple Foo Dogs is visibly handmade because the prints of the fingers the artist are visible in the earthenware.
These Foo Dogs makes displayed in your place a great...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Chinese Heavily Carved Marble Top Tiered Stand
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Two tiered with elaborate carvings. A scalloped top carved with foliate scrolls and inset pink marble top over the openwork carved frieze with leafy band. The heavy carved legs with ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Marble
Chinese Antique Side Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
Antique Elm wood Side Cabinet. Ming style clean lines side cabinet night stand. Elmwood Side cabinet with shelf inside. Traditional timeless design with a modern sensibility. This is a great cabinet for small places, nightstand, end table for sofa...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Chinese Ceramic 3 Leg Cash Toad, circa 1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
Chinese ceramic 3 leg cash toad, circa 1900. Low fired clay with beautifully applied drip glaze in greens and white. In the style of a Ming Period Censor.
May also be used as a sma...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Asian Style Petite Pipe and Tobacco Cabinet
Located in Doylestown, PA
Asian style petite pipe and tobacco cabinet, early 20th century.
This Ming style cabinet features a single tiger maple panel door with original Fen...
Category
Early 20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Carved Elmwood Northern Chinese Altar Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Carved elmwood Northern China altar table featuring fine form and intricately carved apron with bowed legs and curled feet. Each end having a drawer.
Measures: 101" (w) x 14" (d) x ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Style 1920s Horseshoe Back Bamboo Armchairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style 1920s horseshoe back bamboo armchairs a pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style horseshoe back armchairs from the early 20th century, with fretwork moti...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
Large Hand-Painted Chinese Enamel And Gilt Decorated Porcelain Bowl
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite large Hand-Painted Chinese Enamel And Gilt Decorated Porcelain Bowl with beautiful flower, birds and branches scenes. Hand-painted and numbered. No cracks or chips. Meas...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Pair of Vintage Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Waisted Side Tables with Stretchers
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden side tables from the early 20th century, with carved aprons, humpback stretchers and horse hoof legs. Created in China during the ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Carved Back Elmwood Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Early 20th century Chinese elmwood armchairs with finely carved back and elongated arms and legs.
Measure 30" wide at the legs ends, 25" wide the arms, 27" in depth, 37.5...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Mahogany Ming Chinese Altar Table, Early 20th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A mahogany Ming Chinese altar table with sides carved and decorative carvings on legs, Early 20th Century.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Single Drawer Blue Lacquer Table with Horse Hoof Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style blue lacquer side table from the early 20th century with single drawer and horse hoof legs. Created in China during the ear...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Antique Northern Chinese Kang Opium Bed with Chow Legs and Hand Carved Frieze
Located in Yonkers, NY
A large antique northern Chinese Ming Dynasty style kang opium bed from the early 20th century, with bulging chow legs and hand-carved frieze in scroll pattern. Born in China during ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Wedding Chair with Curving Back and Carved Splat
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty style elmwood wedding chair from circa 1900, with carved panels on the splat, curved arms, and gooseneck front posts. This early 20th-century Ming Dynasty style weddin...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
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
Chinese Red Coral Carving of Guan Yin over Lotus Flower
Located in Gainesville, FL
Chinese red coral carving of Kwan Yin over the lotus flower. The figure is attached to the wooden stand with overall dimension 6 " tall, 2 1...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Coral
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
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
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 Chinese Ming Style Waisted Stool with Horsehoof Legs and Rattan Inset
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden waisted stool from the early 20th century, with rattan inset, horse hoof legs and cloud motifs. Born in China during the early years of t...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Wood
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
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
Asian Well's Wooden Water Bucket
Located in Greenwich, CT
Asian well's water wooden water bucket with handle surrounded with cast iron brackets. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and ha...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
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
Ming-style Sculpture of Chinese Bodhisattva Guanyin, circa 1900s, 6518
Located in Ukiah, CA
A large Ming-style sculpture of Chinese Bodhisattva Guanyin, circa 1900s, from a century-old US collection. Dated circa 1900s based on the face (b...
Category
Early 20th Century Korean Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Jumu Wood End Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu wood end table with relief carving on apron and shelf and bottom stretchers.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Red Lacquer Desk
Located in Greenwich, CT
Red lacquer desk with three drawers with pierce carvings motif.
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
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
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
Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Waisted Side Table with Woven Rattan Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style waisted side table from the early 20th century, with woven rattan top, humpbacked stretcher and horse hoof legs. Born in China during the early ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Wood
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
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
Chinese Temple Censer
Located in Somis, CA
This exquisite Ming Xuan De style incense burner is the exact model of a traditional temple censer. The burner consists two parts, a large pot and a cove...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
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
Large Jumu Wood Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Large Jumu wood low table, antique kang table, can be used as coffee table.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Jumu Wood Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Simple Jumu wood low table with framed cane top, beautiful wood grain and texture.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Scholar' Armchairs with Rattan Seats
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style elm scholar's chairs from the early 20th century, with unusual upper rail, carved panels on the splats, curved arms and rattan seats. Born in Chi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm, Rattan
Antique Chinese Ming Style Elmwood Waisted Side Table with Horsehoof Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style elmwood waisted side table from the early 20th century, with woven rattan top and horse hoof legs. Born in China during the early years of the 2...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Elm
Pair of Jumu End Tables
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu wood end tables.
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Jumu Wood Bench with Tapered Legs
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu wood bench with tapered legs, solid plank wood top with cloud motif apron.
Top seating surface dimension is 43" wide, 6 1/2" deep
With Tapered legs ...
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage 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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