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.
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Resin, Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Walnut
1960s Hong Kong Vintage Ming Furniture
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Wood
1950s Italian Vintage Ming Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Wood
1960s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Metal
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Celadon
1960s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Unknown Ming Furniture
Elm
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Porcelain
1960s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
1960s American Vintage Ming Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Unknown Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century North American Ming Furniture
Ash
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Stone
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Cowhide, Wood
Mid-20th Century Javanese Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood, Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Unknown Ming Furniture
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Elm
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
1960s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Metal
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Rush, Oak
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Brass
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Thai Ming Furniture
Teak
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Wood
1930s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Elm
Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture
Ultrasuede, Walnut, Latex
1960s Vintage Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Wood, Paint
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Marble
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Thai Ming Furniture
Wood, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Asian Ming Furniture
Ultrasuede, Wood
Mid-20th Century Thai Ming Furniture
Wood