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-Century Chinese Red Lacquered Altar Style Console Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century Chinese export red lacquered altar style console table. The piece is lacquered hardwood with three drawers. It is intentionally distressed. The piece is unmarke...
Hardwood
20th Century Ming Style Altar Console Table
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Ming style altar console table with waterfall edge and scrolled legs. Possibly newer lacquering, wear commensurate age and use.
Wood
Asian Red Mahogany Console Table, Ming Style, 54"
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine quality Chinese mahogany console table raised on carved tapered legs joined by stretchers, circa 1950's
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming-Style Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Toluca Ter, CA
A substantial black lacquer console table, designed in a restrained Ming-style and produced in China c. 1930s. Measuring 74 inches wide, the table has a long, narrow profile with fou...
Brass
Century Furniture Black Lacquer and Brass Ming Style Console
Located in Pasadena, TX
This console table was made in the Ming style. The table resembles an altar table. It's lacquered in Black and has beautiful brass pulls, There are 2 drawers for storage.
Wood, Lacquer
Asian Modern Grasscloth Wrapped Ming Style Console Tables Att. Baker Furn. -Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of Ming style grasscloth wrapped console tables attributed to Baker Furniture Company. They both are in very good condition. The textured grasscloth is a deep almost o...
Wood, Grasscloth
Walnut Top and Black Lacquer Chin Hua Console Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
A beautiful Ming style console table, supporting a walnut top. Classic elegant silhouette with a touch of flair at the top and at the feet. Sides have a very dark brown lacquer that...
Wood, Walnut, Lacquer
Sofa Console Table Ming Chow Leg Style Attributed to Schnadig Intl. Furniture
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning chinoiserie chow leg Ming style sofa table with two beveled glass inserts and burl wood inlays. They are attributed to Schnadig Furniture I...
Glass, Wood, Burl
Tomlinson Rosewood Ming Style Console Table
By Tomlinson
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A beautiful Ming style console table made by Tomlinson. Made in the mid 20th century. Supporting a rosewood top. Classic elegant silhouette with a touch of flair at the top and at ...
Wood
Chinese Antique Carved and Painted Altar Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A notable late 19th century carved wood altar table in old red and black paint now worn to a nice patina with a particularly decorative form. The plank top with tenons and carved edg...
Wood
Extremely Rare Late Ming Dynasty Elm and Burl Altar Table
Located in Austin, TX
An elegant and graceful cabriole legged, high waisted altar table with scrolling apron, set upon a waisted platform. The top featuring a floating center panel of finely figured nanmu...
Burl, Elm, Lacquer
$7,040Sale Price|20% Off
19th-Century Chinese Qing Dynasty Elmwood Altar Console Table, Shanxi, 107 In.
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
19th-Century Chinese Qing Dynasty Elmwood Altar Console Table, Shanxi, 107 In. An exceptional monumental 19th-century Chinese Qing Dynasty altar console table from Shanxi Province, C...
Elm
Harrison Van Horn Vintage Lacquered Raffia Ming Style Console Table
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A stunning vintage console table by Harrison Van Horn featuring his signature woven grasscloth raffia finish in a rich, dark brown. The substantial rectangular form showcases an Asia...
Wood, Raffia
Harrison Van Horn Vintage Lacquered Raffia Ming Style Console Table
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
A stunning vintage console table by Harrison Van Horn featuring his signature woven grasscloth raffia finish in a rich, dark brown. The substantial rectangular form showcases an Asia...
Raffia, Wood
1970s Ming Style Michel Taylor For Baker Furn. Console Alter Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is such a good size! This is burl wood console table design by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture as part of his Far East Collection. It is marked and in very good condition. M...
Burl
$2,260Sale Price|20% Off
Ming Style Carved Walnut Draw Leaf Altar Console Tables by Drexel Heritage Pair
By Drexel
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of 1970S Ming style walnut draw leaf altar style console tables by Drexel Heritage. They open and slide into great serving surfaces! Form, function and fun! They are m...
Walnut
Ming Dynasty Style Red Lacquered Console Table with Gilt Accents, Carved Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style red lacquered altar console table from the 19th century, with everted flanges, carved apron and gilt accents. Born in China during the 19th cent...
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, ...
Wood
Ming Dynasty Style Vintage Elm Waisted Table with Humpbacked Stretcher
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty style vintage waisted altar console table from the mid-20th century, with horsehoof legs and humpbacked stretcher. Delve into the elegance of classical Chinese design ...
Elm
Mid-20th Century Large Chinese Rosewood Center Table
Located in Dallas, TX
An exceptional carved rosewood center table in the Ming style in large old timber from the mid 20th century. This piece is very high quality and style. It would easily work with Eu...
Rosewood
Antique Lacquered Chinese Console Table Side Desk Inlaid Jumu Elm Early 20th C
Located in London, GB
An extremely charming lacquered Chinese table in lovely antique condition. Traditionally crafted in China, most likely in the early Twentieth C...
Brass
$1,925Sale Price|30% Off
H 29.5 in W 39 in D 20 in
Mid-20th C. Chinese Ming Style Sculptural Elm Altar Wine Table Hall Console 39"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid-century Chinese provincial elm altar table. Made from elm with clean architectural framing. The rectangular table top features thick inset yumu planks within a wide mitered bord...
Elm
Late 20th Century Victorian Style Mahogany Console Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th Century Victorian Style Mahogany Console Table measuring 48" in width, 16" in depth and 30" in height
Mahogany
$2,990
H 32.5 in W 40 in D 25.5 in
19th Century Qing Dynasty Altar Console Table with Distressed Lacquer
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Qing Dynasty period altar console table from the 19th century, with carved apron, humpback stretchers, straight cylindrical legs and distressed dark brown / red lacquer. Th...
Wood
Mid-Century Neoclassical Style Lacquered Marble Top Console Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stunning Mid-Century Modern lacquered console table featuring a Carrara marble top. Made in France in the neoclassical taste having a parcel gilt decorated case. Fronted by two stora...
Carrara Marble, Brass
Ebonized Mahogany Cane Top Asian Influence Console Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Oriental Asian midcentury style carved base high quality craftsmanship console table with caned top.
Mahogany
20th Century French Console Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century French console table embodies a light and airy aesthetic, blending functionality with artistic craftsmanship. Constructed from wrought iron with a patinated finish,...
Wrought Iron
$5,900
H 30.5 in W 77 in D 19 in
Hollywood Regency Mastercraft Black Lacquer and Brass Console, ca 1960s
By Mastercraft
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Asian Inspiried Mastercraft USA Elegant Black Lacquer and Brass Console, ca 1960s With maker's metal label 'Mastercraft' Stunning and long Mastercraft black lacquer and brass conso...
Brass
Mid Century Style Lacquered Console Table
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern lacquered three drawer console with three brushed wenge veneered self closing drawers. Dimensions: 66" W x 14" D x 33" H
Wood
Early 20th Century Rustic Hardwood Console Table
Located in Round Top, TX
Early 20th century rustic console table crafted in hardwood with darker squared legs that splay slightly outward. The proportions are tall and substantial, standing at 34 inches in h...
Hardwood
$4,640Sale Price|38% Off
H 34.5 in W 64 in D 16 in
Alessandro for Baker Asian Modern Faux Malachite Finish Console, circa 1980
By Baker Furniture Company, Alessandro for Baker Furniture
Located in Saint Louis, MO
This Baker Furniture console is by acclaimed designer Alessandro Gabrielli Gambalogna globally regarded as a master of faux finish techniques - here a faux hand applied malachite finish...
Malachite
Vintage Baker Wrapped Raffia Ming Coffee Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This monumental square coffee table by Baker Furniture is an exquisite marriage of traditional Ming Dynasty silhouettes and the tactile luxury of 1970s design. Expertly hand-wrapped ...
Raffia, Wood, Lacquer
20th Century Rococo Style Console
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A good quality Rococo style console, with carved cabriole legs and apron and a shaped top.
Mahogany
$1,995
H 26 in W 66 in D 18 in
Baker Furniture Style Hollywood Regency Mahogany Console Table, Circa 1960s
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie console table or sofa table In the manner of Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture USA, Circa 1960s Carved mahogany, with Asian i...
Mahogany
$2,800
H 27 in W 72 in D 16 in
Asian Inspired Console Table by Michael Taylor for Baker In Your Choice of Color
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Atlanta, GA
Asian inspired console table, designed by Michael Taylor for Baker, American, circa 1960s. Inspired by a traditional Asian altar table, th...
Wood
$1,695
H 26 in W 53.5 in D 16 in
Postmodern Black Lacquer Console Table with Brass Banding, Attributed to Century
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A refined Postmodern console table crafted in a lustrous piano black lacquer finish and accented by a polished brass band that elegantly wraps the apron. The streamlined form feature...
Wood, Lacquer
Ming Campaign Style Burl-Wood Console Table
Located in Southampton, NJ
An impressive, practical Ming style console table with Campaign design influences of Burl wood with banded Oak top. The table features one center drawer, distinctive brass accents an...
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 73.5 in D 16 in
1980s Modern Ming Style Console Table Att. Alessandro For Baker Fueniture
By Alessandro
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large scale 1980s modern Ming style console table attributed to Italian designer Alessandro. Alessandro had a brief collaboration with Baker Furniture. It does have the Bak...
Composition, Brass
Ming Dynasty Chinese Console With Raffia Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ming Dynasty Chinese wood console table with taffia top. Beautiful simple carvings and dark original finish. Rare to have the original raffia surface. Very modern form for the Ming D...
Wood
Vintage Asian Ming Carved Greek Key Ebonized Console Table
Located in West Chester, PA
Vintage Asian inspired console table with carved apron. Knee clearance 23.75” The color will appear to be close to black in many interior settings although it it is actually a very d...
Wood
Harrison Van Horn Ming Style Lacquered Grasscloth Wrapped Console Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a Harrison Van Horn Ming style wrapped console table in a deep red. The weave looks like the linen weave. This company has been known for its exceptional quality since the 1...
Grasscloth, Wood, Lacquer
Vintage Boho Grasscloth Ming Console Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your space with this vintage boho Ming-style console table wrapped in natural grasscloth. Its clean lines and elegant silhouette nod to traditional Asian design, while the te...
Rattan, Seagrass
Vintage Boho Grasscloth Ming Console Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Introduce a touch of natural elegance to your decor with this Vintage Boho Grasscloth Ming Console Table. Featuring a classic Ming silhouette wrapped in textured grasscloth, this con...
Seagrass, Wood
18th C Style Burton-Ching Ming Chinese Half Hexagonal Console Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
18th C Style Burton-Ching Ming Chinese Half Hexagonal Console Table.
Wood
Black Lacquer Ming Console Table in the Style of James Mont
By James Mont
Located in Dallas, TX
Very handsome console or sofa table in the style of James Mont. Black lacquer Asian style base with brass trim and glass top. Beveled glass top sits on round brass corner finials. Ve...
Brass
A Ming Style Yellow Lacquer Console Table
Located in New York, NY
A Ming Style Yellow Lacquer Console Table
Wood, Lacquer
Pair of Ming Style Red Chinoiserie Console Tables or Center Table
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Ming Style Red Chinoiserie Console Tables or Center Table
Wood
Rustic Antique Chinese Altar Or Console Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Asian table with aged raised graining which adds texture to the Rustic presentation. Traditional form with upraised ends, scrolled decoration to the apron and sides, good weig...
Wood
Chinese Altar Table in Tortoise Shell in the manner of Baker, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, PA
A stunning Chinese Altar Table in the manner of Baker Furniture Company, 20th Century. This Tortoise Shell Finished Console has great scale and is impressive in person. The altar tab...
Wood
Sold
H 33.5 in W 91.63 in D 13.75 in
Monumental Chinese Elm with Black Lacquer Ming-style Console Table, 1920s
Located in Hamburg, PA
An elegant Chinese Elm with black lacquer Ming-style console table circa 1920s. This beautiful simple console table is similar to one .featured in "Architecture Digest". Would look g...
Elm
Sold
H 37.5 in W 99 in D 20 in
Late 20th Century Vintage Asian Red Lacquered Extra Long Ming Console Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Asian console table. Chic extra long Ming shape in a bright red lacquered finish. Perfect as is, but beautiful with a color ch...
Wood