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Ming Console Tables

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
Jumu Two Drawers Table/ Desk
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu two drawers table/ desk. Framed top with two drawers with straight legs.
Category

Early 1900s Asian Antique Ming Console Tables

Materials

Wood

18th Century Ming Scroll Console Table
Located in San Marino, CA
A Ming period single piece elm top scroll end altar table. Originally from Shanxi, China.
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Console Tables

Materials

Elm

Rare 19th Century Chinese Altar Table
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Rare and unusually wide 19th century Chinese altar table in elm with an beautiful patinated surface with remaining traces of the old lacquer. Ca 1800 China.
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Console Tables

Materials

Elm

Jumu Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Jumu console table. Simple and elegant form with straight leg. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many time...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Console Tables

Materials

Wood

Ming console tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Ming console tables 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 console tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, asian art and furniture, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, lacquer and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming console tables made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original console tables, popular names associated with this style include Baker Furniture Company, Drexel, and Pieter Compernol & Stephanie Grusenmeyer . 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 console tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $790 and tops out at $48,000 while the average work can sell for $3,900.

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