Skip to main content

Ming Desks and Writing 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.

to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1
1
1,532
689
363
302
299
219
218
194
159
137
94
92
72
55
44
29
26
7
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Style: Ming
Related Items
Harden Furniture Arts and Crafts Shaker Solid Cherry Wood Writing Desk
Harden Furniture Arts and Crafts Shaker Solid Cherry Wood Writing Desk

Harden Furniture Arts and Crafts Shaker Solid Cherry Wood Writing Desk

By Harden Furniture 1

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous minimalist Arts and Crafts or Shaker style solid cherry wood writing desk By Harden Furniture USA, Circa Late 20th Century Measures: 52"W x 25"D x 30"H. Very good ori...

Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Stickley American Colonial Cherry Wood Writing Desk, 1960
Stickley American Colonial Cherry Wood Writing Desk, 1960

Stickley American Colonial Cherry Wood Writing Desk, 1960

By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous American Colonial style writing desk or entry table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, 1960 Solid cherry wood, with turned legs and original brass hardware. Measures: ...

Category

1960s American Vintage Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Maitland-Smith Embossed Leather Wrapped Partners Desk w/ Brass Hardware
Maitland-Smith Embossed Leather Wrapped Partners Desk w/ Brass Hardware

Maitland-Smith Embossed Leather Wrapped Partners Desk w/ Brass Hardware

By Maitland Smith

Located in Ross, CA

Maitland-Smith partners desk wrapped entirely in leather. The six drawers are lined with marbled paper and have brass handles. The feet are topped with brass lions paws on wheels for...

Category

1980s Philippine Vintage Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Glass, Wood

Black Desk with Drawer, Wood and Metal Legs, Brazil Mid-Century Modern Designer
Black Desk with Drawer, Wood and Metal Legs, Brazil Mid-Century Modern Designer

Black Desk with Drawer, Wood and Metal Legs, Brazil Mid-Century Modern Designer

By Atelier BAM

Located in Sao Paulo, SP

The Marajoara design desk with drawers is a study in Mid-Century Modern utilitarian and luxury furniture, featuring minimalist details and inspired by Brazilian native art. The design reflects the pure heritage of Brazilian modernist furniture; created by the designers at Atelier BAM Design, and represented by the Firma Casa design gallery. The luxury modern design style is one of the most influential movements in contemporary Brazilian design. Among the main names of modernist designers are Lina Bo Bardi, Vilanova Artigas...

Category

2010s Brazilian Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Early 19th Century Swedish Carved Wood Desk Table with Drawer
Early 19th Century Swedish Carved Wood Desk Table with Drawer

Early 19th Century Swedish Carved Wood Desk Table with Drawer

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish desk table with sliding top from the early 19th century. This antique table from Sweden has an overhung, rectangular-shaped top, above a decoratively carved apron which hou...

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Cherry Wood Desk with Tapered Legs, Circa 1900
Cherry Wood Desk with Tapered Legs, Circa 1900

Cherry Wood Desk with Tapered Legs, Circa 1900

$830Sale Price|20% Off

H 42.52 in W 29.14 in D 27.56 in

Cherry Wood Desk with Tapered Legs, Circa 1900

Located in LYON, FR

Cherry Wood Desk with Tapered Legs, Circa 1900 Maison Lecan presents this charming cherry wood table dating from the early 20th century. With its compact size and clean lines, it f...

Category

1890s French Antique Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Cherry

Midcentury McGuire Writing Desk with Cane Drawer Fronts and Brass Pulls
Midcentury McGuire Writing Desk with Cane Drawer Fronts and Brass Pulls

Midcentury McGuire Writing Desk with Cane Drawer Fronts and Brass Pulls

By McGuire

Located in Atlanta, GA

This elegant midcentury writing desk by McGuire exemplifies the brand’s refined approach to natural materials and relaxed modern design. Constructed with a warm-toned wood frame and slender, gently tapered legs, the desk has a light, architectural presence that feels both tailored and understated. The apron is fitted with three drawers, each featuring woven cane fronts that introduce texture and visual warmth while keeping the overall silhouette clean and uncluttered. The drawers are accented with simple brass pulls, adding a subtle note of contrast without overpowering the design. Inside one of the drawers, the original McGuire label is present, confirming the maker and period. The proportions are particularly successful: the desk is wide enough to function comfortably as a workspace while remaining visually light, making it well suited to a home office, bedroom, or living area. The open clearance beneath the apron (24.5"H) allows for generous legroom, reinforcing its practicality for everyday use. The wood surfaces show natural grain variation and a softly aged finish, consistent with McGuire’s emphasis on craftsmanship and materials rather than high gloss or ornament. The combination of wood, cane, and brass gives the piece versatility, allowing it to sit comfortably in midcentury, coastal, or more eclectic interiors. Overall, this is a well-balanced and authentic McGuire desk...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

"Volpi" writing desk with drawer in natural Brazilian wood, office table
"Volpi" writing desk with drawer in natural Brazilian wood, office table

"Volpi" writing desk with drawer in natural Brazilian wood, office table

By Alessandra Delgado

Located in Alto da Lapa, SP

Alfredo Volpi is a Brazilian painter who, throughout his career, experimented with geometric shapes, especially variations on flag shapes. The Volpi desk is inspired by the geometric...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Swedish Biedermeier Birch Veneered Five Drawer Desk, circa 1880
Swedish Biedermeier Birch Veneered Five Drawer Desk, circa 1880

Swedish Biedermeier Birch Veneered Five Drawer Desk, circa 1880

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Swedish Biedermeier birch veneered desk with five drawers from the 19th century. This antique desk from Sweden, with its beautiful birch wood grain veneer and decorative inlays, ho...

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid 20th-Century Figured Wood Desk in Walnut with Five Drawers, circa 1940
Mid 20th-Century Figured Wood Desk in Walnut with Five Drawers, circa 1940

Mid 20th-Century Figured Wood Desk in Walnut with Five Drawers, circa 1940

Located in Beirut, LB

Discover the timeless appeal of this charming vintage desk, a quintessential example of Mid-20th Century design. This piece effortlessly blends classic form with practical functional...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Baker Furniture French Regency Louis XVI Carved Cherry Wood Writing Desk
Baker Furniture French Regency Louis XVI Carved Cherry Wood Writing Desk

Baker Furniture French Regency Louis XVI Carved Cherry Wood Writing Desk

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous French Regency Louis XVI style writing desk or console table By Baker Furniture, "Milling Road" Collection USA, Late 20th Century Carved cherry wood, with brass capped ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items
Mid-Century Asian Modern Ming Style Burl Wood  Executive Desk By Lane
Mid-Century Asian Modern Ming Style Burl Wood  Executive Desk By Lane

Mid-Century Asian Modern Ming Style Burl Wood Executive Desk By Lane

By Lane Furniture

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a mid-century burl wood Asian modern desk by Lane Furniture. It has dovetail construction and is marked in the drawer. The drawers include one file drawer. The opening for a ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Vintage Chinese Ming Style Three Part 8 Drawer Elm Wood Scholar's Desk, 1970's
Vintage Chinese Ming Style Three Part 8 Drawer Elm Wood Scholar's Desk, 1970's

Vintage Chinese Ming Style Three Part 8 Drawer Elm Wood Scholar's Desk, 1970's

Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Originally treated with linseed oil this Chinese Ming style scholar's desk retains the warm color and beautiful grain. The top is plank framed on all sides adding a look of quality c...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Brass

Black Lacquer Desk with Drawers
Black Lacquer Desk with Drawers

Black Lacquer Desk with Drawers

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 24 in

Black Lacquer Desk with Drawers

Located in Greenwich, CT

Black lacquer desk with drawers with straight legs and stretchers. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many t...

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Black Lacquer Desk with Drawers
Black Lacquer Desk with Drawers

Black Lacquer Desk with Drawers

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 24 in

Black Lacquer Desk with Drawers

Located in Greenwich, CT

Fine black lacquer desk with drawers with straight legs and stretchers. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared ...

Category

Late 20th Century Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Black Lacquer Desk with Drawers
Black Lacquer Desk with Drawers

Black Lacquer Desk with Drawers

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 24 in

Black Lacquer Desk with Drawers

Located in Greenwich, CT

Fine black lacquer desk with drawers with straight legs and stretchers. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared ...

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Waisted Desk with Geometric Apron and Single Drawer
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Waisted Desk with Geometric Apron and Single Drawer

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Waisted Desk with Geometric Apron and Single Drawer

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese Ming Dynasty style desk table with carved apron, single drawer and horse hoofed legs. Born in China, this Ming style table features a rectangular waisted top sitting above ...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Table with Single Drawer and Carved Apron
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Table with Single Drawer and Carved Apron

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Table with Single Drawer and Carved Apron

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Chinese Ming Dynasty style elmwood desk from the early 20th century, with single drawer, bronze butterfly hardware and horse hoofed feet. Born in China during the early years of th...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Late 19th Century Chinese Natural Color Elm Wood Desk
Late 19th Century Chinese Natural Color Elm Wood Desk

Late 19th Century Chinese Natural Color Elm Wood Desk

Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

This late 19th century Chinese natural color elm wood desk features two center small drawers flanked by two deeper drawers. The legs are joined by a low lattice shelf in a traditiona...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

Red Lacquer Desk
Red Lacquer Desk

Red Lacquer Desk

Sold

H 32 in W 39 in D 20 in

Red Lacquer Desk

Located in Greenwich, CT

Red lacquer desk with three drawers with pierce carvings motif.

Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Asian Red and Black Cabinet and Desk Suite of Two
Asian Red and Black Cabinet and Desk Suite of Two

Asian Red and Black Cabinet and Desk Suite of Two

Located in Somis, CA

Incredible value! Price is for both cabinet and desk! This beautiful cabinet is a great new example of Ming Dynasty's simple and elegant design in furniture making. Contrasting red a...

Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Elmwood Console Table / Desk
Elmwood Console Table / Desk

Elmwood Console Table / Desk

Sold

H 32 in W 46 in D 23 in

Elmwood Console Table / Desk

Located in Greenwich, CT

Elmwood console table / desk, framed top with plain apron with straight legs.

Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Ming desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Ming desks and writing 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 desks and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming desks and writing 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 desks and writing tables, popular names associated with this style include 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 desks and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,590 and tops out at $5,500 while the average work can sell for $3,500.