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.
Vintage Rosewood Ming Style Nesting Tables, Set of Four, Ca. 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Set of four vintage rosewood Ming style nesting tables. A very simple and elegant design.
Rosewood
Ming Style Hand-Carved Chinese Nesting Tables Set of 4, 20th Century
Located in Somis, CA
Our Chinese nesting tables are very elegant and versatile. Each and every table is a complete piece on its own, unlike most other sets with one of the stretchers removed to accommodate "nesting". The tables are made of solid Hua Li wood, a close relative to the revered Huang Hua Li...
Wood
Danish Modern Set of Rosewood Nesting Tables
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage set of three midcentury Brazilian rosewood stacking tables, in mint condition. The nest of 3 Scandinavian Modern tables features amazing grain patterns and clean lines. The...
Rosewood
$927Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 27.17 in W 21.26 in D 12.21 in
Nest of Four circa 1900 Chinese Chinoiserie Lacqurered Tables Hand Painted
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely nest of four original Chinese Chinoiserie black lacquered tables A good looking, d...
Wood
$739 / set
H 19.49 in W 21.66 in D 13.78 in
Danish Brutalist Oak Nesting Tables in Kjærnulf style, 1970s. Set of 3.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Brutalist Oak Nesting Tables in Kjærnulf style, 1970s. Set of 3. Set of three nesting or stacking tables in solid Nordic white oak. Made in Denmark in the 1970s in the style ...
Oak
Set Of Three 20th Century French Wooden Nesting Tables
Located in High Point, NC
This set of three 20th Century French wooden nesting tables features a beautifully cohesive design defined by turned legs, carved block details, and a warm, natural patina that highl...
Wood
Four nesting tables Josef Hoffmann J. & J. Kohn ca. 1910
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
four nesting tables, Josef Hoffmann, J. & J. Kohn, mod. Nr. 986, ca. 1910, marked Around 1905, Josef Hoffmann designed the four nesting tables. With their clean, minimalist lines an...
Beech
$1,895 / set
H 27 in W 19 in D 13.5 in
Early 20th Century Antique Chinese nest of four nesting tables, Hand-crafted
Located in Pomona, CA
This item is a set of antique Chinese nest of four nesting tables, crafted from fine dark hardwoods in about early 20th century and features highly decorative, openwork pierced flora...
Hardwood
Antique Rosewood Chinese Nesting Tables set of 4
Located in Malibu, CA
A set of four Chinese hand‑carved rosewood nesting tables, each crafted with a shapely hand carved apron && is supported by slender legs joined with traditional stretchers. T...
Rosewood
$1,595 / set
H 16.1 in W 19.7 in D 15.6 in
Set of 3 French Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables, Wood, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A sophisticated set of three French nesting tables from circa 1970 exemplifies the clean, understated elegance that defines late modernist design. Crafted in warm, beautifully graine...
Wood
$676
H 13.39 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Set of 3 Teak Nesting Tables – 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Design, Vintage
Located in Hannover, DE
Set of Teak Nesting Tables, 1970s Danish Design Elegant set of teak nesting tables from the 1970s, showcasing timeless Scandinavian craftsmanship and design. The design is likely by ...
Teak
$960Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 17.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
1970s Set of Four Nesting Tables in Satin Black Metal & Smokey Gray
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, 1970s Set of four (4) Nesting Tables Satin Black Metal Iron frame with Smokey Gray Lucite Plexiglass. Made in the USA 1970s. No label. Style of Charles Hollis...
Metal
Charred Triangular Nesting Tables, Europe ca 1970s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Created with aesthetic appeal in mind, nesting tables can be organized in a variety of stylish and functional configurations. Like past European models of the mid-century era, these ...
Wood
$2,700
H 34 in W 42.5 in D 25.75 in
Early 20th Century Chinese Hand-Carved Altar Table with Distressed Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese hand-carved altar console table from the early 20th century, with distressed patina and double side stretchers. Created in China during the early years of the 20th century,...
Wood
Set of Rosewood Nesting Tables
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual set of three nesting tables, rosewood or chrome cantilevered legs.
$6,200 / set
H 28 in W 20 in D 14 in
Chinese Export Nesting Games Tables, Set of Four, Mid 19th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
An exquisite and unusual set of four Chinese export black lacquer and gilt painted nesting tables, early to mid 19th century, China. The largest table top opens to serve as a games table. This elegant set of four nesting tables crafted in black lacquer and intricately and densely painted in gilt. The table tops all with figural court scenes. The legs of lyre form and set with clawed feet. Delicate paintings of leaves...
Wood
Pair of Italian Waterfall Glass Nesting Tables, 20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined set of three Italian waterfall glass nesting tables, dating to the 20th century. Crafted entirely from clear bent glass, the tables feature clean architectural lines, softl...
Glass