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
$1,161 / set
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
Set Of Four Chinese Hardwood Nesting Tables
Located in Essex, MA
Four tables each with a burled wood top. Carved ruyi design aprons and square legs .
Hardwood
$696
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
$1,200 / set
H 24 in W 16.5 in D 12.75 in
Set of Three Vintage Rosewood Nesting Tables with Dark Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A set of three vintage Chinese rosewood nesting side tables from the mid-20th century with dark reddish brown patina, curving waisted apr...
Rosewood
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
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
Vintage travertine nesting tables or side tables, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 1970s italian travertine stone nesting tables or side tables. The tables can be set up in different compositions. Timeless items. Beautiful colour. Good condition 1970s - ...
Travertine
$761 / 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
$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
Vintage marble nesting tables or side tables, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Set of 1970s italian marble nesting tables or side tables. The tables can be set up in different compositions. Timeless items. Beautiful colour and natural vaining. Very good cond...
Belgian Black Marble
1970s Set of Three McGuire Style Rattan Weaved Nesting Tables
By McGuire
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Handsome nest of three rattan side tables featuring a weave top. Constructed from rattan poles lashed together with laces on the exposed joints.
Rattan
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