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.
Chinese Tiered Stand with Inset Rose Marble Top
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An antique stone-inlaid Chinese stand with two tiers enhanced by open work and hand carved motifs, indicative to these pieces, such as the scroll, ornamental vines and greek key and ...
Stone
Chinese Vintage Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Low Prayer Table with Fretwork Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Chinese Ming style elmwood prayer table from the mid 20th century, with fretwork top and horse hoof feet. Created in China during the midcentury period, this low elmwood prayer table captures our attention with its square fretwork top sitting above a waisted apron. Raised on four straight legs with horse hoof extremities, the table is adorned with a discreetly carved apron on all sides. With its clean lines and warm patina, this Ming style Chinese prayer table...
Elm
Ming Style Pedestal Tables, Cerused Light Wood, Antique Pair, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of sturdy, well made cerused light wood Ming style pedestals.
Wood
Pair of Stainless Steel Pedestals by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of heavy chrome-plated, stainless steel pedestals by Mastercraft, circa 1960s. Dining table height could be used a dining table supports, console or individual tables. Each is...
Stainless Steel
$1,320Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 38 in W 11 in D 11 in
Pair of Chinese Export Hardwood and Marble Pedestals
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Chinese export hardwood and marble pedestals, each one of square form with inset marble tops, on subtly carved pedestal bases with lower stretchers.
Marble
$3,335 / set
H 36.25 in Dm 12 in
Pair of Late Qing Dynasty Stands with Carved Aprons and Floral Bird Decor
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of late Qing Dynasty stands with painted floral and bird decor and carved aprons. This pair of antique late Qing Dynasty stands, from the early 20th century, captivates with i...
Wood
Red Ornate Pedestal Table in the Style Ming/Quing Style
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Red painted wood pedestal table with ornate details in the style of the Chinese Ming and Qing dynasty fits right in in any James mont setting. Ming and Qing dynasty style furn...
Wood
Provincial Chinese Guanyin Table Stand, circa 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
For thousands of years, precious Chinese artworks have been elevated for display on fine wooden table stands. Recognized today as works of art in their own right, these display stands are typically finely carved, crafted of exquisite hardwoods, or designed with the refined proportions of larger furniture pieces. Resembling a low kang table, this waisted table...
Elm
Chinese Slender Leg Tea Table, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Chinese pedestal table dates to the mid-19th century and would have been used for taking tea, burning incense, or displaying flowers and sculpture. The tall table has a ...
Elm
Chinese Low Kang Table, C. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
During winter in the colder provinces of China, life revolved around the kang, a heated brick platform that household members would sit or recline upon. Low tables placed atop the kang provided a convenient surface for dining, drinking tea, or playing games. Crafted of beautiful hardwood, this low kang table...
Hardwood
19th Century Hand Carved Stand with Marble Top
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautifully carved hardwood square stand with marble top. Carved rosewood with a figurative rouge marble top with lower shelf. Perfect accent piece or for use as a stand for sculpture...
Marble
$750Sale Price|40% Off
H 31 in W 17 in D 11 in
19th Century Chinese Carved Rosewood Plant Stand with Marble Inset
Located in Hudson, NY
The exquisitely carved rosewood plant stand, shown here, reflects the character of its age and intricate detailing. Made in China in the mid 19th ...
Marble
Chinese Low Kang Table, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
During winter in the colder provinces of China, life revolved around the kang, a heated brick platform that household members would sit or recline upon. Placed on top of the kang, lo...
Elm
Fine Red Lacquer Low Table with Fret Work Top
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine red lacquer low table / coffee table with fret work top, elegant fine red lacquer finished. Purchase red lacquer low table / coffee table also come with glass top that can place...
Lacquer
Black Chinese Low Cocktail Table
Located in Dallas, TX
This black, low cocktail table is of Chinese origination and has a handmade element to it. The ends are loosely rolled and curl under the table surf...
Wood
Chinese Stone Pedestal with Tea Table Carvings
Located in Chicago, IL
This minimalist stone pedestal exemplifies the quiet refinement and simplicity that defined Ming-dynasty stone furniture. Hand-carved of solid limes...
Limestone
Chinese Cloud-Form Marble Scroll Stand, circa 1650
Located in Chicago, IL
This 17th century display stand was carved from a single block of white marble to resemble an open scroll turned upside down. The elegant form needs little decoration - the sides alo...
Marble
Early 20th Century Chinese Carved Hardwood and Marble Stand
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A finely pierce-carved Chinese ebonized hardwood stand with ornate lower shelf and detailed upper apron. The top features an inset marble top. The piece is raised on shaped legs term...
Marble
Pair of Jumu End Tables
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pair of fine Jumu end tables. Simple and elegant Jumu end tables. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many time...
Wood
Early 17th Century Stone Tabletop Altar
Located in Chicago, IL
A circa 1600 limestone tabletop altar with a scrolled top and turned in legs from Jincheng in Shanxi province, China that still retains most of its ...
Limestone