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 Lane Furniture Asian Inspired Walnut Finish Pedestal / Plant Stand
Located in San Diego, CA
A tall and elegant pedestal plant stand by Lane Furniture, designed to elevate decorative objects both literally and visually. This sculptural form features a square solid wood top w...
Wood
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
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
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
$3,325 / 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
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
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
Victorian Aesthetic Movement Red Mahogany Pedestal or Plant Stand
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Victorian Aesthetic Movement Red Mahogany Pedestal or Plant Stand. Nice Ribbed base. 35 1/2" tall. Perfect for sculpture or plant. Re-finished at some point and has some age appropri...
Mahogany
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
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
$1,375
H 36.5 in W 24 in D 24 in
Vintage Indonesian Wooden Pedestal with Doric Semi-Columns and Natural Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Indonesian nicely grained wooden pedestal from the mid 20th century, with Doric style semi-columns and natural patina. Created in Indonesia during the midcentury period, this wooden pedestal features a square top with beveled edges, sitting above a solid façade flanked with semi-columns topped with Doric style capitals in all corners and accented with reeded motifs. Resting on a large...
Wood
$1,721Sale Price|25% Off
H 35.5 in Dm 13.5 in
Vintage Chinese Rosewood Pedestal Plant Stand w/Mother of Pearl Inlaid Details
Located in Topeka, KS
Fantastic vintage Chinese Rosewood plant stand or pedestal table with Mother of Pearl details. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. Specifically, there may be missing MOP. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 19th to Early 20th Century. What an absolutely GRAND PLANT STAND!!!!! This is a GORGEOUS plant or fern stand OR pedestal table composed of Chinese Redwood...
Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Art Nouveau Carved Wood Pedestal / Plant Stand
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau three-tier carved wood plant stand or pedestal table. France, dating from 1890 to 1905. Dimensions: H 43.7” x W 11.7” Good/pre-owned condition. Some vintage wear wi...
Wood
$525Sale Price|30% Off
H 42 in W 15 in D 15 in
J&R Furniture Federal Walnut Hexagon Candle Stand Pedestal Table Kettle Plant
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 20th century Federal inspired candle Stand by J&R Furniture Mfg Co of Salt Lake City Utah. Made from walnut with an inset hexagon top over turned column and tripod bade. Meas...
Walnut
Art Nouveau Oak Plant Stand Pedestal, Intricate Woodwork, 1920s
Located in Zevenaar, NL
A beautiful wooden plant stand or wooden pedestal. It features a tall, slender frame with four legs that taper downward, meeting at a small lower shelf for added support. The top sur...
Oak
Sold
H 33.5 in W 16.75 in D 12.25 in
Circa 1880 Ming Style Chinese Export Rosewood Plant Stand Pedestal
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Ming style circa 1880 plant stand pedestal, Chinese Export. Dense rosewood - the colors & glowing finish are timeless. Pierced, carved aprons & shaped curved stretchers & feet, it is...
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