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
$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
$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
$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
Chinese Black Marble Scroll Stand
Located in Chicago, IL
Minimal and refined, this elegant marble riser is a sophisticated way to add dimension to a tabletop display. Shaped from a single block of black marble, the low pedestal is carved w...
Marble
Low Chinese Painted Table Stand, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
Petite in scale and richly painted, this antique Chinese table stand brings charming texture to the modern home as a low pedestal or plant riser. The small chest has all the features...
Elm
Vintage Pedestal Made from a Tree Root with Natural Lacquer Finish
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Chinese sculptural pedestal from the mid 20th century, made from a tree root with lacquered finish. Created in China during the Midcentury period, this pedestal attracts ou...
Wood
Pair of Walnut Ming Style End Tables
Located in Pasadena, TX
This pair of walnut end tables were made in the Ming style. They have a carved design in every corner of the skirt. This carved design follows along he legs giving these tables an As...
Walnut
$360Sale Price|20% Off
H 23.75 in W 16.5 in D 16.5 in
Antique Chinese Foliate Carved Hardwood Marble Top Stand C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Chinese Foliate Carved Hardwood Marble Top Stand C1920 Measures - 23 3/4" x 16 1/2" x 16 1/2" This antique Chinese stand, dating to circa 1920, features intricate foliate car...
Marble
Mid-Century French Pedestal Plant Holder in Walnut Wood, 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
French Mid-Century Pedestal or Plant Holder Walnut Wood, circa 1960. This plant holder or sellette is from the French Mid-Century period. It has been made in walnut wood.
Walnut
Chinese Low Waisted 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
Sold
H 35.5 in W 12 in D 12 in
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
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
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