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 Early 20th Century Shop Sign Console Table with Carved Calligraphy
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style shop sign console table from the early 20th century, with calligraphy and cylindrical legs. Created in China during the early years of the 20th century, ...
Wood
$2,200 / item
Cube Stone Top Table
Located in New York, NY
Cube table with inset antique street stone tops. Solid Elm wood with an Antique street stone set into the top. Minimalist design that originated in the Ming Dynasty. Color dark bro...
Cast Stone
$1,700 / set
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
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
Vintage Ming Style Brass & Stone Square Cocktail Table
Located in Bensalem, PA
Stunning polished brass frame with solid stone top feel free to email with any details
Stone, Travertine, Brass
Heritage Henredon Ebonized and Parcel Gilt Two Tier Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
Heritage Henredon ming style Ebonized and Parcel Gilt Two Tier Side Table. Tooled Leather top. In great vintage condition. Measures 22.25" in width, 26.25" in depth and 22.25" tall.
Leather, Hardwood, Paint
Pair Southeast Asian All-Sides Carved Fruitwood Two-Part Side Table Cabinets
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair Southeast Asian all sides Carved Fruitwood Two-Part Side Table Cabinets with glass top. Measures measure 20" in width x 20" in depth x 23" in height. Cabinets inside measureme...
Fruitwood
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
Century Furniture Ebonized Ming Style Fretwork Coffee Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a 55" long Ebonized Ming style coffee table by Century Furniture .This table has some exquisite fretwork built into the top. The fretwork is protected by a glass top. It's a ...
Glass, Wood
1970s Ming Style Michel Taylor For Baker Furn. Console Alter Table
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is such a good size! This is burl wood console table design by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture as part of his Far East Collection. It is marked and in very good condition. M...
Burl
Late 20th Century Ming Style Asian Rosewood Side Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Late 20th Century South East Ming Style Asian Rosewood Side Table. Measure 17" in width and 14" in depth and 18" in height.
Hardwood, Rosewood
Ming Dynasty Style Vintage Elm Waisted Table with Humpbacked Stretcher
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty style vintage waisted altar console table from the mid-20th century, with horsehoof legs and humpbacked stretcher. Delve into the elegance of classical Chinese design ...
Elm
Southeast Asian All-Sides Carved Fruitwood Octogonal Side Table Cabinet
Located in Germantown, MD
A Southeast Asian All-Sides Carved Fruitwood Octogonal Side Table Cabinet with glass top. Removable shelf Measures 22" in width x 22" in depth x 21.25" in height.
Fruitwood
Antique Ming Dynasty Style Side Table with Humpback Stretcher and Brown Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Ming Dynasty style wooden side table from the early 20th century, with humpbacked stretcher and cylindrical legs. This Ming Dynasty style wooden side table from the early ...
Wood
Ming Style Side Table, USA 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our exquisite Ming Style Side Table, a true gem from the USA dating back to the 1960s. This stunning piece of furniture effortlessly captures the essence of Ming Dynasty ...
Wood, Lacquer
Ming Dynasty Style Red Lacquered Console Table with Gilt Accents, Carved Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style red lacquered altar console table from the 19th century, with everted flanges, carved apron and gilt accents. Born in China during the 19th cent...
Wood
Vintage Low Kang Coffee Table with Carved Scrolls and Chow Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Chinese Ming style low Kang coffee table from Java, with carved apron, chow legs and custom lacquer. Created in Java during the Mid-20th Century, this low Kang coffee table...
Wood
19th Century Elmwood Center Hall Table with Ming Dynasty Stone Inset
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese 19th century elmwood center hall table with Ming dynasty 15th or 16th century courtyard stone inset. Born in China during the 19th century, this elegant center table...
Stone
Vintage Teak Wood Low Table with Scalloped Apron and Hoof Feet
Located in Yonkers, NY
This vintage low table exudes quiet elegance through its balanced proportions and time-softened teak wood. Likely crafted in the mid-20th century, the piece features a square top wit...
Teak
$2,915Sale Price|20% Off
16th-17th Century Chinese Pine Center Table with Carvings and Decorations
Located in Kastrup, DK
16th-17th century center table from 'Shanxi Province, China with 1 drawer. Made of pine and with original polychrome lacquer. Original condition. Rare piece of furniture.
Elm
$756Sale Price|36% Off
Mid Century Ming Style End Table with Burl Top
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century Ming style end table features hardwood construction, black lacquer finish, beautiful burlwood top, unique Ming style detailing o...
Burl, Lacquer
James Mont Ming Style Cocktail Table With Brass Insets
By James Mont
Located in Los Angeles, CA
James Mont cocktail table in the Ming style with brass insets on the top surface. Original painted finish with very unique brass Insets and a lowers shelf. This is an extremely rare ...
Wood
$2,498Sale Price|35% Off
Ming Goatskin Side Table by Jimeco Ltda, Brown, Curved Legs, Colombia
By Jimeco ltda
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Ming side table has its unique look due to the brown white goatskin material. The curved legs as well as the detailed sides show the high level of craftsmanship of this unique p...
Goatskin
Antique Lacquered Chinese Console Table Side Desk Inlaid Jumu Elm Early 20th C
Located in London, GB
An extremely charming lacquered Chinese table in lovely antique condition. Traditionally crafted in China, most likely in the early Twentieth C...
Brass