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.
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
mid-20th Century Monumental Sculptural Regal Emperor realism Wall Plaque
Located in North Fort Myers, FL
This striking sculptural relief captures the majestic presence of a regal figure, meticulously crafted on a three-dimensional fiberglass format. The piece features an intricately det...
Fiberglass, Paint
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Chinese Imperial Emperor Ancestral Painting on Silk
Located in Miami, FL
Imperial Majesty: 19th-Century Ming Dynasty Emperor Silk Painting This exquisite silk painting, dating back to the 19th century, depicts a majestic Ming Dynasty emperor in all his regalia. Hand-painted with meticulous detail and presented in a beautiful frame, this artwork showcases the rich tradition of Chinese silk painting. The vibrant colors and intricate brushwork capture the emperor's imperial stature and the grandeur of the Ming Dynasty. The painting's subject matter and artistic style make it a captivating addition to any collection. Dimensions: Framed measurements: 24 3/4" W x 31" H x 1 1/4" D Condition: Very good antique condition. This Antique Chinese Imperial Emperor Ancestral Painting...
Silk, Wood, Paint
$2,640Sale Price|44% Off
H 76 in W 48 in D 1 in
Chinese Patriarch and Matriarch Ancestral Scroll Painting
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Magnificent Chinese scroll ancestor painting showing patriarch and matriarch of a high ranking status civil official. This unusual scroll depicts the dignitary couple seated below a ...
Wood, Paint, Paper
$2,500Sale Price|57% Off
H 66 in W 102 in D 0.25 in
Large Antique Anglo-Indian Painting on Woven Fabric Portraying A Female Dancer
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This very large and well executed painting on a woven fabric is unsigned and likely done by a European artist in the late 19th century or early 20th century. The painting is done in ...
Fabric
$1,029
H 16.93 in W 14.77 in D 1.38 in
Antique Signed Janson Belgium Oil on Canvas Painting of Young Boy Smoking
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original circa 1930's Belgium oil on canvas of young boy smoking which is part of a suite Please note the delivery fee listed is jus...
Canvas
Early 20th Century Brass Plaque by Bezalel School Jerusalem
Located in New York, NY
Bezalel brass plaque depicting a Jewish elder next to the Western Wall, made in Jerusalem, circa 1920, bearing a small metal label engraved "Bezalel Jeru...
Brass
$1,477
H 10.83 in W 7.49 in D 0.12 in
1980s Chinese Pair of Oil on Canvas Bonsai Paintings from a Private Collection
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s Chinese pair of oil on canvas bonsai paintings from a private collection. Dimensions each: 27.5 x 19cm.
Wood
$2,450
H 62.21 in W 15.75 in D 0.79 in
African Vintage Shield, Tribal Wall Art, SONGYE SHIELD, Congo, Mid 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
The Songye Shield is a striking example of African tribal art from the Congo, dating back to the mid-20th century. This shield, traditionally used by the Songye people for protection...
Wood
$1,164 / set
H 14.25 in W 16.25 in D 14.25 in
Antique Still Life Fruits Oil on Canvas English Oil Painting Giltwood Frame
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An exceptionally fine quality example of an elaborately framed English Still Life of fruits Oil Painting on canvas, in the style of Oliver Clare or Eloise Harriet Stannard, second qu...
Canvas, Giltwood
Neoclassical Style 20th Century Plaster Wall Plaque
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A reclaimed neoclassical plaster wall plaque with a stunning painted matte black frame. In a large landscape form, this handcrafted plaque is decorated in relief depicting a romantic scene of cherubs or putti accompanied by a dog while they gather around a fire in an enchanted woodland...
Plaster, Wood
Monumental Chinese Ancestral Matriarch Scroll Portrait Painting
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Monumental Chinese Qing ancestor scroll portrait painting of a high ranking official or Imperial court matriarch. Features a intricately decorated Min...
Linen, Silk, Plexiglass, Wood, Lacquer, Paper
Rare Art Nouveau Terracotta Wall Plaque, Early 20th Century
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Rare French Art Nouveau Terracotta Wall Plaque, Early 20th Century A beautifully detailed and rare French Art Nouveau terracotta wall plaque, dating from the early 20th century. Thi...
Brass
A Monumental Italian Neoclassic Triumphal Military Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
Roman fruitwood trophy wall plaque carved with the forms of armor, halberds, and other military regalia.
Fruitwood
Reclaimed 20th Century Neoclassical Style Plaster Wall Plaque
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A reclaimed mid 20th century plaster wall plaque with a stunning painted black frame. In a large landscape form, this handcrafted neoclassical style plaque is decorated in relief de...
Plaster, Wood
Sold
H 34.75 in W 22 in D 1.25 in
Vintage Chinoiserie Ming Dynasty Family Ancestor Empress Portrait Print
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage mid to late 20th century hand colored scroll style print of a Ming dynasty style family / ancestor portrait depicting an old Korean woman / Empress / Emperor seated on a rais...
Paper
Antique Chinese Scenic Painted Carved Wood Doors, 19th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Chinese scenic painted carved wood doors. Each door is beautifully carved on one side and candles painted on the other side with mang Ming sty...
Wood
1960s Pair of Silk Embroidery Paintings Asian Landscape Art
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Set of two Asian Landscape done in silk fiber material with colors of silver and gold. Frame faux bamboo wood with glass. Fabric is silk embroidery style. No information on the art...
Fabric, Silk