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.
Japanese Painting. Bird and Flower. 19th century copy of Lu Ji by Ogata Tomin.
Located in Kyoto, JP
Ogata Tomin (1839 -1895) Birds in a spring landscape Ink and colour on silk. Inscription reads: “Copy of Lu Ji, painted with heartfelt appreciation” “Painted by Tomin Ogat...
Silk
Rare antique Ming Dynasty Period Painting With Flowers
Located in Kastrup, DK
Large Ming dynasty period painting, China 1365-1644. Oil or tempera painted on thin canvas (or silk), mounted on wood. The painting displays a vase of...
Canvas, Wood
$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
$27,486
Painting - Dominguez Alvarez
Located in Porto, PT
Painting - Dominguez Alvarez. View of Segovia Cathedral 1928. Oil on wood. Signed. Dimensions: 36x16 cm
Canvas
Painting - Dominguez Alvarez
Located in Porto, PT
Painting - Dominguez Alvarez. Study 'Self-portrait'; graphite on paper. Dimensions: 16x11 cm. Note: Artwork appraised by Prof. Bernardo Pinto de Almeida.
Canvas
Painting - Dominguez Alvarez
Located in Porto, PT
Painting - Dominguez Alvarez. Study 'Self-portrait'; graphite on paper. Dimensions: 22x10.5 cm. Note: Artwork appraised by Prof. Bernardo Pinto de Almeida.
Canvas
Painting - Dominguez Alvarez
Located in Porto, PT
Painting - Dominguez Alvarez. 'Winter'; pencil on paper. Small. Dimensions: 14x9 cm. Note: Artwork appraised by Prof. Bernardo Pinto de Almeida.
Canvas
Painting - Domingos Pinho
Located in Porto, PT
Painting - Domingos Pinho. Oil on platex. Signed. Unframed. Dimensions: 70x100 cm. Note: Label on the back from Galeria Nasoni.
Canvas
$206,152
Painting - Joao Vaz
Located in Porto, PT
Painting - Joao Vaz. 'Foz do Sado Vista de Setúbal'. Oil on canvas. Signed. Minor restorations. Dimensions: 34x53 cm. Biographical Note: Portuguese painter; born in Setúbal; studied ...
Canvas
$51,538
Painting - Dominguez Alvarez
Located in Porto, PT
Painting - Dominguez Alvarez. 'Casario'. Oil on cardboard. Authenticated on the back by Joaquim Lopes and Dórdio Gomes. Dimensions: 20x26 cm.
Canvas
Art Modern Painting.
Located in Bronx, NY
Photo art and Plexiglas
Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This oil on canvas portrays a bearded man, rendered in thick, expressive strokes that capture the raw emotion and character of the subject. The vibrant, swirling colors add depth and...
Canvas, Wood
$1,015
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
$1,431
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
Chinese Watercolor Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique Chinese watercolor painting on paper, enclosed in glass and gilt wood frame, early 20th century. Measures: height 27.5 inc...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Rare Triptych Scroll Paintings by Watanabe Seitei Meiji Period
Located in Atlanta, GA
A set of three paintings of ink and watercolor on silk mounted within brocade borders as scrolls by Watanabe Seitei (1851-1918). This is a very rare an...
Brocade, Silk, Wood
$5,500
H 32 in W 32 in D 2 in
Painting, " Golden Lady", Acrylic on Silk, Framed, Modern Contemporary Art
By Hanneke De Neve
Located in New York, NY
Decorative painting by Hanneke De Neve, Holland, circa 2016. Acrylic on silk fabric. Framed in a beautiful gold leaf wood frame with a linen liner.
Silk, Acrylic
$1,085
H 21.26 in W 29.34 in
Antique Chinese Water Color Painting Classic Literati Qing Dynasty, 19/20th C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing with you this lovely painting. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: China Period: 19th century Emperor: Guangxu (1875-1908) China Dynasty ...
Porcelain
Pair of 19th Century Japanese Screens
Located in Bagshot, GB
A pair of large 19th century Japanses Screens of Japanese scenery. The screens also come with a wooden crate which would have been built for them at a later date in order to move ...
Paper
Chinese Watercolor Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique Chinese watercolor painting on paper, enclosed in glass and gilt wood frame, early 20th century Measures: height 27.5 inch...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$1,128 / 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
Edo Period (19th) Japanese antique painting of flowers
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Japanese antique painting of flowers 19 C Weight 3kg ( 6.6lb)
Silk, Paper
16th Century Tibetan Thangka Painting
Located in Chicago, IL
An incredible and rare 16th century (Ming Dynasty) Tibetan Thangka depicting the Medicine Buddha seated on a lotus throne with an alms bowl in one hand, and his other hand with outstretched fingers touching the ground, feeling the pulse of the Earth. The Buddha is surrounded by dozens of monks seated...
Linen, Paint
Sold
H 28.75 in W 44.25 in D 2.25 in
Ming Dynasty Chinese Mural Painting of Buddha Flanked by Attendants
Located in Chicago, IL
This rare mural was painted in China over four centuries ago, and is an exquisite example of Buddhist art. The enlightened Buddha is shown standing at the center of the painting, dre...
Wood