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.
$341Sale Price|50% Off
Photography - Domingos Alvão
Located in Porto, PT
Photograph - Domingos Alvão. Photograph on paper. Signed and dated Porto. Dimensions: 30x37 cm
Paper
$683Sale Price|50% Off
Photograph - Domingos Espírito S. Alvão - Ford Palace
Located in Porto, PT
Photograph - Domingos Espírito S. Alvão - Ford Palace. Ford Palace. Photograph from the first half of the 20th century. Signed. Dimensions: 66x85 cm
Paper
Contemporary Postmodern C-Print Photograph
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Large format Contemporary Postmodern Chromogenic Photograph depicting a human heart stitched and bolted together. Verso signed, numbered, titled, and dated: "Ricardo Fasanello, (ed.)...
Silver Leaf
$1,100
H 16 in W 20 in D 0.5 in
Vinatge Original Photograph Male Nude Toned Photograph by George Machado S/N Ed.
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This is one of the series of original George Machado photographs being offered for sale in 30 years from his "Masculine" series. Masculine was his 1st coffee table book published by ...
Paper
Vintage Native American Photograph
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Native American photograph, circa 1960 Silver Gelatin Print 16 x 20 inches. Unsigned from unknown photographer Very good cond...
Paper
$1,100
H 16 in W 20 in D 0.5 in
Vinatge Original Photograph Male Nude Sepia Photograph by George Machado S/N Ed.
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This is one of the series of original George Machado photographs being offered for sale in 30 years from his "Masculine" series. "Masculine" was his 1st coffee table book published b...
Paper
Photograph by Michel Deverne
By Michel Deverne
Located in Chicago, IL
Deverne (1927-2012) was visual artist most interested in abstract geometric forms and textures. He was not known for photography and accordingly this surviving image is quite rare. T...
Wood, Paper
Vintage Ladies Golf Team Photograph
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
VINTAGE GOLFING PHOTOGRAPH OF LADIES. Ladies Club House A mounted black and white photograph after an original 1930's photograph. The price displayed is for the mounted photo only. ...
Paper
$195
H 12 in W 12.2 in D 1.6 in
Spanish Splendor Great Palaces Castles and Country Homes Hardcover Book Rizzoli
By Rizoli International Publications
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Spanish Splendor: Great Palaces, Castles, and Country Homes hardcover book. y Mato, Juan Jose Junquera (text by); Schezen, Roberto (photographs by); y Morenes, Enrique Ruspoli (intro...
Paper
Vintage Winter Landscape, Matterhorn Photograph
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Ski Photography, antique Alpine Ski Photograph. 'MATTERHORN', a new mounted black and white photographic image after an original 1930's skiing photograph. Black & white ...
Paper
Historic Photograph of Malabar X
Located in Norwell, MA
Historic black and white photograph of schooner Malabar X. Matted and framed. Measures: 13 x 15 1/2.
1960's Photograph of Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas
Located in Hanover, MA
Large framed original early photograph of Caesar's Palace hotel in Las Vegas.
Photographer unknown.
Cappucino / Photography
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Metallic print mounted on acrylic Edition limited to 99 copies Measures: 24" x 16" 36" x 24".
Metallic Thread
Sucre / Photography
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Metallic print mounted on acrylic Edition limited to 99 copies Measures: 24” x 16” 36” x 24”.
Metallic Thread
Glacier 4 / Photography
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Metallic print mounted on acrylic Edition limited to 99 copies Measures: 24” x 16” 30” x 40”.
Metallic Thread
Glacier 2 / Photography
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Metallic print mounted on acrylic Edition limited to 99 copies Measures: 24” x 16” 30” x 40”.
Metallic Thread
Calumet 2 / Photography
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Metallic print mounted on acrylic Edition limited to 99 copies Measures: 24” x 16” 36” x 24”.
Metallic Thread