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.
$950 / set
Boris O'Klein Dogs of Paris Etchings
By Boris O’Klein 1
Located in Atlanta, GA
Boris O'Klein "Dogs of Paris" colored etchings, French, circa 1950s. They are pencil signed and titled at lower edge. Humorous artworks for your powder room. They retain their origin...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$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
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
$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
Intricately Carved Sandalwood Frame in Custom Display Frame
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A highly decorative Carved and Tassled Sandalwood Fan mounted on a Green Velvet background and fitted in a Gilt edged custom display frame. The Fan with...
Velvet, Wood, Sandalwood
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
Vintage Boho Gilt Stopped European Trope Character Bracket
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Accentuate your space with our Vintage Boho Gilt tipped European Trope Character Bracket. This unique piece features gilt detailing and characterful design, blending Bohemian charm w...
Resin, Wood
Original Antique Print of Dogs, 1847, 'Unframed'
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of dogs Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. brown with original hand color. Publi...
Paper
19th Century Japanese Edo Six Panel Kano School Landscape Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Late Edo period 19th century Japanese six-panel landscape screen featuring a cypress tree over a flowering hibiscus with a pair of hototogisu birds. Kano school painted with ink and ...
Silk, Wood, Paper
$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
Vintage Mid-20th Century Asian Hand Painted Folding Large Wall Fan
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Mid-20th century hand-painted lacquered wood and heavy paper large decorative fan. Vintage Asian Extra Large Hand Painted Folding Fan Art. Stunning vintage Asian large hand-painted folding wall fan chinoiserie. In good vintage condition! This amazing Chinoiserie chic Hollywood Regency style wall fan would look fabulous anywhere to add those special vibes to any decor. Monumental Chinese folding fan that is extra large when fully opened. This is a vintage piece from the 1960s most likely. The colors are still incredibly vivid and the folding mechanism works. This makes a wonderful sculptural wall decoration. The fan is ready for installation with two threaded hooks on the reverse side This hand painted gilt monumental folded Chinese Export fan...
Paper
$1,500
H 10.75 in W 9.5 in D 0.13 in
Vintage Japanese Watercolor Painting of Two Geisha, Signed, Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage watercolor painting of two Geisha under an umbrella - watercolor over graphite with gold gilt border - signed upper right (unidentified artist/maker...
Paint, Paper
Set of Four Japanese Reverse Paintings
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Set of four Japanese reverse paintings.
Glass
Abstract Metal Artwork in Wooden Frame
Located in High Point, NC
Bold and enigmatic, this large-scale abstract artwork combines the hand of man and the hand of nature. The form has a minimalist simplicity: a broad sheet of metal is set within a wo...
Metal
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
Pair of Japanese Costume Portraits Painted on Silk, 1920's
Located in London, GB
Two portraits of Japanese man and women in traditional costume painted on silk, circa 1920, in their original frames. Details show the exquisite tradit...
Wood
$1,031
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
Italian Orientalist Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in Cypress, CA
Italian orientalist oil on canvas painting. 20th century. The fine oil painting depicting an orientalist woman dressed in traditional garments w...
Canvas, Wood
$1,498
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
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
Sold
H 63 in W 55.12 in D 0.2 in
Pair of Large Textile Portraits of a Chinese Imperial Couple of the Ming Dynasty
Located in Hamburg, DE
Pair of large textile portraits of a Chinese imperial couple of the Ming Dynasty. The murals date from the 20th century and can decorate a large wall very impressively. The portraits...
Textile
Antique Chinese Pictorial Tapestry with Traditional Crane Design
Located in Dallas, TX
77548, antique Chinese pictorial tapestry with traditional crane design. This hand knotted wool antique Chinese pictorial tapestry features a large red-crowned crane design set against an abrashed neutral field. The crane is depicted standing on one leg with its wings outstretched while perched atop a cliff alongside several bamboo plants. The crane is one of the most widely used symbols throughout Chinese art and literature and figures heavily in Chinese mythology. The creature is thought to represent longevity, immortality, nobility, and fidelity. It is often represented alongside bamboo, as it is in this piece, another symbol of longevity. The warm sepia backdrop recalls ancient Chinese scrolls...
Wool
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
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
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
18th Century Chinese Landscape Ink on Silk Scroll Painting
Located in Dallas, TX
Chinese 18th century landscape ink on silk scroll Ink on silk on paper scroll of a landscape with calligraphy and stamps. Hangs beautifully and straight. ...
Silk
Sold
H 8 in W 3 in D 3 in
Important Ancient Chinese Zodiac Figure Holding a Dog, Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644
Located in South Burlington, VT
Important Ancient Chinese Zodiac figure holding a DOG, Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644 This interesting zodiac figure is one in a series of twelve (12) tomb figures each brandishing a diffe...
Pottery
Pair of Burmese Kamawa-sa Buddhist Texts Gold Leaf Frames, circa 1850
Located in Camden, ME
A rare pair of glass encased Burmese Kamawa-sa Buddhist texts consisting of 14 double sided unbound pages, made from thin sheets coated with layers of orange-red lacquer, which is ha...
Monumental Chinese Ancestors Portrait, 18th Century
Located in Austin, TX
Unique depiction of 12 generations, hand painted on loomed linen. Shanxi Province, China, c. late 18th Century. Custom steel hanging bar is 91.88" long. A traditional piece, but q...
Linen