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.
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
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
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
$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
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
$27,492
Painting - Dominguez Alvarez
Located in Porto, PT
Painting - Dominguez Alvarez. View of Segovia Cathedral 1928. Oil on wood. Signed. Dimensions: 36x16 cm
Canvas
Drawing - Dominguez Alvarez
Located in Porto, PT
Drawing - Dominguez Alvarez. 'Rua do Porto'; pencil on paper. Small. Dimensions: 31x26 cm. Note: Artwork appraised by Prof. Bernardo Pinto de Almeida.
Canvas
Drawing - Dominguez Alvarez
Located in Porto, PT
Drawing - Dominguez Alvarez. Study 'Self-portrait'; graphite on paper. Dimensions: 17x10.5 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: 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
$206,192
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
Screen printing - Domingos Pinho
Located in Porto, PT
Serigraph - Domingos Pinho. Serigraph on paper; edition 4/7. Signed and dated 1966. Dimensions: 12x14.5 cm.
Canvas
$51,548
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
$687 / set
Pair of Chinese suspension plates
Located in Porto, PT
Pair of Chinese hanging plaques. Chinese; Minguo period (1912-1949); made of exotic wood with wood and bone inlays. Dimensions: 44 cm x 42 cm
Wood
$343Sale Price|50% Off
Photography - Domingos Alvão
Located in Porto, PT
Photograph - Domingos Alvão. Photograph on paper. Signed and dated Porto. Dimensions: 30x37 cm
Paper
$687Sale 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
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
Pair of Intricately Carved Wooden Wall Panels
Located in Dallas, TX
Globally sourced and carefully curated, the Le Monde collection of furnishings, home decor, sculptures, mirrors, wall panels, pots, vases, bowls, and other accessories celebrates cul...
Wood
$43,529
H 46.46 in W 43.31 in D 7.88 in
Museum-Quality Fossil Pecten Wall Feature (118 x 110 cm) – Custom Steel Frame
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
An extraordinary statement piece for high-end luxury interiors, this monumental fossilized scallop shell plaque (Pecten / Gigantopecten) measures an impressive 118 x 110 cm. Originat...
Stone, Limestone
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
$1,431
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
$1,019
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
$2,405
H 24.41 in W 48.04 in D 2.76 in
Large Mid-20th Century Chinese Deeply Carved Wooden Plaque with Tiger and Bamboo
Located in Antwerp, BE
A monumental mid-20th-century Chinese hand-carved solid wood wall relief panel featuring a dynamic, high-relief composition of a prowling tiger emerging from a dense bamboo forest be...
Wood
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
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
Framed Antique Hand Carved Panel
Located in New York, NY
Antique hand carved panel from Toraja. Framed in a Minimalist black teak wood shadow box. This carving symbolizes the protection of the home....
Wood, Teak
$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
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
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