Ming Paintings and Screens
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.
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Paintings and Screens
Silk
20th Century Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood
20th Century Chinese Ming Paintings and Screens
Brass
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood
20th Century American Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Ming Paintings and Screens
Silk
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood
Early 20th Century Japanese Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood
19th Century Japanese Antique Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood, Paper
Early 20th Century Japanese Ming Paintings and Screens
Silk, Wood
20th Century Chinese Ming Paintings and Screens
Brass, Silver Leaf
20th Century Chinese Ming Paintings and Screens
Soapstone, Brass
1950s Asian Vintage Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood
20th Century Chinese Ming Paintings and Screens
Brass
19th Century Japanese Antique Ming Paintings and Screens
Paper
20th Century Chinese Ming Paintings and Screens
Soapstone, Brass
20th Century Chinese Ming Paintings and Screens
Soapstone, Brass
20th Century Chinese Ming Paintings and Screens
Brass
Mid-20th Century Japanese Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood
Early 20th Century Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood
16th Century Tibetan Antique Ming Paintings and Screens
Linen, Paint
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Paintings and Screens
Ceramic, Pottery
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Paintings and Screens
Paper
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Paintings and Screens
Ceramic
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Paintings and Screens
Paper
20th Century Chinese Ming Paintings and Screens
Brass
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Paintings and Screens
Wood
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Paintings and Screens
Linen