Ming Building and Garden Elements
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.
Late 20th Century North American Ming Building and Garden Elements
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Building and Garden Elements
Rosewood
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Limestone
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Iron
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Pottery, Earthenware, Terracotta
19th Century Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Building and Garden Elements
Brass
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Marble
18th Century Asian Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Stone
Mid-20th Century Ming Building and Garden Elements
Marble
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Stone
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Building and Garden Elements
Wood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Stone
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Iron
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Limestone
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Limestone
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Limestone
1980s Italian Vintage Ming Building and Garden Elements
Ceramic
17th Century Italian Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Marble
1960s Vintage Ming Building and Garden Elements
Bronze
Mid-20th Century British Ming Building and Garden Elements
Composition
2010s American Ming Building and Garden Elements
Wood, Mahogany, Pine
17th Century Italian Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Marble
19th Century French Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Wood
Early 19th Century German Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Iron
Mid-19th Century American Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Hardwood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Hardwood
Late 20th Century American Ming Building and Garden Elements
Concrete
17th Century European Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Wood
20th Century Asian Ming Building and Garden Elements
Limestone
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Building and Garden Elements
Marble
20th Century Chinese Ming Building and Garden Elements
Pottery
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Lava
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Pottery
Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Sandstone
20th Century Chinese Ming Building and Garden Elements
Wood
Early 20th Century Ming Building and Garden Elements
Cast Stone
20th Century Central Asian Ming Building and Garden Elements
Rosewood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Wood
20th Century Chinese Ming Building and Garden Elements
Wood
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Building and Garden Elements
Stone