Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
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.
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Hardwood, Paint
Early 20th Century Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Pine
1970s Vintage Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Mahogany
Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Soapstone
18th Century Asian Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Stone
20th Century American Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary British Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Cotton, Linen
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Terracotta
20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Terracotta
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Terracotta
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
1920s Thai Vintage Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Pottery
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Rosewood
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Bronze, Enamel
Late 19th Century English Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Zinc
Mid-20th Century Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Walnut
1970s Vintage Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
1810s French Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Silk, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood, Burl
20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Gold Leaf, Brass
20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
Mid-20th Century North American Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Oak
20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Soapstone, Brass
Early 20th Century English Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
Early 20th Century Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
Late 20th Century Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Plastic, Hardwood
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Lacquer
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood, Lacquer
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Lacquer
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Brass, Bronze, Iron
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Pottery
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming More Furniture and Collectibles
Silver