Ming Furniture
MING STYLE
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.
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Style: Ming
Vintage Chinese Ming Style Black Lacquer & Cowhide Arm Chair, Mid-20th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Vintage Chinese ming style black lacquer & cowhide arm chair.
Additional information:
Materials: cowhide, lacquer, wood.
Color: black.
Period: ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Cowhide, Wood
Antique Chinese 17th Century Porcelain Ming/Transitional Plate Boys with Bird
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely decorated plate.
A late Ming Ko-Sometsuke porcelain dish, Wanli or Tianqi period, 1600-1627.
This Kaiseki blue and white porcelain serving dish is decorated with two ...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Pair Early 20th Century Chinese Ceramic Foo Dogs
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Low fired ceramic Chinese "Ming" style pair matching Foo Dogs with beautiful cracked and dripped glazed four color finish.
This beautiful couple Foo Dogs is visibly handmade because the prints of the fingers the artist are visible in the earthenware.
These Foo Dogs makes displayed in your place a great...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Earthenware
Chinese Ming Porcelain Early 17th Century Blue White Plate Charger Kraak Dish
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Antique Chinese porcelain blue and white Ming charger
Blue and white ceramic deep dish.
Material: Chinese porcelain, Ceramic
Style: Chinese, Ming, Anti...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Peach wood & Hard Cane Coffee Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese 19th century daybed / coffee table / end of bed bench.
Crafted in peach wood with a central woven rattan top panel insert mounted on a wooden board, making it sturdy enough ...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Fruitwood
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Side Table with Humpback Stretcher
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style side table with humpback stretcher.
Chinese Ming Dynasty style side table from the mid 19th century with
hump...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Ming Cizhou Wine Jar, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This impressive glazed vessel dates to the early 17th century and was used to store wine and spirits made from rice and other grains. The Ming-dynasty jar has an elegant, tapered for...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Late 20th Ming Style Indonesian Dining Armed Chairs Natural Teak w/ Black Seats
Located in Topeka, KS
Lovely vintage Ming style Indonesian dining armed chairs comprised of natural teak frames & upholstered drop in seats. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and...
Category
Late 20th Century Indonesian Ming Furniture
Materials
Canvas, Teak
Fine Jumu Wood Sideboard
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Jumu wood sideboard with drawers and two pairs of open doors. Simple and elegant sideboard. Beautiful form and color. We carry fine quality fu...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Decorative Chinese Storage Chest As Cocktail Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Heavy wooden storage chest with chunky and prominent iron hardware. The chest opens from the front top with heavy 1" thick door and a large scalloped back-plate - no lock. Decorated ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Iron
Antique Chinese 17th C Porcelain Ming/Transitional Plate Blue Tianqi Chongzhen
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Very nicely decorated plate. A late Ming porcelain dish, Wanli or Tianqi Period 1620 – 1645. Very nice with a scene.
Condition
Overall Condition...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Chinese Heavily Carved Marble Top Tiered Stand
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Two tiered with elaborate carvings. A scalloped top carved with foliate scrolls and inset pink marble top over the openwork carved frieze with leafy band. The heavy carved legs with ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Marble
30.4cm Kosometsuke Antique Chinese Porcelain Dish 17 C Ming Literatus Children
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Condition
1 restuck piece with a line and with some paint of the repainting remaining. Lower part of the restuck piece is with kintsugi. Some fritting. Size 303x36mm diameterxhigh
...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Islamic Blue and White Fritware Pottery Plate Signed by Maker
Located in COLMAR, FR
A mysterious, antique blue and white pottery plate. This is a fritware plate, hand-painted with a floral motif in underglaze cobalt blue...
Category
1860s Unknown Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Ming Style Red Lacquer Console Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
A freestanding ming style console table.
The table features humpback stretchers, horse hoof feet and original red lacquer with natural age-related patina.
Presumably made of iron...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Fine Black Lacquer Sideboard or Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
A refined and elegant black lacquer sideboard, framed top supported by square legs and joined by four drawers and two pairs of doors, brass fitting and ring pulls. We carry fine qual...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
20th c. Modern Ming Horseshoe Chairs With Caned Seats Custom Cushions
Located in Southampton, NJ
An elegant pair of lounge chairs in the manner of designer Michael Taylor for Baker Far East Collection. Solid bent walnut sculpted forms feature gorgeous caned seats and new custom ...
Category
1970s Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Tapestry, Chenille, Cane, Walnut
Pair Of Ming Style Leather Lounge Chairs
Located in Hudson, NY
A spectacular and chic pair of Ming Style armchairs with embossed leather seats. Made from extremely hardwood with a gorgeous weathered petina through the ebony glaze.
The alligator...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood, Leather
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Simple black lacquer console table with waterfall legs, elegant color and lines. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many times in "Architecture Digest...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Abalone, Lacquer
Antique Chinese Granary Jar
Located in Yonkers, NY
A 17th century Antique Chinese Granary Jar hand made from terracotta with a verdigris patina. Unearth an enthralling piece of history with...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Chinese Wanli-Era Cast Iron Bell
Located in Chicago, IL
A cast iron bell, when struck with a wooden beam, announced the time of day to villagers. This monumental example is covered in relief casts of chrysant...
Category
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Iron
Set of Six Chinese Dining Chairs in Ming Style
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage set of Chinese in Ming style dining chairs in solid wood. Glossy redwood frames - two with arms, and four without. Includes teal color...
Category
1970s Belgian Vintage Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Wooden Deity Statue, China Ming Period
Located in Saverne, Grand Est
Statue of a Taoist god in wood, represented seated on a seat with armrests in the shape of heads of dragons. The face is really beautifully rendered, as well as the draping of the co...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Fine Pair of Red Glazed Porcelain Vases
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of Porcelain Asian Vases with subtle form, good weight and striking presentation. With Red glazed exteriors and Brown contrasting interiors. Very good condition and marked on ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Incense Holder / Jardiniere
Located in San Francisco, CA
Japanese Meiji Period Bronze Incense Holder / Jardiniere. A substantial incense holder in the Chinese Ming style. Sides and bottom covered in a r...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Chinese blond hardwood stool in the Ming taste, 1800-25
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Chinese Yumu wood (Northern Chinese elm) stool in the Ming taste. The waisted and bull nose frame and panel top is engaged to the rounded framing eleme...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Tall Ming Vase
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Boho Glazed ceramic vase. A classic Ming style in a black high gloss finish. Rests on a wooden plinth. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Style 1920s Horseshoe Back Bamboo Armchairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style 1920s horseshoe back bamboo armchairs a pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style horseshoe back armchairs from the early 20th century, with fretwork moti...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Bamboo, Wood
Chinese Ming Style Coffee Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese low rectangular coffee table made in walnut. Ming style.
A fine and elegant example of classical Chinese furniture in cabinet-maker quality.
Jiangsu Province 1860-1880.
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Late 20th Century Asian Ming Style Lighted Curio Cabinet
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Asian Ming style curio cabinet, unbranded, similar quality to Drexel or Henredon. Nutwood, decorative brass hardware, dual glass front doors, glass side panels, pagoda like top and Ming feet...
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Large Antique Chinese 19th Century Cabinet
Located in Kastrup, DK
A large Chinese cabinet with original lacquer.
Two doors, fitted with traditional central hardware, open to reveal inner shelves. At the bottom th...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Ebonized Ming Style Coffee Table
Located in Pasadena, TX
72? Ebonized Ming coffee table
A vintage Chinese Ming dynasty style coffee table from the mid-20th century, with recessed...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Ming Furniture
Materials
Ash
Chinese Ming Dynasty 17th Century Hand Carved Stone Monkey Temple Sculpture
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period hand carved stone monkey temple sculpture from the 17th century, depicted seated and holding a round stone disc above its head. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty period which spanned from 1368 to 1644, this hand carved stone sculpture...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
Collection of 16th Century Chinese Mirrors
Located in Mjöhult, SE
Collection of 16th century Chinese bronze mirrors. Ming Dynasty ca 1550, China.
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Longquan Celadon Ming Dynasty Porcelain Vase
Located in Bradenton, FL
Chinese Longquan Celadon Ming Dynasty Porcelain Vase.
Chinese antique Ming Dynasty celadon porcelain vase with leaf motif. Overall crackle glaze.
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Mahogany Ming Chinese Altar Table, Early 20th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A mahogany Ming Chinese altar table with sides carved and decorative carvings on legs, Early 20th Century.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Chinese Scroll Box
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Stained leather covered wood in deep oxblood and dark brown tones. With three stitched plaques with raised characters on the front. A brass mount with lock on the front (lacking the ...
Category
19th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
16th-17th Century Chinese Ming Dynasty Fu Dog Censer Incense Vase
Located in Hampstead, QC
This is a rare Chinese Ming Dynasty bronze Fu Dog figural bronze tripod lidded censer used for incense. It has a Fu Dog or Qilin figural top lid with superbly carved details. The Fu ...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Six-Panel Rosewood Carved Lattice Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fantastic Chinese six-panel Rosewood carved lattice folding screen. Features intricate geometric patterns with Greek key motif. Each panel is 17.5 inches wide and has a contrasting o...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair Asian Ming Style Carved Mahogany Lounge Chairs, 1940-1960
Located in Rochester, NY
A very elegant pair of Asian Ming style hand carved mahogany hardwood lounge chairs in nicely aged original surface color w/ beautifully figured grain. Exceptional quality finely det...
Category
20th Century Singaporean Ming Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Mahogany
Asian Ming Style Carved Mahogany Sofa Settee, 1940-1960
Located in Rochester, NY
Very elegant Ming style mahogany hardwood sofa settee in nicely aged original color w/ beautifully figured grain to wood. Fine hand crafted hand carved details and pegged woodwork...
Category
20th Century Singaporean Ming Furniture
Materials
Hardwood, Mahogany
Fine Black Lacquer Console Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine black lacquer console table with four drawers, waterfall legs, brass fitting, elegant and simple form, beautiful lines. We carry ...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Lacquer
Chinese Elm Audience Chair, c. 1850
Located in Kenilworth, IL
Chinese audience chair in the Ming Dynasty taste. The chair is made from Northern Chinese Elm with traces of original black lacquer throughout. The chair has a frame and panel...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Asian Modern Ming Style Lacquer and Brass Console Table by Baker Furniture
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a sleek modern Ming style console table by Baker Furniture Company. The piece has an espresso finish with a high gloss clear coat. The top has a faux marble painted inset str...
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Late 20th Century Vintage Regency Ming Grasscloth Console Table
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Regency console table. A chic Grasscloth finish with Ming legs. Currently black, but easy to change the color to suit ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ming Dynasty Carved Ancestor Figure
Located in Chicago, IL
Marvel at the exquisite artistry of this carved wood Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644) ancestor figure—a captivating depiction of a seated man adorned in the distinguished attire o...
Category
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Japanese Kyokuroku Folding Chairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Japanese red lacquered folding meditation armchair for monks.
Pair of kyokuroku chairs in original red lacquer with gilt carvings and embossed brass hardware.
One chair wit...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Antique Chinese Ming Style Carved Elm Split Reed Altar Bench Coffee Table
Located in Dayton, OH
Charming late 19th century Chinese Qing Dynasty bench. Made from solid elm wood in mortise and tenon construction with an inset split reed top. Feat...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Early 20th Century Asian Style Petite Pipe and Tobacco Cabinet
Located in Doylestown, PA
Asian style petite pipe and tobacco cabinet, early 20th century.
This Ming style cabinet features a single tiger maple panel door with original Fen...
Category
Early 20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Brass
Pair of Vintage Asian Carved Hard Stone Urns on Stands with Intricate Detail
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A vintage pair of Asian hand carved hard stone urns with intricate detail of dragons, scenery and Asian symbols on wood bases.
Category
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
Pair of Asian Black Lacquered Square Coffee Tables with Gilt Detail
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A gorgeous pair of asian square coffee tables, newly lacquered and refinished with ming and gilt detail!
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Asian hand carved Hexagonal Center Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Asian hand carved hexagonal center table distinguished by geometric forms and clean graceful lines featuring picture framed top with carved apro...
Category
20th Century Asian Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Ming Design Glazed Terracotta Tricolor Prancing Horse Sculpture on Base
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty style glazed terracotta prancing horse figure from the 20th century with polychrome finish. Crafted in the Ming style, this small terracotta prancing horse att...
Category
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Terracotta
Chinese Tiered Stand with Inset Rose Marble Top
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An antique stone-inlaid Chinese stand with two tiers enhanced by open work and hand carved motifs, indicative to these pieces, such as the scroll, ornamental vines and greek key and ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Stone
Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty-Style Equestrian Roof Tile, 18th C.
Located in San Francisco, CA
A circa 18th century Chinese Ming dynasty-style equestrian form glazed pottery roof tile.
Classic figural depiction of a proud celestial warrior on horseback, hand-crafted of eart...
Category
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery, Earthenware, Terracotta
Pair Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Dignitary Figures
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of Ming dynasty sancai blue glazed pottery figures.
Circa 1500 AD Ming Dynasty
I have owned over 250 ming tomb figures including over 80...
Category
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Pottery
Chinese Ming Dynasty Style 1920s Red and Black Lacquered Drum Stool or Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style red and black lacquered drum stool from the early 20th century, with chinoiserie decor. Created in China during the first quarter of the 20th century, this Ming style drum stool will make for an excellent drinks table or plant Stand. Boasting a lovely black and red lacquered patina, the stool features a shaped top adorned with a delicate chinoiserie scene. This top is resting on a waisted apron, raised on an arching drum base with side stretchers. Ideal thanks to its versatile quality, this Chinese lacquered stool...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Materials
Wood
Chinese Red Lacquered Sideboard
Located in Kastrup, DK
Beijing "Altar" sideboard in original red lacquer with three drawers.
Below, pair of doors with sides that can be opened.
The lacquer color has a natural patina with a clear lacquer ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Materials
Elm
Ming furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Ming furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, tables, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming furniture made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Century Furniture, George Zee, Broyhill, and Baker Furniture Company. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $195 and tops out at $690,000 while the average work can sell for $2,941.
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