Ming Chairs
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 Colombian Ming Chairs
Horn, Upholstery, Wood
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Chairs
Wood
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Chairs
Wood, Fabric, Thread, Paint
1970s Vintage Ming Chairs
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Ming Chairs
Cowhide, Wood
1970s Belgian Vintage Ming Chairs
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Chairs
Walnut, Lacquer
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Chairs
Brass
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Chairs
Wood, Elm
Mid-20th Century American Ming Chairs
Rush, Oak
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Chairs
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Chairs
Walnut, Lacquer
1920s Chinese Vintage Ming Chairs
Wood
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Chairs
Wood
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Ming Chairs
Cherry
1950s Italian Vintage Ming Chairs
Velvet, Beech
20th Century Italian Ming Chairs
Metal
1930s Moroccan Vintage Ming Chairs
Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Ming Chairs
Metal
Late 20th Century Unknown Ming Chairs
Rattan, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Ming Chairs
Fabric, Maple
20th Century Italian Ming Chairs
Velvet, Wood
1960s Vintage Ming Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Chairs
Wood
19th Century French Antique Ming Chairs
Fabric, Beech
1950s English Vintage Ming Chairs
Bamboo
1930s Chinese Vintage Ming Chairs
Lacquer
1970s American Vintage Ming Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Chairs
Mahogany
1980s Vintage Ming Chairs
Upholstery, Rattan, Mahogany, Burl
1970s American Vintage Ming Chairs
Silk, Mahogany, Cotton
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Chairs
Wicker, Wood
1930s Chinese Vintage Ming Chairs
Lacquer
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Chairs
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Chairs
Elm
Late 20th Century American Ming Chairs
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Chairs
Hardwood
1890s Chinese Antique Ming Chairs
Lacquer