Ming Seating
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.
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Seating
Wood
Late 20th Century American Ming Seating
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century Colombian Ming Seating
Horn, Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century North American Ming Seating
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century American Ming Seating
Mohair, Bouclé, Wood
Late 20th Century Ming Seating
Hardwood, Lacquer
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Wood
20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Bamboo, Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Hardwood
1910s Chinese Vintage Ming Seating
Elm
Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Ming Seating
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Rosewood
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Bamboo, Walnut
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Wood
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Wood
20th Century American Ming Seating
Brass
Late 20th Century American Ming Seating
Upholstery, Wood
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Wood, Fabric, Thread, Paint
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Bamboo, Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Wood
Late 20th Century American Ming Seating
Upholstery, Rosewood
1970s Vintage Ming Seating
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century Ming Seating
Upholstery, Hardwood
Late 20th Century Indonesian Ming Seating
Canvas, Teak
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Wood
Late 20th Century Unknown Ming Seating
Wood, Leather
1970s Vintage Ming Seating
Tapestry, Chenille, Cane, Walnut
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Elm
Mid-20th Century Ming Seating
Cowhide, Wood
1970s Belgian Vintage Ming Seating
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Walnut, Lacquer
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Brass
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Elm
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Seating
Chrome, Steel
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Wood, Lacquer
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Wood, Elm
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Rosewood
1970s Chinese Vintage Ming Seating
Wood, Hardwood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Wood
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Seating
Rosewood
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Elm
Mid-20th Century American Ming Seating
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Ming Seating
Rush, Oak
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Seating
Rosewood
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Elm
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Bamboo, Wood
Late 20th Century American Ming Seating
Burl
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Marble
Mid-20th Century American Ming Seating
Ultrasuede, Walnut, Latex
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Rattan, Wood
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Seating
Elm
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Seating
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Seating
Elm