Ming Armchairs
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.
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Wood
20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Bamboo, Wood
1910s Chinese Vintage Ming Armchairs
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Armchairs
Bamboo, Wood
Late 20th Century Ming Armchairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Ming Armchairs
Cowhide, Wood
Late 20th Century Unknown Ming Armchairs
Wood, Leather
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Armchairs
Elm
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Armchairs
Chrome, Steel
1970s Chinese Vintage Ming Armchairs
Wood, Hardwood
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Bamboo, Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Elm
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Ming Armchairs
Rush, Oak
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Armchairs
Elm
Late 20th Century American Ming Armchairs
Burl
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Armchairs
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Armchairs
Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Rattan, Wood
20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Marble
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Elm, Rattan
1970s American Vintage Ming Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Armchairs
Elm
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Cypress
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Armchairs
Wood
1850s Chinese Antique Ming Armchairs
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Rattan, Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Rattan, Wood
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Ming Armchairs
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Armchairs
2010s French Ming Armchairs
Fabric, Rope, Wood
1930s Moroccan Vintage Ming Armchairs
Velvet, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Ming Armchairs
Fabric, Maple
1880s Japanese Antique Ming Armchairs
Hardwood
1940s Moroccan Vintage Ming Armchairs
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
1970s Philippine Vintage Ming Armchairs
Upholstery, Bamboo
19th Century Scottish Antique Ming Armchairs
Leather, Oak
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Bamboo, Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Armchairs
Hardwood, Elm
2010s French Ming Armchairs
Wood
Late 20th Century Unknown Ming Armchairs
Metal
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Armchairs
Elm
1930s Chinese Vintage Ming Armchairs
Lacquer
18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Armchairs
Iron
Mid-19th Century Antique Ming Armchairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Wood
20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Padouk
18th Century Antique Ming Armchairs
Elm
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs
Wood
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Armchairs
Wood
20th Century American Ming Armchairs
Rattan, Fabric, Bamboo, Cane