Ming Furniture
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.
1950s Italian Vintage Ming Furniture
Brass
1870s Antique Ming Furniture
Elm, Paint
1910s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Elm
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Lacquer
Late 19th Century Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Hardwood
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Lacquer
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Metal
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Celadon
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Celadon
1980s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture
Travertine
Mid-20th Century Ming Furniture
Wood
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
1960s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stone
Late 20th Century French Ming Furniture
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic, Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic, Stoneware
19th Century Southeast Asian Antique Ming Furniture
Brass
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Porcelain
Late 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Wood
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Celadon
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Celadon
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Furniture
Stoneware
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Walnut
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Stoneware
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Rosewood
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Lacquer
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Rosewood
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Lacquer
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Ming Furniture
Brass
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Ceramic
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Furniture
Stoneware
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Furniture
Stoneware
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Bamboo, Walnut
15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Furniture
Stoneware
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Enamel, Bronze
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Pottery, Stoneware
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Bronze
17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Ming Furniture
Gold Leaf, Brass
1980s Thai Vintage Ming Furniture
Gold, Enamel
1980s American Vintage Ming Furniture
Wood, Paint
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Elm
15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture
Celadon
20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture
Wood
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture
Rosewood