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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
Ming Style Floral Ceramic Table Lamps, a Pair
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of Ming style ceramic table lamps. Hand painted with subtle pink peonies, sprigs of crab apple flowers, and pale green and beige leaves on a white background. Crab apple flowe...
Category

Late 20th Century Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

Chinese Ming Ceramic Provincial Jar Celadon Glaze, Early 17th Century
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a Chinese hand-thrown ceramic provincial jar with a light celadon glaze which we date to the Ming period of the early 17th century or possibly earlier. The jar is hand potted...
Category

Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Very Rare Ming Dynasty Porcelain Ewer with Ottoman Gem-Set Tombak Mounts
Located in London, GB
Very rare Ming dynasty porcelain ewer with ottoman gem-set tombak mounts Chinese and Turkish, 16th/17th century Measures: Tombak: height 20cm,...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Brass

15th-16th Century Ming Dynasty Cabinet. Red Lacquer
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare and well-preserved 16th century cupboard / cabinet. Detailed carved top section depicting a floral leaf design and people in polychrome lacquer. Front with red lacquer, pair of ...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Elm

18th Century Black Lacquer Table
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This elegant black lacquer long table has a waist decorated with the elongated begonia done in open style carving. The top is a solid piece of wood...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

BROYHILL PREMIER Chinoiserie Ming Style Credenza / Dresser
Located in Charlotte, NC
An Asian Ming style dresser or credenza by Broyhill Premier, from their "Ming" Collection. Maple, black lacquer, burlwood banded top & door fronts, br...
Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th c, Ming Style Hardwood Long Benches With Cloud Spandrels - A Pair
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th c., China,. A beautifully constructed pair of carved wood benches. The rectangular top is over inset legs topped with carved cloud spandrels and join...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Ming Dynasty Wood-Carved Buddha and Soapstone Plinth
Located in Vienna, AT
In this listing you will find a rare original piece of historical craftsmanship. On sale is a religious statue of the Buddha. The figurine was attentivel...
Category

Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Soapstone

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

Pair of Fine Black Lacquer End Tables
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine black lacquer end tables. Simple and elegant form. Beautiful color and form. We carry fine quality furniture with elegant finished and has been appeared many times in "Architect...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

A large wood Buddha/Guanyin with traces of pigments Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
Located in Vienna, AT
A LARGE WOOD FIGURE OF GUANYIN WITH TRACES OF PIGMENTS MING DYNASTY (1368-1644) The bodhisattva is shown seated in padmasana, wearing long flowing ro...
Category

Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Glazed Wood Horseman
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Chinese Ming Dynasty Hand Carved Glazed Wood Horse with Rider 22 tall x 22 w x 5.5 d Preowned Original vintage unrestored condition. Vintage p...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of Chinese Solid Rosewood Faux Rattan Garden Style Stools or Side Tables
Located in Germantown, MD
An exquisite Pair of Chinese solid Rosewood hand crafted, hand carved Faux Rattan / vine Garden Style Stools or Side Tables in great vintage condition. May be used as side tables or ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Chinese Linen Glass Cabinet with Carved Wood
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful 20th century solid wood custom linen press with glass door. The cabinet is constructed with three frame members, among them two are inset with choice elm woods that form the sides. The elm woods with grains of swirls and sweeps resemble the Chinese mountain and water scene. The unique front...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Vintage Karl Springer Canvas Wrapped Side Table
Located in Doylestown, PA
Fabulous vintage canvas wrapped Ming style side table, attributed to Karl Springer, 1970's. The table is a vibrant shade of cream with nice text...
Category

1970s North American Vintage Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood, Canvas

18th Century Black Lacquer Painting Table
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This painting table from Shanxi retains most of its original black lacquer finish. The table top is of standard mitered frame construction with a floating panel. Both ends of the t...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Ming Style Chinese Scholar's Cabinet
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful, Ming dynasty style scholar's cabinet. The doors and side panels are all solid single boards set with mitered, tenon and mortise construction. Two exterior and interior d...
Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Carved Back Elmwood Armchairs
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Early 20th century Chinese elmwood armchairs with finely carved back and elongated arms and legs. Measure 30" wide at the legs ends, 25" wide the arms, 27" in depth, 37.5...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Elm

Ming Style Chinese Natural Wood Horseshoe Armchair with Carved Splat and Apron
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty style natural wood horseshoe back armchair from the mid 20th century, with carved splat and apron. Born in China during the mid-century period, this armchair c...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Single Drawer Blue Lacquer Table with Horse Hoof Legs
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style blue lacquer side table from the early 20th century with single drawer and horse hoof legs. Created in China during the ear...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

George Zee Rosewood Chinese Chippendale Sectional Sofa
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Phenomenal mid century George Zee Teak sectional. Superb detailing in fretwork with classic Ming legs. Versatile in placement. Solid and heavy. From the estate of an executive with T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Antique Buddhist Alter Shrine 17-16'th Century
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare Buddhist alter shrine, made in pine wood. Rich on carved figural sceneries. Original polychrome lacquer, beautiful and untouched condition. From Shanxi Province in China.
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair of Large Scale Glazed Pottery Jar Form Table Lamps
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine pair of very large glazed pottery Jar Form Table Lamps mounted on turned wood bases. Large, ceramic, egg shaped table lamps have a white gr...
Category

20th Century Ming Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Wooden Coffee Table with Hand-Woven Rattan Top
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty style square-shaped wooden coffee table from the 19th century, with original distressed finish and hand-woven rattan top. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period in the 19th century, this coffee table features the stylistic characteristic of the Ming Dynasty. The table presents a square top with woven rattan inset, adorned with a reeded edge on all sides. Showcasing its original finish with a nicely distressed patina revealing its age and use, the table is raised on four straight legs connected to one another through humpback stretchers. With its elegant Ming lines and great patina, this Qing Dynasty wood and rattan coffee table...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Fine Jumu Low Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine Jumu low table / coffee table. Table top is 46" wide 23" deep, from outside edge of legs is 49 1/2" wide 27" deep, 18" height. We carry f...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Abacus Solid Brass Set of Two
Located in Somis, CA
A set of 2 beautiful, solid brass abacuses. Fine constructed, the rectangular frame divided into an upper and lower deck with a beam, each deck with 17 ( ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

1960s George Zee Rosewood Chinoiserie Flip Top Bar Server
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Fabulous mid century flip top server/bar by George Zee of Hong Kong. From the estate of an executive of the Ford Foundation. Purchased in Hong Kong while on business in the 1960’s. Exceptional craftsmanship, solid as a rock. Double doors open to expose shelving along with 3 drawers. Ample storage. Brass hinges,unique joinery and detailed carved flush pulls...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Mid 20th Century Oak Chinese Ming Armchair with Rush Seat
Located in Charlotte, NC
A Chinese Ming style armchair, unbranded. Solid oak with a chestnut color finish, slender curved arms that form the crest rail, "V" shaped backres...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Rush, Oak

Antique Chinese Pictorial Tapestry with Traditional Crane Design
Located in Dallas, TX
77548, antique Chinese pictorial tapestry with traditional crane design. This hand knotted wool antique Chinese pictorial tapestry features a large red-crowned crane design set against an abrashed neutral field. The crane is depicted standing on one leg with its wings outstretched while perched atop a cliff alongside several bamboo plants. The crane is one of the most widely used symbols throughout Chinese art and literature and figures heavily in Chinese mythology. The creature is thought to represent longevity, immortality, nobility, and fidelity. It is often represented alongside bamboo, as it is in this piece, another symbol of longevity. The warm sepia backdrop recalls ancient Chinese scrolls...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wool

Ming Dynasty Style Daybed/Coffee Table
Located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Made in China during the mid-19th century, its original purpose was as an "Opium Bed." The top features a woven rattan insert. The piece is finished in red lacquer, showing an age-r...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Chinese Ming Dynasty Bronze Nanhai Guanyin, 16th/17th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A decidingly charming Chinese polychromed and gilt cast bronze figure of Nanhai Guanyin, Guanyin of the South Sea, Ming Dynasty, 16th/17th century, China. Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, is portrayed here as a beatific figure seated upon a raised lotus pedestal over waves. Guanyin is dressed in heavy robes, and wears an elaborate headdress. The small figure of Amitabha Buddha in the headdress positively identifies this figure as Guanyin. Guanyin rests one hand in his lap, holding a cup of pure water said to be able to alleviate all suffering. His other hand is raised, holding a willow branch which is used to sprinkle the healing waters. The two lotus blossoms to either side of Guanyin would originally have supported figures of the acolytes...
Category

Early 1600s Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

James Mont Lacquered Horse Shoe Chairs w/ New Silk Upholstery by Century, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
Opulent pair of large James Mont Ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century Furniture. Designed by James Mont ,these chairs epitomize his over ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

1970s, Ming Style One Drawer Side Tables with Protective Glass Tops, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of 1970s Ming style one drawer side tables with protective glass tops in very good vintage condition. 100% All real hard wood. Rock solid pieces. Protective Smoke glass tops.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Ming Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

1970s Ming Style Rosewood Horseshoe Chairs
Located in Germantown, MD
For your consideration is Pair of rosewood horseshoe chairs. Chairs are in good condition. They measure 23"W x 19"D x 39"H. Seat is 20" high.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Antique Chinese 16/17C Chinese Porcelain Kraak Wanli Plate
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description A very nicely decorated plate with a beautiful scene of the Three Friends of Winter. With a nice empty rim. Wanli, Tianqi or Chong...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Armchairs "Official Back", c. 1840
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of "Official Back" armchairs. In Chinese "Yoku Back" Untouched made in elm wood, burgundy lacquer and natural age-related patina with clear lacquer as surface finish. Called "...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Elm

A Ming Style Cinnabar Lacquer and Brass Coffee Table
Located in New York, NY
The rectangular top with attractive craquelure, raised on shaped legs; with brass trimming to edges.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ming Furniture

Materials

Brass

Chinese Antique Table Ming Style Console Side Table
Located in Somis, CA
A solid wood table in Ming dynasty style. The solid top is set in a floating panel structure joined by mitered tenons and mortises. A narrow waist connects the top to the set of two ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gracie Studio Ming Style Lacquered Eight Panel Coromandel Screen
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare, bespoke lacquered eight-panel coromandel screen made in the Ming Dynasty style by Gracie Studio artisans in New York. Modern custom-made coromandel...
Category

20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinoiserie Chow Leg Ming Style Sofa Console Table Attributed to Schnadig Intl
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning chinoiserie chow leg Ming style sofa table with two beveled glass inserts and burl wood inlays. They are attributed to Schnadig Furniture I...
Category

Late 20th Century American Ming Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood, Burl

Set #5 Kosometsuke Antique Chinese 17c Ming Dynasty Plates China Porcelain
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description A set of 5 Small Ming Porcelain Dishes in the Japanese Taste, Late Ming Period, Tianqi or Early Chongzhen c.1620 – 1630. These small Transitional porcelain...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Ming Small Vase Cargo Shipwreck Wanli/Transitional Period, Circa 1625-40
By The Hatcher Collection
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a hand painted 17th century, late Ming dynasty, porcelain Jar or small Vase which we attribute to the Hatcher shipwreck cargo, this piece being from the Wanli /transitional period, circa 1625- 1640. The Jar/ Vase is fairly thickly potted with a very white glaze to the porcelain. It is decorated with a man and a boy stood against a tree with rocks, mountains and flying bats in the background all hand painted in various shades of a clear under-glaze cobalt blue. The irregular shaped head, bald high forehead, and straight pencilled beard with moustache support this date and period. Notes: The Hatcher Cargo...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Chinese Ming Style Peach Wood Altar Table
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant Chinese peach wood altar table in ming style. From Jiangsu Province, 1830-1840. Peach is a beautiful type of wood with warm undertones. Furnitur...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Huge Zaccagnini Pottery Mid Century Italian Ming Lamp Vintage 1950's Turquoise
Located in Wilton, CT
Huge Zaccagnini pottery square lamp with bands of Ming themed decor, flanges at the corners, and fabulous turquoise glaze, circa 1950's. Approx. 39" high overall, 24" to top of pottery, 11" square. 3 way switch. Glass bulb cover/shade holder. Heavy lamp...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Ming Furniture

Materials

Pottery

Fine Antique Blue Peking Imperial Dragon Carpet, Circa 1880
Located in Milan, IT
A central, five-clawed dragon (the symbol of both the forces of nature and the Chinese emperor), is surrounded by four other dragons, all floating on an indigo blue background. At bo...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Wool

Pair of George Zee Two Tier Rosewood End Tables, circa 1960s
Located in Germantown, MD
For your consideration is this fabulous pair of vintage Rosewood carved end tables, by George Zee. Stacked Ming style Chinese side table / end tables - hand crafted with kiln dried...
Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Ming Style Ceramic Table Lamp
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Ming style ceramic table lamp in white. Decorated with hand painted iris and lily flowers with foliage in a golden brown color palette. Stands on a brown wooden base with four Ming...
Category

Late 20th Century Ming Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Ming Dynasty Style Red Lacquered Console Cabinet with Doors and Drawers
Located in Yonkers, NY
An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style red lacquered console cabinet from the early 20th century, with five drawers and double doors. Born in ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Ming Style Alter Cabinet or Sideboard
Located in Kastrup, DK
Chinese Ming dynasty style altar cabinet or sideboard from Shanxi province, China. Elm and dark yellow lacquer with a beautiful age-related patina. Three drawers over two bi-fold d...
Category

Mid-19th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Elm

Bixia Yuanjun Figure of Bronze Dated Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644
Located in London, GB
Bixia Yuanjun figure of bronze dated Ming Dynasty 1368-1644. Base of hardwood. Height excluding base 26cm; Heigh including base 31cm. Condition: Corrosion on reverse/back; ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Chinese Porcelain Lotus Ming 1600-1640 Tianqi Chongzhen Anhua Engraving
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Description A Blue & White Kosometsuke plate with a lovely scene of a lotus and hidden engraved anhua decoration of flowers in the white aera. Just Superb! Condition 3 Chips, 1 ...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Fine Red Lacquer Low Table with Fret Work Top
Located in Greenwich, CT
Fine red lacquer low table / coffee table with fret work top, elegant fine red lacquer finished. Purchase red lacquer low table / coffee table also come with glass top that can place...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Vintage Thai Ming Style Low Drinks Table with Horsefoot Feet and Natural Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Ming Dynasty style Thai teak wood low drinks table from the mid-20th century with natural patina, carved apron and horse hoof extremities. Cr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Ming Furniture

Materials

Teak

Chinese Antique Gourd-Shaped Blue and White Porcelain Vase, Ming Period
Located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo
The bottom sign tells this vase was made in the era of Xuande emperor. The characteristic Arabic pattern is Influenced by the Silk Road trade in Ming p...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Chinese Ming Dynasty 17th Century Three-Color Glazed Terracotta Temple Roof Tile
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period temple roof tile from the 17th century, with turquoise finish, bird and flower. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this ancient templ...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Terracotta

Red Lacquer Altar Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Red lacquer altar table with everted flangers.
Category

1930s Chinese Vintage Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Chinese Ming Dish Blue & White porcelain, Tianqi or Chongzhen Circa 1620-1644
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a hand painted Chinese Export porcelain dish, which we date to the 17th century, Ming Dynasty, Tianqi or Chongzhen c.1620-1640 The dish is fairly thickly potted with a fai...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

19th Ming Chinese Bronze Duck
Located in Pasadena, TX
Bronze standing duck. Standing neck raised and mouth open with detailed feathers. 14.5 high.
Category

Late 18th Century Asian Antique Ming Furniture

Materials

Bronze

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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