Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
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.
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Bronze
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Wood
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Elm
Early 20th Century Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Brass
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Lacquer
Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Lacquer
Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Elm
Late 20th Century American Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Brass
1970s American Vintage Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Cherry, Maple, Burl
20th Century Chinese Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Wood
Late 20th Century Philippine Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Brass
Late 20th Century American Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Glass, Mirror, Wood
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Metal
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Rosewood
Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Metal
16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Elm
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Wood
Early 20th Century Asian Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Wood
Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Wood
Mid-19th Century Asian Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Elm
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Brass
Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Brass
Mid-17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Wood
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Elm
Late 20th Century American Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Wood, Paint
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Wood
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Brass
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Brass
19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Bronze
Mid-18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Metal
20th Century American Ming Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Wood, Paint