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.
Mid-Century White Lacquered Asian Modern James Mont Ming Style Credenza
By James Mont
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century James Mont inspired Ming style white lacquered credenza. It was manufactured by Sanford Furniture Company. It does have brass c...
Brass
Ming Dynasty Style 19th Century Red Rose Console Cabinet with Everted Flanges
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Ming Dynasty style red rose butterfly console cabinet from the 19th century, with everted flanges, double doors and carved panels. Step into the world of ancient elegance with this...
Bronze
CHINESE ARK Ching Dynasty 1892 19th Century with Certificate
Located in Madrid, ES
CHINESE ARK Ching Dynasty 1892 19th Century with Certificate in black lacquered wood with gold, representing plant motifs and figures. Metal hardware. Signs of use and minor flaws. ...
Wood
$3,595
H 30.25 in W 65 in D 18 in
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Modern “Esprit” Walnut & Lacquered Credenza
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs...
Walnut, Lacquer
Petite Chinese Lacquered Noodle Cabinet, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This vintage lacquered storage chest was crafted in the mid-19th century to a streamlined shape that follows traditional Chinese cabinetry designs. This type of tapered cabinet is kn...
Elm
$18,525Sale Price|35% Off
H 88 in W 50.5 in D 19.5 in
Antique 19th Century Japanese Cinnabar / Lacquer Cabinet
Located in Fulton, CA
Incredible example of Asian lacquer carving. Standing over seven feet tall, this monumental display shelf was produced in Japan at the end of the Ed...
Wood, Lacquer
$7,500Sale Price|65% Off
H 63.5 in W 61 in D 23.25 in
19th Century Yellow Chinese Apothecary Medicine Cabinet with 67 Drawers
Located in Somis, CA
A stunning 19th-century Chinese apothecary herb medicine cabinet featuring 64 standard drawers and 3 larger drawers beneath a fine cornice. Each drawer is beautifully labeled in deli...
Wood
Mid Century Modern Floating Style Walnut Credenza
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Wood, Walnut
19th Century Korean Tansu Cabinet
Located in Elkton, MD
This is an exquisite two-part Korean Tansu cabinet from the early 20th century. The upper case features four small fitted drawers, while both uppe...
Brass
Antique Chinese Black Lacquer Noodle Cabinet, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This antique Chinese armoire has all the right details - impressive proportions, subtle carvings and beautiful original hardware. The tall lacq...
Brass
$3,100
H 31.25 in W 72 in D 18.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Floating Karl Springer Style Lacquered Goatskin Credenza
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful vintage modern sideboard with a grasscloth base holding a lacquered goatskin credenza. A unique and efficient design in the style of Karl Springer. The unusual design offers an additional lower shelf for storage. Four cabinet doors hide large storage compartments and drawers. A lovely midcentury case piece...
Grasscloth, Lacquer
$5,480Sale Price|20% Off
H 32.25 in W 578.25 in D 21 in
Magnificent Hermes Orange Widdicomb Credenza Asian Brass Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent Hermes orange lacquered John Widdicomb credenza buffet. We love the Asian Campaign style this high-end vintage piece has. This lovely credenza has been totally restored t...
Brass
Shallow Chinese Two Drawer Keepsake Cabinet, 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
Crafted of elm with traditional joinery, this antique Chinese side cabinet marries simplicity of form with a touch of traditional craftsmanship. Dated to the late 19th century, the s...
Elm
$6,885
H 38.5 in W 74.5 in D 23 in
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Oak Enfilade with 3 Drawers and 3 Cabinets
Located in Atlanta, GA
French 19th Century Louis XV Style Oak Enfilade with 3 Drawers and 3 Cabinets below
Oak
Late 19th Century Large Cabinet from Shanxi, China
Located in Singapore, SG
Originally a black lacquer cabinet, but much of the lacquer have peeled off, revealing the lovely wood underneath. Only the middle doors open, the panels on the left and right are se...
Iron
$5,500Sale Price|46% Off
H 36 in W 72 in D 20.5 in
19th Century Shop Chest/Cabinet with Sliding Doors and Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an upper part of a an unusual 19th century Japanese cabinet using bamboo and burled wood as design accents on the two sliding do...
Iron
$3,500
H 29 in W 36 in D 16 in
James Mont Style Hollywood Regency Cabinet with Oversized Gilt Rosettes Handles
By James Mont
Located in St. Louis, MO
A striking 1960s James Mont style two-door small sideboard, cabinet, or credenza, blending bold Hollywood Regency glamour with a classic Dorothy Drape...
Wood, Lacquer
Antique Asian Storage Chest, Heavy Wood with Iron Latch, Circa 1900
Located in Wilmington, DE
Vintage Antique Asian Storage/Blanket/ Hope Chest with Heavy Iron Latch Offered is an excellent example of Asian influence and design; a heavy wood storage chest. Features a single ...
Iron
1960s George Zee Rosewood Chinoiserie Buffet Credenza
By George Zee
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Handsome solid rosewood Chinoiserie Hollywood Regency buffet or credenza by George Zee. It is in fabulous vintage condition. Four drawers with fou...
Rosewood
1980s Vintage Boho Allesandra for Baker Ming Credenza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning vintage Boho Ming credenza. Designed by thr iconic Allesandra for Baker furniture and tagged inside the drawer. A beautiful hand painted finish in a pale peach color. Perf...
Wood, Paint
Sold
H 29 in W 76 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Black Lacquer Modern Campaign Style Chinoiserie Credenza / Chest
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-century black lacquer credenza by Union National out of New York. It has campaign style brass hardware and a Ming form. There is a spray of hand painted flowers across ...
Brass
Sold
H 34 in W 80 in D 18 in
Modern Ming Credenza By Michael Taylor For Baker Furn. Far East Collection
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a handsome, timeless credenza designed by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture as part of his Far East Collection. The black lacquer finish is recent. This is a three part cred...
Wood
Sold
H 28.5 in W 22.5 in D 75 in
Late 20th-C. Ming Style Red Lacquer & Brass Credenza / Media Cabinet By Sligh
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a killer credenza! It has Asian styling with decorative brass hardware. The red lacquer finish is piped in black. It has quite a bit of storage and is in very good condition....
Brass
Vintage Regency Century Ming Credenza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Regency credenza. Made by the Century Furniture group. Beautiful black lacquered finish with gorgeous Ming medallion hardware. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Brass
Vintage Asian Century Furniture Ming Medallion Credenza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A fantastic vintage Asian Ming credenza. Made by the iconic Century Furniture group. Signed on the inside drawer. Beautiful matte black finish with heavy medallion hardware. Acquired...
Wood
1960s Vintage George Zee Solid Teak Hollywood Regency Buffet Credenza
By George Zee
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Handsome solid teak Chinoiserie Hollywood Regency buffet or credenza by George Zee. It is in fabulous vintage condition. It has no outstanding flaws that we have detected. It does ha...
Teak
Vintage Asian Century Furniture Ming Credenza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fantastic vintage Asian Credenza. Made by the iconic Century Furniture group. Beautiful Burl wood cabinet with black lacquer trim. Heavy brass medallion ...
Brass
Kent Coffey Modern Ming Style Amerasia Brass & Walnut Credenza / Chest
By Kent-Coffey
Located in Kennesaw, GA
A versatile piece! From media storage to dining to bedroom, this Kent Coffey credenza is a winner. It is part of the Amerasia line that he designe...
Brass
Vintage MCM Century Black Lacquered Pagoda Credenza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Incredible vintage century credenza. Chic black lacquer with heavy brass ming hardware. Pagoda wing details. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate.
Brass
Sold
H 36.75 in W 77.25 in D 20 in
Asian Modern Style Credenza with Faux Malachite Accents by Henredon
By Henredon
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a large Asian style credenza by Henredon. It makes a bold decorating statement with it’s hand painted faux malachite drawer fronts. It is marked and in very good condition.
Brass
Sold
H 25.5 in W 99 in D 19 in
Midcentury Asian Macassar Elongated Low 4-Piece Credenza by John Stuart
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a vintage midcentury Asian-style credenza by John Stuart. This is a 4-piece credenza made of beautiful Macassar wood with brass accents. Four cabinets sit on the base. The...
Brass