Ming Dynasty Tomb Sancai
Antique 16th Century Chinese Ming Figurative Sculptures
Pottery
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings
Ceramic, Earthenware
Recent Sales
Antique 16th Century Chinese Ming Figurative Sculptures
Terracotta
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Ming Figurative Sculptures
Terracotta
People Also Browsed
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Hong Kong Ming Antiquities
Celadon
21st Century and Contemporary English Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
20th Century Hong Kong Chinoiserie Desks
Leather, Wood
Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut, Spruce
Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Secretaires
Lacquer
Antique 19th Century British Neoclassical Dining Room Tables
Brass
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Furniture
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century German Baroque Porcelain
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Japanese Showa Antiquities
Silk
Early 2000s Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Vintage 1980s English Neoclassical Porcelain
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Vases
Celadon
Early 20th Century French Egyptian Revival Mantel Clocks
Belgian Black Marble
Antique 19th Century French Rococo Screens and Room Dividers
Giltwood
Antique 19th Century Russian Other Serving Pieces
Silver
Ming Dynasty Tomb Sancai For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Ming Dynasty Tomb Sancai?
A Close Look at 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.