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Ming Antiquities

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
A Longquan Celadon-Glazed 'Dragon' Dish, Yuan Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
The dish is decorated to the centre with a moulded appliqué dragon chasing the flaming pearl surrounded by a carved stylised foliage band at the cavetto. The moulded fluted exterior ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Celadon

Chinese Swatow Blue and White Ceramic Dish, Late Ming Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
Famous late ming dynasty chinese blue and white porcelain plate, double phoenix, from the shipwrecked binh thuan Period: Ming Dyn...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

Green and Ochre Glazed Altar Table with Offerings, Ming Dynasty, 15~16th Century
Located in seoul, KR
The table bearing pig head, rice cakes, dishes of meat, fish and fruit. Known as Mingqi, these terracotta models were customarily included in Chinese burial practices, particularly among the affluent, to aid the deceased in their journey through the afterlife. This tradition extends back to the Neolithic Period. A unique terracotta funeral table...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

Carved 'Longquan' Celadon-Glazed Tripod Censer, Ming dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
This censer is characterized by its tripod form, which means it stands on three feet. Incense burners from the Ming dynasty are often highly regarded for their craftsmanship and the quality of the glaze texture and coloration. This piece features finely carved patterns that likely draw inspiration from traditional Chinese motifs. Such items were commonly used for burning incense and sometimes served as significant decorative pieces in ceremonial spaces or the homes of the elite. Period: Ming Dynasty (1368~1644) Region: Longquan, China Medium: Stoneware - Celadon glazed Type: Tripod censer Size : 24.2 cm(Diameter) , 10.8cm(Height) Provenance : Acquired in 1999, Hongkong Reference : Sotheby's Newyork 26 September 2023 - CHINA / 5000 YEARS - Lot1135 * Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon Longquan celadon from the Ming Dynasty typically exhibits a more robust and heavier stoneware body compared to its Song Dynasty predecessors. The Ming era saw an evolution in celadon glaze, achieving a wider spectrum of green hues, from olive to bluish-greens. Ming celadons...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Celadon

Vietnamese Blue And White Bowl Circa 15th Century
Located in seoul, KR
The artwork, with its foliage and floral motifs, suggests a connection to the natural world—a common theme in Vietnamese art. Such items were highly traded, and their recovery from shipwrecks helps us understand the extent of maritime commerce in Southeast Asia during the 15th and 16th centuries. This piece embodies the craftsmanship and aesthetic values of the period, providing insights into the cultural and economic contexts of its time. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam Type : Bowl Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000 * Vietnamese trade ceramics Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Moulded Goldfish Blue and White Dishes, Ming Dynasty
Located in seoul, KR
Exquisitely decorated set of plates, dating back to around 1500, from the Hongzhi or Zhengde period. Intricately adorned with a raised, moulded goldfish design. The goldfish, painted in a orange-red enamel, are set amidst water plants depicted in rich cobalt blue. These plates enjoyed widespread popularity, not only in the local markets of China but also overseas in countries. This style of plate played a significant role in the daily life of the Sengoku period in Japan, as evidenced by several similar flat bowls excavated from the Ichijodani Asakura Ruins in Fukui Prefecture, Japan, along with other ceramic artifacts...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

Annamese blue and white bowl, circa 15th century.
Located in seoul, KR
The bowl's design features fluid, dynamic brushstrokes typical of Annamese pottery, where cobalt blue underglaze was used to create intricate patterns before a clear glaze was applied. The artwork, with its foliage and floral motifs, suggests a connection to the natural world—a common theme in Vietnamese art. Such items were highly traded, and their recovery from shipwrecks helps us understand the extent of maritime commerce in Southeast Asia during the 15th and 16th centuries. This piece embodies the craftsmanship and aesthetic values of the period, providing insights into the cultural and economic contexts of its time. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam Type : Dish Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Diameter : 17cm Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000 * Vietnamese trade ceramics Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

Blue And White 'Dragon' Stem Cup, Yuan Dynasty(1271-1368)
Located in seoul, KR
This particular stem cup has a form that widens at the top and narrows towards the bottom, and the stem is adorned with several horizontal bands that add stability and aesthetic appeal. The cup is decorated with a dragon, which is a quintessential symbol in Chinese mythology and art. Dragons in Chinese culture are often associated with power, strength, and good luck. They are considered to control water phenomena, such as summoning rain and floods. Period : Yuan Dynasty(1271-1368) Type : Step Cup Medium : Blue and White Made in : Jingdezhen Size : 13.0 cm(Height), 10cm(Diameter) Provenance : Acquired early 2000 from Gallery * Yuan Dynasty Blue and White The Yuan dynasty, which lasted from 1271 to 1368, was a period of great cultural diversity and artistic achievement in China, marked by the Mongol occupation of the country. Among the most significant contributions to the world of art from this era was the development of blue and white porcelain, which has since become iconic and highly valued. Blue and white porcelain from the Yuan dynasty is characterized by its white background and cobalt blue designs. The cobalt used for the blue decoration was imported from Persia, which was also under Mongol rule, thus facilitating the trade of such materials. This type of porcelain was made from kaolin and petuntse (or china stone), fired at high temperatures to produce a hard, translucent ceramic with a glassy glaze. The designs on Yuan blue and white ware often include Chinese motifs such as dragons, phoenixes, lotus blossoms, vines, and other floral patterns, as well as narratives from Chinese literature and folklore. However, under the Yuan, there was also a significant influence from Islamic art due to the Mongols’ connection with the Islamic world. This is reflected in the frequent use of scrollwork, arabesque patterns, and geometric designs. Yuan blue and white porcelain was not only popular within China but also highly sought after by foreign markets. It was one of the first Chinese porcelain types to be exported in large quantities, particularly through the Silk Road and other trade routes. The large dishes and robust jars typically associated with Yuan blue and white ware were often used as diplomatic gifts or traded extensively with the Middle East and later Europe, where they had a profound impact on local ceramics. The beauty and rarity of Yuan dynasty blue and white porcelain make it highly collectible today, and it is considered a high point in the history of Chinese ceramics. The influence of Yuan porcelain...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

Annamese Blue and White Dish, circa 15th century.
Located in seoul, KR
A blue-and-white porcelain dish with a central floral motif, likely a lotus, which is a recurrent symbol in Asian art representing purity and beauty. The lotus is surrounded by concentric patterns of foliage and vines, typical of the blue-and-white ceramics that were prevalent during the Ming Dynasty. The cobalt blue used for the intricate designs stands out against the white background, giving the piece a timeless elegance. The design's fluidity and organic shapes suggest it was painted by a skilled artisan, making it a fine example of the artistry from the period when it was created. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam Type : Dish Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000 * Vietnamese trade ceramics Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

Longquan Celadon Figurine, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
Located in seoul, KR
This sculpture is a Longquan celadon from the Ming Dynasty, renowned for its rich and jade-like green glaze. The figurine is likely a representation of a Buddhist deity or a revered scholar, showcasing the calm aesthetic expressions and graceful contours prevalent during the era. The spectrum of celadon glaze ranges from a dense grey stoneware to a nearly white porcelain texture, with unglazed parts revealing a terracotta brown upon firing. Such pieces were often part of household altars, reflecting the era's spiritual devotion. This artifact would be a treasured exhibit in any museum's Asian art collection, symbolizing both religious reverence and artistic excellence. Period: Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Region: Longquan, China Medium: Stoneware - Celadon glazed, with a range from heavy grey to almost white porcelain-like material Type: Sculpture Height : 24.5 cm Provenance : Acquired in 1999, Hongkong * Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon Longquan celadon from the Ming Dynasty typically exhibits a more robust and heavier stoneware body compared to its Song Dynasty predecessors. The Ming era saw an evolution in celadon glaze, achieving a wider spectrum of green hues, from olive to bluish-greens. Ming celadons...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Celadon

Annamese stoneware pot, Hoi An Hoard, late 15th century.
Located in seoul, KR
This ceramic piece beautifully captures the scene of a sparrow perched on a small branchs, depicted with a minimalist touch. The artist skillfully conveys the sense of intimacy as the sparrow approaches the slender twig. The simplicity of the design is evident in the clean lines and subtle details, allowing the viewer to focus on the essence of the moment. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam Type : Stoneware Pot Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Hoard Reference : Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000 * Vietnamese trade ceramics Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

Antique Bronze Chinese Foo Lion Incense Burner - Marked Ming Dynasty
Located in Newmanstown, PA
Antique Bronze Chinese Foo Lion Incense Burner - Marked Ming Dynasty - H 6" x W 3" x L 6"
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Bronze

Cloisonné Enamel Vase, Early Ming Dynasty(15th century)
Located in seoul, KR
This exquisite vase is a fine example of Ming Dynasty cloisonné, an era renowned for revolutionizing the cloisonné technique with intricate design and vibrant enamel work. The cylind...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

A Rare Annamese Blue and white Ewer, Circa 15th century
Located in seoul, KR
Stoneware painted with underglaze cobalt blue and remnants of overglaze enamel. Year/Period : 15th century Region : North Vietnam Type : Ewer Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Reference : 1) Phoenix Art Museum - OBJECT NUMBER 2000.108.1 2) Asian Art Museum of San Francisco - Annamese Collection 3) Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000 * Vietnamese trade ceramics Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

An Annamese stoneware with cobalt blue, Hoi An Hoard, Late 15th century
Located in seoul, KR
Lively birds flit across the body of this pear-shaped vase. The cobalt blue of the underpainting remains dark, even though the clear glaze of the surface has worn away after centuries under the sea. There was remarkable variation in the condition of the ceramic...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

A Rare Annamese Blue and white with green glaze dish circa 15th century.
Located in seoul, KR
A parrot on a tree. Stoneware with underglaze blue and painted green. The leaves were creatively expressed with green-glaze. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam Type : Dish Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue 1) Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000 2) Asian Ceramic Found along Maritime Silk Route / National Maritime Museum of Korea * Vietnamese trade ceramics Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

A Rare Gilted Annamese Blue and white Ewer, Circa 15th Century
Located in seoul, KR
Although heavily influenced by the Chinese ceramic tradition, Vietnam materials and potting styles are unique. Technically not ‘porcelain’, which is translucent and pure white, these stonewares are different in appearance from Chinese and other Southeast Asian ceramics. Vietnamese wares are typically more heavily potted and have an off-white clay body. Cobalt oxide could have been imported from West Asia via China to produce the blue tones. Year/Period : 15th century Region : North Vietnam Type : Ewer Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000 * Vietnamese trade ceramics Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics, and ceramic exports...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Vietnamese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Stoneware

Chinese Ming Dynasty Bronze Buddhist Lion Incense Burner! Tongshi Sculpture Art
Located in Peoria, AZ
MAGNIFICENT! MING DYNASTY BRONZE LION INCENSE BURNER! EXTREMELY RARE! APPROXIMATE DIMENSIONS: 7" Tall x 7" Wide A BRONZE BUDDHIST LION MING DYNASTY Well cast, standing on all fo...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Alter Table in Peach wood China
Located in Kastrup, DK
Small alter / communion table in peach wood from the Zhejiang Province of China. Original condition with red lacquer with age-related patina. Ming sty...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Magnificent Court Attendants in Terracotta - Ming Dynasty, China 1368-1644 AD TL
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
A magnificent pair of male and female courtiers from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE) in excellent condition. They are wearing traditional Daopao robes in green and black garments wit...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

Chinese Stone Buddha’s Head
Located in New York, NY
A master-carved Chinese stone head of Buddha featuring a serene face with Fine sculpted features, flanked by long pendulous ear lobes. This impotent...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Stone

Silver Buddhist Statue with Gold Plated Bronze Lotus Stand
Located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Rare combination of a silver Buddha and a gilt pedestal. The meticulous workmanship is superb. With the sign of ???? (Manufactured in era of Yongle emperor) on the bottom.
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Silver, Bronze

Five Color Hand Painted Dragon Small Pot, Ming Period
Located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Small jar with lid made in the five-color hand painting commonly used in Ming Dynasty Wanli Period. Presumed to have been used for storing tea leaves. ...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Ming Dynasty 17th Century Glazed Terracotta Sancai Temple Roof Tile
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period temple roof tile from the 17th century, with turquoise glaze, bird and flower motifs. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty which ruled from 1368 to ...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

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 Antiquities

Materials

Fruitwood

17th Century Ming Dynasty Carved Stone Barrel #02 (Pair or Individually)
Located in Chicago, IL
- Sold individually or as a pair - 17th Century Ming Dynasty carved stone barrel, with Foo Dog handles, floral reliefs and bat wing decoration. The Chinese symbol for bat and for go...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Marble

Late Ming Era Documented Glazed Pottery Horse
Located in Kastrup, DK
An elegant Chinese Ming dynasty pottery figurine depicting a horse in a standing pose with polychrome finish (aubergine, light brown and g...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

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 Antiquities

Materials

Bronze

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 Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

17th Century Ming Dynasty Carved Stone Barrel #01
Located in Chicago, IL
17th Century Ming Dynasty carved marble garden seat with Foo Dog handles, floral reliefs and bat wing decoration. The Chinese symbol for bat and fo...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Marble

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 Antiquities

Materials

Earthenware

17th Century Pair of Painted Terra Cotta Chinese Gentlemen on Horses
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a unique pair of painted Chinese terra cotta gentlemen in native costumes on horseback, purported to be Ming.
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Clay

Antique Vases in Southern China / Small Vases / 16th to 17th Centuries
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is believed that pottery baked in southern China in the early Ming dynasty was imported into Japan. It is a small size. The upper part is slightly ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

Ming-style Sculpture of Chinese Bodhisattva Guanyin, circa 1900s, 6518
Located in Ukiah, CA
A large Ming-style sculpture of Chinese Bodhisattva Guanyin, circa 1900s, from a century-old US collection. Dated circa 1900s based on the face (b...
Category

Early 20th Century Korean Ming Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Pair of 19th Century Ming Dynasty Style Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
A pair of Chinese hardwood chairs in well worn patina, crafted in the Ming dynasty style, late 19th century. Perfect accent chairs of very fine...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Wood, Paint

Petite Chinese Ming Dynasty Period Glazed Pedestal with Polychrome Finish
Located in Yonkers, NY
A petite Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed pedestal from the 15th or 16th century with polychrome finish. Crafted in China during the prestigious Ming Dynasty, this petite pedestal table c...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Ming Dynasty Period Ancient Turquoise Roof Tile with Crane and Flower
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty period ancient roof tile with turquoise finish, crane and flower. Created in China during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), this ancient roof tile features a turqu...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Ming Dynasty Period Ancient Turquoise Roof Tile with Crane and Flower
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming Dynasty period ancient roof tile with turquoise finish, crane and flower. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), this ancient roof tile features a turqu...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

Chinese Ming Dynasty 15th or 16th Century Glazed Terracotta Funeral Table Mingqi
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty period glazed terracotta funeral table mingqi from 15th-16th century with food and drinks. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty, this terracotta funeral table showcases a typical Chinese altar, painted in green with tempera and adorned with a lovely variety of modeled and painted miniature food and drinks such as cakes. Called Mingqi, these kinds of terracotta models were traditionally placed in Chinese burials...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

Ming Dynasty 15th or 16th Century Chinese Glazed Terracotta Funeral Table Mingqi
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese Ming dynasty period glazed terracotta funeral table mingqi from 15th-16th century with food in dishes. Created in China during the Ming Dynasty, this terracotta funeral table showcases a typical Chinese altar, painted in green with tempera and adorned with a lovely variety of modeled and painted miniature foods such as cakes and breads. Called Mingqi, these kinds of terracotta models were traditionally placed in Chinese burials...
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

17th Century Pair of Ming Dynasty Chinese ZiTan Inlaid Silver Cups
Located in Brea, CA
17th century a pair of Ming dynasty Chinese ZiTan inlaid silver cups, the exterior carved in high relief and undercut around the sides and base with Chi dragon, 5 edges with silver l...
Category

Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Wood

18th Century Set of 8 Chinese Silver Lacquer Bowls with Mother of Pearl Inlaid
Located in Brea, CA
A fine set of 8 pieces Chinese lacquered and mother of pearl inlaid bowls with silvered interiors from the 18th century Qing Dynast...
Category

Early 18th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Lacquer

17th Century Ming Dynasty Chinese Zitan Libation Cup Silver Inlaid
Located in Brea, CA
17th century Ming dynasty Chinese Zitan libation cup silver inlaid, of deep oval form , the exterior carved in high relief and undercut around the sides and base with gnarled branche...
Category

Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Wood

16th-17th Century Chinese Pine Center Table with Carvings and Decorations
Located in Kastrup, DK
16th-17th century center table from 'Shanxi Province, China with 1 drawer. Made of pine and with original polychrome lacquer. Original condition. Rare piece of furniture.
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Elm

Set of Six Ming Dynasty Green Glazed Pottery Statue of Attendants
Located in Greenwich, CT
A set of six green glazed pottery statue of attendants, Ming dynasty 1368-1644.
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

Set of Refine Ming Dynasty Green Glazed Attendants and a Sedan Chair
Located in Greenwich, CT
A set of very refined green glazed attendants and one sedan chair, each with benevolent facial expression, beautiful colors and lines, Ming dynasty 1368-1644. Three glazed attendants...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

16th Century Stone Pillar, Sianxi, China
Located in New York, NY
A carved stone pillar from Shanxi, China, circa 1560. Mounted on a heptagonal wood base.
Category

16th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Stone

Lady Guanyin Bodhisattva Gilded Wood Carving - Ming Dynasty, China 1368-1644 AD
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Magnificent Lady Guanyin Bodhisattva seated in Royal Relaxation pose hand-carved in Gilded Wood with traces of paint still visible. This expressi...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Wood

Ming Dynasty Celestial Deity Head Carved in Stone - China '1368-1644 AD'
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Wonderful celestial deity head with a jovial expression in stone with a finely engraved cap. It is mounted on a custom lucite base. This piece is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, and Certificate of Expertise by Jean-Yves Nathan - Specialist in Asian Arts for the CEDEA (The European Confederation of Art Experts). The Ming dynasty was the ruling dynasty of China – then known as the Empire of the Great Ming...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Stone

Impressive Terracotta Funerary Procession - Ming Dynasty, China '1368-1644 AD'
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Impressive Funeral Ensamble of 10 Terracotta Glazed Figures in green and caramel colors depicting a votive procession with a palanquin, his four carriers, a horse, a stableman, two musicians, and an offering carrier. This ensemble is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, and Certificate of Expertise by Jean-Yves Nathan - Specialist in Asian Arts for the CEDEA (The European Confederation of Art Experts). Burial figurines of graceful dancers, mystical beasts, and everyday objects reveal both how people in early China approached death and how they lived. Since people viewed the afterlife as an extension of worldly life, these figurines, called mingqi, sometimes referred as “spirit utensils” or “vessels of ghosts” disclose details of routine existence and provide insights into belief systems over a thousand-year period. The Ming dynasty was the ruling dynasty of China – then known as the Empire of the Great Ming – for 276 years (1368–1644 AD). Founded by Chu Yuan-chang, the rebel leader that was successful in removing the mongols from the throne. Chinese control was re-asserted in China and eastern Asia. Literature became more important, schools were created, and the justice system was reformed. The Ming dynasty is described by some as "one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history,” was the last imperial dynasty in China ruled by ethnic Han Chinese. The practice of burying ceramic objects with the deceased went into decline from the 10th to the 14th Century AD. There was a revival in placing miniature representations of glazed terracotta objects such a furniture, food offerings, horses, miniature statues...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

6 Elegant Ming Dynasty Court Attendants in Glazed Terracotta, China 1368-1644 AD
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
A fine set of a six court attendants as in the Forbidden City of Beijing, elegantly dressed in a Green & Red Daopao – a traditional men’s formal attire from the Ming Dynasty dated 1368-1643 A.D. – with glazed robes and Red Pigment remains in their hat and belts. They stand in an honorary posture atop a red plinth, some with orifices in their hands, where spirit objects were placed to comfort or satisfy the deceased. The heads are detachable, as often seen on the larger figures from this period. They are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, and Certificate of Expertise by Jean-Yves Nathan - a leading authority specialized in Far East Archaeology from the CEDEA (The European Confederation of Art Experts). Burial figurines of graceful dancers, mystical beasts, and everyday objects reveal both how people in early China approached death and how they lived. Since people viewed the afterlife as an extension of worldly life, these figurines, called mingqi, sometimes referred as “spirit utensils” or “vessels of ghosts” disclose details of routine existence and provide insights into belief systems over a thousand-year period. The Ming dynasty was the ruling dynasty of China – then known as the Empire of the Great Ming – for 276 years (1368–1644 AD). Founded by Chu Yuan-chang, the rebel leader that was successful in removing the mongols from the throne. Chinese control was re-asserted in China and eastern Asia. Literature became more important, schools were created, and the justice system was reformed. The Ming dynasty is described by some as "one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history,” was the last imperial dynasty in China ruled by ethnic Han Chinese. The practice of burying ceramic objects with the deceased went into decline from the 10th to the 14th Century AD. There was a revival in placing miniature representations of glazed terracotta objects such a furniture, food offerings, horses, miniature statues...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

Superb Set of 5 Elegant Court Attendants, Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644 AD TL Tested
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
A stunning set of 5 graceful terracotta figurines from the Ming Dynasty '1368-1644' AD. These elegant attendants are standing on a yellow glazed lotus flower over a high hexagonal green plinth and wear fine robes in matching green and yellow glazes. The unglazed areas have pigmented colors in red, black and white. Each is carrying essential offerings for the royal family. The head is detachable as often seen on the larger figures from this period. Meticulously detailed facial expressions have been hand-painted. Condition: Mint, finely preserved glaze and pigment, undamaged and no repairs. Provenance: Ex. Danish Collection. This set is guaranteed authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and TL Test from Laboratory Kotalla in Germany (The Oldest Thermoluminescence Testing Laboratory in the World). Dimensions: Average 54 H cms Burial figurines of graceful dancers, mystical beasts, and everyday objects reveal both how people in early China approached death and how they lived. Since people viewed the afterlife as an extension of worldly life, these figurines, called mingqi, sometimes referred as “spirit utensils” or “vessels of ghosts” disclose details of routine existence and provide insights into belief systems over a thousand-year period. The Ming dynasty was the ruling dynasty of China – then known as the Empire of the Great Ming – for 276 years (1368–1644 AD). Founded by Chu Yuan-chang, the rebel leader that was successful in removing the mongols from the throne. Chinese control was re-asserted in China and eastern Asia. Literature became more important, schools were created, and the justice system was reformed. The Ming dynasty is described by some as "one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history,” was the last imperial dynasty in China ruled by ethnic Han Chinese. The practice of burying ceramic objects with the deceased went into decline from the 10th to the 14th Century AD. There was a revival in placing miniature representations of glazed terracotta objects such a furniture, food offerings, horses, miniature statues...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

Ming Dynasty Very Rare Wooden Bust of Lohan
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Very serene depiction of a Lohan carved in wood, eroded with the pass of time. Lohan is the Chinese term, derived from the Sanskrit word Arhan, for a disciple or follower of Buddha w...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique Ming Antiquities

Jin Dynasty Cizhou Ware Crouching Tiger Pottery Pillow, 12th-century, China
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Chinese Jin Dynasty 12th Century Cizhou Ware Crouching Tiger Pottery Pillow .Tiger pillow, Jin dynasty, 12th century (circa 1150) The pillow is assembled ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic

Ming Dynasty Chinese Countryside Villa - TL Tested
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Extremely rare Chinese model of a countryside villa for the royal courtiers and ministries of the Ming Dynasty -1368-1644 AD- showing three guest houses and one main entry. The villa is surrounded by a cuadrangular wall painted with bucolic scenes of garden, mountains, and bamboo forests. The roof tiles are glazed in green enamel with yellow finials – as the ones in the forbidden city – typical from the Ming epoch. Truly a museum piece. The doors swivel and are painted in ochre. State of preservation: impeccable mint condition with original paintings, all of the original parts are complete, except for one house which is missing part of the plinth (broken during transport). Each part has been tested for authenticity, consisting of eight separate TL tests...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

Important Ancient Chinese Effigy Pug Dog, Ming Dynasty 1368-1644
Located in South Burlington, VT
China, a carving of a canine “Pug”, Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644 CE Dimensions: 38 cm, 15” High Photographs taken indoors and out of doors for your viewing pleasure. The hand carved limestone beast shown on its haunches with naturalistic joyful expression and a well defined compact head, ears, noes, eyes, feet, and tail parted to one side on reverse with distinctive collar ornament seated four square on a thick base all-over showing a weathered surface from significant age. Formerly exhibited “Asia Week” New York City, Fuller Building, Hutton Gallery 2006. Provenance: ex collection luoyang, Henan Province, China. Includes custom display base as shown Catalog reference: 35 years collecting 35 treasures, Number 35, p.76 (photo) In ancient China, it is a well-known fact that several types of small dogs were bred and were favored pet gifts between emperors and kings including Lion Dogs, Pekingese and Lo-sze breeds. Some Lo-sze are pictured wearing collars with bells a frequent combination fancied by European royalty of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Lo-sze or pugs were prized for their compact body, good bones, flat face, square jaw, short coat, curled tail, side set back ears, and temperate disposition. History: Placing stone animals in important tombs can be traced back at least to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), some two thousand years ago. In ancient times, stone animals and human figures placed before imperial tombs symbolized royal power and privilege in addition to decorative functions. The first Ming tomb...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Limestone

Chinese Stone Tabletop Altar, c. 1600
Located in Chicago, IL
This tabletop altar with scrolled edges, a scalloped apron, and turned legs from China's Shanxi province is a rare find. We conservatively estimate it to be late Ming dynasty (circa ...
Category

Early 17th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Limestone

Pair of Stylish Mid-19th Century Ming Style Cloisonné
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of stylish mid-19th century Ming style cloisonné with beautiful gold gilt Greek key detail. Chinese cloisonné objects were intended primarily f...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Ming Antiquities

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Ming antiquities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Ming antiquities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage antiquities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, terracotta and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Ming antiquities made in a specific country, there are Asia, East Asia, and China pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 antiquities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $700 and tops out at $88,880 while the average work can sell for $6,500.

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