Suzhou is considered the birthplace of Ming furniture with many great aesthetic and practical designs originating from this region.

The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) was known for its elegantly simplistic furniture made from hardwood. Furniture featuring designs and techniques from this era are referred to as Ming-style furniture. It incorporates all the aesthetic and practical elements of furniture from the Ming Dynasty.

Furniture reached its peak at the end of the Ming Dynasty. This period was regarded as the “golden age of Chinese furniture”. The simplistic and natural designs developed from the co-operation of scholars and craftsmen. As part of their hierarchal tradition, scholars were encouraged to partake in spiritual arts and crafts such as making furniture. The scholars believed in minimalism and practical techniques and designs. Therefore, a style of furniture which focused on the wood’s natural beauty rather than flamboyant patterns was mixed with practical functions. The scholars believed in creating furniture that would scientifically position the body in a harmonious way while still focusing on the object’s aesthetic appeal. The lines, curves, height and size of the furniture were often formed to match the natural lines of the body.

Ming-style furniture has been heavily influenced by techniques from past dynasties, especially from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) where craftsmen focused on the skills of making the furniture rather than the decoration. During the Ming Dynasty, practical and simple aesthetic furniture flourished for a number of reasons. The flourishing economy increased the demand for high quality furniture. Also, the abolishment of the maritime trade law saw a large amount of scented hardwood imported into China. 

Precious hard woods, such as red sandalwood and scented rosewood, are used to create Ming-style furniture. Hardwoods are highly regarded as quality woods because of their noticeable grain, distinctive colour and strong durability. Clear lacquer and wax reveal the rare natural beauty and tones of the wood. The texture of the wood is important in producing smooth and coherent carved designs. Craftsmen can recognize high quality wood by its naturally inviting aroma.

Many pieces of furniture from the Ming Dynasty featured engraved calligraphy and poems which increased the furniture’s artistic value. Well known calligraphers and artists often contributed to famous pieces of furniture with many displayed in modern museums.

Ming-style furniture can be classified into four different categories which are table and cases, beds and couches, chairs and stools, frames and screens.

A unique aspect of Ming-style furniture is its assembly. It is assembled without the use of nails to allow the joints to expand and retract in hot and cold weather as well as wet and dry conditions. The wood is cut and structured so there are no visible joints. The structure of Ming-style furniture is based on the innovative “post and beam” construction method. The basic framework is composed of four legs, rims and crossing supports. This design is essential for durability, lightness and elegance. It is based on joinery techniques developed in the Song and Yuan (1271-1368) Dynasties. 

There is little decoration featured on Ming-style furniture. Simple and smooth engraved lines and small areas of circular carvings and embossment complement the natural beauty of the wood. Small silver and bronze ornamentation is often added to the edges of furniture for a sophisticated finish. A small amount of wood, ivory and diamond inlay are also included in some pieces of furniture and feature images of landscapes, flowers and birds. 

Suzhou Ming-style furniture is recognized for its close portrayal of authentic Ming furniture which has been drastically diminished through wars and social unrest. Many of the techniques and designs which created the magnificent and simplistic furniture of the Ming dynasty are still evident in much of the furniture that is produced in Suzhou today. The minimalistic designs incorporated with the natural essence of the wood are still appreciated in China and abroad.