Ming Mai Gallery
Loosely translated, “Ming Mai” means “the beauty and simplicity of Ming-style things” or “something bright and beautiful.”—both of which aptly describe Ming Mai’s incomparable collection. The gallery, owned by John and Jane Wills, was born of the Wills’ own passion for the distinctive and increasingly rare Chinese antiques once used in the homes of the Chinese elite. Returning from a trip to Asia and recognizing that nothing they found in Los Angeles could match the extraordinary beauty and quality of the pieces they found abroad, the John and Jane opened Ming Mai in 2000 with the aim of bringing the highest quality Chinese antique furniture, scholar pieces and terra cotta to Southern California.
Traveling regularly to China and working closely with their partner Oi Ling Chiang, the renowned expert in Chinese furniture and owner of Gallery Oi Ling antique shop, Jane personally sources each item. Currently, Ming Mai’s collection includes Ming-style chairs, cabinets, altar tables and day beds from the 18th and 19th centuries. Ming Mai also has an unusual selection of tomb pieces from the early dynasties, precious scholar items, and objets d’art, including Huanghuali brush pots, trays, cosmetic boxes and Lama bowls.
Something bright and beautiful indeed.