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Medieval Religious Items

MEDIEVAL STYLE

The Middle Ages in Europe followed the end of the Roman Empire, and in this time of change, which preceded the Renaissance, furniture was simple and utilitarian, with most homes having only the necessities like chests and benches. Much of medieval furniture, which was often made in oak or walnut, was built for the elite, particularly the emerging merchant class who owned multiple homes.

Life for many in the medieval era was unstable, and furniture was designed to be functional and portable. Peasants worked the fields for affluent landowners and didn’t have access to literature in the way that nobles and people of the church did (women less so than men). The furniture in their modest dwellings was typically limited to cookware and a handful of stools. Foldable chairs, while uncommon in homes of the early Middle Ages and emblematic of wealth, like all other furnishings of the time, allowed for easy transportation of a household. Trestle tables with detachable legs and collapsible beds were designed to be simply moved from place to place.

Medieval blanket chests were among the most important furniture objects and could further serve as tables or even beds. Some ancient traditions were carried forward to build this sturdy furniture, such as turnery. Although the furniture was minimally designed, embellishments like carvings added elegance to the heavy wood pieces. These details sometimes reflected trends in religious art like rose windows.

By the later Middle Ages, storage pieces like chests of drawers were often adorned with high relief carvings, such as geometric and floral motifs. By the 14th and 15th centuries, design had developed to include more involved pieces like cupboards and desks, while benches frequently doubled as chests with hinged seats. Beds also changed in this era from basic boards to four-post designs with large drapes to keep the sleeper warm. These beds and other medieval bedroom furniture were significant status symbols, passed down through families and used as places to conduct business and receive visitors.

Surviving examples of medieval furniture are very rare, yet its distinctive aesthetics influenced later styles like William and Mary and Arts and Crafts.

Find a collection of medieval seating, garden elements, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Medieval
John on the chest of Christ Sculpture Museum Reproduction
Located in Den Haag, NL
This Item is an Identical Museum Reproduction The carving shows Christ and St John sitting on a bench. John rests his head on Christ's chest, his eyes closed in devotion. His right hand rests in that of Christ, who places a loving arm around his shoulder. This Item is an Identical Museum Reproduction . Polymer is a heavy and very strong type of resin material that captures perfectly the details of the casting. The advantages of polymer when compared to concrete, cast stone, and cement are that it is far less fragile and much more resistant . sold by . Ancient Sculpture...
Category

2010s American Medieval Religious Items

Materials

Plaster

John on the chest of Christ Sculpture Museum Reproduction
John on the chest of Christ Sculpture Museum Reproduction

John on the chest of Christ Sculpture Museum Reproduction

Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of caravaca XVII century. Very beautiful cross of caravaca made in bronze. 17th Century. Measurements: 14X6 cm. Good condition.
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Medieval Religious Items

Materials

Bronze

Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Cross of Caravaca 17th Century

Cross of Caravaca 17th Century

19th Century Cross
Located in Madrid, ES
19th Century cross. Made in olive wood and silver metal. Measures: 8x5 cm. Good condition.
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Religious Items

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Cross
19th Century Cross

19th Century Cross

Rare and Remarkable Corpus Christi on a Decorated Wooden Cross with a Skull
Located in Antwerp, BE
19th century crucifix or corpus Christi made from wood. Wooden cross with a nice patina and an exquisite shape. This item depicts the Christ in his last agony on the cross, after be...
Category

Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Medieval Religious Items

Materials

Wood

Rare and Remarkable Corpus Christi on a Decorated Wooden Cross with a Skull
Rare and Remarkable Corpus Christi on a Decorated Wooden Cross with a Skull

Rare and Remarkable Corpus Christi on a Decorated Wooden Cross with a Skull

Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of caravaca xvii century. Very beautiful cross of caravaca made in bronze. 17th Century. Measurements: 14x6 cm. Good condition.
Category

17th Century Italian Antique Medieval Religious Items

Materials

Bronze

Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Cross of Caravaca 17th Century

Cross of Caravaca 17th Century

Medieval religious items for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval religious items for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage religious items created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval religious items made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original religious items, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, and Sylvain Norga. 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 religious items differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $88 and tops out at $35,000 while the average work can sell for $1,688.

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