Spanning an era of cultural rebirth in Europe that harkened back to antiquity, the Renaissance was a time of change in design. From the late 1400s to the early 1600s, Rome, Venice and Florence emerged as artistic centers through the expansion of global trade and a humanist belief in the arts being central to society. Antique Renaissance furniture was ornately carved from sturdy woods like walnut, its details standing out against the tapestries and stained glass adorning the walls.
Renaissance chests, which were frequently commissioned for marriages, were often decorated with gilding or painted elements. Those that were known as cassoni were crafted in shapes based on classical sarcophagi. As opposed to the medieval era, when furniture was pared down to the necessities, a wide range of Renaissance chairs, tables and cabinets were created for the home, and the designs regularly referenced ancient Rome.
Large torchères of the Renaissance era that were used as floor lamps were inspired by classical candelabras, while marble surfaces evoked frescoes. The inlaid boxes being imported from the Middle East informed the intarsia technique, which involved varying hues of wood in mosaic-like patterns, such as those by architect Giuliano da Maiano in the Florence Cathedral.
Tapestry-woven cushion covers accented the variety of Renaissance seating — from conversation to study chairs — while bookcases for secular use reflected the migration of culture and knowledge from the church into the home. The aesthetics of the Italian Renaissance later spread to France through the publishing of work by renowned designers, including Hugues Sambin and Jacques Androuet du Cerceau. Centuries later, the 19th-century Renaissance Revival would see a return to this influential style.
Find a collection of antique Renaissance case pieces, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Rare Offering Basket or Basin Germany-16th Century in Brass
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Rare basin (We think it was the basin to wash the feet on hollyThursday) in brass Rare plat of the german renaissance since it is rather a basin which is much rarer than a offering basket...
Brass
NVIN0499 Vintage Faux Leather Waste Can
Located in Annville, PA
From Niagara Furniture a Vintage Faux Leather Waste Can. Cast from resin the planter has been given a super high end look by decorating it to appear as though it is wrapped in leather and painted with what looks like gold tooling. Ingeniously designed to resemble an antique waste basket...
Mahogany
Antique French Renaissance Figural Brass Repousse Fireplace Coal Scuttle Bucket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Renaissance Figural Brass Repousse Fireplace Coal Scuttle Bucket. Circa Early 19th Century. Measurements: 13.5" H x 12" W x 10" D.
Brass
19th Century English Victorian Copper and Brass Coal Scuttle Bucket
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique coal scuttle next to a fireplace or hearth for both function and charm. Crafted in England, circa 1880, the oblong bucket is hand-hammered in copper and si...
Brass, Copper
$1,246Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 20.28 in W 8.27 in D 0.99 in
Renaissance Period Hand Carved Oak Panels, 16th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Set of two 16th century oak panels, one representing a character accompanied by a dog, the other a character in flames, probably saints. These ...
Oak
Vintage Boho Carved Wood Wastepaper Can
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a touch of rustic charm to your space with this Vintage Boho Carved Wood Wastepaper Can. Hand-carved with intricate detailing, this wastepaper bin combines practicality with bohe...
Wood
Quality antique Victorian copper coal bucket
Located in Ipswich, GB
Quality antique Victorian copper coal bucket having a quality antique Victorian copper coal bucket with a brass swing handle to the top, having a circular body stamped to the top 'IL...
Copper
Vintage leather paper waste bin
Located in TILBURG, NL
Mid Century Modern full leather paper waste bucket. In used condition with nice 'Rock & Roll' patina. Oval shaped top, round bottom. Not sure about the country of origin but possibly...
Leather
Italian Decorative Basket or Cachepot in Rattan and Brass, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Mid-Century round decorative basket, cachepot or bottle holder fully made in curved rattan, wicker and brass. This stylish decorative object was produced in Italy during the...
Brass
$898
H 9.06 in W 11.03 in D 11.03 in
Antique Bucket or Waste Paper Basket in Wood and Brass 19th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Antique Bucket in Wood and Brass 19th Century. Wonderful antique bucket in wood and brass. Very nice patina on the brass. Great barrel design with decorative ears. Would be great as...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte Brass Repoussé Bowl
Located in New York, NY
A jewel-like work of metalcraft by Josef Hoffmann, this footed brass bowl (model M sh 18), designed for the Wiener Werkstätte around 1925, brings tog...
Brass
Antique Asian Wood Bucket
Located in Sheffield, MA
A classically shaped antique Chinese cypress water bucket with original cast iron handles and straps with lovely old wood patina. The rustic country style bucket has many practical u...
Iron
Leather Waste Basket by Merit Los Angeles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful leather waste bin in the style of Jacques Adnet produced by Merit Los Angeles. Made entirely of a thick cowhide leather in a distressed sad...
Leather
Raveneare Mid Century Hairpin Waste Basket Trash Can
Located in San Diego, CA
Richard Galef for Ravenware Mid Century waste basket. Brass colored frame with removable metal basket. 1950s USA
Metal
Fornasetti Waste Basket
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Piero Fornasetti Roman Coin Waste Basket Original surface exhibiting wear Decal Label
Metal
Sold
H 16.75 in W 20.5 in D 14.5 in
Antique English Renaissance Unicorn & Lion Brass Figural Coal Bucket Log Bin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Renaissance Unicorn & Lion Brass Figural Coal Bucket Log Bin. Item features an ornate debossed brass form with lions, unicorn, shield, winged maidens, and fancy scrol...
Brass
Sold
H 5 in W 7.25 in D 6.75 in
Venetian or Murano Glass Liege a Traforato Openwork Basket with Gold Foil
By Barovier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine Venetian glass 'Liege a Traforato' bowl or basket. In clear glass with gold foil inclusions, loop handles with applied button prunts, and a wafer foot. Simply an a...
Art Glass
Vintage Coat-of-Arms Decoupage Waste Basket
Located in Sheffield, MA
The vintage half-circle decoupage-on-wood waste basket is decorated with printed coat-of-arms illustrations on the front. The decoupage design on the...
Wood, Paper