Medieval Bowls and Baskets

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.

Style: Medieval

Antique Medieval Tuscan Mortar in Nembro Marble, Italy

$1,914

Antique Medieval Tuscan Mortar in Nembro Marble, Italy

Located in Roma, IT

Incredilbe apothecary Mortar in Nembro Marble, made from a single block of marble and dated back to the early 600 from Tuscany. It was used in the in apothecaries to grind herbs and spices into powder for food or medicine. Very unique and rare piece in great conditions considering the the period to which it dates. This highly sculptural and unique piece would be suitable today as a magnificent decoration on a table or mantle, or to grace the counter of an open kitchen...

Category

Early 18th Century Italian Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Marble

Gothic Ceramic Bowl or Jardiniere by Michael Andersen & Son, 1960s

$340

Gothic Ceramic Bowl or Jardiniere by Michael Andersen & Son, 1960s

By Michael Andersen & Son

Located in Grythyttan, SE

This bowl or jardiniere, crafted by Michael Andersen & Son, is a remarkable reproduction of a baptismal font discovered in a church in Åkirkeby on Bornholm. The original font, adorne...

Category

1960s Vintage Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Stoneware

Antique sterling silver pair of dishes in the gothic revival style made in 1914

$4,960

Antique sterling silver pair of dishes in the gothic revival style made in 1914

By Arthur Graf

Located in London, London

Carrying import marks for London in 1914 by Arthur Graf, this unusual pair of George V, antique, sterling silver dishes are wonderfully decorative and highly imaginative in design. E...

Category

1910s English Vintage Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Lions Mask Handles and Liner

$1,040

Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Lions Mask Handles and Liner

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Gothic Brass Jardiniere with Lions Mask Handles and Liner This is a very old piece and it has its original lead liner The pot is oval and ...

Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Brass

Bronze mortar - Italy, 16th century

$2,035

Bronze mortar - Italy, 16th century

Located in London, GB

Mortars are an ancient culinary tool, described as indispensable to the preparation of food and medicines in texts like the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus, dating from 1550 BC, and the writi...

Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Bronze

Bone and Stone Lidded Box

$1,200

Bone and Stone Lidded Box

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Metal decorative box with bone and stone inlay. The exterior of the box showcases a mosaic bone inlay adorned with turquoise and red stones set in pewter. The inside of the box is li...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Metal, Pewter

Rare Large 16th Century Grape or Cauldron in Solid Bronze

$2,332

Rare Large 16th Century Grape or Cauldron in Solid Bronze

Located in Meer, VAN

Rare Large Grape or Cauldron in Solid Bronze, Europe, 16th Century. This is a rare and large museum quality 16th century grape or cauldron or cooking pot in solid bronze. A practi...

Category

16th Century European Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Bronze

Small Antique Bronze Cauldron, Pot or Incense Burner, Unknown

$532

Small Antique Bronze Cauldron, Pot or Incense Burner, Unknown

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A small sized bronze cauldron, water pot or incense burner. Chinese in style. Presumably continental. Age and precise origin unknown. Would make a grea...

Category

19th Century European Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Bronze

16th Antique Carved Marble Mortar

$2,991

16th Antique Carved Marble Mortar

Located in Marbella, ES

A unique piece of great historical and aesthetic value, this antique Gothic mortar has been hand-carved from a single block of light marble. Its robust shape and sculpted side fins e...

Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Marble

Brass and Copper Textured Lidded Box

$275

Brass and Copper Textured Lidded Box

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Textured copper box with brass detailing. The exterior of the box features pebbled like texture, perfectly patinated with brass hinges, ball feet and detailing. The hinged box is per...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Brass, Copper

STUNNING ANTIQUE SUPER DECORATIVE HAND HAMMERED BOWL IDEAL FOR FRUiT OR BBQ

$686

STUNNING ANTIQUE SUPER DECORATIVE HAND HAMMERED BOWL IDEAL FOR FRUiT OR BBQ

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique bowl with hand hammered finish ideally suited for fruit A super decorative and highly c...

Category

20th Century European Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Iron

STUNNING ANTIQUE SUPER DECORATiVE HAND HAMMERED BOWL IDEAL FOR FRUIT OR PUNCH

$548

STUNNING ANTIQUE SUPER DECORATiVE HAND HAMMERED BOWL IDEAL FOR FRUIT OR PUNCH

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique bowl with hand hammered finish ideally suited for fruit or punch A super decorative an...

Category

20th Century European Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Iron

Cream Color Bone Lidded Box With Gold Strip, India, Contemporary

$895

H 3 in W 9 in D 6 in

Cream Color Bone Lidded Box With Gold Strip, India, Contemporary

Located in New York, NY

Contemporary Indian cream color lidded bone box with gold strip surround. Strips of bone are inlaid to create a color on color checkerboard pattern. Part of a large collection of bon...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Bone

1980s Brass Basket with Handle and Wavy Forms

$1,340Sale Price|20% Off

H 17.72 in W 19.69 in D 7.88 in

1980s Brass Basket with Handle and Wavy Forms

Located in Marbella, ES

1980s brass basket with handle and wavy forms.

Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Brass

Giant Mortar and Pestle Set Black Marble Polished Italy

$650 / set

H 4.5 in Dm 8.5 in

Giant Mortar and Pestle Set Black Marble Polished Italy

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Italian deep black polished marble giant mortar bowl and pestle. Mortar and pestle set has been used for thousand of years as the way to crush, grind and p...

Category

Late 20th Century French Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Marble

Black and White Stripe Lidded Bone Box, India, Contemporary

$995

H 4 in W 10 in D 8 in

Black and White Stripe Lidded Bone Box, India, Contemporary

Located in New York, NY

Contemporary Indian black and white stripe bone box. Hinged lid. White with inlaid black strips. Part of a large collection of bone boxes and trays

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Bone

Black Etched Chevron Pattern Bone Lidded Box, India, Contemporary

$895

H 2 in W 8 in D 5 in

Black Etched Chevron Pattern Bone Lidded Box, India, Contemporary

Located in New York, NY

Contemporary Indian lidded bone box with etched chevron pattern design. Part of a large collection of bone boxes

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Bone

Danish Mid-Century Modern Pottery Plate or Vide-poche by Michael Andersen, 1960s

$287

H 1.37 in Dm 7.87 in

Danish Mid-Century Modern Pottery Plate or Vide-poche by Michael Andersen, 1960s

By Michael Andersen & Son

Located in Skarpnäck, SE

A small stoneware vintage Bornholm pottery plate or Vide-poche from Denmark. Made by the talented Michael Andersen, this plate is iconic and so typical for this company, especially w...

Category

1960s Danish Vintage Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Ceramic

Tapio Wirkkala Pair of 'Leaf' Dishes in Silver for Kultakeskus Oy, 1959 - 1960

$1,400Sale Price / set|46% Off

H 2.5 in W 3.5 in D 4.5 in

Tapio Wirkkala Pair of 'Leaf' Dishes in Silver for Kultakeskus Oy, 1959 - 1960

By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Brooklyn, NY

An elegant pair of leaf form dishes, models TW-5 (l.) and TW-4 (r.), designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy. Both are in fine condition with all requisite hallmarks and "TW" s...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Silver

New Modern Vase in Marble Creator Arthur Arbesser

$2,406 / item

H 12.6 in W 4.73 in D 7.88 in

New Modern Vase in Marble Creator Arthur Arbesser

By Arthur Arbesser

Located in Milan, IT

Vase in Black Marquinia, White Michelangelo, Arabescato Vagli Filo Rosso, Green Guatemala and Blu Sodalite marbles. Size: 20 x 12 x 32 cm, 7.9 x 4.7 x 12.6 in, smooth finishing. Comm...

Category

2010s Italian Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Marble

Marble Mortar from 18th Century

$1,196Sale Price|20% Off

H 3.94 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in

Marble Mortar from 18th Century

Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France

This nice mortar is made of white marble. This is a French work from 18th Century

Category

1780s French Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Marble

Hammered Brass jardinière with Lion Handle with Paw Feet

$775

H 6 in W 13 in D 7.25 in

Hammered Brass jardinière with Lion Handle with Paw Feet

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Oval brass hammered jardinière with paw feet, the lion handles are a great touch - a great oval shape and size for center piece, kitchen island - or as a p...

Category

Early 20th Century Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Brass

Small 19th Century French Bronze Mortar with Pestle

$390

H 3.25 in Dm 4.375 in

Small 19th Century French Bronze Mortar with Pestle

Located in Dallas, TX

This small bronze mortar and pestle are from 19th century France. The outside of the mortar has been adorned with mascarons and geometric patterns that rise from chased sides. The pe...

Category

19th Century French Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Bronze

Tiger Eye Lidded Semi Precious Stone Box

$1,450

H 1.88 in W 4 in D 3.13 in

Tiger Eye Lidded Semi Precious Stone Box

Located in New York, NY

Tiger eye lidded semi precious stone box. Gold, brown and yellow richly changing colour hardstone box with gold-wash silver hinge attributed ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Stone, Silver

Previously Available Items

Antique wooden dough bowl trough hand carved with metal details 1900’s

Sold

H 5.91 in W 35.83 in D 13.78 in

Antique wooden dough bowl trough hand carved with metal details 1900’s

Located in Delft, NL

Antique wooden dough trough in unrestored, untreated original condition. A beautiful home decoration that can be used in many different ways. Dimensions: 91cm W, 36cm D, 15cm H Perio...

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Iron

Ardagh Chalice, an Antique Sterling Silver and Enamel Replica Dublin 1914

Sold

H 6.7 in W 10.24 in D 7.88 in

Ardagh Chalice, an Antique Sterling Silver and Enamel Replica Dublin 1914

By West & Son

Located in London, London

The Ardagh Chalice is considered to be one of the greatest treasures of the early Irish Church, and one of the finest known works of Insular art. It is thought to have been made in the 8th Century AD, and was discovered in 1868 by Jim Quin & Paddy Flanagan just outside the village of Ardagh in County Limerick, Ireland. Hallmarked in Dublin in 1914 by West & Son, this handsome, Antique Sterling Silver Replica of the Ardagh Chalice, is decorated with Celtic bands...

Category

1910s Irish Vintage Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Spanish Gothic Mortar in Bronze, 15th-16th Century

Sold

H 5.12 in Dm 3.35 in

Spanish Gothic Mortar in Bronze, 15th-16th Century

Located in London, GB

Mortars are an ancient culinary tool, described as indispensable to the preparation of food and medicines in texts like the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus, dating from 1550 BC, and the writi...

Category

16th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Bronze

Antique 15th Century Gothic Mortar in Bronze Patina

Sold

H 3.5 in Dm 4.5 in

Antique 15th Century Gothic Mortar in Bronze Patina

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Gorgeous antique mortar in bronze with excellent patina Spain, 15th Century.

Category

15th Century and Earlier Spanish Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Bronze

Metal Cast Silvered Platter with Turquoise Stones Inlaid

Sold

H 2 in Dm 9 in

Metal Cast Silvered Platter with Turquoise Stones Inlaid

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Metal cast Silvered Platter with Turquoise stones Inlaid. Nice decorative bowl . Size:9" Diameter x 2" h.

Category

Late 20th Century European Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Metal

Mid-19th Century French Patinated Bronze Mortar with Original Pestle

Sold

H 4.5 in Dm 4 in

Mid-19th Century French Patinated Bronze Mortar with Original Pestle

Located in Dallas, TX

Grind spices in your kitchen with this beautifully carved, antique mortar; crafted in France, circa 1850, and made of bronze, the bowl is round in shape with a wide mouth at the top, and decorated with engraved stripe motifs. The decorative kitchen essential...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Bronze

Mid-19th Century French Patinated Bronze Mortar with Original Pestle

Sold

H 4.75 in Dm 4.5 in

Mid-19th Century French Patinated Bronze Mortar with Original Pestle

Located in Dallas, TX

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Bronze

IKaros Hand Painted Carnations and Tulips Decorative Plate Rhodes, Greece

Sold

H 1 in Dm 10 in L 1 in

IKaros Hand Painted Carnations and Tulips Decorative Plate Rhodes, Greece

By Iznik Pottery

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

A decorative I Karos Pottery, I Caro collector polychrome hand painted and handcrafted in Rhodes, Greece ceramic wall decorative plate with a boat in the sea and Fish Design in polychrome design. The plate is decorated with a white, blue, aqua, green, and sienna red design gilded with 24-karat gold. These are intricately, hand painted plates made in Rhodes, Greece by the famous I Caro pottery. Rhodes is famous for its kiln products, such as tiles and pottery, which are glazed and multicolored. It has a beautifully hand painted in burgundy, light and dark blue and turquoise foliage and gold. An Islamic ceramic plate in the Iznik style, painted in vivid colors. The back of the plate is signed and numbered, it has a string to the back for hanging. It is marked “Handmade in Rhodes Greece by Ikaros...

Category

Mid-20th Century Greek Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Ceramic

Early 19th Century Spanish Carved Walnut "Brasero" with Repousse Brass Tray Top

Sold

H 6.5 in W 36.5 in D 36.5 in

Early 19th Century Spanish Carved Walnut "Brasero" with Repousse Brass Tray Top

Located in Dallas, TX

Place this elegant and unusual fruit wood "Brasero" on a buffet or dining room table for there ultimate Spanish look! Crafted in Spain, circa 1820, the ornate, octagonal table sits o...

Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Brass

Antique Bronze Tripod Cauldron, Bowl, Unknown

Sold

H 4.34 in Dm 5.12 in

Antique Bronze Tripod Cauldron, Bowl, Unknown

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A small sized bronze cauldron. Medieval in style. Presumably continental. Age and precise origin unknown. Would make a great planter, incense burner or...

Category

19th Century Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Bronze

Mid-19th Century French Carved Patinated Bronze Mortar with Pestle

Sold

H 4 in Dm 5 in

Mid-19th Century French Carved Patinated Bronze Mortar with Pestle

Located in Dallas, TX

Grind spices in your kitchen with this beautifully carved, antique mortar; crafted in France, circa 1860, and made of bronze, the decorative bowl is roun...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Bronze

Mid-19th Century French Carved Patinated Bronze Mortar with Pestle

Sold

H 4.25 in Dm 5.25 in

Mid-19th Century French Carved Patinated Bronze Mortar with Pestle

Located in Dallas, TX

Grind spices in your kitchen with this beautifully carved, antique mortar; crafted in France, circa 1860, and made of bronze, the decorative bowl is round in shape with a wide mouth at the top. The kitchen essential is in excellent condition with rich patinated finish and has the original bronze pestle...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Medieval Bowls and Baskets

Materials

Bronze

Medieval bowls and baskets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval bowls and baskets for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage bowls and baskets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval bowls and baskets made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Balkan Peninsula 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 bowls and baskets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $10,187 while the average work can sell for $722.