The decadence of the Baroque style, in which ornate furnishings were layered against paneled walls, painted ceilings, stately chandeliers and, above all, gilding, expressed the power of the church and monarchy through design that celebrated excess. And its influence was omnipresent — antique Baroque furniture was created in the first design style that truly had a global impact.
Theatrical and lavish, Baroque was prevalent across Europe from the 17th to mid-18th century and spread around the world through colonialism, including in Asia, Africa and the Americas. While Baroque originated in Italy and achieved some of its most fantastic forms in the late-period Roman Baroque, it was adapted to meet the tastes and materials in each region. French Baroque furniture informed Louis XIV style and added drama to Versailles. In Spain, the Baroque movement influenced the elaborate Churrigueresque style in which architecture was dripping with ornamental details. In South German Baroque, furniture was made with bold geometric patterns.
Compared to Renaissance furniture, which was more subdued in its proportions, Baroque furniture was extravagant in all aspects, from its shape to its materials.
Allegorical and mythical figures were often sculpted in the wood, along with motifs like scrolling floral forms and acanthus leaves that gave the impression of tangles of dense foliage. Novel techniques and materials such as marquetry, gesso and lacquer — which were used with exotic woods and were employed by cabinetmakers such as André-Charles Boulle, Gerrit Jensen and James Moore — reflected the growth of international trade. Baroque furniture characteristics include a range of decorative elements — a single furnishing could feature everything from carved gilded wood to gilt bronze, lending chairs, mirrors, console tables and other pieces a sense of motion.
Find a collection of authentic antique Baroque tables, lighting, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Antique German Hanau Baroque Silver Tea Caddy
By Hanau, Simon Rosenau
Located in New York, NY
German Baroque 800 silver tea caddy, ca 1890. Rectilinear with curved corners; top flat and plain with short neck and cover. Chased and embossed flowers with crisscrossing leafing st...
Silver
Abraham Roentgen Baroque Tea Caddy, Rosewood on Oak, Germany, ca 1760 revised
Located in Berlin, DE
Rosewood veneered on oak 22x15x24 cm Abraham Roentgen (1711–1793) and his son David were the creators of marquetry furniture of highly refined quality and ingenious construction th...
Rosewood
Box Cannister Caddy Brass Tobacco Tea Dutch
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
A charming early tobacco box or tea cannister Unusual, large size Lovely soft contours which enhances the reflection of light in the interior Original condition including hinges length 21cm., 8 1/4" depth 7.5cm., 3" height 11cm., 4 1/2". The Dutch were the main importers of tobacco in the 18th century and manufactured tobacco boxes to sell with...
Brass
Antique Moroccan Silver Plated Tea Caddy Footed Candy Box
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
1920s Antique Moroccan Silver Plated Footed Tea Caddy with hinged lid. This authentic Moroccan brass silver plated box has a beautiful etched geometri...
Silver Plate, Brass
Antique English Georgian Silver Tea Caddy by William Vincent
Located in Northampton, GB
Hallmarked Sterling by William Vincent of London Dated 1779 From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Georgian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of slight...
Sterling Silver
$19,173
H 4.14 in W 4.34 in D 3.15 in
Antique English Regency Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with Silver Mounts
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING The Tortoiseshell Tea Caddy with Silver Mounts is an elegant early nineteenth century example dating to the reign of George III, circa 1810. Of oval form, t...
Silver
$795
H 1.75 in W 3.25 in D 2.75 in
Victorian Period Hanau Continental Silver (.800) Snuff Box With Hinged Lid
By Hanau
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Period, Continental Silver (.800) snuff/trinkets box, having a hinged lid, Hanau, Germany, Ca. 1895. Box is decorated with Neoclassical figures. Box measures 3 1/4 inches ...
Sterling Silver
$1,657
H 5.2 in W 8.8 in D 4.8 in
Stunning Late 1800s Gothic Revival Walnut & Brass Tea Caddy Box W. Great Patina
Located in Lisse, NL
A very pleasing, late 19th century, double compartment tea caddy. This marvellous and rare tea caddy is in very good condition and the burl walnut has a truly warm, deep and rich pa...
Bronze, Brass
Antique Moroccan Tea Caddy in Brass, 1900s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Late 19th or early 20th century Teacaddy in Hand engraved and embossed brass. Great rich patina that along with its details give it a certain charm. It has a hinged lid that works ju...
Brass
English Georgian Rosewood Tea Caddy C1830
Located in Big Flats, NY
An English Georgian rosewood tea caddy, dating from circa 1830. This antique piece showcases the rich, dark tones and distinctive grain of rosewood, a highly prized timber during the...
Rosewood
18th Century Chippendale Mahogany Tea Caddy, Great Britain, Circa 1760
Located in London, GB
A mid-18th century Chippendale period figured mahogany tea caddy, ebony beaded and mahogany cross-banded throughout, having concave-shaped lid retaining original brass carrying handle.
Mahogany
Georgian Rosewood Oblong Tea Caddy
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very attractive, good quality, late 18th century rosewood oblong shaped tea caddy having satinwood strung mouldings and original brass hinges, with working lock and key. Constructed using attractive rosewood timber which retains a good colour and patina, the satinwood strung mouldings used on this tea caddy create a really nice contrast. Tea was a precious commodity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and the purpose of a tea caddy was not just to preserve the and extend the life of the precious tea leaves...
Rosewood
Chinese Hexagonal Cast Brass Tea Caddy
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A Chinese hexagonal cast brass tea caddy, early 20th century. Each rectangular side with a shou symbol surrounded by five stylized bats on blue enamel ...
Brass
Antique 19th Century Victorian Quality Rosewood Tea Caddy
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique 19th Century Victorian quality rosewood tea caddy having a lift up top opening to reveal a fitted interior with a pair of lidded tea boxes and a glass mixing bowl. In lovely...
Other
Circa 1765 George III Period Tea Caddy Box, English
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1765 George III period tea caddy box, English. Small & complete example raised on original bracket feet. Mahogany. Original hardware & lock with key. Contains 2 origina...
Tin
Antique Dutch Delft Blue and White Tin Glazed Pottery Tea Caddy
By De Klaauw
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Dutch delft tea caddy with a very narrow neck. The blue and white Chinoiserie decoration depicts Chinese figures, foliage, and birds ...
Delft
Louis XIV Marble Tobacco Box, Early 18th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The Saint-Anne des Pyrees box with two circular wells beneath the hinged top.
Marble