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 Simon Rosenau, Hanau
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 German Silver Bear Sugar Box, Hanau, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique German silver bear sugar box; part of our continental ornamental silverware collection This exceptional and rare antique German silver sugar box have been realistically modelled in form of a bear. The box has been embellished with fine embossed decoration reproducing the details of the bear's fur and anatomical features. This exceptional antique silver box is fitted with the original push fit head/cover. Condition This antique silver bear box is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition. The German Hanau hallmarks to the underside of one foot are very clear. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this German silverware...
Sterling Silver
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 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
$1,570
H 1.75 in W 7 in D 2 in
18th Century Dutch Pieter Holm Zee-Meeter Brass & Copper Navigator's Tobacco Box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
18th-Century Dutch Pieter Holm Zee-Meeter Brass & Copper Navigator's Tobacco Box Large 18th-century Dutch brass and copper seaman’s tobacco box, also known as a “Dutchman’s Log” or ...
Brass, Copper
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
Dutch Regency Tortoiseshell, Bone & Silver Tea Caddy, Circa 1820
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare early 19th-century Dutch tortoiseshell tea caddy, circa 1820, of refined casket form with a softly domed hinged lid, canted serpentine corners, and richly figured tortoiseshel...
Bone, Parchment
$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
$1,632
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
$1,768
H 5.5 in W 9.25 in D 5.25 in
Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy, Chippendale Style, England, Circa 1760
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Good Quality 18th century Georgian, Chippendale Period, Mahogany Tea Caddy Of Rectangular Form, Having Elegant Shaped Top Enclosing Original Tin Containers, Retaining Original...
Mahogany
Vintage Sheffield Tea Caddy Box
By Sheffield
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage tea caddy or box. This vintage piece is rare and it is captivating. Octagonal in silver plated finish, this piece can have a variety of uses. This piece displays...
Silver Plate
$1,748
H 1.58 in W 7.88 in D 1.97 in
18th Century Dutch Tobacco Box Engraved Brass Snuff Box Brass with Figures
Located in Milano, MI
18th century Dutch brass tobacco box with hinged lid engraved with five circular medallions containing the busts of male noblemen figures with inscriptions and dates, the most recent...
Other, 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
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