Renaissance Inkwells
RENAISSANCE STYLE
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.
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Style: Renaissance
19th Century English Silvered Metal 'Worried Knight' Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century English Silvered Metal 'Worried Knight' Inkwell
Add a touch of classical whimsy to your home or office with our tole figural knight inkwell. Made in later 19th century ...
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Late 19th Century English Antique Renaissance Inkwells
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Early 20th Century Polished Brass Renaissance Style Inkwell
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An antique ink stand, made of polished brass, completely in Renaissance style, with richly pieced scroll motifs. The inkwell has two removable ink we...
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Early 1900s French Antique Renaissance Inkwells
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Vintage French Renaissance Silver Plated Figural Italian Inkstand Desk Inkwell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Renaissance Silver Plated Figural Italian Inkstand Desk Double Inkwell. Item features double inkwell with inserts, central can...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Renaissance Inkwells
Materials
Silver Plate
Renaissance Inkwell Calamelli workshop, Italy, Faenza, second half of the 16th
By Virgiliotto Calamelli
Located in Milano, IT
Inkwell
Calamelli workshop (attr.).
Faenza, second half of the 16th century
Height 4.33 in; length 8.07 in; depth 2.95 in (11 cm; 20.5 cm; 7.5 cm)
Weight: 0.800 lb (363 g)
State of conservation: some chipping to the top of the mask around the mouth. Handle glued, without any restorations; minor chips in some raised areas.
This object has the shape of a foot wearing Greek-style footwear, as can be seen in some raised areas. The foot is anatomically modeled with bare toes, while the ankle is partially covered by the footwear. On the heel, there is a small circular handle to support the object. The mouth of the container is shaped like a mask. The interior, completely enameled, suggests that the piece was intended to be used as an inkwell or to contain some other liquid. The base, however, is not enamelled.
The painted decoration, scant and brief, consists of rapid cobalt blue shading between the toes of the foot, with more precise emphasis on the nails. It is accompanied by yellow citrine accents to enhance the forms. The mask is painted with the tip of the brush, to accentuate the tense nature of the eyes and to accentuate their outline. Thin strokes of yellow-orange line the interior of the mouth.
Since the Renaissance, this decoration has been referred to as "compendiaria" and it characterizes the period of production extending from the mid-16th century to approximately the middle of the following century. It significantly influenced tastes at the time. It evolved from the polychrome style "istoriato" and transformed into a new style that "summarized" (compendia), or condensed, the ornamentation of the works into a few colors, placing greater prominence on the shapes. It was often inspired by metal specimens. Since the Renaissance, this decoration has been referred to as "compendiaria" and it characterizes the period of production extending from the mid-16th century to approximately the middle of the following century. It significantly influenced tastes at the time. It evolved from the polychrome style "istoriato" and transformed into a new style that "summarized" (compendia), or condensed, the ornamentation of the works into a few colors, placing greater prominence on the shapes. It was often inspired by metal specimens.
This artwork finds parallels in similar objects all characterized by this refined style and produced in the city of Faenza and other Italian centers starting from the mid-16th century.
The closest comparable example in majolica is a foot acquired by the British Museum in 2011 (inv. 2011, 8008.1). This was previously published by Carmen Ravanelli Guidotti in 1996 and later by Dora Thornton in 2016 during the conference on Renaissance ceramics...
Category
16th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Inkwells
Materials
Maiolica
18th Century Venetian Bronze Figural Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
Patinated bronze urn-shaped inkwell rests on three winged-horses evoking movement and action. The body of the inkwell is decorated with faces among garlands and the lid is topped by a seated putti holding fruitVenetian patinated bronze figural inkwell...
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
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Renaissance inkwells for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Renaissance inkwells for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage inkwells created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Renaissance inkwells made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original inkwells, popular names associated with this style include and Ferdinand Barbedienne. 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 inkwells differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $429 and tops out at $6,941 while the average work can sell for $3,200.