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.
$760Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Metal
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...
Silver Plate
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...
Bronze
Napoleon Bronze Sculpture Desk Inkwell, Signed Emile Pinedo
By Émile Pinedo
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Napoleon Bonaparte bronze desk inkwell, signed Pinedo with foundry mark. Mounted over a Green Alps marble. Antique signed 19th large bronze ...
Bronze
19th Century Bronze Sculpture "The Letter"
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique bronze sculpture of man reading a letter or proclamation. Marble base, 19th century. Unsigned.
Bronze
$625
H 4.25 in W 5.75 in D 6.25 in
English Equestrian Horseshoe Silver Plate & Oak Desktop Inkwell Inkstand c. 1900
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb antique English Edwardian silverplate and oak inkwell inkstand with a pen rest, circa 1900. This fine inkstand has the original lovely cut cr...
Crystal, Silver Plate
$6,500
H 14.25 in W 12 in D 7.25 in
"Conquest of Spain, " Extraordinary, Monumental Bronze Inkwell, Art Deco
Located in Philadelphia, PA
More of an indictment of the Spanish conquest of North America than a celebration, this quite extraordinary, large bronze inkwell depicts a Conquistador, holding sword and whip, seat...
Bronze
19th Century Baccarat Inkwell
Located in Tampa, FL
A Baccarat crystal inkwell with decorated bronze. Circa 19th century, France. The interior is two inches deep and the opening is one inch wide.
Crystal
$1,795
H 6 in W 15 in D 7.5 in
Early 20th-C. French Gilt Bronze And Malachite Desk Pen Inkwell / Inkstand
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an early 20th century highly decorative French gilt bronze, malachite and faux malachite inkstand with dual inkwells. The base is a mix of faux malachite and malachite veneer...
Malachite, Bronze
Vintage Crystal & Sterling Silver Inkwell – Desk Accessory, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant vintage inkwell featuring a clear faceted crystal glass base with a hinged sterling silver lid. The geometric cut crystal body paired with the polished silver top creates a r...
Silver
XX Century Silver Plated Hare Inkwell
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Decorative XX century inkwell or box representing a silver plated hare.
Silver Plate
$4,059 / set
H 5.12 in W 10.44 in D 1.97 in
Antique Italian Specimen Marble Desk Inkstand with Twin Crystal Inkwells
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A striking Italian antique desk inkstand from the 19th Century inlaid with Florentine Pietra Dura The rectangular stand is framed in black and inset with a geometric mosaic of rich...
Stone, Crystal, Breccia Marble, Specimen Marble, Brass
19th Century French Dore Gilt Gold Metal Double Inkwell Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th-century dore gold stag double ink well is an elegant and ornate piece crafted with a sense of luxury typical of the era. The glass Jars with delicate tops make this piece except...
Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf
German Shepherd Dog Crystal Inkstand / Inkwell Desk Piece
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
German Shepherd Dog Crystal Inkstand / Inkwell Desk Piece Desk decorative inkwell. The base of the inkstand is made of clear crystal, intricately cut glass with a pattern that reflec...
Crystal, Metal
Beautiful Late 19th Century Gilt and Patina Bronze Inkwell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Beautiful Late 19th Century Gilt and Patina Bronze Inkwell Depicting a bronze sleeping cherub lying on a gilt bronze settee, opening up to two ink holders. Details: Height – 4 in...
Bronze, Ormolu
Inkwell by Odiot À Paris, France Probably End of 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Inkwell with a heavy glass body with a gadrooned wall and a round stand with rocaille and shell décors. The hinged lid is decorated with shell ornaments as well. Stamped on the botto...
Bronze
French Faience Inkwell with Lion
Located in Pembroke, MA
An unusual and highly-decorative 19th century French faience inkwell from Normandy, featuring a stylized lion holding a shield with coat of arms, surrounded by a helmet (hollow for h...
Ceramic