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.
Marble Brass Decorative Object Paperweight Renaissance Style
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial marble decorative object or paperweight with brass putti and grapevine relief design, in the Renaissance style, circa mid to late-20th century. This piece...
Stone, Marble, Brass, Bronze
Cristal D'Albret France Christopher Columbus Sulphide Paperweight Faceted Blue
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage 1970s Cristal D'Albret France Limited Edition Christopher Columbus Glass Faceted Cobalt Blue Paperweight in Original Box. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: (Box) 2" H x ...
Glass
Cristal D'Albret France Christopher Columbus Sulphide Paperweight Faceted Blue
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage 1970s Cristal D'Albret France Limited Edition Christopher Columbus Sulphide Glass Faceted Cobalt Blue Paperweight (No box or COA). Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 1.75...
Glass
Italian Venetian Style Crystal Paperweight
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Venetian-style (20th Century) multi colored round crystal paperweight with 5 bubbles.
Crystal
Italian Venetian Style Crystal Paperweight
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Venetian-style (20th Century) round colored crystal paperweight with 3 blue flowers.
Crystal
Italian Venetian Style Blue Crystal Paperweight
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Venetian style (20th Cent) blue swirl design colored crystal paperweight.
Crystal
Italian Venetian Style Floral Crystal Paperweight
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Venetian-style (20th Century) multi colored round crystal paperweight with floral design.
Crystal
Italian Venetian Style Floral Crystal Paperweight
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Venetian-style (20th Century) round colored crystal paperweight with pink, yellow, and blue flowers.
Crystal
Vintage Marble Egg Decorative Object, Pink and White, Italy, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Marble egg is an original decorative object realized in the mid-20th century. Made in Italy. The work is realized entirely in marble. The egg is re...
Marble
Solid Red Marble Apple Paperweight with Brass Stem
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid red marble with brass accent stem apple paperweight or sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and ...
Marble
$48 / item
H 0.4 in W 5.91 in D 2.76 in
Handcrafted Brass Gecko Decorative Paperweight in Bronze Patina
Located in London, London
Beautiful hand cast bronze patinated gecko paperweight. The polished details in the gecko's feet highlight the characteristic rose gold colour of bronze. Each of these geckos are ha...
Bronze
$48 / item
H 0.4 in W 6.7 in D 3.35 in
Handcrafted Brass Gingko Leaf Decorative Paperweight with Bronze Patina
Located in London, London
Beautiful hand cast gingko leaf in patinated brass paperweight. Each of these brass leaves are handmade individually with incredible detail. Cast using ve...
Brass
$353 / item
H 13.78 in Dm 5.91 in
Handmade Big Decorative Paperweight Cone in Satin White Carrara Marble
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
A decorative big cone full in satin white Carrara marble. Each piece is in a way unique (every marble block is different in veins and shades) and handmade by Italian artisans special...
Marble
$353 / item
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Handmade Big Decorative Paperweight Cube in Satin White Carrara Marble
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
Big decorative paperweight cube full in satin white Carrara marble. Each piece is in a way unique (every marble block is different in veins and shades) and handmade by Italian artisa...
Marble
$353 / item
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Handmade Big Decorative Paperweight Cube in Black Marquina Marble
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
Big decorative paperweight cube full in black Marquina marble. Each piece is in a way unique (every marble block is different in veins and shades) and handmade by Italian artisans sp...
Marble
$176 / item
H 3.94 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
Handmade Small Decorative Paperweight Cube in Black Marquina Marble
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
Small decorative paperweight cube full in black Marquina marble. Each piece is in a way unique (every marble block is different in veins and shades) and handmade by Italian artisans ...
Marble
$41 / item
H 0.2 in W 7.49 in D 2.56 in
Handcrafted Brass Leaf Decorative Paperweight with Bronze Patina
Located in London, London
Handmade cast brass leaf with stunning details, a beautiful bronze patina finish and polished highlights. Ideal as an elegant paperweight or just a charming decorative object. Each ...
Brass
Crystal Ball Paperweight with Infused Floating Bubbles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A substantial 4.45-inch crystal paperweight infused with suspended floating bubbles, creating a mesmerizing sense of depth and movement within the glass. The clarity and weight of th...
Art Glass
$353 / item
H 13.78 in Dm 5.91 in
Handmade Big Decorative Paperweight Cone in Satin Black Marquina Marble
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
A decorative big cone full in black Marquina marble. Each piece is in a way unique (every marble block is different in veins and shades) and handmade by Italian artisans specialized ...
Marble
Millefiori Paperweight Murano Italian Art Glass Paperweight, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Murano midcentury modern 1960s Millefiori flower, green, blue, red, white murine Italian Art Glass paperweight.
Art Glass, Murrine
Sold
H 2.5 in W 4.25 in D 4.25 in
Franklin Mint 1976 Baccarat France Julius Caesar Purple Sulphide Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage 1970s Franklin Mint 1976 Baccarat France Julius Caesar Purple Sulphide Glass Paperweight with Original Box. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: Box: 2.5" H x 4.25" W x 4.2...
Glass
Sold
H 1.75 in W 4.75 in D 3 in
19th C. Alabaster Paperweight After Maderno, "The Martyrdom of Saint Cecilia"
Located in Norwalk, CT
A beautiful and heartbreaking marquette-style sculpture after Stefano Maderno's 17th-century masterpiece, "The Martyrdom of Saint Cecilia", which lies in the Church of Saint Cecilia ...
Alabaster