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.
Vintage Tuscan Hand Painted Majolica Jug Vase Garniture Set Signed Leona Italia
Located in Forney, TX
A vintage Italian majolica ceramic three piece vessel garniture set, signed Leona Italia. Hand-crafted and hand-painted by highly skilled artisans in Tuscany, medieval Renaissance t...
Majolica
19th Century French Gien Faience Renaissance Revival Garniture Set, 3 Pieces
By Gien
Located in Dallas, TX
Circa 1880, this elegant antique three-piece garniture set was crafted in France by the celebrated faience manufactory Faïencerie de Gien, founded in 1821 and renowned for producing ...
Faience
Two large Renaissance style bronzed metal centrepiece garniture
Located in London, GB
This centrepiece garniture was crafted in the 19th Century in Italy. The two bronzed metal items are identically designed, in an expressive and classically-inspired late Renaissance ...
Metal
$538 / set
H 8.67 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
19th Century French Hand-Painted Faience Vases Signed set of 2
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
19th Century French Hand-Painted Faience Vases Signed set of 2
Faience
Antique Sterling Silver Epergne / Centrepiece / Vase 1911
Located in London, GB
An Antique solid Silver Epergne Centrepiece with a large oval central basket supporting a tall trumpet shaped vase on top of an impressive concave shaped stand. The central stand has...
Sterling Silver
Giovanni de Simone Hand-Painted Jug Vase
Located in Skokie, IL
Giovanni de Simone Hand-Painted Jug Vase This three-sided handled jug vase by famed Italian artist Giovanni de Simone (1930-1991) is an original gem. The...
Ceramic
Large Ormolu-Mounted Cut Crystal Dish in Renaissance Taste
Located in Paris, FR
A 20th century cut crystal and gilt bronze dish in Renaissance taste. The circular cup is decorated with cut-diamond patterns. It is set on a baluster-shaped stem that is embellished...
Crystal, Bronze
Antique Hand Painted Majolica Vase from Umbria, circa 1870
Located in Dallas, TX
From Italy, this hand painted majolica vase has two scenes divided by scrolling snake handles. One side depicts a trophy of arms with black eagle supporters, a flag and a ribbon date...
Majolica
Art Nouveau Centrepiece
Located in New York, NY
This ravishing Art Nouveau silver plated centrepiece is decorated with butterflies, flowers, and budding tendrils, and retains the original applied patina and cobalt-blue-glass liner...
Silver Plate
19th Century French Faience Cache Pot Desvres
By Desvres
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Faience Cache Pot Desvres , hand painted with flowers on one side and coat of arms on the other side.
Faience
Talavera Majolica Hand Painted Amphora/Urn Vase
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Talavera Majolica Amphora/Urn Vase. It depicts a hand painted amphora/urn with a white background showing a scene in the front of a Spaniard gentleman riding a horse and in...
Earthenware
$5,895Sale Price|37% Off
H 7.13 in W 19 in D 10.5 in
French 19th-20th Century Louis XV Style Silvered Centrepiece by Christofle & Cie
By Christofle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine French 19th-20th century Louis XV style silvered centrepiece by Christofle & Cie. with an ovoid molded cut-glass centre-dish (later) on a pomegranate branch-form foot, the underside stamped: CHRISTOFLE and 1147156, Paris, circa 1900. Charles Christofle...
Bronze
French Faience Vase Gien Circa 1890
By Gien
Located in Austin, TX
French Faience Vase Gien Circa 1890. Asian inspiration. Decorated with peonies and pheasants.
Faience
$2,650 / set
H 8 in Dm 7.5 in
Wonderful French Empire Dore Bronze Cut Crystal Figural Neoclassical Centrepiece
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French Empire doré bronze and cut crystal figural neoclassical centrepiece Measures: 7.5" W x 8" H.
Crystal, Bronze
Spanish Talavera Hand Painted Pottery Vase, Vintage Signed
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage ceramic vase features a traditional rounded form, decorated with the characteristic hand-painted Talavera de la Reina motifs of colorful country flowers. The rim is accentuat...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica, Pottery
Renaissance bronze bowl Antonio Pandiani Milano
Located in Paris, FR
Pedestal bowl in the form of a triton emerging between two water horses and blowing into a conch with its lid surmounted by a Nereid, probably Thetis, seated on a conch, a veil in th...
Bronze
Antique Deruta Pottery Pair Urns Covers Italian Vintage Majolica Vases Jars
By Deruta
Located in Wilton, CT
Old pair Deruta majolica pottery covered urn jars, circa early/mid 20th century. Hand painted all around with country landscape scenes of lakes and mountains. 16 1/2" high, 8" diamet...
Pottery
Red Ceramic and Gilt Bronze Antique Ewer Urn
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A very ornate French antique ewer urn with a gleaming, red ceramic jug body and gilt bronze foot and trimmings, dating from the beginning of the 20th century ...
Bronze