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Medieval Vases

MEDIEVAL STYLE

The Middle Ages in Europe followed the end of the Roman Empire, and in this time of change, which preceded the Renaissance, furniture was simple and utilitarian, with most homes having only the necessities like chests and benches. Much of medieval furniture, which was often made in oak or walnut, was built for the elite, particularly the emerging merchant class who owned multiple homes.

Life for many in the medieval era was unstable, and furniture was designed to be functional and portable. Peasants worked the fields for affluent landowners and didn’t have access to literature in the way that nobles and people of the church did (women less so than men). The furniture in their modest dwellings was typically limited to cookware and a handful of stools. Foldable chairs, while uncommon in homes of the early Middle Ages and emblematic of wealth, like all other furnishings of the time, allowed for easy transportation of a household. Trestle tables with detachable legs and collapsible beds were designed to be simply moved from place to place.

Medieval blanket chests were among the most important furniture objects and could further serve as tables or even beds. Some ancient traditions were carried forward to build this sturdy furniture, such as turnery. Although the furniture was minimally designed, embellishments like carvings added elegance to the heavy wood pieces. These details sometimes reflected trends in religious art like rose windows.

By the later Middle Ages, storage pieces like chests of drawers were often adorned with high relief carvings, such as geometric and floral motifs. By the 14th and 15th centuries, design had developed to include more involved pieces like cupboards and desks, while benches frequently doubled as chests with hinged seats. Beds also changed in this era from basic boards to four-post designs with large drapes to keep the sleeper warm. These beds and other medieval bedroom furniture were significant status symbols, passed down through families and used as places to conduct business and receive visitors.

Surviving examples of medieval furniture are very rare, yet its distinctive aesthetics influenced later styles like William and Mary and Arts and Crafts.

Find a collection of medieval seating, garden elements, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Medieval
Antique Medieval Tuscan Mortar in Nembro Marble, Italy
Antique Medieval Tuscan Mortar in Nembro Marble, Italy

Antique Medieval Tuscan Mortar in Nembro Marble, Italy

$1,908

Antique Medieval Tuscan Mortar in Nembro Marble, Italy

Located in Roma, IT

Incredilbe apothecary Mortar in Nembro Marble, made from a single block of marble and dated back to the early 600 from Tuscany. It was used in the in apothecaries to grind herbs and spices into powder for food or medicine. Very unique and rare piece in great conditions considering the the period to which it dates. This highly sculptural and unique piece would be suitable today as a magnificent decoration on a table or mantle, or to grace the counter of an open kitchen...

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Early 18th Century Italian Antique Medieval Vases

Materials

Marble

Early 1900s Impressive and Finely Handcrafted Antique Gothic Art Porcelain Vase
Early 1900s Impressive and Finely Handcrafted Antique Gothic Art Porcelain Vase

Early 1900s Impressive and Finely Handcrafted Antique Gothic Art Porcelain Vase

$2,862

Early 1900s Impressive and Finely Handcrafted Antique Gothic Art Porcelain Vase

Located in Lisse, NL

Rare and impressive work of Gothic art pottery. This most skillfully created and highly decorative work of Gothic art is very rare and of a great size. The impressive floral decor o...

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Early 20th Century European Medieval Vases

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19th Century Victorian Terracotta Model Of A Gothic Font
19th Century Victorian Terracotta Model Of A Gothic Font

19th Century Victorian Terracotta Model Of A Gothic Font

$1,774

19th Century Victorian Terracotta Model Of A Gothic Font

Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire

A 19th century Victorian terracotta model of a gothic font. An English architectural model of a font in the ecclesiastical style dated to circa 1850. The octagonal design has a repeating trefoil design on all sides. A pleasing object modelled after an unknown church font...

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19th Century English Antique Medieval Vases

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Very Large 17th Century Bartmann Jug / Bellarmine Jug Salt Glazed Stoneware
Very Large 17th Century Bartmann Jug / Bellarmine Jug Salt Glazed Stoneware

Very Large 17th Century Bartmann Jug / Bellarmine Jug Salt Glazed Stoneware

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Very Large 17th Century Bartmann Jug / Bellarmine Jug Salt Glazed Stoneware

Located in Meer, VAN

Very Large 17th Century Bartmann Jug / Bellarmine Jug German Salt Glazed Stoneware Very Large 17th Century Bartmann Jug / Bellarmine Jug German Salt Glazed Stoneware Substantial - ...

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Early 17th Century German Antique Medieval Vases

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Stoneware

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Giant Mortar and Pestle Set Black Marble Polished Italy
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Medieval vases for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval vases 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 vases created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval vases made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 vases differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $520 and tops out at $26,000 while the average work can sell for $1,347.

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