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.
French Renaissance Silver Plated Tall Ornate Compote Centerpiece Dish Bowl Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Renaissance Style Silver Plated Tall Ornate Compote Centerpiece Dish Bowls - a Pair. Item features tall silver plated heavy metal construction, ornate floral and folia...
Silver Plate
Dating Trough in Solid Natural Wood Made in Denmark From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
The dating trough, crafted from solid natural wood in Denmark around the 1840s, is a remarkable piece of heritage that embodies both functionality and historical significance. Design...
Wood
Vintage Spanish Renaissance Silver Plated Coat of Arms Communion Cup Bowl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Spanish Renaissance Silver Plated Coat of Arms Communion Cup Bowl. Interior marking: HISPAN TE IND REX NG 8R P. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 2.25" H x 14.5" W x 8.75...
Silver Plate
$499
H 6.75 in W 11 in D 10.5 in
Antique English Silver Plated Partitioned Serving Bowl or Condiment Dish
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique serving dish is hallmarked by an unknown English maker, and believed to date to approximately 1910-1920 and done in a Victorian style...
Silver Plate
Silver Travertine Fruit Bowl, Centerpiece
Located in Eindhoven, NB
Introducing our exquisite silver travertine fruit BOWL, a fusion of elegance and functionality. Crafted from luxurious natural silver travertine, this stunning bowl is a testament to...
Travertine
Silver Plate and Crystal Caviar Bowl Dish Server by Gelb, Paris in Box
By Gelb
Located in Atlanta, GA
A modernist silver plate and crystal caviar serving bowl, dish, or chiller designed by French silversmith Gelb in the 1980s. Sophisticated design with a streamlined geometric shape, ...
Crystal, Metal, Silver Plate
Silver Plate Russian Caviar Vodka Server Plated Bowl
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Amazing Russian silver plate caviar and vodka server If you want a bit of added bling to your parties then this has to be the ultimate? Central bowl features six vodka shot glasses a...
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Hanne Stentoj, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Hanne Stentoj, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark, Official proof of authenti...
Earthenware
Sterling Silver Compote Candy Dish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our exquisite Vintage Sterling Silver Compote/Candy Dish, a timeless piece that adds a touch of elegance to any setting. Crafted with the utmost precision and attention t...
Sterling Silver
$365
H 3.5 in W 13.5 in D 7.5 in
Redfield & Rice Silver Plated Etruscan Handled Bowl with Classical Motifs
Located in New York, NY
This refined antique handled bowl was produced by Redfield & Rice- an esteemed producer of silver wares based in New York State. The bowl has a flat ovoid centre and steeply sloped sides. The two curved handles are connected via a flat rectangular rod with two orbital finials. On the interior ends of the bowl, there are two identical busts of a Greek male figure...
Silver Plate
$325
H 4 in W 10.75 in D 10.75 in
Post War Wood Turned Serving Bowl in Solid Hinoki Cedar, Occupied Japan, c. 1940
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare, post war serving bowl hand-carved from solid Hinoki Cedar. Rich in history, as it was crafted in occupied Japan with Japanese materials and labor when post war Ja...
Cedar
Wood-Turned Serving Bowl in Solid Myrtlewood, Oregon, USA, c. 1980's
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a Mid-Century Modern, hand-turned serving bowl carved from what is often called the "rarest wood in the world". Umbellularia californica also known as 'myrtlewood' is an ...
Wood
Cylindrical Base Varnished Silver-Nickel Plated Bowl by AVLU
Located in Geneve, CH
Kubbe Bowl, Varnished Silver-Nickel Plated Silverware by AVLU Dimensions: D 15 x H 16 cm Materials: Varnished Silver-Nickel Plated. Avlu Design was founded in Ankara in 2023 by ...
Silver, Nickel
$569
H 2.76 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in
1970s Minimalist Silver Plated Caviar Serving Bowl by Lino Sabattini
By Lino Sabattini, Sabattini Argenteria
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Exquisite 1970s Minimalist Silver-Plated Caviar Serving Bowl by Lino Sabattini Presenting a remarkable piece of modernist design: a sophisticated silver-plated caviar serving bowl, m...
Silver Plate
$650 / set
H 2.75 in Dm 4.32 in
St James Brazil Silver Plate and Crystal Caviar Bowl Dish Server Duo, 2 pieces
By St. James
Located in Atlanta, GA
A modernist silver plate and crystal caviar serving bowl duo—also suitable as chiller dishes—designed by renowned silversmith St James Brazil. The duo pieces were meticulously crafte...
Crystal, Metal, Silver Plate
Sold
H 5 in W 18.5 in D 12 in
Magnificent Buccellati 24 Carot Gold Overlay over Porcelain Monumental Shell
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing and beautiful vintage Italian Buccellati porcelain shell has the interior of sheer richness with it's 24 carat gold overlay over the glazed porcelain. As a centerpiece...