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
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
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
Mid Century Danish Sculptural Teak Bowl, Handcrafted in 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful patinated bowl in teak. Handcrafted in 1960s Suits the modern interior.
Teak
Emilia Castillo, Silver-Plated "Monkey" Punch Bowl, Mexican Modernism
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking example of late 20th-century Mexican silversmithing, this monumental sculptural punch bowl was designed by Emilia Castillo in Taxco, Mexico, during the 1980s. Resting on a...
Silver Plate, Copper
$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
Caviar bowl, silver plated - crystal glass
By Zanetto
Located in Paris, FR
A hand-hammered silver-plated caviar server with a crystal interior is designed to maintain caviar at the ideal temperature. Its elegant design highlights Italian craftsmanship with ...
Crystal, Silver Plate
Fruit Bowl caved on solid Wood in Hand Form
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
An open hand, palm facing up, offering. The oldest gesture in the world transformed into an object. Carved from solid oak, the piece represents a large-format hand with a level of d...
Wood
$280Sale Price|30% Off
H 3.252 in W 6 in D 12 in
Antique German Dresden Porcelain Gilded Floral Centerpiece Bowl Compote 12"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique German Dresden crown H mark centerpiece bowl or serving compote. Made of porcelain featuring scalloped oval form with floral design and gold accents. Attributed to Adolf ...
Porcelain
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Hyllested Keramik, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Studio Pottery Bowl from Hyllested Keramik, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969. This piece has an attribution mark. Additional informati...
Ceramic
Mid-Century French Cut Crystal Centerpiece Compote Bowl
Located in Dallas, TX
Elevate a dining table, entry console, or bar with this striking French cut crystal centerpiece compote. Crafted in France circa 1970, the sculptural bowl is raised on a solid pedest...
Crystal
$403
H 8.27 in W 17.72 in D 9.06 in
19th Century Italian Silver-Plated and Weathered - Patinated Serving Dish / Bowl
Located in OOSTERHOUT, NL
Antique Italian fruit or serving dish from the late 19th century, made of silver-plated brass with decorative fish handles. The heavily patinated finish gives this piece a unique, we...
Silver Plate, Brass
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...