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Medieval Pitchers

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
Old English Brass Pitcher w. Medieval Embossed Micro-cosmos
Old English Brass Pitcher w. Medieval Embossed Micro-cosmos

Old English Brass Pitcher w. Medieval Embossed Micro-cosmos

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A decorative large pitcher in light brass embossed with a medieval pub scene - micro-cosmos around its perimeter. Manufactured in England circa 1940-60. Well-kept and with patina. ...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Medieval Pitchers

Materials

Brass

Vintage Gothic Style Religious Silver Plated Tall Church Pitcher with Cross
Vintage Gothic Style Religious Silver Plated Tall Church Pitcher with Cross

Vintage Gothic Style Religious Silver Plated Tall Church Pitcher with Cross

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Gothic Style Religious Silver Plated Tall Church Pitcher with Cross Finial. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 14" H x 7.5" W x 3.5" D.

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Medieval Pitchers

Materials

Silver Plate

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Kalo Sterling Silver Hand Wrought/ Hammered Pitcher Jug in Arts & Crafts Style
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English Ceramic Original Christmas Tree Pitcher
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Standout mid century pitcher handcrafted in hammered copper with a silver plate finish in classic form featuring a stone clad parrot as a handle.

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English Majolica Pitcher with Flowers, circa 1890
English Majolica Pitcher with Flowers, circa 1890

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Located in Austin, TX

English Majolica pitcher with flowers, circa 1890 Measures: H 6", L 5.5" et 3.5".  

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Victorian Silver Plate Water Pitcher with Ballon Engraving
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By E. G. Webster Brothers of New York

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English Victorian Majolica Fish Pitcher Circa 1880
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English Victorian Majolica fish pitcher circa 1880. H / 9.8 inches.

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Vintage Silver Plate Pitcher with Parrot Handle by Alfredo Villasana
Vintage Silver Plate Pitcher with Parrot Handle by Alfredo Villasana

Vintage Silver Plate Pitcher with Parrot Handle by Alfredo Villasana

Located in Palm Beach, FL

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19th Century Victorian Pairpoint Silver Plate Tilting Pitcher with Goblet
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Medieval pitchers for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Medieval pitchers for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage pitchers created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, pottery and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval pitchers made in a specific country, there are England, Europe, and United Kingdom 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 pitchers differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $557 and tops out at $557 while the average work can sell for $557.