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.
Flemish Salt Glazed Pottery Beer Ewer ft Story of Susanna 1584
Located in Dallas, TX
Very rare flemish pottery beer jug or stein…..depicting the Story of Susanna and dated 1584. The original jug has been attributed to Engel Kran…..a ...
Pottery
Antique Gothic Renaissance Green Ceramic Pitcher with Brass Soldier Armor Lid
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gothic Renaissance Green Ceramic Pitcher with Brass Soldier Armor Lid. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 12" H x 6.5" W x 6.5" D.
Brass
Early 1900s Italian Majolica Orciuolo Apothecary Pitcher
By Castelli
Located in Dallas, TX
From Italy, this majolica apothecary pitcher (orciuolo) is in the manner of the pitcher done by Castelli, circa 1520, housed in the MET Museum NYC,...
Majolica
Italian Maiolica La Bella Water Jug, 19th Century
Located in CH
IItalian Maiolica “La Bella” Istoriato Lustered Red Water Jug 19th Century A finely decorated Italian maiolica water jug, richly painted in the “La Bella...
Ceramic
Antique Westerwald German Cobalt Blue Figural Stoneware Pottery Jug Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Westerwald German Cobalt Blue Figural Stoneware Pottery Jug Pitcher. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 19.5" H x 10" W x 6" D.
Ceramic
1900s by Egisto Fantechi Renaissance Revival Majolica Jug Pitcher
Located in Brescia, IT
Earthenware painted in cobalt blue, antimony yellow, orange, copper green Excellent condition.
Majolica
Antique English Renaissance Pewter Tankard, 20th Century Serveware
Located in Queens, NY
English Renaissance-style pewter tankard (measure).
Pewter
English Renaissance Style Pewter Pitcher
Located in Queens, NY
English Renaissance-style (20th Century) pewter pitcher with scalloped and fluted design.
Pewter
Antique James W. Tufts Renaissance "Bacchus" Silver Plated Water Wine Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique James W. Tufts Renaissance "Bacchus" Silver Plated Water Wine Pitcher. Item engraved "From Mother" to side, Bacchus face to spout and handle, floral engravings to pitcher, or...
Silver Plate
Derby S.P. Co International Figural Repousse Village Silverplate Water Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Derby S.P. Co International Figural Repousse Village Silverplate Water Pitcher. Item features a unique village "party" scene to pitch...
Silver Plate
English Renaissance Style Pewter Pitcher
Located in Queens, NY
English Renaissance-style (19th Century) pewter pitcher Missing lid for tankard
Pewter
English Staffordshire Apostle Jug with 8 Saints in Gothic Arches Circa 1842
Located in Highwood, IL
Absolutely stunning Antique English Staffordshire Whiteware Apostle Jug. Highly decorated with amazing detail, this Jug has phenomenal personality. The design was registered March 17, 1842 by Charles...
Pottery
Majolica Iris Pitcher, Onnaing, circa 1900
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
A Majolica iris pitcher signed Onnaing, circa 1900-1910.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Minton Majolica Acorn and Snail Jug/pitcher
By Minton
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Minton Majolica jug/pitcher which features oak leaves and acorns to the sides and a snail to the handle. Colouration: brown, green, ochre, are predominant. The piece bears maker's ma...
Majolica
$342Sale Price|45% Off
H 10.44 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
19th Century French Green Glazed Earthenware Jug or Water Cruche
Located in Buisson, FR
Great authentic and rare piece of pottery from the Provence. Beautiful weathered and an amazing color. Imperfections help authenticate this water cruche as it was a utilitarian type...
Earthenware
$400Sale Price|50% Off
H 12.8 in W 9.85 in D 9.06 in
19th Century, French Green Glazed Terracotta Jug or Water Cruche
Located in Buisson, FR
Great authentic piece of pottery from the Provence. Unique and rare glaze. Beautiful weathered. Chips and imperfections help authenticate this water cruche as it was a utilitarian ty...
Terracotta
Onnaing Majolica Coligny Art Nouveau Pitcher/Jug, France, c. 1880
By Frie Onnaing
Located in London, GB
A bright and colourful Art Nouveau Majolica pitcher made by Frie Onnaing in northern France in c. 1880. This design is known as Coligny, and features a combination of groups of hyd...
Ceramic
Muncie Pottery Pitcher Ewer Matte Arts & Crafts
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, Muncie Pottery Pitcher Ewer Matte Arts & Crafts Dimensions: 10.5 H 7 D x 6 diameter Please visit take a look at our listings, ...
Pottery
French Majolica Jug by Sarreguemines, Circa 1900
Located in Nottingham, GB
Sarreguemines was among the most celebrated French faience manufactories of the 19th and early 20th centuries, renowned for producing richly glazed majolica and barbotine wares for b...
Pottery
18th Century Faience Jug
Located in Copenhagen, K
Beautiful German faience jug from one of the Northern German factories.
Faience
Large Victorian Minton Majolica Lily Jug/Pitcher
By Minton
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Minton Majolica jug/pitcher which features flowering lilies and lily pads. Colouration: green, white, dark pink, are predominant. The piece bears maker's marks for the Minton pottery...
Majolica
French Majolica Wild Rose Pitcher Fives Lille, circa 1900
By Fives-Lille
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica wild rose pitcher fives Lille, circa 1900.
Ceramic
$480Sale Price|20% Off
H 6.75 in W 5.25 in D 6.25 in
Antique Majolica Fielding Bamboo Basketweave Hummingbird Butterfly Pitcher Jug
By Simon Fielding
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique English Aesthetic movement Majolica pitcher or jug featuring a bamboo and basketweave design with hummingbirds, butterfly and flowers, turquoise interior. British Registrati...
Majolica
Majolica Glazed Ceramic Oranges Pitcher / Jug, Spain, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching realistic Majolica oranges jug / pitcher in orange and green glazed ceramic, Spain, 1950s-1960s. Hand-painted Manises ceramic decorative jug in the shape of a bunch of ...
Ceramic, Majolica
German Westerwald Salt Glazed Pottery Ewer
By Reinhold Hanke
Located in Winter Park, FL
A large German Westerwald pottery ewer with an animal head spout, tall ribbed neck and circular body on a flaring base. Elaborately decorated in deep cobalt blue with heraldic imagery and symbols including a coat of arms, crowns, a peacock and lion masks and stamped throughout with leaves, quatrefoils and medallions. Westerwald pottery, or stoneware is a distinctive type of salt glazed grey pottery from the area of Westerwaldkreis in the Rheinland. Salt glaze has a grayish white surface with a texture like an orange peel. Unmarked, attributed to Reinhold Hanke...
Ceramic
Faience Devil Jug, Italy, Early 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A rare tin glazed pottery devil with exquisite decorative details including fleur-de-lys and oak leaf motifs and unusual repeated black symbols. In enigmatic seated pose with elbow...
Faience
Sold
H 9.25 in Dm 9.5 in
BURGUNDY BY REED & BARTON Sterling Silver Water Pitcher 9 1/4" TALL #745 (#0870)
Located in Big Bend, WI
BURGUNDY BY REED & BARTON Inspired by the French Renaissance, the Burgundy pattern from Reed & Barton is decorated with motifs of scrolls, leaves and flowers which captures old world elegance with up-to-date flourishes. Gorgeous Burgundy by Reed and Barton...
Sterling Silver