Renaissance Serving Pieces
RENAISSANCE STYLE
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.
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Style: Renaissance
Porcelain Samovar, Tea or Coffee Urn Handmade in Italy
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Porcelain lidded samovar, tea or coffee urn, handmade in Italy.
Great decorative piece with handles and brass metal sprout.
Great to use for serving hot tea or any beverage.
Beautiful colorful hot water urn samovar in the Russian style.
Gilt fine porcelain tea pot hand...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Renaissance Serving Pieces
Materials
Porcelain
Ancient Italian Renaissance Maiolica Crespina, Faenza, 1580 Circa
Located in Milano, IT
Crespina
Faenza, last quarter of the 16th century
Maiolica painted in two colors, light blue and yellow, on a thick, rich layer of white enamel.
It measures 2.24 in (5.7 cm) in height, 6.10 in (15.5 cm) in diameter.
lb 0.55 (kg 0.25)
State of conservation: mimetic restoration.
The small cup has a raised central “umbone”, a perforated brim and a shaped rim. It rests on a high jutting foot. The "crespina" shape, in some inventories is cited as "tacce de frute" (fruit cups). It was particularly appreciated in the Renaissance and has variants based on the formal types and the different sizes. The decoration, made according to the dictates of the “compendiario” style, used few standardized colors: blue and yellow on a thick white and shiny enamel, deliberately chosen as the colour which was most reminiscent of silver. This choice derived from a trend in creative design of the era: the shapes used in the molds were often taken from metal objects. An idea which would last throughout the Renaissance.
The work shows, in the middle of the “umbone”, a winged putto stepping forward while playing a long thin trumpet.
The depiction of the putto is fully representative of the repertoire of the Faenza workshops of the sixteenth century.
Some specimens with this type of decoration have been published in a volume by Carmen Ravanelli Guidotti: there appears the whole productive repertoire of this fundamental moment of transition between the taste for the “istoriato” style and the great simplification of decoration in the “compendiario” period. This style, in its simplicity, however, saw its expression in a rather varied collection of decorative subjects, including old-fashioned busts...
Category
16th Century Italian Antique Renaissance Serving Pieces
Materials
Maiolica
Antique 19th Century Austrian Silver, Enamel & Rock Crystal Jug, Vienna c.1890
By Rudolf Linke
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th Century Austrian rare and unusual solid silver-gilt & enamel rock crystal jug. The rock crystal engraved with intricate scrollwork, silver gilt mounts decorated with cha...
Category
1890s Austrian Antique Renaissance Serving Pieces
Materials
Rock Crystal, Silver, Enamel
20th Century German Pair Of Large Solid Silver & Cut Glass Wine Jugs c.1900
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early 20th Century pair of German solid silver-mounted wine claret jugs of exceptionally large size. Each cut glass body is elegantly etched with swag and crosshatch designs,...
Category
20th Century German Renaissance Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver
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Porcelain Tea or Coffee Set, Rosslau China Blau
Located in Chorzów, PL
Porcelain set, Rosslau China Blau.
Breakfast set from the Hermann Schomburg & Söhne Porzellan Rosslau manufacture, China Blau collection. Very good condi...
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1980s German Vintage Renaissance Serving Pieces
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Vintage Rosenthal Porcelain Coffee or Tea Set, 1960s
By Rosenthal
Located in Bastogne, BE
Björn Wiinblad for Rosenthal - Studio Linie, Germany coffee or tea set.
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Vintage Silver Tureen, italy, mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Silver Tureen realized by italian manufacture in the mid-20th Century.
Silver 800, hallmark in the base.
Very good condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver
Antique Victorian Silver Plated Squirrel Nut Dish 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning antique English Victorian silver plated nut dish or sweet dish, by the silversmith William Hutton & Sons of Sheffield with the Crossarrows mark and dated Circa 188...
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19th Century English Antique Renaissance Serving Pieces
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Antique Silver Plated Entree Dish Asprey London 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is an exquisite and rare antique English silver plated entree dish by the world renowned retailser Asprey, of London circa 1870 in date.
The entree dish features a square shaped body with elegant fluted decoration to the dish, lid and handle.
In excellent condition, this wonderful entree dish is ready to grace your dining table.
Condition:
In excellent condition. As an antique items, the piece shows signs of use commensurate with age, these minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy and, as seen in the accompanying photographs, it displays beautifully.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 16 cm x Width 26 cm x Depth 26 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 6 inches x Width 10 inches x Depth 10 inches
Asprey was established in England in 1781 and founded as a silk printing business by William Asprey, it soon became a luxury emporium. In 1841, William Asprey's elder son Charles went into partnership with a stationer located on London's Bond Street. In 1847 the family broke with this partner and moved into 167 New Bond Street, the premises Asprey occupies today.
From its central London location Asprey advertised 'articles of exclusive design and high quality, whether for personal adornment or personal accompaniment and to endow with richness and beauty the table and homes of people of refinement and discernment.' An early speciality was dressing cases. Asprey crafted traditional cases and designs, mostly in leather, suitable for the new style of travel ushered in by railways. The main competitors at the time were H.J. Cave & Sons. Asprey was recognised for its expertise when it won a gold medal for its dressing cases at the International Exhibition of 1862 but lost out to its rivals, H.J. Cave & Sons in 1867.
The company consolidated its position through acquisitions. In 1859 Asprey absorbed Edwards, an award winning maker of dressing cases and holder of a Royal Warrant. The company also purchased the Alfred Club at 22 Albemarle Street, which backed on to the New Bond Street store and meant that Asprey now had entrances on two of London's most fashionable streets.
In 1862, Asprey was granted a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria. The Prince of Wales, later to be crowned Edward VII, granted another Royal Warrant. In 1953, for the coronation of Elizabeth II, Asprey paid homage with the Asprey Coronation Year Gold Collection, which featured a dessert, coffee and liqueur service in 18-carat gold and weighed almost 27 pounds. In April 1953, it went on show in the New Bond Street store and subsequently toured the United States.
As the business grew, the company acquired manufacturing facilities and hired silversmiths, goldsmiths, jewellers and watchmakers including Ernest Betjeman, the father of the distinguished poet John Betjeman, one of the most highly regarded craftsman and designers of his day.
In the twenties, commissions poured in from around the world, from American millionaire J. Pierpont Morgan to potentates such as the Maharaja of Patiala, who commissioned a huge teak travelling trunk for each of his wives in which each trunk was fitted with solid silver washing and bathing utensils with waterspouts of ornate tiger head and lined with blue velvet. Asprey cigarette cases...
Category
19th Century English Antique Renaissance Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
Alice in Wonderland Teapot, Handmade in Italy, Luxury Handcrafted Design 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Our artisan's pieces are a dream come true, as in Disney's Alice in Wonderland.
Ceramic tea service are completely hand-crafted and painted with ...
Category
2010s Italian Renaissance Serving Pieces
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Victorian Oval Silver Plated Gallery Tray 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a large beautiful antique English Victorian Neo- Classical oval silver-plated twin handled gallery tray, circa 1890 in date.
This stunning tray features elegant engraved c-s...
Category
1890s Antique Renaissance Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
Undressed Woman Tea Set
Located in Greenwich, CT
The undressed tea set was designed and handcrafted in the Netherlands by Esther Hörchner. Each cup features a line illustration of a nude woman in different positions as if bathing i...
Category
2010s Dutch Renaissance Serving Pieces
Materials
Porcelain
Ebony 5-Piece Complete Tea + Coffee Set by Zanetto
By Zanetto
Located in Milan, IT
Gorgeous breakfast set complete with milk vessel, coffee pot, sugar bowl, tea pot and tray all exquisitely crafted in a silver plated alloy.
Category
2010s Italian Renaissance Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
Silver Plated Metal Presentation Tray, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Silver plated metal presentation tray, 20th century.
Sterling silver and pewter presentation tray from Maison Beaumont des crayères, 20th century.
W: 1.5cm, H: 29cm, D: 16cm
Category
20th Century French Renaissance Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
French Faience Fish Head Plate Henriot Quimper, circa 1940
Located in Austin, TX
French faience fish head plate signed Henriot Quimper, circa 1940.
10 plates available.
Category
1940s French Vintage Renaissance Serving Pieces
Materials
Faience
Cinderella Tea Service Teapot and Six Cups, Pink & Gold, Handmade in Italy, 2021
Located in San Miniato PI, IT
Our artisan's pieces are a dream come true, as in Disney's Cinderella.
Ceramic tea service are completely hand-crafted and painted with love and ...
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Previously Available Items
Christofle & Cardeilhac Cutlery Flatware Renaissance Sterling Silver 143 Pieces
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Exceptional "Renaissance" cutlery set made in solid sterling silver First Title 950/1000th by Christofle & Cardeilhac.
Cutlery for 12 people including 143 pieces:
- 12 table forks
-...
Category
20th Century French Renaissance Serving Pieces
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Renaissance French, Rouen Faience Beverage Dispenser, Signed Borne 1738
Located in Big Flats, NY
An important Rouen, France Faience cistern and basin decorated by Jean Claude Borne offers faience soft paste porcelain pottery construction with vessel in urn form and having polych...
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19th Century French Antique Renaissance Serving Pieces
Materials
Pottery, Ceramic, Earthenware, Porcelain
H 23 in W 21.75 in D 9.5 in
Gaetano D’Agostino Argentieri Complete 12 Person Flatware, Italy 1928
Located in Sofia, BG
Gaetano D’Agostino Argentieri dal 1928 for 12 person set
48 items.
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Renaissance Serving Pieces
Materials
Silver Plate
Renaissance serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Renaissance serving pieces for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage serving pieces 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, earthenware and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Renaissance serving pieces made in a specific country, there are Europe, 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 serving pieces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $495 and tops out at $2,669 while the average work can sell for $1,582.