Medieval Ceramics
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
Karos Hand Painted Carnations and Tulips Decorative Plate Rhodes Greece
By Iznik Pottery
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A decorative I Karos pottery, I Caro collector polychrome hand painted and handcrafted in Rhodes, Greece ceramic wall decorative plate with an antelope, carnations and tulip polychrome design.
The plate is decorated with a white, blue, aqua, green, and sienna red design and gilded with 24-karat gold.
These are intricately, hand painted plates made in Rhodes, Greece by the famous I Caro pottery.
Rhodes is famous for its kiln products, such as tiles and pottery, which are glazed and multicolored.
It has a beautifully hand painted carnation and tulip in burgundy, light and dark blue and turquoise foliage.
An Islamic ceramic plate in the Iznik style, painted in vivid colors with decoration of tulips and carnations.
The back of the plate is signed and numbered, it has a string to the back for hanging. It is marked
“handmade in Rhodes Greece by Ikaros Pottery...
Category
Mid-20th Century Greek Medieval Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Castle Hedingham William II Medieval Style Art Pottery Jug
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual Castle Hedingham medieval style pottery jug marked for William Rufus (William II, son of William the Conqueror) and made by Edward Bingham ...
Category
19th Century English Antique Medieval Ceramics
Materials
Pottery
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The plate is decorated with a white, blue, aqua, green, and sienna red design gilded with 24-karat gold.
These are intricately, hand painted plates made in Rhodes, Greece by the famous I Caro pottery.
Rhodes is famous for its kiln products, such as tiles and pottery, which are glazed and multicolored.
It has a beautifully hand painted in burgundy, light and dark blue and turquoise foliage and gold.
An Islamic ceramic plate in the Iznik style, painted in vivid colors.
The back of the plate is signed and numbered, it has a string to the back for hanging.
It is marked
“Handmade in Rhodes Greece by Ikaros...
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The plate is decorated with a white, blue, aqua, green, and sienna red design.
These are intricately, hand painted plates made in Rhodes, Greece by the famous I Caro pottery.
Rhodes is famous for its kiln products, such as tiles and pottery, which are glazed and multicolored.
It has a beautifully hand painted carnation and tulip in burgundy, light and dark blue and turquoise foliage.
An Islamic ceramic plate in the Iznik style, painted in vivid colors with decoration of tulips and carnations.
The back of the plate is signed and numbered, it has a string to the back for hanging. It is marked
“Hand-made in Rhodes Greece by Ikaros Pottery...
Category
Mid-20th Century Greek Medieval Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
Medieval ceramics for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Medieval ceramics 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 ceramics created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, pottery and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval ceramics made in a specific country, there are Europe, Balkan Peninsula, and England 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 ceramics differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $529 and tops out at $1,200 while the average work can sell for $864.