Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
After the conquest of Mexico in 1521 and the Philippines in 1565, Spain dictated a global culture. The colonization of territories in the Americas, Western Europe, Africa, Oceania and the Pacific imposed the values of Spain, including Catholicism, while the extraction of resources reinforced the empire’s wealth and power. Unlike many styles that came out of European colonialism, such as British Colonial, Spanish Colonial furniture and architecture frequently mixed local heritage with the artistic traditions of Spain.
Spanish Colonial furniture was informed by the shifting styles of Europe as well as Indigenous culture. There were Inca tapestries depicting Spanish coats of arms and Baroque chairs adorned with tropical flora. The butaca, a low easy chair popular in the Caribbean, was inspired by Rococo’s curving forms and the shape of precolonial seating. In New Mexico, Pueblo artisans carved chests with patterns reminiscent of Anasazi art.
Even within the homes of the wealthy, furniture was usually restricted to necessities like benches, desks, cupboards and chests. These were often ornately designed and especially important for storing prized goods like textiles. Spanish Colonial houses were built with adobe and clay and tended to be minimally decorated, so the style’s heavily carved wooden furniture pieces stood out against a home’s white stucco walls.
The Spanish Colonial period mostly came to an end after the territories achieved independence from Spain. However, its aesthetics continued to influence Southwestern style and Spanish Colonial Revival style after Spanish Colonial style was used extensively at San Diego’s 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
Find a collection of antique Spanish Colonial chairs, tables, bedroom furniture and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Mid-18th Century Mexican Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Bronze, Steel
19th Century Brazilian Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Brass
Mid-18th Century Peruvian Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Brass, Copper
18th Century Unknown Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Canvas
17th Century Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Gesso, Hardwood
18th Century Tibetan Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Bronze
18th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Wood
18th Century European Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Bronze
19th Century North American Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Tin
16th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Wood
19th Century Mexican Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Glass, Art Glass, Wood, Paint
Late 19th Century South American Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Canvas, Giltwood
19th Century Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Silver
18th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Iron
Mid-18th Century Spanish Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Brass, Bronze
Early 19th Century Peruvian Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Brass
Early 20th Century Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Brass
19th Century Mexican Antique Spanish Colonial Arms, Armor and Weapons
Earthenware