Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
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
Antique Extremely Rare Judaica Tzedakah Synagoge Charity Box 16th Century
Located in Doha, QA
This 16th century Tzedakah Charity Box is an incredibly rare and unique museum quality piece. It’s made out of walnut wood and has an original 16th century silk material all over it from outside as well as in the inside, bronze plug in the front and the Star of David with two lions from the left and right side of the Star. There are also two round bronze handles to lift the box from both sides. The Tzedakah Box...
Category
16th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Jacques Callot 1592 - 1635, French Book by Paulette Choné, 1992
Located in Atlanta, GA
Jacques Callot 1592 - 1635, French book by Paulette Choné, 1992.
This important book was published after the Jacques Callot exhibition which was presented at the Lorraine Historical ...
Category
1990s French Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Impressive and Large Bronze Wall Plaque of a Suffering Christ by Sylvain Norga
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and sizeable Art Deco religious plaque.
Stunning sculpture / plaque by one of the greats when it comes to religious art. This sizeable, heavy and detailed plaque depicts Jesus...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Early 1900s Marked Art Deco Period Bronze Relief Wall Plaque Depicting the Pieta
Located in Lisse, NL
Heavy and finest quality, religious bronze wall plaque.
This intense, bronze wall plaque depicts the Virgin Mary grieving over the body of Jesus Christ after the crucifixion. The h...
Category
Early 20th Century European Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Large Early 19th Century Door Lock and Latch on Patinated Stand
Located in San Mateo, CA
Large early 19th century European door lock and latch. This had a custom stand made that was patinated to match the lock. This was probably done in the 1970's. There is an acrylic mi...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair of 12' Polychromed Plaster Angel 14-Light Candelabra / Lamps on Pedestals
By Daprato Rigali Studios
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 12' polychromed plaster angel 14-light candelabra / lamps on pedestals
Subtle and dramatic, impressive in size and well executed.
Each angel sta...
Category
Early 20th Century American Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
19th Century Cross
Located in Madrid, ES
19th century cross
Nice xix century cross in olive wood. Measures: 23 x 12 cm. In good condition.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
John on the chest of Christ Sculpture Museum Reproduction
Located in Den Haag, NL
This Item is an Identical Museum Reproduction The carving shows Christ and St John sitting on a bench. John rests his head on Christ's chest, his eyes closed in devotion. His right hand rests in that of Christ, who places a loving arm around his shoulder. This Item is an Identical Museum Reproduction .
Polymer is a heavy and very strong type of resin material that captures perfectly the details of the casting. The advantages of polymer when compared to concrete, cast stone, and cement are that it is far less fragile and much more resistant . sold by . Ancient Sculpture...
Category
2010s American Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster
Illuminated Manuscript Parchment, Gothic Period, 15th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
A double-sided illuminated manuscript on parchment hand-written and coloured from the Gothic period (15th century)
This is a page from a liturgical book such as the Psalters and cour...
Category
15th Century and Earlier German Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Parchment Paper
Bronze Sprinkler Bucket - Gothic Holy Water Font 15th/16th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Gothic bronze bucket with cylindrical molding, also serving as a portable bronze holy water font, dating from the 15th/16th century, used for sprinkling holy water.
Aged patina
Dimen...
Category
15th Century and Earlier German Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
The Romance of Tristan and Iseult Joseph Bedier Heritage Press 1960 Illustrated
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Romance of Tristan and Iseult
Retold by Joseph Bédier
Heritage Press, 1960
Illustrated
Translated from French by Hilaire Belloc and Paul Rosenfeld, with an Introduction by Padraic Colum and Illustrations by Serge Ivanoff.
A tale of chivalry and doomed, transcendent love, The Romance of Tristan and Iseult stands as one of the most resonant works of Western literature and the basis for our enduring idea of romance. The story of the Cornish knight and the Irish princess...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Miniature Suit Of Armor
Located in Norwood, NJ
A beautiful 20th miniature suit of armor in the 16th century style, possibly German, the helmet is adjustable with a molded and painted head. The suit of armor has detailed engraving...
Category
20th Century Italian Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Mid-18th Century French Carved Polychrome Statue of Moses in Oak Niche
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1760 and resting in a carved oak niche, the figure depicts the prophet Moses, the most important prophet in Judaism and Christianity. Moses is best known from the story in the biblical Book of Exodus and Quran as the lawgiver who met God face-to-face on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments after leading his people, the Hebrews, out of bondage in Egypt and to the "promised land" of Canaan. He is represented with horns on top of his head. The horns came about because of an ambiguity of the Latin version of Exodus 34, 30. After being addressed by God on top of Mount Sinai and given the Tablets of the Law containing the Ten Commandments, Moses descended to his people in the desert. His face was seen to shine with a divine light. (The first Moses with horns was commissioned in 1505 by Pope Julius II for his tomb; it was based on a description in chapter 34 of Exodus in the Vulgate, the Latin translation of the Bible used at that time). The religious and biblical item...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
An Architectural Model of a Gothic Pinnacle France
Located in Chonburi, TH
This architectural model is a stunning representation of a Gothic pinnacle from France, standing at an impressive height of 51 cm. Crafted with meticul...
Category
19th Century French Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
19th Century Anatomical Model of Dissected Wax Head Mounted on Framed Board
Located in London, GB
Antique Anatomical Model, Anatomical Wax Model, Antique Wax Head, Medical Antique, Anatomical Antique, Vintage Anatomical Model, Antique Cabinet of Curi...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Early 16th Century Stone Carving - 'The Death of a Prelate'
Located in Basildon, GB
An Early 16th Century Stone Carving with polychrome : 'The Death of a Prelate'. The enthroned figure of a Bishop surrounded by attendants and surmounted by celestial angels.
Category
16th Century European Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone
Large Pair Gothic Revival Arts & Crafts Brass Table or Altar Candlesticks
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and heavy pair of altar candle sticks.
These handcrafted and heavy candleholders are made around 1930 by H. v/d Heijden. With beautiful scro...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Antique French Statue Figure Saint Lady Sculpture Book Bible Carved Oak 23.5" T
Located in Tyler, TX
RARE Carved Oak Statue Figure~~Medieval Saint or Lady Holding Bible~~c. late 19th to early 20th century
MASTERFULLY CARVED from one piece of oak depict...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
Large Religious Gothic Brass Water Jug Marked Roosevelt
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Substantial Gothic Revival brass jug marked with names Margaret, Philip and Roosevelt as well as maker J&R Lamb New York. Certainly religious in nature with the cross inscribed arou...
Category
Late 20th Century American Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Works of Art Polychrome Guardian Angel with Candelabrum, Netherlands
Located in Antwerp, BE
This 15th century oak angel a piece of works of art is a great quality the carving is sober but extremely refined the artist has succeeded wonderfully in displaying this very modest moment in which the miraculous reveals itself in a very serene and tranquil way.
We see the hand of an unknown master in this Gothic polychrome guardian angel in oak.
Low Countries, Mosan region,Gothic 15th...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Dutch Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak, Paint
Antique Frame French Book Journal Display/Painting 13th-19th Century
Located in Doha, QA
This rare and remarkable piece begins with a backdrop composed of beautifully, handwritten love letters from the 1800s. There are three scrolls made up of additional love letters, sealed with red wax from the 19th century scattered around two antique books. The open book on the left, was written during the time of the 30 Year War, 1618-1648 in France, when the Treaty of Westphalia changed the map of Europe. During this period, the church attempted to begin marriage registrations and within this written relic, there are numerous marriage entries with names and dates. The book is bound by animal hide from the 12th-13th century and when it is unfolded, it becomes a giant piece of parchment filled with faded ink handwriting in mysterious Old French. The closed book on the right is from Louis XIII - XVI era and is bound in antique animal hide parchment from the 12th-13th century. When the animal hide is unfurled, the inside is adorned in faded handwritten ink in peculiar Old French. Inside the journal is elegante handwriting in ink but it is difficult to identify the cryptic content. This journal was possibly written by an unknown noble figure or bishop. Settled below the journals, is an antique, intricate silver feather ink...
Category
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold, Silver
Antique Oak Sculpture – 'The Grief of Mary' , circa 1500
Located in Basildon, GB
A Late 15th/Early 16th Century Oak Sculpture depicting ‘The Grief of Mary’, carved almost in the round with Mary wearing a head scarf, neckerchief and...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
CROSS OF CARAVACA 17th CENTURY
Located in Madrid, ES
CROSS OF CARAVACA XVII CENTURY
BEAUTIFUL CARAVACA CROSS FROM THE 17TH CENTURY IN BRONZE. MEASURES: 12.5X5.5 CM. IN GOOD CONDITION
good condition
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Cross
Located in Madrid, ES
19th Century cross.
Nice XIX century cross in olive wood. Measures: 23x12 cm. In good condition.
Good condition.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
A Moroccan Jewish Bridal Costume, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
The Berberisca dress, also known as the Grand Costume (el-keswa el-kbira), is an elaborate bridal costume worn by a Moroccan Jewish woman. Traditionall...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cotton, Silk, Velvet, Ribbon
Saint Blaise, Carved, Polychrome and Gilded Wood, Castilian School, 14th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Sculpture "San Blas". Carved, polychrome and gilded wood. Castilian school, 14th century.
The figure stands, looking straight ahead with large, expressive ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Spanish Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Other
Tuscany Bonechi Art and History Series Paperback 1993
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Tuscany Bonechi Art and History Series Paperback.
Discover Tuscany's rich history, monuments and artwork with this beautiful volume from Bonechi. Its detailed texts and superb histor...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Victorian sterling silver travelling communion set made in 1894
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1894 by Henry Wilkinson, with pieces also made by Walker & Hall, this handsome, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Travelling Communion Set, is in the Goth...
Category
1890s English Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Negretti and Zambra Aneroid Barometer, 19th Century
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century Negretti & Zambra aneroid barometer.
Large English oak, Gothic style barometer.
Free shipping within the United States and Canada.
Category
19th Century Great Britain (UK) Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Sterling Silver on Brass Spider Web Belt Buckle Signed Baldwin
Located in Ferndale, MI
Brass frame belt buckle with nicely soldered spider web embellishment. Signed Baldwin on the backside.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver, Brass
Antique 19th century Red Chasuble And Ornamental Part
Located in Bilzen, BE
Red Chasuble and Ornamental Part - 19th century
Handmade
Ornamental piece 140 cm long, chasuble length 97 cm
Category
19th Century French Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric
Antique Italian Gothic Crucifix in Bronze Casting, Sculpture from the Early 1900
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Gothic Crucifix Sculpture in Bronze Casting, Italy, Early 1900s
Majestic Gothic crucifix made in bronze casting at the beginning of the 20th century i...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of caravaca XVII century.
Very beautiful cross of caravaca made in bronze. 17th Century. Measurements: 14X6 cm.
Good condition.
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Rare and Remarkable Corpus Christi on a Decorated Wooden Cross with a Skull
Located in Antwerp, BE
19th century crucifix or corpus Christi made from wood. Wooden cross with a nice patina and an exquisite shape.
This item depicts the Christ in his last agony on the cross, after be...
Category
Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
19th Century Cross
Located in Madrid, ES
19th Century cross.
Made in olive wood and silver metal. Measures: 8x5 cm.
Good condition.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of caravaca XVII century.
Very beautiful cross of caravaca made in bronze. 17th Century. Measurements: 15x6 cm.
Good condition.
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Pair of 15th/16th Century Carved Oak Saints
Located in Basildon, GB
A Pair of Late 15th or Early 16th Century Oak Saints carved in high relief and raised on polygonal bases. The female depicted standing in contrapose with low...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
15th Century Gothic Carved Oak Statue – Virgin of the Annunciation
Located in Basildon, GB
15th Century Oak Wood Sculpture of the Virgin of the Annunciation beside a lectern supporting an opened book, the Virgin with both hands upraised ( one repaired) turning slightly to the left, her demeanour redolent of strength, compassion and benignity.
Franco Flemish origin, circa 1480, 56 inches in height x 26 inches wide.
Provenance : Lot 347, The Notable Art Collection, New York, April 1949, Joseph Brummer Collection Part 1
Category
15th Century and Earlier Belgian Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of caravaca XVII century.
Very beautiful cross of caravaca made in bronze. 17th Century. Measurements: 15x6 cm.
Good condition.
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of caravaca xvii century.
Very beautiful cross of caravaca made in bronze. 17th Century. Measurements: 14x6 cm.
Good condition.
Category
17th Century Italian Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Important Book 'Seigneurs et Princes de Monaco' by S.E René Novella and Philip R
Located in London, GB
Important book 'Seigneurs et Princes de Monaco' by S.E René Novella and Philip Reder
French, Late 20th century
Book: height 6.5cm, width 30cm, depth 38cm
Case: height 9.5cm, width 34cm, depth 40cm
Beautifully decorated in the style reminiscent of Medieval illuminated manuscripts, the book describes the history of Lords and Princes of Monaco. Written by S.E René Novella and illustrated by Philip Reder in the late 20th century, it was manufactured using traditional bookmaking techniques by Arts et Couleurs.
Intricate colour border detailing adorns the pages of this publication, with a colour palette of various shades of green, blue, and red predominating. The names of lords and kings are further decorated with ornate borders, including motifs such as a crown, and the text includes ornate, coloured lettering.
A luxurious red satin case with a red leather spine protects the book which comes with a certificate of authenticity. A collection of red lacquer illustrations depicting various arches is part of the publication. Red leather was used for the cover of the book and is decorated with gold and black debossed patterns.
Only 150 copies were made with the book in Mayfair Gallery...
Category
Late 20th Century French Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Satin, Paper
Medieval collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Medieval collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Arval Argenti Valenza, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., and Michael Molz. 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 collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $88 and tops out at $48,000 while the average work can sell for $1,795.