Renaissance Furniture

A vintage Italian majolica ceramic three piece vessel garniture set, signed Leona Italia. Hand-crafted and hand-painted by highly skilled artisans in Tuscany, medieval Renaissance t...

Antique Italian Carrara marble mantel in the Venetian Renaissance style. The jambs with rope twist Corinthian columns supporting large acanthus br...

This rare Renaissance cabinet is richly decorated on the doors and drawers with carvings depicting the four seasons, and on the uprights and the entablature, alternating flower bouquets inlaid with mother of pearl. This is a beautifully conceived piece of furniture, representing a crowned portico with its entablature and cornice. The upper body Articulated separately in a ternary rhythm, as with the lower body, the upper part opens with two carved doors. The doors are framed by both the lateral uprights and the casing. There are cartouches carved into the casing in which mythological figures are depicted with flower bouquets. On the doors: On the right: Spring, a female figure crowned with a wreath of leaves, holding a basket full of flowers. She is wearing necklaces and bracelets on each arm, with drapery discretely wrapped around her body and is standing on a winged putti’s head. On each side are depicted a tree and a village with a steepled church. Above her head floats the three signs of the zodiac corresponding to the season: Aries, Taurus and Gemini. On the left: Summer, a bearded man crowned with ears of corn and bearing armfuls of corn. He is standing on a similar winged putti, flanked by a tree and an ear of corn. The following three signs of the zodiac appear: Cancer, Leo and Virgo. On the uprights and the central casing a number of smaller figures seem to represent virtues and vices that newly wedded couples should aspire to and avoid. On each side, at the bottom of the uprights, there is a dog representing fidelity. Above, a lion embodies power, wisdom, and justice. In between, on the left upright, there is a figure of noncombatant Athena wearing a helmet and holding a spear, an arrow pointing down and in her left hand, a shield, symbol of protective power. On the right upright, the goddess Venus controls the arrow of Cupid. The iconography here acts as a clear reminder of the required virtues that both parts of a young couple need to fulfill: fidelity, power, wisdom and justice. For him, the goddess Athena focuses on the power. Whereas for her, it is Venus who shows how to control Cupid’s arrow. On the central casing at the bottom, by way of contrast, there is a peacock, a symbol of pride and at the top, a monkey representing lust and mischief. In between, a woman holding a chain and a cup full of precious stones while on the floor sits a half empty opened casket. This can be interpreted as a symbol of extravagance. Above, the entablature, decorated with male figures resting on leaking urns, may symbolize the passing of time. They are flanked by two consoles decorated with acanthus leaves and separated by flower bouquets (inlaid with mother of pearl). Finally on top, a cornice acts as a crown for the piece of furniture. The lower body The moulded base stands on four round, flattened feet. Represented on the doors: On the left: Autumn, a stocky, naked man crowned with vine leaves, holding fruits in his right hand and with his left, picking a bunch of grapes from a climbing vine. Standing on a mound, he is surrounded by a vine and a hill, at the foot of which a man presses the grapes in a big vat after the harvest. Above the climbing vine appear the signs of Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius. On the right: Winter, an elderly man wearing a fur cloak...

Spectacular 18th Century Carved Walnut Renaissance Style Library Table - dining table. With a rectangular top concealing draw leaves at eithe...

Great image after Giorgione Fine steel engraving Published circa 1850 Unframed. Free shipping

Gorgeous dinner and luncheon size French Renaissance by Reed & Barton sterling silver flatware set - 70 pieces. This set includes: Eight dinner size knives, wide handles, 9 3/4" Eig...

The Niagara Furniture Regency Brown Leather Arm Chair with full grain leather upholstery combines a super simple design with sweeping lines and finely executed details to help make t...

A large five-arm Italian sconce, five curved iron curved arms decorated with gilded walnut elements, ending with turned gilded walnut bobeches and candles arranged for Edison 14 bulb...

This extraordinary cupboard is made of the finest quarter sawn oak in the tradition of the Dutch Renaissance during the “Dutch golden age” It is a small two-door cabinet with arche...

Italian renaissance hand carved wooden "putto" angel head, circa 15th Century Width 14 inches / height 14 inches / depth 4 inches 1 available in stock in Italy Order reference #: FAB...

Large giltwood mirror with carved leaf and shell ornaments in a Florentine style. Modern Mirror Pane.

A beautiful, unique riding spur probably dating from the 16-17th century, As an accessory, there is also a historic horseshoe. The spur is in very good condition, there is no major d...

A wooden box with polychrome and gilded "pastiglia" relief decor. Italy, XV century, decorated with scenes from the life of a martyr. Length: 15.5 x 10.4 x 9 cm. Provenance: Dutch private collection Overall in good condition for its age, some small defects to the decor and possibly some retouching to the polychromy, ball feet presumably of later date. Pastiglia [paˈstiʎʎa], an Italian term meaning "pastework", is low relief decoration, normally modelled in gesso or white lead, applied to build up a surface that may then be gilded or painted, or left plain. The technique was used in a variety of ways in Italy during the Renaissance. White lead pastiglia was a north Italian speciality, produced between about 1450 and 1550. Six workshops were identified by Patrick M. De Winter, although their location remains uncertain; the Workshop of the Love and Moral Themes, whose products seem the most numerous, was possibly at Ferrara, where the painter Cosimo Tura began his career gilding caskets. Venice is also thought to have produced them. Other workshops identified by De Winter include the "Workshop of the main Berlin casket" and "Workshop of the Cleveland Casket". The subjects were typically classical, drawn from both mythology and Ancient Roman history (especially the early period covered by Livy), but biblical ones are also found. Compositions can often be shown to be borrowed from another medium, such as prints or bronze plaquettes...

16th century Italian ivory figure of Christ mounted against green felt fabric and framed in a coordinating cream frame. This piece was once originally pa...

Great image after Annibale Carracci Fine steel engraving Published circa 1850 Unframed. Free shipping

Handsome oak library piece that can be used as a desk or Work table. Made of oak having carved gadrooned edges. A stretcher made of iron. Carved on all sides and five drawers ox bow ...

This is a seriously antique 1780s era Italian cabinet with carved figures and acanthus leaves. The cabinet is absolutely gorgeous and has so much character and patina. The piece sho...

Pair of reliefs, San Juan and San Mateo. Polychrome wood. Possibly, Burgos school, 16th century. Pair of carved and polychrome wood reliefs that each show a seated human figure wri...

Early Arabe / Mudejar style tile with geometric decoration, made late 15th century.

This 17th-century French School drawing of a hand is a masterful work of art, presented in an elegant silver gilt frame. Measuring 20.75 inches by 20.75 inches, the drawing showcases...

Italian Majolica jardiniere and accompanying stand in the style of Giorgio Andreoli (1470-1555). Decorated in the Renaissance style with ar...

A large, museum-quality, late-16th century, cedar, Venetian, cassone on its original stand ; the sea creature ornament probably drawn from De la Cosmographie Universelle, livre III, engraving 1550-1568 • This is the only, known, cassone of this type retaining its original stand. • The collection in Italy that it originally came from was a palazzo that it had reputedly been in for generations of the same family and this most likely why the stand has survived. • The decoration is very unusual, and delightful in the array of sea creatures depicted. The connection of the region with the sea is very strong. • The inner lid is very practical and can be used for display or serving. The interior offers masses of storage space which is particularly suitable for textiles being cedar which repels moths. • The cassone is a beautiful, rich colour and has developed a lustrous patina. • The cassone is Illustrated & discussed in discussed in ‘Woods in British Furniture Making’, (Bowett) c13 Provenance: Private collection, Mayorca. Private collection, Italy Related to: Cassone in V&A collection, no 4886-1858 Width 177 cm., 70 in., Height 87 cm., 34 ½ in. Depth 68 cm. 26 ½ in. With lid open 155 cm., 61 in “Late 16th and 17th century, London inventories confirm that cypress wood chests were relatively common in prosperous households. In 1598 there was a cypress chest in the hall of John Mason, a vintner, valued at 50 shillings. It was the most expensive piece of furniture in the house. Similarly there was a ‘fair cypress chest’ in the great chamber of Adrian Moore, haberdasher, in 1618, and a cypress chest worth £ 9 in the hall of Thomas Willis, a clotherworker in 1630. The chests were sometimes described as ‘great’ or ‘small’ but not otherwise described – presumably they were familiar to the compilers of the inventories. They were placed in halls, chambers and parlours, places where they would have been on prominent view. It is noteworthy that only the chests were imported and not, apparently, the wood. “ (p282, Cypress, Woods in British Furniture making) The decoration is very unusual, and delightful in the array of sea creatures depicted. The connection of the region with the sea is very strong. I have never seen one of these chests on its original stand. The collection in Italy that it came from was a palazzo that it had reputedly been in for generations of the same family and this most likely why the stand has survived. In practical terms, the stand makes the chest a comfortable height to use. The exterior of the chest is a beautiful, mellow colour and has developed a lustrous patina. The top comprises three planks faced with a shallow, cleated, moulded edge nailed on. The front retains its original hasp and lockplate and, as is commonly found, the lock has been removed but, unusually the original ring hinges have survived. The top opens to reveal an inner lid with ring hinges and a brass ring, revealing a large open storage compartment below, the bottom lined with an old fabric. The underside of the lid retains its original penwork and pierced decoration. The central panel depicts sea creatures, sharks, flatfish, monster fish, sea horses, Neptune and mermaids, probably drawn from De la Cosmographie Universelle, livre III, engraving 1550-1568. The panels either side depicting a crown, the sun and unicorns amongst stylised floral sprays. The surrounding naive penwork border features repeats of three naked ladies in the sea, a man wearing an animal mask with two dogs in a forest and a huntsman with two dogs. The floor of the inside of the cassone is upholstered in an 18th century red and yellow striped woven textile the colours of the Catalan flag. The front is decorated with pierced, silhouettes of beasts, trees and figures. The sides are plain with iron carrying handles. On its original stand, with similar decoration, and bearing a cartouche which would have been decorated with the arms of its original owner. Italian, last quarter of the 16th century. Condition Report : Old repair to bottom left moulding of top. Some hairline cracks to top. The hasp, lockplate and ring hinges are original, the lock has been removed. Handles probably 18th century. The inner lid was probably added in the 18th century and supporting mechanism in the 19th century. Exceptional original, lustrous colour and patina. Measures: Width 177 cm. 70 in., height 87 cm. 34 ½ in., depth 68 cm. 26 ½ in. The cassone was the principal piece of furniture in 16th century, Italy. These chests were made as bridal gifts for nobles and aristocrats from cedar specifically for storing their much prized and valued hangings, clothing and linens, as the wood repels moths and the sweet fragrance delicately scents fabrics. Consquently the cassone, as in this example might be decorated with the family coat of arms or with depictions of virtue and edifying episodes from the Bible. A young woman could not be allowed to enter marriage without some instruction. Later, many cassoni were taken apart so that the decorated front panel could be hung as a painting. The stand of this cassone has a cartouche that would have contained a painted coat of arms in the centre which shows that it was conceived for a noble family. Such cypress or cedar chests, incised in bas relief and pyrographically engraved, have long been associated with Venice and typically have a naïve decoration on the exterior. Literature: The 'cypress chests' containing 'arras, counterpoints, costely apparel, tents, and canopies, fine linen, Turkey cushions...

This mid-18th century cabinet is a so called 'kussenkast' or pillow cabinet. The pillow refers to the shape of the raised panels in the doors. It is a ...

Bronze in its color and gold, lapis lazuli, rock crystal, enamel. In the centre of the work is presented, enthroned, the figure of Mary, with a mantel (fireplace) on her shoulders and hair and holding on her knees the child, who appears addressing one of the angels. The virgin is also sheltered by an ogee arch supported on turned columns, and raised visually by steps. This composition achieves a very striking contrast: the dark bronze figure, in contrast to the lapis lazuli background and the part of the arch and the outside of it, in gilded bronze. Under the steps there is a heraldic enamel shield with a key on an azure background. The angels, kneeling, are flanking this figure, and, appearing in dark bronze, visually share the "category" of religious figures with Mary, while their (lower) position gives more status to both the Mother and Jesus. The rest of the composition is completed with a delicate landscape: constructions and walls on mountains, clouds in the sky, plants, stones, etc. To the outside, another lapis lazuli frame is placed decorated in the corners with appliques, giving way to carved and polychrome wood. The lapis lazuli is a semiprecious stone already known in the seventh millennium BC., found in deposits from the Caucasus to Mauritania. From the end of the middle ages, it increased its export to Europe, its use being more frequent since then both to use it as a pigment in paintings after grinding it (giving rise to the finest and most expensive of the blues, and of the colors in many occasions), as for backgrounds of paintings, incrustations in works of art, jewelry and, a little later, in the well-known "hard stone works". The figure of Mary still shows an influence of Gothic models, although more European than Italian, along with elements that could already show a closeness to the Renaissance: although the nakedness of Jesus is already shown in Gothic works (Madonna with Angels by Fra Angelico ), the creation of space by playing with the cloth in front of Christ can be appreciated in more advanced paintings (Virgin with Child by Domenico Ghirlandaio, National Gallery of London); the presence of a powerful throne can be seen frequently in Italian Madonnas of the Quattrocento (and before), but not quite as presented here. As for the landscape, it is necessary to compare it, for example, with that of the fresco of the Condotiero Guidoriccio de Fogliano (Simone Martini, finished in 1328). This is a work of great technical and aesthetic quality, not to mention the materials chosen for its creation, comparable only to outstanding examples from around the world, such as those preserved in the Palazzo Madama in Torino (Italy), where the coral It also has an important role. It is essential to mention, also, works such as the plate of hard stones (lapis lazuli between them) with a relief of Mary with the Child in...

Rare 17th century carved walnut chest of drawers, bracket carved feet. Italy , Emilia PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EXPORT AUTHORIZATION BY THE ITALIAN MINISTRY OF CULTURAL HERITAGE TAKES ...

Vivid colors, hand-painted in the Renaissance style, enhance this large maiolica pot from the 1800’s. Maiolica is tin-glazed pottery from Italy that has been decorated over a white background. This pot is considered an istoriato, which is to say that the pot has been decorated with figures, rather than strictly geometric patterns or floral designs. The maiolica does incorporate floral and foliate motifs, with white flowers that have yellow centers surrounded by blue rings. There are also yellow flowers that are depicted in various stages of nyctinasty (the closing of flowers during the night). The flora is all connected by a series of green and yellow curled leaves. Behind the vegetation is a dark blue background. There are two portraits inside large yellow cartouches that are painted in the middle of the pot. The first is a bearded man, dressed in a light brown tunic...

PETITE Antique French Octagon Center Side TABLE Side End Renaissance Carved Oak. Direct from France, this SUPER PETITE size octagon table, ornately adorned, just like the full-size ...

Although when most people hear the word “gargoyle”, they probably envision small, winged creatures with grotesque visages. However, the phrase has a deeper meaning, encompassing any carved head (animal or human) that function as waterspouts. From the Early Renaissance (late 1400’s/early 1500’s), our gargoyle fountain spout features a human-like face with pointed ears, possibly representing a centaur or a satyr. The roughly rectangular block of marble was hand-carved in Arezzo, in the Tuscany region of Italy. All sides except the front of the cream-colored stone have a sawed finish, resulting in a rough texture. The back has been excavated, adding to the character of the gargoyle. A 1 ½” diameter hole has been cut all the way through, forming an open mouth of the gargoyle. The gaping mouth was often a symbol used to conjure images of devouring giants and used to remind people that they are susceptible to certain forces. Our 15th/16th century marble...

Shaped box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with painted fire enamels like lapis lazuli stone and beautiful miniature hand painted by the painter Beatrice Mellana reproducing ...

Beautiful Savonarola chair in amazingly carved walnut. The backrail, the armrests start and ending, the front and back feet, the central crossing are all decorated with incredibly hand-carved figures, mainly faces and heads with as well other parts decorated with detailed carvings. Savonarola chair is a type of folding chair with an X frame when viewed from the front or back and the title Savonarola comes from the name of Italian Renaissance Dominican friar...

Handsome walnut library piece that can be used as a desk or Work table. Made of walnut having carved gadrooned and lyre legs and a stretcher made of iron. Carved on all sides . 19th...

Wonderful stone carving of a kings face. Probably English. I have dated it at least, 19th century. It is most likely earlier than this. Difficult to be precise. Free UK shipping

Late 20th century Italian iron sconces, a pair of silver-leaf and partially gilt two-light sconces by Banci, manufactured by Banci Firenze in the Renaissance style, decorated with re...

Early 16th Century Italian carved religious panel sculpture of Pour Souls in Purgatory or Sinners in the Flames of Hell. Rare 15th / 16th Century Italian walnut wood panel with heav...

A set of eight silver demitasse figural spoons, each terminating in a symbol associated with Italy, in the Renaissance style, circa 1960s. The chased handles end with a figural re...

XVI Century, Italian Renaissance wood chest. This important noble chest of the Tuscan Renaissance was built towards the end of the sixteenth centur...

The lower part It stands on an ogee molded base and four feet with two front legs more massive and detailed than the others. It opens with two doors and three drawers. The vert...

Antique French Renaissance Octagonal Carved End Table is an amazing example of the woodcarver's art! Eight equal sides are supported by four turned and carved legs, fitted with doub...

Antique hand colored map of Flanders, Belgium, engraved by Henricus Hondius. Sans frame - 21.25” x 18”.

Very important Renaissance chest transformed into a two-door sideboard in the 19th century. Composed of numerous carved wooden details. This sideboard is richly decorated and testifi...

Classic oval Venetian mirror, made in the most rigorous Murano tradition. Finely hand-engraved on the elements of the bands, it is assembled with numerous floral elements in gold cry...

A rare Italian Venetian 18th century, Renaissance style four-shelved gilt-wood carved étagère book or display stand. The bowed front shelves, each surmo...

18th Century Italian walnut trestle style table. A rectangular top sits on a pair of lyre shaped bases connected by a center stretcher. The stretch...

A very rare - finest quality - mid 16th century Italian Renaissance engraving (after Raphael) by an anonymous pupil of MARCANTONIO RAIMONDI (1480-...

Antique 19th C. Renaissance Revival Carved Walnut Figural Throne Side Chair. Item features crewel work upholstery, figural carved back rest, solid wood frame, beautiful wood grain, f...

Valuable ancient noble 16th century, Italy Ligurian carved oak and chestnut credenza Bambocci, sideboard with display cabinet. All original with exception ...

Hand bell or bell, “from Malinas”. Bronze. 16th century. Hand bell with clapper made of bronze and decorated on the outside with a slight relief. The base has, between bands, an ins...

Wonderful print after Rembrandt Lovely colors. Chromolithograph Published by Connoisseur circa 1900 Unframed.

Grand 17th century Oudenaarde tapestry is a work of art that only the masters of Flanders could produce. Works from the region were in demand the w...

Theodore Alexander Medieval Suit of Armour. Styled after an original 16th Century German suit that sold at auction for well over $50,000. Retai...

Ivory And Turquoise Wood Hexagonal Column in carved and lacquered wood. The supporting base is hexagonal in shape the side measures 15 cm. 15, with deep molding and frames in oxide s...

Original Venetian mirror made in the strictest Murano tradition with a crest and a rich frame carefully engraved by hand. All assembled with crystal elements handmade in the Murano f...

Late 18th- early 19th century framed silk embroidered tapestry in a stunning blend of intricate design and rich colors that will enhance any de...

A magnificent pair of large one-of-a-kind medieval Italian armorial shield church architectural elements. Dating to around the late 15th century, hand-crafted in Italy, most impressive size, standing over 6-feet tall, bow front shaped shield form, polychrome painted Memento Mori - The Wars of the...

Wonderful copper-plate engraving after Jan Luyken Published by Marten Schagen, Amsterdam. 1724 Text on verso The measurement given is the paper size.

19th Century renaissance style Wood and Fugural and Floral Etched Brass Umbrella and Cane Stand. Measures 12.5" in width, 7" in depth and 23" in height.

French Regence style (19th Cent) gilt throne chair with carved back crest and stretcher with red velvet upholstery

Nice 19th century chest in brown chestnut. Hand carved facade panel with heads decorations. Plinth with brace decorations, dovetail assembly with wrought iron wardware. Add a real s...