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.
Vintage Artisanal Silver Urn
Located in Austin, TX
A one-of-a-kind hand-crafted silver urn using the Repousse method of hammered design. Unusually large size and excellent condition. Probably mid-to-late 20t...
Silver Plate
Small Spanish Colonial Neoclassical Ceramic Urn
Located in Middleburg, VA
Small Spanish Colonial Neoclassical Ceramic Urn. Two handles with lion heads and cherub details. Made in Peru circa 1640. A rare and early Spanish Colonial glazed ceramic urn, made ...
Ceramic
Italian Silver Neoclassical Lidded Urn
Located in New York, NY
Italian Silver Neoclassical Lidded Urn. Italian neoclassical sterling silver urn form zucchiera. Handles with foliate terminals and lid with a...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Asian Cloisonné Lidded Urn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a touch of exotic elegance to your home with this Vintage Asian Cloisonné Lidded Urn. Featuring intricate enamel work and vibrant floral patterns, this urn is a testament to trad...
Metal, Enamel
$1,965 / set
H 24.5 in W 10.5 in D 9.25 in
Collection of Three Mediterranean Spanish Colonial Style Terracotta Jars
Located in Atlanta, GA
A collection of three Mediterranean terracotta jars on custom stands. These vintage terracotta vessels make for a lovely decorative collection, the two taller ones having nicely ribb...
Iron
$275Sale Price|42% Off
H 3.38 in W 2.88 in D 2.75 in
Wedgwood Jasperware Urn Vase Neoclassical Design, Small
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, small, English Wedgwood Jasperware urn vase in the neoclassical design style, circa 20th century, England. Piece is a matte stonew...
Stoneware
Neoclassical Revival Bas Relief Urn Vase
Located in Houston, TX
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Revival urn vase with faux-painted marble banded wood base featuring a Roman scene in bas relief. Decorative use only.
Metal
Large Delft Urn, Glazed Ceramic, Dutch Colonial, Circa 1750
By Delft
Located in Basildon, GB
18th Century Large Delft Urn / Vase , with beast decorated handles, painted in blue with river landscapes, a courting couple and bridge, within foliate an...
Delft
Large Neoclassical Style Ceramic Urn and Base
Located in Bruton, GB
A striking large-scale ceramic urn on an integral but separate pedestal base, designed in a crisp white glaze with vivid green detailing. The bold architectural form features a gener...
Ceramic
Vintage Turned Wood Lidded Urn
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handsome vintage lidded urn handcrafted in turned mahogany in a timeless classical form.
Wood, Mahogany
19th Century Grand Tour Neoclassical Urn
Located in Ongar, GB
A nice 19th century grand tour neoclassical spelter urn on a wooden ebonised base. It does have a small old repair on one handle but hardly noticeab...
Spelter
$6,500
H 19.75 in Dm 10 in
David Cressey Pro/Artisan Blue Flame-Glaze Sand Urn for Architectural Pottery
By Architectural Pottery, David Cressey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Planter by David Cressey for Architectural Pottery's Pro/Artisan collection with Cressey’s signature Blue “Flame Glaze." This planter has slightly bowed sides and a flattened lip. ...
Ceramic
Georgian Blue John and Silver Urn
Located in New Orleans, LA
This important George III blue John urn is attributed to famed Swedish architect Sir William Chambers. The solid piece is carved entirely from rare Blue...
Stone, Marble
Vintage Artist Signed Sevres Urns
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Bronx, NY
This fine pair of circa 1850s Sevres urns is signed by the artist Baston. The covered urns are beautifully hand painted & depict romantic scenes of courtshi...
Porcelain
Rare 19th c. Antique Terracotta Water Urn with Iron Spout, Whitewashed Patina
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Antique 19th century water urn with faucet. Urn is a testament to the history and artistry of a bygone era. Made from terracotta material, displays decorative motifs, featuring a uni...
Iron
Pair of Large-Scale Italian Majolica Terracotta Urns, 20th Century
Located in Hamburg, PA
A stately pair of large-scale Italian Majolica Terracotta Urns. These one-of-a-kind Earthenware vases are extremely colorful and striking with hand-painted Sgraffito work of vibrant depictions of griffins, dolphins, and a coat of arms Painted "Italy REF" on the interior lip of the storage jar. Came from a house designed in the Spanish Colonial style which was decorated with Moravian tile...
Earthenware, Majolica, Pottery, Terracotta
Guatemalan Ceramics
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sopero (soup terrain) and Florero (vase) from Momostenango, in the highlands of Guatemala. Sopero measures 12Dx10.5H and vase measures 12Dx16H. Sold toget...
Ceramic