Spanning an era of cultural rebirth in Europe that harkened back to antiquity, the Renaissance was a time of change in design. From the late 1400s to the early 1600s, Rome, Venice and Florence emerged as artistic centers through the expansion of global trade and a humanist belief in the arts being central to society. Antique Renaissance furniture was ornately carved from sturdy woods like walnut, its details standing out against the tapestries and stained glass adorning the walls.
Renaissance chests, which were frequently commissioned for marriages, were often decorated with gilding or painted elements. Those that were known as cassoni were crafted in shapes based on classical sarcophagi. As opposed to the medieval era, when furniture was pared down to the necessities, a wide range of Renaissance chairs, tables and cabinets were created for the home, and the designs regularly referenced ancient Rome.
Large torchères of the Renaissance era that were used as floor lamps were inspired by classical candelabras, while marble surfaces evoked frescoes. The inlaid boxes being imported from the Middle East informed the intarsia technique, which involved varying hues of wood in mosaic-like patterns, such as those by architect Giuliano da Maiano in the Florence Cathedral.
Tapestry-woven cushion covers accented the variety of Renaissance seating — from conversation to study chairs — while bookcases for secular use reflected the migration of culture and knowledge from the church into the home. The aesthetics of the Italian Renaissance later spread to France through the publishing of work by renowned designers, including Hugues Sambin and Jacques Androuet du Cerceau. Centuries later, the 19th-century Renaissance Revival would see a return to this influential style.
Find a collection of antique Renaissance case pieces, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
16th Century Abstract Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
A 16th century Brussels tapestry pillow featuring an expressive and free-flowing pattern that departs from traditional rigid symmetry. The design is composed of layered, linear forms...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
Antique Italian Ecclesiastical Silk Embroidery Panel, 17th–18th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An exceptionally rare and richly ornamented antique silk embroidered textile, likely of Italian origin, dating to the late 17th to early 18th century, originally created for ecclesia...
Metallic Thread
16th Century Brussels Verdure Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Crafted from an authentic 16th Century Brussels tapestry, this extraordinary lumbar pillow represents over four centuries of European textile artistry. Woven by Flemish master weaver...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Renaissance Verdure Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Woven in Brussels during the late Renaissance, this authentic tapestry fragment reflects the celebrated verdure style that made Flemish workshops among Europe's finest textile produc...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
Rare Antique Embroidered Velvet Pillow with Gold and Silver Threads, Venice 1590
Located in Doha, QA
An exceptionally rare and magnificent Italian Venetian pillow dating to circa 1590, showcasing the opulence and artistry of late Renaissance textiles from Venice, Italy. This exquis...
Gold, Silver
Lot of Cushions in Tapestry and Velvet from 17 ° to 19 ° Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Set of cushions made with pieces of tapestry, borders and chasubles.
Wool, Velvet
16th Century Flemish Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
A remarkable example of Renaissance textile artistry, this Authentic 16th Century Brussels Verdure Tapestry Pillow preserves the beauty of an original Flemish handwoven tapestry in a...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Flemish Verdure Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
A remarkable example of Renaissance textile artistry, this 16th Century Brussels Verdure Tapestry Pillow is fashioned from an authentic Flemish tapestry fragment dating to the late R...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
An extraordinary decorative lumbar pillow created from an authentic 16th-century Brussels tapestry fragment, representing more than four centuries of European textile artistry. The ...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Floral Renaissance Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Woven in Brussels during the late Renaissance, this authentic tapestry fragment displays the refined floral and verdure motifs that made Flemish textiles among Europe's most celebrat...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow with Renaissance Pattern
Located in Los Angeles, US
A long decorative pillow showcasing an expressive tapestry composition built from overlapping organic forms and soft, undulating lines. The design features a vertical band of muted b...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow Abstract Design
Located in Los Angeles, US
An authentic 16th century Brussels tapestry fragment transformed into a pillow, now defined by its heavily faded abstract appearance. The original scene has worn down almost entirely...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Verdure Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
An exceptional decorative pillow crafted from a fragment of a 16th century Brussels tapestry, showcasing the refined artistry and naturalistic elegance that made Flemish weaving amon...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Floral Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
This exceptional decorative pillow has been crafted from an authentic 16th century Brussels tapestry fragment, showcasing a richly detailed Renaissance floral composition. Elegant bl...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
Renaissance Brussels Tapestry Pillow, 16th Century, Decorative Textile
Located in Los Angeles, US
An exceptional Renaissance-era Brussels tapestry fragment, repurposed into a decorative pillow, dating to the 16th century. The design showcases bold flowing drapery and abstracted f...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Antique Brussels Renaissance Tapestry Fragment Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Created from an original 16th-century Brussels tapestry fragment, this exceptional lumbar pillow preserves a rare piece of Flemish textile history while offering a functional decorat...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Verdure and Floral Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
A rare 16th century Brussels tapestry pillow created from an antique verdure tapestry fragment, featuring a richly detailed floral arrangement woven in the classic Flemish tradition....
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Antique Brussels Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
A rare sixteenth century Brussels tapestry fragment in a beautifully balanced palette of deep slate blue muted forest green olive warm taupe soft beige and faded cocoa brown. Subtle ...
Wool, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow Softened Abstract Heraldic Design
Located in Los Angeles, US
This 16th century Brussels tapestry pillow is made from an antique Flemish fragment that has gracefully aged into a subtle and highly textural decorative piece. The original Renaissa...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow with Flowing Renaissance Motif
Located in Los Angeles, US
A long rectangular pillow showcasing a tapestry design composed of fluid, abstract forms that merge and overlap across the surface. The composition is anchored by a central area of m...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Antique Brussels Renaissance Fruit Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Woven in Brussels during the late Renaissance, this authentic tapestry fragment reflects the decorative fruit and vine motifs commonly associated with Flemish workshops of the 16th c...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Antique Brussels Verdure Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Created from a genuine Brussels tapestry fragment dating to the late 16th century, this pillow showcases the bold botanical aesthetic that defined Flemish Verdure tapestries during t...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Antique Brussels Fruit Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
An exceptional sixteenth century Brussels tapestry fragment depicting stylized fruit and foliage in a beautifully aged palette of deep indigo muted teal warm sand beige golden tan an...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Renaissance Brussels Floral Tapestry Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
Renaissance Brussels Verdure and Floral Tapestry Pillow Fashioned from a rare 16th century Brussels tapestry fragment, this decorative pillow showcases a beautifully balanced compos...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
16th Century Brussels Tapestry Pillow with Figural Design
Located in Los Angeles, US
A long rectangular pillow featuring a tapestry design characterized by flowing, abstract figural elements that create a sense of motion across the textile. The pattern is composed of...
Wool
Lot of Table Runners Made from Old Fabrics and Tapestries from the 17-19 Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Set of table runners made with fragments of tapestry, borders, silk brocade and chasubles. We sell them separately. . +- 200 Pieces at various prices depending on the model, cond...
Wool, Silk
Pair of French Tapestry Cushions
Located in New York, NY
A pair of handmade cushions in Schumacher Gerry Embroidery. The textile composed on hand stitched flora and fauna on rolling hills. The sides trimmed in a cream colored cord and the ...
Fabric
Pair of Pillows Italian Embroidered Silk and Velvet Back
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Refined pair of embroidered silk cushions...
Silk, Velvet
$1,228Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 20.28 in W 8.27 in D 0.99 in
Renaissance Period Hand Carved Oak Panels, 16th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Set of two 16th century oak panels, one representing a character accompanied by a dog, the other a character in flames, probably saints. These ...
Oak
Eksteen Hand Embroidered Black Velvet Pillow Cover
Located in Middelburg, NL
Based in the Netherlands and India's Uttar Pradesh, Jupe by Jackie is an internationally renowned fashion brand born out of a desire to shine light on the art of hand embroidery: a dying craft in today’s fast-paced fashion industry. Eksteen, a hand embroidered black silk velvet pillow...
Velvet
Kulikovo Hand Embroidered Black Velvet Pillow Cover
Located in Middelburg, NL
Based in the Netherlands and India's Uttar Pradesh, Jupe by Jackie is an internationally renowned fashion brand born out of a desire to shine light on the art of hand embroidery: a dying craft in today’s fast-paced fashion industry. Kulikovo, a hand embroidered black velvet pillow...
Velvet
Tapestry Pillow, Antique Trim
Located in Vista, CA
17th century tapestry fragment depicting a mermaid framed in a cartouche framed with antique silver metallic galon on pale warm taupe velvet. Hand trimmed with vintage metallic silve...
Velvet
Amazing Early 16th Century Peruvian Textile 1'2" x 1'4"
Located in New York, NY
Amazing Early 16th Century Peruvian Textile, Circa date: Late 16th Century
Wool
Antique Silk Embroidered Pillow Cover
Located in 中央区, JP
This pillow features an exquisite hand-embroidered panel from Uzbekistan, dating to the early 20th century. The front textile is made from pure silk, both in its ground fabric and em...
Cotton, Silk
18th Century Verdure Tapestry Fragment Cushion
Located in London, GB
A fragment of 18th Century hand stitched verdure needlework made as a cushion cover. Wonderfully muted, time-softened palette that only age can produce — mossy greens, lichen, faded...
Wool, Linen
18th Century Verdure Tapestry Fragment Cushion
Located in London, GB
A fragment of 18th Century hand stitched verdure needlework made as a cushion cover. Wonderfully muted, time-softened palette that only age can produce — mossy greens, lichen, faded...
Wool, Linen
Farnsworth Hand Embroidered Black Velvet Pillow Cover
Located in Middelburg, NL
Based in the Netherlands and India's Uttar Pradesh, Jupe by Jackie is an internationally renowned fashion brand born out of a desire to shine light on the art of hand embroidery: a d...
Velvet
$1,299Sale Price / item|33% Off
H 20 in W 22 in D 5 in
Antique 17th Century Verdure Tapestry Pillow with Foliage and Petite Tassels
By Flemish
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 17th Century Verdure Tapestry pillow with foliage and petite tassels that will brighten up any sofa, canapé or settee! Tan velour backing and petit tassels. They each measur...
Tapestry
Pair of Authentic Fortuny Mezzaro / Mezziano Textile Pillows
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking pair of authentic Fortuny textile pillows featuring vintage Fortuny cotton fronts in the celebrated Mezzaro / Mezziano pattern, one of Mariano Fortuny’s most iconic and th...
Cotton, Linen
16th Century Brussels Tapestry Fragment Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, US
This luxurious decorative pillow showcases an authentic fragment of a 16th-century Brussels Renaissance tapestry, thoughtfully repurposed into a unique work of functional textile art...
Wool, Cotton, Feathers
Antique Tapestry and Velvet Pillow Designed by Melissa Levinson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A richly detailed custom pillow by designer Melissa Levinson, created using a beautifully preserved antique European tapestry fragment. The tapestry panel—featuring stylized floral m...
Wool, Linen
Pair of Fortuny Textile Pillows
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These refined pillows are made from authentic Fortuny cotton, showcasing the iconic Venetian brand’s signature craftsmanship. The front displays a beautifully aged golden-olive damas...
Cotton
19th C. Italian Ecclesiastical Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking pillow is a refined fusion of historical reverence and luxurious modern design. At its heart lies a 19th century ecclesiastical textile featuring intricate gold metalli...
Metallic Thread
19th C. Metallic Embroidered Pillow by MLA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This luxurious pillow features a stunning 19th-century silk panel with intricate metallic embroidery at its center. The antique embroidery displays an ornate floral and vine motif in...
Metallic Thread
Pair of Fortuny Manzianno Patterned Pillows in Peacock & Beige
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of custom Fortuny textile pillows adorned with the Manzianno pattern in colors of peacock and beige. The intricate Italian design is complemented by velvet backs in the same ...
Cotton, Velvet
Pair of Green Orsini Patterned Fortuny Pillows w/ Velvet Backs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning soft green Orsini Patterned Fortuny pillows, embodying the perfect marriage of luxury and comfort. These pillows feature the enchanting Orsini pattern, a design that draws ...
Cotton, Velvet, Down
Pink & Gold Velvet Fortuny Lavender Sachet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare silk velvet Fortuny sachet with metallic gold on soft petal pink velvet depicting a figural design is a unique and elegant piece. The lavender f...
Velvet
Pair of Fortuny Corona Patterned Pillows
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom pair of cream & soft gray colored pillows made with authentic Corone Patterned Fortuny textile fronts and Belgium linen backs. Down inserts. Zippe...
Cotton, Linen
Fortuny Down Filled Silk Velvet Throw Pillow
By Fortuny
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Vintage Fortuny down filled silk velvet throw pillow. With Gold Metallic Trim. Additional information: Materials: Silk, Velvet Color: Purple Designer: Fortuny Period: 2000 - 2...
Silk
Pair of Shahkar Antique Pillows with Foliage and Petite Tassels
By Flemish
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite pair of vibrant and stunning 17th Century Brussels Tapestry pillows with foliage and bird decor and petite tassels that will brighten up any sofa, canapé or settee! They...
Tapestry