A stylish pair of Italian reliquaries from the 18th century

18th-century monumental pair of gilded and silver-plated wooden reliquaries originating from central Italy, decorated with deep carving featuring a twisting motif, dating from the first half of the 18th century, around 1730.

Standing on bases shaped like inverted shelves, they showcase charming patina, original dark oxidized silver – the mecca – and gold leaf. The single-door wooden panel at the back is later. Condition is good, with signs of age-related wear and use.

Luxurious antique furniture and accessories can be an excellent idea for interior decoration. Today, there is an increasing number of enthusiasts of high-quality vintage items that possess a distinct character and soul. It’s a nod to history, craftsmanship, and the design of classic and timeless furniture. There are many different styles in antique furniture, each with its own distinctive features.

Many styles characterize antique furniture, but a few key ones stand out. Eclectic furniture refers to the 19th century, marked by the beloved Biedermeier style. Its early variations include neo-Gothic, Gothic, Rococo, Louis Philippe style, and finally the Victorian style. Toward the end of the century, these styles blend into pseudo-classicism, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

Empire-style furniture dates from the late 18th to early 19th century, inspired by Napoleon’s reign. It features significant similarities and references to Roman and Greek ornamentation.

Neoclassical furniture, such as Louis XVI style, also draws heavily from ancient architecture. Noteworthy are antique products in Rococo and Louis XV styles. Baroque, whose name derives from the Portuguese 'barocco' – meaning an irregularly developed pearl – was highly ornate, designed to radiate splendor and play a prominent role in luxury. Materials were selectively chosen to emphasize the grandeur of these pieces.

Today, we can observe how much the Baroque style influenced modern classical furniture, which is often designed with a strong resemblance to the past. The Renaissance style is also significant; flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries, it left a major mark on furniture craftsmanship. Renaissance furniture was quite heavy and massive, using brown stains, moldings, sturdy bases, and relief decorations. These products were quite distinctive but also opened new possibilities, such as the construction of credenzas and broadly defined chest furniture. Mythology and ancient themes were also popular, with supports and legs often taking animal forms.

Lion paws, eagle heads – these are common features in Renaissance-style furniture. Currently, many global brands reproduce such pieces, inspired by Italian and French artisans, as a tribute to the beauty of Renaissance antiques. It’s important to remember that furniture production was perceived differently in each country, giving each style a unique character. This is especially important when searching for an exclusive antique that suits your interior.

The key aspect of stylish antique furniture is originality. Ultimately, this is crucial for buyers, as the market is flooded with fakes. Luxury Products provides documentation confirming the authenticity of each item, matching the description and photos. We also have appraisers, art experts, historians, and specialists from around the world at your disposal.