After the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the eighth century, Islamic Spain became a cultural mix of influences that shaped both private homes and religious spaces. Moorish design was the name given to this style, which evolved through the 15th century with vibrant tile work, horseshoe arches and lavish ornamentation, most visible at sites such as Granada’s Alhambra and the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. Moorish furniture was often similarly ornate, and featured pieces inlaid with wood, ivory and bone.
When European designers began studying Moorish art and architecture in the early 19th century, it led to a Moorish Revival. Appropriating the style’s decorative flourishes and architectural elements, it promoted a romantic view of Islamic design. Travelers could bring home a memento of what they witnessed in the Middle East, a trend that aligned with a fad for themed interiors. Men’s smoking rooms arranged with ottomans, divans and settees and inlaid tables were especially popular, as were cafés where coffee was served amid bead curtains and colorful floor mats. (Handwoven rugs are a centerpiece of Moorish interiors.) Octagonal rooms with domed ceilings were created for wealthy homes, frequently with furnishings like pipe stands, filigree plasterwork and arched doorways. The horseshoe arch is an iconic attribute of Moorish architecture that, in addition to Spain, can be found in Sicily, Morocco and elsewhere.
Several late 19th to early 20th-century movements featured Moorish touches. The American and English Aesthetic Movement, for example, borrowed liberally from global decorating styles, as seen in furniture designed by Lockwood de Forest, a New York-born artist who mixed Eastern and Western forms. The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau also references the elegant use of geometry in Moorish design, with Milanese Art Nouveau furniture designer Carlo Bugatti drawing inspiration from the style. The Arts and Crafts movement, which prized expressive yet simple design, incorporated Moorish influences; hand-painted furniture and tile work created by William De Morgan, a British designer and potter who made furnishings for the likes of Morris & Co., were informed by techniques from Moorish Spain.
Find a collection of Moorish lighting, decorative objects, folk art and more furniture on 1stDibs.
Hand-Painted Porcelain Arabian Camel Figurine by Fitz and Floyd
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hand painted porcelain collectible Fitz and Floyd resting Nubian camel figurine. Beautifully detailed Arabian camel, the camel is kneeling in rest and ...
Porcelain
Orientalist Figural Cold Painted Bronze
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Antique orientalist bronze with an impressive composition depicting a female warrior with a spear, a parrot on a tree stump, and a monkey with a fruit bowl all with the original cold...
Bronze
A Miniati, Arab Warrior, Signed Orientalist Bronze, Early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Orientalist bronze with a brown patina, representing an Arab in motion, a rifle in his hand, hiding in the folds of his clothing. This sculpture is signed on the base Miniati and...
Bronze
$28,950Sale Price|35% Off
19th Century Lifesize Bronze Bust of Othello after Gaston Veuvenot Leroux
By Gaston Vuevenot Leroux
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large and impressive French 19th century life-size bust depicting Othello, the North African Moor of Venice character in the 1603 play written by William Shakespeare (1564-1616), a...
Bronze
Pair of Large Orientalist Bronze Figures by Emile Pinedo and Marcel Debut
By Émile Pinedo
Located in London, GB
A pair of large Orientalist bronze figures by Emile Pinedo and Marcel Debut French, Late 19th Century Arabe en Marche: height 65cm, width 42cm, depth 28...
Bronze
Moorish Mami Wata Figure, Carved Painted Wood, Egyptian, 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
Middle Eastern Egyptian 20th Century carved and painted wood Mami Wata figure in realistic form featuring incised black hair, piercing eyes, a form-fitting r...
Paint
Orientalist Pair of Polychromed Plaster Arabesque Figures
Located in Houston, TX
Orientalist pair of polychromed plaster arabesque figures. Finely detailed pair of Orientalist polychromed plaster Arabesque or Moorish figures. Thi...
Plaster
Pair Franz Bergmann Austrian Bronze Figures in Moorish Brackets, Early 20th c
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Austin, TX
Two good Franz Bergmann Austrian cold painted bronze figures now mounted in highly architectural Moroccan Moorish style carved and inlaid wood brackets, early 20th century, Austria a...
Bronze
Austrian Bronze Sculpture by Franz Bergman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cold painted Austrian bronze sculpture by Franz Bergman depicting a carpet trader. The piece shows great attention to detail and craftsm...
Bronze
Orientalist Cold Painted Vienna Bronze Group, 4 Figures on Carpet, ca. 1900
Located in Petaluma, CA
This colorfully cold painted Vienna bronze brings to the viewer a lovely little scene. The gentleman standing on a carpet is explaining something to his 3 other countrymen who are re...
Bronze
Original Orientalist Austrian/ Vienna cold painted bronze lamp of a classroom
Located in New York City, NY
An exquisite early 20th-century Vienna bronze lamp depicting an Arab school teacher and four young students wearing typical Orientalist clothing, seated on a Persian carpet while st...
Bronze
Cold Painted Vienna Bronze Young Boy, Signed Bergmann Foundry, ca. 1900
Located in Petaluma, CA
This highly detailed cast and and cold painted Vienna bronze was made by the premier maker of this genre, Franz Bergmann. Signed with his foundry mark on the base. That style base u...
Bronze
Orientalist Cold Painted Vienna Bronze Boy on Camel by Franz Bergmann, ca. 1900
Located in Petaluma, CA
This Orientalist bronze was done by Franz Bergman and does bear his signature. Meticulously cold painted and highly detailed make this one of his best examples. The camel and the boy...
Marble, Bronze
Cold Painted Austrian Orientalist Man on Rug in Prayer, Bergmann, ca. 1915
Located in Petaluma, CA
This very colorful and exotic bronze is typical of the work of Franz Bergmann. While it does not bear his foundry mark, it has all the ear marks of his work. The subject, the qualit...
Bronze
Cold Painted Orientalist Vienna Bronze, Young Boy w/Large Urn, Bergmann Foundry
Located in Petaluma, CA
This highly detailed cold painted bronze was meticulously executed by the premier maker of Vienna bronzes, Franz Bergmann. The foundry signature is boldly impressed under the boy's ...
Bronze
Orientalist Patinated Bronze Figure of a Turkish Young Man
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Moorish Turkish man dressed in Ottoman Empire-style costume and turban. An orientalist Moorish patinated cast bronze figure of a standing guard on stand. (Missing something in his ha...
Bronze
Egyptian Woman With Urn, Orientalist Spelter, Signed, Late 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large subject in patinated spelter representing an Egyptian woman in a long tunic and wearing a crown with a bird, presenting an urn/offering in her hands Sculpture signed in the fo...
Spelter
Pair of fine 19th century Orientalist male and female figures by Eugène Cornu
By Eugène Cornu
Located in New York City, NY
Exquisitely sculpted with meticulous attention to detail, these finely chased metal sculptures by Eugène Cornu offer a remarkably realistic rendition. The male figure is depicted as...
Metal
Large Antique 19th Century Bronze Moorish Warrior Sculpture Figure Henri Plé
Located in London, GB
Large Antique 19th Century Bronze Moorish Warrior Sculpture Figure Henri Plé French, 19th century Height 111cm, width 54cm, depth 30cm This striking late 19th-century bronze by Henr...
Bronze
Large Wooden Sculpture, Moor With Dragon, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Large black-tinted wooden sculpture of a Moorish woman carrying a shell, a dragon at her feet. The eyes and teeth are made of mother-of-pearl. Some missing parts (butcher's t...
Wood
Murano Glass Centerpiece by Giancarlo Signoretto, Italy, 1980
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Smart Venetian centerpiece, signed Signoretto and dated 1980 : very important unique piece ! Handles: Two moors black heads with turbans.: it's a ...
Art Glass
Picault - Dalila, Signed Bronze Sculpture, Late 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Delilah, patinated bronze sculpture: bust of a woman, very expressive and realistic of the biblical character Delilah is a female character known from the Old Testament, mainly for ...
Bronze
Ea Leroy, Cameroonian, Orientalist Bronze Sculpture, Early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Cameroonian: very beautiful bronze sculpture with brown patina signed EA Leroy Emile Leroy is a traveling artist: in 1923, he joined the workshop of Jean Boucher at the Ecole des ...
Bronze
Viennese Cold-Painted Orientalist Bronze Group by Franz Bergman
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in London, GB
Viennese cold-painted Orientalist bronze group by Franz Bergman Austrian, c.1900 Height 12cm, width 15cm, depth 9cm This small but intricately crafted and designed bronze group ...
Bronze
Napoleon Bronze Sculpture Desk Inkwell, Signed Emile Pinedo
By Émile Pinedo
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Napoleon Bonaparte bronze desk inkwell, signed Pinedo with foundry mark. Mounted over a Green Alps marble. Antique signed 19th large bronze ...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Bronze by J. Rispal
By Jules Louis Rispal
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage 19th century work of art is an exceptionally detailed richly patinated bronze sculpture in the Art Nouveau style. It represents the goddess Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, awakening from her earthly sleep. Her head is adorned with a floral headband...
Bronze
Cast Brass Arabian One Hump Dromedary Camel Figurine
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Cast brass Arabian Camel Figurine Cast in Korea. It has a lovely old patina throughout from age.
Brass
$1,350
H 1.75 in W 4.75 in D 2 in
Orientalist Cold Painted Vienna Bronze, Man in Prayer on Rug, Bergmann Signature
Located in Petaluma, CA
This Vienna bronze clearly shows off the quality of the Bergmann Foundry. The detailing is top grade and the cold painting is exceptional. Please note how carefully the man's clothi...
Bronze
$350
H 1.5 in W 2.5 in D 1.5 in
Small Signed Early 20th Century Bronze Sculpture of Reclining Whippet Dog
Located in Middleburg, VA
Small Signed Early 20th century Bronze of Reclining Whippet dog Signature located on back of dog, unable to read artist's name Measures: 1.5" H, 2.5" W, ...
Bronze
$2,800
H 5.5 in W 13 in D 7 in
Orientalist Cold Painted Vienna Bronze Man on Rug w/Rifle Bergmann ca. 1900
Located in Petaluma, CA
This cold painted bronze is larger than usual for this subject matter. The man sitting on a large rug and holding a rifle shows off the work of Franz Bergmann. Meticulously painted ...
Bronze
Cold Painted Orientalist Vienna Bronze by Franz Bergman
Located in Denton, TX
Cold painted orientalist Vienna bronze of a middle eastern man with a women by Franz Bergman. On the back of her robe is the B inside of a ...
Marble, Bronze
$8,924 / set
H 32.29 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Pair of Cold Painted Bronze Orientalist Figures of Musicians
Located in London, GB
The figures representing a male and female in colored clothing, playing the violin and the mandolin respectively, each standing on a plinth. These bronze Orientalist style figures...
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Busts
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of 19th century busts. These are 2 19th century Gesso painted busts of 2 archaeologists of the period. Measurements: 69 x 62 x 28 Y 65 x 60 x 30 Good condition.
Gesso
Erotic bronze sculpture. Austria, early 20th century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Erotic bronze sculpture. Austria, early 20th century.
Bronze
19th Century Bronze Bust of Apollo Belvedere
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century bronze bust of the Greek God, Apollo Belvedere. After the ancient original ‘Apollo Belvedere’ sculpture by Leochares.
Bronze
1987 Fitz and Floyd Ceramic Swan Planter or Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Charleston, SC
Rare design Fitz and Floyd planter with applied Calla Lillies. Marked on the bottom and dated 1986
Ceramic
Sold
H 32 in W 11.5 in D 9.5 in
Two Large Antique Persian Moorish Polychromed Metal Sculptures of Men C1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Pair of Large Antique Persian Moorish Polychromed Metal Sculptures C1890 Measures - 32"H x 11.5"W x 9...
Metal
Franz Bergman Austrian Cold Painted Bronze Orientalist Merchant
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Franz Bergman Austrian Cold Painted Bronze Merchant This Franz Bergman Austrian cold-painted bronze sculpture is a stunning example of early 20th-century Viennese craftsmanship, known for its intricate detail, vibrant colors, and storytelling compositions. Standing 7 inches high, 5.5 inches wide, and 3.75 inches deep, this finely cast bronze piece portrays a Middle Eastern or North African street vendor, captured in a moment of animated movement as he prepares or serves food. Expertly cold-painted in rich hues, the scene is set on a detailed rug base, adorned with traditional geometric patterns, adding depth and authenticity to the composition. The vendor stands over a small ornate table...
Bronze
Sold
H 6 in W 8.25 in D 5 in
Orientalist Vienna Bronze Merchant attributed to Franz Bergman 19th Century
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Atlanta, GA
Well Made Cold Painted Orientalist Merchant Sculpture, attributed to Hans Xaver Bergman, Vienna, Austria, circa late 19th Century. It is stamped "Austria", see last photo. Excellent ...
Bronze
Austrian Bronze Sculpture by Franz Bergman, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cold painted Austrian bronze sculpture by Franz Bergman depicting a carpet trader. Bears Franz Bergman foundry stamp impressed to under...
Bronze
Antique Cold Painted Vienna Bronze, Orientalist Rug Seller, ca.1910
Located in Petaluma, CA
A nicely cast and meticulously cold painted figure of an Orientalist rug merchant. A popular theme for the collector, or anyone with an eye for qualit...
Bronze
Sold
H 13.25 in W 6 in D 5.25 in
Orientalist Cold Painted Vienna Bronze Lamp, Guard & Palace, Signed "Chotka"
By Anton Chotka
Located in Petaluma, CA
This highly detailed and colorful Vienna bronze lamp depicts a guard standing and protecting the palace. The colorful canopy and floor are just 2 of the many features that makes this one special. Artist signed "Chotka" (Anton Chotka...
Bronze
Sold
H 4 in W 7.5 in D 7 in
Orientalist Cold Painted Vienna Bronze, Young Boy on Large Rug, by Bergmann 1900
Located in Petaluma, CA
A finely detailed young boy seated on a most elaborately decorated Persian rug, preparing a fire for his tea. The quality is top notch as you can see by just studying the colorful ru...
Bronze
Sold
H 5.5 in W 5.5 in D 5.75 in
Vienna Bronze Cold Painted Man Praying on Rug, Bergmann Foundry, ca. 1910
Located in Petaluma, CA
This very high quality example of the work of the Bergmann foundry shows off his attention to detailed casting and meticulous colorful cold painting. The Orientalist man is kneeling ...
Bronze
Sold
H 9.75 in W 3.5 in D 3.5 in
Pair of Large Austrian Cold Painted Orientalist Men by the Bergmann Foundry
Located in Petaluma, CA
We purchased these large and impressive Vienna bronzes from the family that had originally purchased them together many years ago. We felt it would be right to offer them as a pair, ...
Bronze
Sold
H 4.5 in W 5 in D 4.25 in
Cold Painted Vienna Bronze, 2 Figures on Carpet, Franz Bergman, ca, 1910
Located in Petaluma, CA
This highly colorful and exotic bronze shows off some of the best work by the noted Viennese foundry of Franz Bergmann. Having the "B" in the urn impressed on the underside helps us identify the work of this great foundry. Also impressed are "Austria" and "Geschutzt" (copyrighted) The dancing girl...
Bronze
Sold
H 24 in W 19.5 in D 8.5 in
Antique Moorish Bronzed Metal Sculpture Haroun al-Rashid, Signed A. Carrier
By Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Moorish bronzed cast metal sculpture depicts Haroun Al Rashid on horseback, signed A. Carrier on wood plinth, 19th century Measures: 24" H...
Metal
Sold
H 17 in W 10 in D 11.5 in
Cold Painted Austrian Orientalist Lamp, Rider on Camel w/ Palm Tree, ca. 1920
Located in Petaluma, CA
This cold painted Orientalist theme lamp is very colorful and well modeled. The rider and his camel sit under a palm tree. Amazingly all the palm leaves are all there and still intac...
Spelter