MIDDLE AGES: BYZANTINE

Byzantine Empire 324 CE - 1453 CE 

Referred to as the "The East," the Byzantine period was largely influenced by the Ancient Greeks and the Orients.  Its period was logged in as one of the longest reigning political entities in history.  The Hagia Sophia shown below is one of the most breathtaking structures constructed during this time period.  Emperor Justinian (483 CE - 565 CE) built "The Church of Holy Wisdom" with the help of two architects in Constantinople.  Pendentive Construction, or the use of a spherical dome over a rectangular base, was a groundbreaking technique used.  The central dome has a height of 55 feet above the floor - the largest vaulted space of the ancient and medieval world.  One way to put it:  The Hagia Sophia is to the Byzantine Empire as the Pantheon was to the Ancient Romans.

Hagia Sophia

Mosaics

THEN:

Byzantine mosaics contained glass, semiprecious stones and metals to incorporate a natural sparkle and variance in color.  Many times it was applied to curved walls and ceilings to increase the shine and visual interest. They were floor, wall, and ceiling applications used in temples and upper class homes.  

NOW:

Mosaics are installed in both residential and commercial settings. Color, material, and application vary between a countless number of options.  

Furniture

Byzantine furniture was largely based on the reuse of Roman designs and forms as a source of inspiration.  Their inspiration lead to inventions and adaptations over time.

THEN:

The Throne of Maximum represents the highest level of craftsmanship that the Byzantines furniture makers and ivory carvers were capable of.  It is carved on all sides with a curved back which suggests that this piece was a centralized object in the room rather then against a wall.  The more intricate details are in front in comparison to the carving on the back, but all of them tell a story. 

NOW:  

Byzantine styled chairs are prevalent in residential design.  Dining and kitchen chairs such as these provide a traditional and Mediterranean design style.