Classical Roman Decorative Objects
CLASSICAL ROMAN STYLE
During Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 A.D., Pompeii and Herculaneum in today’s Italy were preserved as they were on the day of their destruction. Particularly at Herculaneum, furnishings were carbonized beneath volcanic ash. This was pivotal to understanding how Classical Roman furniture was designed. Archaeological investigations and printed reproductions of discoveries would influence styles evoking this ancient civilization, from the Renaissance to neoclassicism.
While knowledge of Classical Roman furniture comes from rare surviving pieces, it is also derived from frescoes and sculptures portraying Roman life. Much of Roman art, architecture and design was informed by Greece — Roman architect, military engineer and writer Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, whose timeless De architectura is taught in contemporary architecture classes and pays tribute to classical architecture, visited Greece while working under Julius Caesar and admired the country’s architectural developments. The Roman solium references the Greek thronos, a stately chair of honor with an upright form and footstool. As the Roman Empire spread across Europe and into North Africa and Western Asia, the expansion of trade for silver, silk, marble and wood allowed for more luxurious designs.
Classical Roman furniture was made from bronze, wood and stone — in particular, marble — with ornate touches like tortoiseshell veneers, bone and glass inlays and claw feet. Ornaments depicting lion heads and mythological figures were sculpted from silver, bronze and ivory. Compared to the decorative attention given to the mosaic floors and wall paintings, however, furniture for even a wealthy house was minimal. It focused on the necessities for guests arriving for both socializing and business and the rooms housing family, relatives and enslaved people.
The triclinium dining room had banquet couches, items so prized they were sometimes interred with the deceased. Tall bronze or terracotta candelabras held oil lamps for lighting. Carved marble tables reflected status, while the lararium home shrine demonstrated faith.
Find a collection of Classical Roman decorative objects, tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Classical Roman
Late 19th Century Plaster Faux Marble Bust
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Plaster faux marble bust of Antonia, made by D. Brucciani & Co. London, late 19th century. A woman emerging from a calyx of leaf came to represent the nymph Clytie. A copy of the mar...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
White Plaster Bust of Socrates on a Black Marble Base, around 1940
Located in Berlin, DE
The "White Plaster Bust of Socrates on a Black Marble Base, around 1940" is a striking sculptural piece that pays homage to the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates. Created circa 1940...
Category
1940s French Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Brick Red Cement Handmade
Located in Rome, Lazio
Surrealism, primitivism, metaphysics and brutalism. Art together with architecture and design build a scenario of inspirations and continuous references through which the material ri...
Category
2010s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Concrete, Metal
Green Onyx Marble and Brass Jewelry Display Box, Italy 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
It is a box in Onyx, with the structures in Brass, as well as the feet of the box. The interior is lined with red felt. It is a jewelry box, which was made in Italy in the 1950s. It ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Large Ceramic Bowl 54cm Hand Painted Majolica Italy Contemporary 21st Century
Located in London, GB
Bottega Vignoli, Pompei large bowl, 2023 Full-fire reduction earthenware faience 54 cm diam. unique piece hand-painted Italian majolica.
Bottega Vignoli is a brand of artistic cera...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Faience
Alfa Romeo Classic Car Radiator Desk Clock, Jaeger, 1920´s. Automobilia
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Very nice Jaeger 8 days table clock. This is a Classic car clock, circa 1920s. It is mounted over a Classic Alfa Romeo small radiator. Fantastic piece of A...
Category
1920s Swiss Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Vintage Round Roman Style Swirl Planter (Set of 2)
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Our set of 2 vintage round roman style swirl planters are a classic yet unique pot design that showcases a graceful swirl pattern, reminiscent of roman aesthetics.
Measurements: 23"...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Cement
Pompei Moon Jar Hand Painted Ceramic Italy Contemporary 21st Century Majoilica
Located in London, GB
Pompei moon jar, 2024, full-fire reduction faience earthenware (majolica) 30 cm diameter, hand painted unique piece.
Bottega Vignoli is a brand of artistic ceramics based in Faenz...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica, Earthenware
Testa di Venere scolpita su marmo bianco Carrara - frammento -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura, venere, testa venere, venere marmo, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara, scultura classica, scultura antica, busto anti...
Category
1990s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
19th Century Italian Marble Bust on Column Pedestal Base
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An exquisite marble bust from the 19th Century portraying a female figure. A true testament to the craftsmanship of the Classical Roman era, this piece stands atop a 3 piece white m...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Italian Bust of Caesar in Plaster and Fiberglass, around 1960
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful Italian Bust of Caesar in Plaster and Fiberglass was made around 1960 and would be a great Statement piece for your interior.
A unique piece which is a great eye-catch...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Fiberglass, Plaster
Grand Tour plaquette of Caesar
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Plaquette of Ceasar as a Grand Tour souvenir. The head is in Sienna marble on a base of slate stone. Inscription all around.
Category
1850s Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Siena Marble, Slate
20th Century Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius Marble Bronze Roman Busts
Located in Houston, TX
20th Century Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius bronze and marble Roman busts.
Category
20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
A grand tour bronze figure of Mercury ( Hermes ) on a marble collum
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
A bronze on a marble column after Giovanni Bologna, depicting the Roman god Mercury messenger of the gods flying through the air raised on a path of air made by the mouth of a cherub...
Category
1850s French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Pietro Bazzanti 19th Century Italian Carrara Marble Bust of Roman Woman
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Pietro Bazzanti 19th Century Italian Carrara Marble Bust of Roman Woman
Dimensions : 31" Tall X 24" Wide X 10" Deep
This gorgeous marble bust was made by Pietro Bazzanti (1842-1881...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble
Mid Century Cast Limestone Sculpture Bust Of A Roman Emperor Possibly Caesar
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous cast limestone sculpture bust of a Roman dignitary, possibly Caesar or Augustus. Great detailed casting of stone with an angled pose in typical Roman garb. Fantastic hair! P...
Category
1920s American Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Cast Stone, Limestone
Vintage English Caracalla Bust With Associated Plinth
Located in Calgary, Alberta
An English vintage bust after the 3rd Century Roman Emperor Caracalla atop a classical iconic fluted column. Lovely patina.
Wonderful patina
Category
20th Century British Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Cast Stone
Vintage Plaster Composite Bust of Marcus Cicero
Located in Troy, MI
Found in England, this vintage plaster composite bust of Marcus Cicero dates from the 1980s. Classic Roman bust is a timeless piece. Unknown maker. Very good vintage condition.
Category
1980s English Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
Italian Glazed Ceramic Bust of a Classical Roman by Santa Monica
By Santa Monica
Located in Houston, TX
Italian glazed ceramic bust of a Classical Roman by Santa Monica.
Italian ceramic bust of a Classical Roman with unusual iridescent glaze, marked Santa M...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Stacked Gemstone Sculptural Pyramids - a Pair
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a stunning pyramid sculpture set, circa the 1970s. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each facet is carefully carved and polished to perfectio...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Marble
Bust Julius Caesar carved on white and cipolin marble -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, emperor bust, Caesar bust, Julius Caesar bust, ancient Roman bust, Roman art, classical art, Greek art, bust, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, ancient sculpture,...
Category
1990s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Horse head walking -fragment- white marble from carrara -made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, horse sculpture, marble horse, carrara marble sculpture, sculpture made in Italy.
Sculpture of a fragment of an incedent horse in the march
Resting on a basalt and iron b...
Category
1990s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Important Roman "Torso"in Carrara Marble early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Important Roman "Torso" in Carrara marble
early 20th Century
Carrara marble
Torso h: 32cm. 24cm x 16cm
Base: 20cm x 20cm h: 20cm ( modern base )
H.total: 62cm
30kg
Excellent condi...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble
Decorative Ceramic Bowl, Alexandre Kostanda, France c. 1948
Located in St Ouen, FR
Massive bowl with polychrome glazes and antique decoration.
Born to Russian parents Alexandre Kostanda very quickly tried his hand at ceramics when his parents settled in Vallauris ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Bronze sculpture Marcus Aurelius
Located in Rome, IT
Description
Bronze sculpture Marcus Aurelius. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, INFORMATION OF THE LOT AND SHIPPING INFORMATION CAN BE REQUEST BY SENDING AN EMAIL.
Indicative shipping costs in Ital...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Mid century vintage hand-painted Italian pottery urn with lid.
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid century vintage hand painted pottery urn with lid. This hand painted classical Italian urn has beautiful tones of chocolate brown, Amber and cream. This urn with lid wa...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Pottery
Ancient Classical Style Antique Iridescent Glass Bottle
Located in New York, NY
Lucite base holder, Measures. 3.4" x 4.2" x 1.8"L.
Category
Mid-18th Century Unknown Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Antique Italian Pompeii Grand Tour Bronze Statue Narcissus Michele Amodio 1862
By Michele Amodio
Located in Portland, OR
Antique bronze statue of Narcissus by Michele Amodio (1817-1913) Italy, 1862.
Amodio was an Italian artist and foundry owner active in the mid to late 19th century. This Neapolitan ...
Category
1860s Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Coppia di busti in Ceramica chiara- G. Cesare e Adriano imperatori-made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Giulio Cesare, Adriano busto, Scultura, busto imperatore, Busto Giulio Cesare, busto imperatore Augusto, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, busto cre...
Category
Early 2000s European Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-century vintage plaster figural wall sculpture
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid century vintage plaster figural wall sculpture. This wall sculpture is made of plaster with a venetian finish the surface of the p...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
A fine pair of 19th c Classical bronzes by Henry Bonnard Bronze Co 1889
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine and rare pair of 19th century Classical Roman bronze heads of Ajax and Minerva. Done by famed American company Henry Bonnard Bronze Co . This company was started by two Frenc...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
1960s Cenedese Attributable White Scavo Murano Glass Big Amphora Vase
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This vase is a valuable and sought-after piece among collectors of Murano glass. Cenedese is a well-known and respected glassmaker in Murano, Italy, famous for its high-quality glass...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Busto di faraone egizio, (memento- vanitas ) scolpito su marmo bianco di Carrara
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura, Vanitas, memento, busto egiziano, busto antico, busto faraone, egizio vanitas , arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara, scultura classica, scul...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Vase made of marble Breccia Princess h 60 cm with lid
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Vase, Urn , Medicean Vase , Marble Urn , Furnishing Vase, Chalice , cup, Classic Vase, Roman Vase, Cinerary Urn.
Lathe-turned Breccia Marble Princess vase complete with lid and drill...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
19th Century Framed Relief Sculpture, Inspired by the style of Clodion
Located in NICE, FR
This large plaster relief was inspired by Claude Michel Clodion's fresco and was crafted in the workshops of the Louvre Museum in Paris in the lat...
Category
19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Plaster
Torso maschile classico in marmo bianco di Carrara
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura, Torso maschile, arte classica, arte greca, Torso, marmo bianco Carrara, scultura classica, torso antico
Torso maschile scolpito su bellissimo marmo bianco di Carrara, model...
Category
1990s European Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Vintage Souvenir Roman Sun Dial 200 AD Fan Shaped Lions Head Made in Italy 12"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid 20th century sounvenir reproduction of an ancient Roman sun dial. Fan shaped metal dial plate, decoratively aged, with etched / gilded rays and Roman numerals indicating the hour...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Busto di Ottaviano Augusto in breccia pernice e marmo bianco Carrara -made Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Augusto, Ottaviano Augusto busto, Scultura, busto imperatore, Busto Ottaviano, busto Augusto, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Busto di Antonino Pio in marmo giallo Siena e marmo bianco Carrara -made Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Antonino Pio, Antonino Pio busto, Scultura, busto imperatore, Busto Antonino, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara, scultura , bus...
Category
Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Classic antique style cup -turned in white Carrara marble -made Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Marble bowl, antique classical bowl, sculpture, marble, marble furniture, marble fruit bowl, white marble bowl, Carrara marble bowl, classical bowl.
Classical-style cup hand-turned o...
Category
1990s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble
Male Roman Style Carrara Marble Bust
Located in Southall, GB
A stunning marble decorative male bust on a attractive marble plinth base. Skilled craftsmanship is evident in the hand carved features and garments. A imposing piece that would look...
Category
Late 20th Century European Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble
Roman Style Marble Torso On A Black Marble Base
Located in Southall, GB
A handsomely carved male marble torso on a black marble base. The carving is detailed and realistic, clearly depicting the contours and muscles. The marble...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble
Two Colour Marble Male Roman Style Bust On Black Marble Stand
Located in Southall, GB
A highly decorative two colour marble Roman style bust on a black marble stand. Skilfully carved with clear features, detailing the ruffled hair and beard together with the smooth dr...
Category
Late 20th Century European Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Roman Relief "Warrior" late 19th Century in Carrara Marble With Video
Located in Madrid, ES
Roman Relief "Warrior" late 19th Century in Carrara Marble
Italy
45cm x 19cm
good condition for the time
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Carrara Marble
Bust of Egyptian pharaoh carved on white Carrara marble
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, Egyptian bust, ancient bust, pharaoh bust, Roman art, classical art, Greek art, bust, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, ancient sculpture, ancient bust, made in I...
Category
Early 2000s European Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Small Antique 1900s Solid Brass Apothecary Mortars and Pestles - Set of 2
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 2 very cool heavy brass (?) antique mortar and pestles. Actually one may be brass and one copper, judging from the green aging tinge inside. They are not a matched set but ver...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
An 18th century or earlier statuary marble head of Venus
Located in London, GB
A large 18th century or earlier statuary marble head of Venus, goddess of Love. Life-size and beautifully carved with superb detail to her hair & face. Probably Italian and an early ...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Marble Bust of The Roman God Janus
Located in Southall, GB
A detailed and beautifully carved marble bust of the Roman God Janus. The God of beginnings, endings, time, duality and boundaries, the openings of doorways, gates and passages. The two faces portray this duality. They are both expressively carved with different detail to the curled horns. The features are clearly carved in a expression of contemplation framed...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Large Pair of Hand-Carved Medici Style Marble Urns
Located in Southall, GB
A highly decorative and imposing pair of marble hand-carved urns. Depicting a classical scene including dogs and winged figures which make up the middle section of the urn, with exqu...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
European Life Size Cast Iron Garden Statue of the Goddess Aphrodite
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Very Fine European Life Size Cast Iron Garden Statue of the Goddess Aphrodite modeled after the Aphrodite Napels Frejus now at the Louvre Mus...
Category
1850s French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Iron
Roman Bust With Helmet
Located in Southall, GB
Exquisitely detailed carving of a Roman Bust with Helmet. The Males features are intricately carved with attention given to the shape of the nose and furrowed brow as he prepares to ...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Grande Busto Caracalla scolpito su bellissimo marmo bianco (made in italy)
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura, busto imperatore, busto Caracalla, busto marmo, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara, scultur...
Category
1990s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Roman Style Marble Head
Located in Southall, GB
A richly weathered marble Roman style head with skilfully carved features and full lips. The piece would have been part of a larger statue or carving. The marble has a lovely warm pa...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Roman Glass Urn
Located in Newport Beach, CA
A Roman glass, Grand Tour style handled urn. Late 19th/early 20th century.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
18th Century Roman Stone Hand-Carved Classical Warrior
Located in West Hollywood, CA
18th Century Classical Warrior Mounted Bust
Hand-Carved Out of Solid Roman Stone
Sourced from Rome, Italy by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
Category
18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Italian Scavo art glass vase, 1970s
Located in HEILOO, NL
A handmade Murano art vase from Italy, 1970s/80s.
Possibly by Gambaro & Poggi, Murano.
The vase is made of green and blue glass, matte and rough on the outside and smooth on the in...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Murano Glass
Julius Caesar bust in white Carrara marble
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Scultura, busto imperatore, busto Cesare, busto Giulio Cesare, busto romano antico, arte romana, arte classica, arte greca, busto, marmo bianco Carrara, scultura classica, marco Aure...
Category
1990s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Vintage Italian Brown Leather Bound Gold Gilt Half Round Bookends
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Italian Brown Leather Bound Gold Gilt Half Round Bookends. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 6" H x 4" W x 2.75" D each.
Category
Mid-20th Century Classical Roman Decorative Objects
Materials
Leather
Classical Roman decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, building and garden elements, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, LAGU, F. Barbedienne Foundry, and Bottega Vignoli. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $60 and tops out at $150,000 while the average work can sell for $2,800.
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