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Rococo Musical Instruments

ROCOCO STYLE

Rococo was an aesthetic movement in the fine and decorative arts in the 18th century that found its inspiration in nature and fostered an overall lightness and delicacy of form, construction and ornament in interior design. Rococo furniture, while greatly influenced by trends in Italy and Germany, is often called Louis XV style — the movement having reached its best expression during that sybaritic French king’s reign.

The term “rococo” is thought to be a portmanteau of the French words rocaille and coquilles — “rock” and “shells” — organic motifs frequently used in architecture and design of the style.

When it comes to authentic Rococo furniture's characteristics, it is above all sensuous and social. The furniture of earlier eras in Europe had been heavy in every sense; the Rococo period saw the appearance of light-framed upholstered armchairs, side chairs and occasional tables that could easily be moved to form conversational circles.

The signal detail of Rococo furniture design is the gently curved cabriole, or S-shaped chair-, table-, and cabinet-leg. It imitates the bend of a tree limb or a flower stem. In a further reference to nature, furnishings were often asymmetrical and painted white, or in soft, pastel shades. Rococo has become a timeless style, and as the furniture pieces presented on 1stDibs demonstrate, its playful, sculptural forms can provide visual excitement to contemporary, clean-lined spaces.

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Style: Rococo
Francke Upright Piano Rococo Style Carved Mahogany High Relief Scroll Legs
Located in Leeds, GB
Francke upright piano with a mahogany case. Entire cabinet features Rococo style, ornate carvings in high relief. The carved, front panel features a central lyre surrounded by flowers, foliage and acanthus. The piano fall has carved latticework and a central plaque carved with flowers and acanthus. Sitting on top of the cabinet is asymmetrical arcading ornately carved with rocailles, flowers, foliage and acanthus. The brass piano pedals feature acanthus scrolls. The intricately, carved piano...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Rococo Musical Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Rococo Style Steinway Centennial Concert Grand Carved Rosewood
Located in Leeds, GB
Rococo style, 1874, Steinway & Sons Centennial concert grand piano with a rosewood case, filigree music desk and ornately carved, reverse scroll legs. Piano is rebuilt. The piano cheek features a carved, Classical meander and acanthus in high relief. The two-pedal piano lyre features carved inverted fish, c-scrolls and a central cartouche. The music desk in an openwork arabesque design and a central lyre motif. A sinuous wave pattern double moulding surrounds the cabinet base. At the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there were several manufacturer's competitions, including a piano competition. The Steinway company sent two grand pianos displaying their latest developments, demonstrating the firm's innovative and markedly improved piano quality. Their determined pursuit of quality was rewarded at the world exhibition with a gold medal. Steinway won the competition against several established, well-known American piano makers, including Chickering and Sons and Weber. This Steinway concert grand...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Rococo Musical Instruments

Materials

Rosewood

Rococo Style Steinway Model B Grand Piano Hand-Painted Scenes Fete Galante
Located in Leeds, GB
Rococo Style, 1904, Steinway Model B grand piano. Music desk is in a cut-out latticework design with a central lyre motif decorated with draping swag...
Category

Early 20th Century German Rococo Musical Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paint

Rococo Style Heavy White Metal Call Bell
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a bronze color heavy white metal call bell with a stand and a small bell stick. The bell is adorned with some repousse bay leaves branches. It hangs fro...
Category

20th Century Unknown Rococo Musical Instruments

Materials

Metal

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PH Upright Piano, Cognac Color Leather with Chrome, Modern, Sculptural
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2010s Danish Rococo Musical Instruments

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Geneva music box with bells
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Antique 1915 Mahogany Chicago Cable Company Carolina Inner Player Upright Piano
Located in Dayton, OH
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1910s Vintage Rococo Musical Instruments

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Erard Parallel-Strung Grand Piano, Paris, 1845
Located in Littleton, CO
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Mid-19th Century French Antique Rococo Musical Instruments

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Wall mounted bell
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Category

Early 20th Century English Rococo Musical Instruments

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Wall mounted bell
Wall mounted bell
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Rococo musical instruments for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Rococo musical instruments for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage musical instruments created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, mahogany and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Rococo musical instruments made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Unknown pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 musical instruments differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $375 and tops out at $159,194 while the average work can sell for $87,416.

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