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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
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

Porcelain Figurine of a Couple Playing Chess, Germany, Hand Painted
Located in Lantau, HK
A 19th century porcelain figurine of a couple paying chess, the gentleman kissing the lady’s hand. Marked in under-glaze blue of a...
Category

19th Century German Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

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

21st Century Studio Irvine Betti Concrete Stool in Fir Green 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

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

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

Torso of Emperor in the antique roman style
Located in Madrid, ES
Torso with Roman cuirass made of moulded and carved limestone, following models of classical Rome. It is solid stone. It is part of a series of 8 copies distributed exclusively by o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Cast Stone

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

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

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

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 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

Octavian Augustus bust in clear handmade ceramic made in Italy
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Augustus, Octavian Augustus bust, Sculpture, emperor bust, Octavian bust, Augustus bust, ancient Roman bust, Roman art, classical art, Greek art, bust, refractory clay bust, sculptur...
Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

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

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

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

Antique Italian Pompeii Grand Tour Bronze Statue Narcissus Michele Amodio 1862
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Italian Antique Stone Cast Bust of Marcus Aurelius Caracalla
Located in Encinitas, CA
This late 19th century carved stone bust made of "Grisaglia' in Italian, a mix of stone powder and lime stones, depicts Marcus Aurelius Caracalla, the roman emperor from 198 to 217 A...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete

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

Ancient Roman Intaglio from 1st-2nd Century AD Carved Carnelian Stone
Located in Chicago, IL
Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio. An intaglio is defined as a small Gemstone, generally semi-precious, that has been carved with images or inscriptions only on the face. This style of carving is the opposite of the cameo technique. The engraving of gemstones was a major luxury art form in the ancient world and an important one in some later periods. This particular Intaglio is Carnelian and dates from the second century AD and shows the head of a figure in profile. It is in very nice original condition and would be ideal for making into a ring. The word Intaglio comes from the Italian word intagliare, meaning “to engrave” or “cut into.” Intaglio describes the process in which an image is engraved into a stone, creating an image in the negative. When a stone carved in this way is pressed into hot wax...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Carnelian, Stone

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

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

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

White and Gilt Capodimonte Porcelain Urns with Lids and Putti Decoration
Located in Essex, MA
Pair of white and gilt hand painted Capodimonte classical urns with lids on a tapering square base. The urns have Classic scrolled handles and are decorated on the bodies with raised...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Beautiful Antique Bust of a Warrior in the Roman Style, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Beautiful antique bust of a warrior in the Roman style, 20th century. Antique-style nude male, bust in composite material, 20th century.     h: 82cm , w: 72cm, d: 46,5cm
Category

20th Century European Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Composition

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

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

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

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

Beautiful Bust of Venus, the Goddess of Love, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Beautiful bust of Venus, the Goddess of Love, 20th century. Sculpture of the bust of Venus, Roman Mythology, in composite material, 20th century.     h: 75cm , w: 38cm, d: 26cm
Category

20th Century French Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Composition

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

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

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

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

Roman Marble Trapezophorus circa 1st-2nd Century A.D
Located in Madrid, ES
A Roman marble trapezophorus in the Form of a Barbarian Dacian young figure. Circa 1st-2nd century A.D. Measure: height 24 1/4 inches (62 cm). Property from Mr. Radu Moldovan, Skokie, Illinois Provenance: B.C. Holland Gallery...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique 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

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

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

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

Centaur carved on white Carrara marble -made in italy -handmade
Located in Tarquinia, IT
Sculpture, marble centaur, Roman art, classical art, Greek art, bust, white Carrara marble, classical sculpture, ancient sculpture, ancient bust, made in Italy Centaur carved on whit...
Category

1990s Italian Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Carrara Marble

After the Antique, Grand Tour Bronze of Aristotle
Located in Montreal, QC
The philosopher in oratorical pose, with an urn of his writings at his feet. A 19th century casting, good crisp quality on marble base.
Category

1850s Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

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

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

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

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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