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Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

NEOCLASSICAL STYLE

Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.

Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.

The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.

Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.

Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.

As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.

Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.

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Style: Neoclassical
Large 18th Century French Tole Urn
Located in Hudson, NY
This large decorative tole urn was made in France, circa 1780 . The elongated form is topped with a cascading series of icicle shapes that again appear at th...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Tôle

Antique Copy of an Askos, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Small bronze vessel of the 19th century in the shape of an antique Askos with resting rams on the broad opening and an ear-shaped handle, decorated with leaves. The shape of the body...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Spanish Ceramic Floral Urn with Two Handles and Carved Wood Base
Located in Miami, FL
19th Spanish ceramic floral urn with two handles and carved wood base Enameled and gilded vase ceramic Peyró Antonio Valencia, circa 1950 signed and stamped "Porcelain Peyró". Bas...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Italian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Signed, Christopher Eberhardt, Circa 1830
Located in Hollywood, SC
Italian bronze mortar and pestle. Christopher Eberhardt, Anno J667 Grabavw, Early 19th Century. Measures: 7.25" diameter at top, 5.75" diamete...
Category

1830s Italian Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Antique Italian Serpentine Marble Vases
Located in London, GB
These vases are wonderfully built from a rich, green 'serpentine' marble, so called because of the similarity of its surface coloring and texture to the skin of a snake. Their large ...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Marble, Serpentine

Pair of Neoclassical Italian Lidded Urns
Located in Pembroke, MA
Pair of elegant 19th century Italian porcelain lidded urns with hand-painted scenes and gilded details. One side of the urns features a neoclassical scene, and the reverse side featu...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of 19th Century Neoclassical Granite Urns
Located in Palm Springs, CA
18th-19th century, each urn formed from a solid block of reddish, grey and black stone and of typical lidded form, granite, 24 in., generally good condition, scattered minor base chi...
Category

19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stone

19th Century Neoclassical Urns
Located in Vosselaar, BE
Lovely pair of 19th century bronze urns on a original marble base. The vegetal motives, meanders and lobbed moulding are typical of the Classic revival period. Beautiful detail are t...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

George III Silver Lusterware Vase
Located in New York, NY
This elegant vase of attenuated proportions was given an unusual silver-luster glaze, and embellished with two medallions on a military theme. One depicts a young soldier with a swor...
Category

1790s English Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Neoclassical Pair of Russian Red Jasper and Russian Kalgar Jasper Oval Tazzas
Located in New York, NY
Remarkable pair of Russian neoclassical period red jasper and Russian Kalgar jasper oval shaped tazzas. These beautiful hand-carved oval shaped Russian red jasper tazzas are seated o...
Category

Early 19th Century Russian Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Agate

Monumental French Bronze Neoclassical Figural Vase
Located in New York, NY
Monumental French patinated bronze neoclassical style figural two handle vase.
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

Fine Large 19th Century Fruit Encrusted Schneehallen Vase
Located in London, GB
A continental porcelain vase, entirely encrusted with various fruits and flowers on a white and heavily gilded background.
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Classical Style Italian Green Marble Ewer Vase with Pedestal
Located in London, GB
Classical style Italian green marble ewer vase with pedestal Italian, 19th Century Height 114cm, width 38cm, depth 37cm This decorative Italian ewer has b...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Marble

Antique Neoclassical, Empire Period, Berlin-KPM Gold Ground Campana Vase
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally rare and quite exquisite antique Neoclassical Berlin (KPM) manufactory gold ground Campana shaped two handled vase. The continuous pattern...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Bronze Urn on Marble Pedestal
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A fine pair of early to mid-19th century Campana shaped patinated bronze urns on Sienna marble pedestals. The bronzes are of good quality with f...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Siena Marble, Bronze

Wedgwood Black and Gilt Basalt Covered Potpourri Vase, circa 1870
Located in New York, NY
A wedgwood black and gilt basalt covered Potpourri vase, circa 1870.
Category

1870s English Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Neoclassical Bronze and Ebonized Tazza with Gold Gilt Medallion
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
19th century neoclassical style bronze and ebonized tazz with gold gilt medallion.
Category

19th Century Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze and Champleve Enamel Urns
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze and Champleve Enamel Urns
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Ornate English Porcelain Vase in Shape of Archaic Oil Lamp Vessel
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This ornate porcelain vase is in the shape of an archaic oil lamp. It has double heads and double spouts.
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Italian Neoclassic Carved and Painted Urns
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian Neo-classic (18th Cent) cream painted and gilt trimmed carved urns/finials with gilt flame top and open design side arms (PRICED AS Pair)
Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Pair of 19th Century French Neoclassical Patinated and Gilt Bronze Ewers
Located in New York, NY
Patinated and gilt bronze mounted ewers with eagle head handles, resting on a base decorated with wreath of flowers and burners with flames, France, early 19th century. Measures: H...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Italian Bronze Figural & Grapevine Cachepots, Circa 1830
Located in Hollywood, SC
Pair of Italian bronze figural cachepots with decorative grapevines, fruit trees, floral swags and gadrooning motif, Early 19th Century. Cachepot...
Category

1830s Italian Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

Large White Italian Neoclassical Vase
Located in New York, NY
Large white Italian neoclassical vase. White earthenware vase after the antique. Italy, late 18th century Dimension: 10.75" diameter top x 12....
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Earthenware

Box Tobacco Swedish, 19th Century Stone Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A tobacco box made during the 18th-19th century in Sweden. From gray lime stone in a temple shape. Neoclassical.   
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stone

Pair Large Antique English Porcelain Vases Made circa 1810
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair are outstanding Regency period vases! The vases function as ice pails with liners to hold ice or, if you like, flowers. Made by Spode circa 1810, they are large, lavishly ...
Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Italian 19th Century Ginori Glazed and Parcel Gilt Porcelain Armorial Vase
Located in Firenze, IT
This truly exceptional and rare antique early 19th century Ginori two handles hand-painted porcelain vase is inspired by those that the Medici, Florence's ruling family during the Renaissance, used to put in their homes, gardens and courtyards. The white porcelain background is richly decorated in the round with royal blue and 24-karat parcel-gilt details throughout. A large, completely gilded band decorates the upper and lower part of the vase that features two white and gold fluted handles each with two gold men’s masks finals that join the body of the vase. Two multicolored hand painted coats of arms of a noble Italian family featuring an armor with red, rose, green and yellow feathers and a rampant lion are painted at the very centre among the gold painted foliage both framed by an oval gilt band. The gilding on this stunning neoclassical centrepiece...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Rare 19th Century Tucker and Hemphill American Porcelain Trumpet Vase, 1830s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine and rare early 19th century Tucker and Hemphill porcelain vase. The vase is decorated with a gilt shield device surrounded by leaf and branch and ribbon decoration. (Also, ...
Category

1830s American Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Neoclassical Style Wood Finials in the Form of Urns
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A stylish pair of neoclassical style parcel-gilt and parcel-ebonized wood finials in the form of urns. Each comprises of a carved leaf tip bank above a circular socle resting on a sq...
Category

19th Century Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Giltwood

Italian Neoclassical Silver Vase
Located in New York, NY
Italian Neoclassical Silver Vase. Neapolitan sterling silver acanthus leaf-topped urn on fluted column pedestal with Italian sterling hallmarks, stamped N8, Italy, circa 1870. Dimens...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Sterling Silver

Giant Bishop Chess Piece Wooden
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Very nice giant Bishop chess piece. Made of several woods following a pattern. The top comes off, and it has something like an urn, maybe a secret hidden place. Chess is a two-pla...
Category

1910s Unknown Vintage Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Wood

Pair of Neoclassical Black and White Giustiniani Urns
Located in New York, NY
Pair of neoclassical black and white Giustiniani urns with contrasting foliate rims and scrolled handles on low plinths. Italy, circa 1780s. Dimensions: 7.75" H x 4.5" W handle to ha...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Very Fine Ormolu-Mounted Sèvres Style Porcelain Vase
Located in London, GB
The ovoid body painted with a figure of a maiden in embrace with a reluctant cupid, signed 'M. Demonceaux', the reverse with two putti at play, on circular foot and square base with ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Italian Neoclassical Style Pair of Rock Crystal and Bronze Tazzas
Located in Cypress, CA
Italian neoclassical style pair of hand-carved and hand polished rock crystal and gilt bronze tazzas, mid-20th century. Base measurement is 4.25 inches x 4.25 inches.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Rock Crystal, Bronze

20th Century Classicist Style Marble Crater Vase
Located in Berlin, DE
Monumental marble crater vase in classicist style. Natural marble in golden yellow. (U-Hai-8).
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Marble

Fine Large Pair of Antique Neoclassical, Campagna Shaped Bronze Urns or Lamp
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of antique neoclassical grand tour period, two-toned patinated and doré bronze, Campagna shaped two handled urns. Each beautifully resting on an original rouge marble pli...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Kolmard Marble Tazza
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish Kolmard marble classical form Tazza, Early 19th Century.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Pair of Large Neoclassical Green Granite and Gilt Bronze Urns
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of exceptional neoclassical campagna shaped green granite urns mounted with finely chased gilt bronze lions' heads and sitting on finely executed gi...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Granite, Bronze

Pair of Antique French Neoclassical Verde Antico Marble and Ormolu-Mounted Urns
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique French neoclassical or Empire Verde Antico marble and ormolu-mounted campagna-form urns. The base is decorated with two-toned ormolu matte and burnished 24-karat gold...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Monumental Pair of Neoclassical Period, Swedish Porphyry Campagna Shaped Vases
Located in New York, NY
A monumental pair of neoclassical period, Swedish Porphyry Campagna shaped vases, circa 1810. These magnificent handcrafted urns are carved from the uniquely Swedish Porphyry stone, rest on square plinths. Purchased from Didier Aaron in Paris by Michael Taylor. A vase of this shape based on the Borghese vase in the Louvre is shown in a French catalogue of 1805 advertising porphyry from Elfdal in Sweden (H. Sundblom et al., Porfyr, exhibition catalogue, December 1985-February 1986, p.31). A vase of the same shape and size in Blyberg porphyry...
Category

1810s Swedish Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porphyry

19th Century Bronze French Neoclassical Figural Lion Plant Stand - Vase Pedestal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Remarkable 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Plant Stand / Pedestal with Glass Vase Insert. This stunning piece features a highly decorated bronze fra...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

Magnificent Pair Royal Vienna Porcelain Covered Urns on Stands with Eagles
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent pair of 19th century royal Vienna covered urns on original stands with double eagle handles depicting neoclassical lovers and cu...
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Gold, Enamel

Pair of Nymphenburg Porcelain Amphora Vases, circa 1920
By Paul Troost 1, Alfred Hagel
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Paul Ludwig Troost (1878-1934) and Alfred Hagel (1885-1945). Illustrated in "Nymphenburger Porzellan: Sammlung Bauml", Alfred Ziffer, pg. 387.
Category

Mid-20th Century German Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Matched Pair 19th Century French Opal Vases w/ Green Enamel & Gilt Decoration
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This matched pair of handblown "Pate de Riz" white Opal vases are tall, elegant yet understated. The soft white body is decorated with hand-painted green and gold enamels in a neocla...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Blown Glass

Ercole Barovier Vase, Murano, Italy c. 1940s
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Ercole Barovier Vase Murano glass Iridato applied ribs Italy, c. 1940s Measurements: 6.5"H x 3.5"H
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Murano Glass

Antique KPM Royal Berlin Porcelain Neoclassical White Centerpiece Bowl on Stand
Located in Essex, MA
Stunning Antique KPM Royal Berlin porcelain neoclassical white and gilt centerpiece bowl on stand. Perfect for fruit display as a lovely plant...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage William Yeoward Jenkins Large Cut Crystal Footed Trophy Flower Vase 18"
Located in Dayton, OH
Large and impressive crystal vase from the Jenkins Collection by William Yeoward. Features a trophy urn / flower vase with cut coin dot patterns and ribbed accents over a tired foote...
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Crystal

'The Diana and Actaeon Vase', Meissen Circa 1865
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
The ‘Diana and Actaeon’ Vase A Large Meissen Porcelain Two Handled Vase, Painted By Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld (1794-1872). Model Number G.103. The body finely painted with a con...
Category

19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Lidded Cast Limestone Greek Key Urns from Southern Italy
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand-cast by truly skilled Southern Italian artisans, this pair of lidded limestone urns are in the Neoclassical style. Each urn is a testament to the artistry of hand casting, esche...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stone, Cast Stone, Cement, Limestone

Pair of Neoclassical Paris Porcelain Vases in Royal French Blue, Early 1800s
Located in Dallas, TX
This pair of Paris porcelain neoclassical style vases from the early 1800s have stunning details and rich coloration. Old Paris porcelain, or Vieux Paris, is the term given to the elaborate hard-paste porcelain products created in Paris from the mid-1700s through the late 1800s. Vieux Paris is a generic term, as there were more than 30 factories that produced porcelain during this period. Sometimes these factories would sell “blank”, unpainted pieces to outside artisans, so it is quite possible to see identically shaped pieces with different paint styles. Because of this, a fair majority of Vieux Paris is unattributed – meaning there are typically no production marks. The trumpet necks of these vases are a lustrous gilded porcelain, flanked on two sides by bright white stylized sphinx busts with acanthus leaf headpieces. The slightly obovate bodies are painted in a matte azure color. This color, known as “Bleu de France”, has been a staple of the heraldry of the French monarchy since the 12th century. The body of each vase is where most of the minute details can be found. Situated on either side and slightly below the base of the sphinxes are gilt cherubs. Each vase has its own unique set of cherubs, depicting different activities. One vase has a cherub with butterfly on a string, while the one on the opposite side is holding a pair of trumpets. The other vase has a cherub flying with a wreath, while the one on the opposite side is holding a pair of torches. Even though the figures are very small in stature, you can still see the details of their faces. Beneath the cherubs are large bisque...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Marble

Pair of Neoclassical Paris Porcelain Two-Handled Oviform Vases
Located in London, GB
A pair of neoclassical Paris porcelain two-handled oviform vases French, 19th century Measures: Height 34.5cm, width 14cm, depth 11cm This excellent pair of porcelain vases were...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Marble

Classical Solid Onyx Vase
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A classic a style solid onyx vase. Substantial in size and weight. Hand turned and polished to a gloss finish. Rich color variations from greens to creams and browns.
Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Onyx

Pair of Rock Crystal Urns with Gold Finials
Located in Cypress, CA
Magnificent pair of Neo-classical style hand-carved and hand-polished rock crystal covered vases. Crowned with ormolu pineapple finials. The largest we have ever seen in our 40 year...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Rock Crystal, Ormolu

Pair of Carved Rock Crystal Vases
Located in Cypress, CA
Unique large pair of neoclassical style hand carved and hand-polished rock crystal vases. The inside of the vases were masterfully carved out. Measures: H. 14" x D. 7".
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Rock Crystal

Wedgwood Light Blue Flower Vases, Set of 2
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of two Wedgwood light blue flower vases. Overall neoclassical motif. Stamped on the underside. Each vase varies slightly.
Category

1970s British Vintage Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Pottery

Wedgwood Dark Blue Bell Shaped Jasperware Biscuit Barrel
Located in Stamford, CT
Wedgwood dark blue bell shaped jasperware biscuit barrel overall neoclassical motif with a silver plated lid and handle. Stamped Wedgwood on the und...
Category

1930s English Vintage Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Silver Plate

Pair of Wedgwood Dark Blue and White Vases
Located in Stamford, CT
Pair of Wedgwood dark blue and white jasperware vases. Insides of vases have a shiny glazed finish. 6” tall x 5.5” across top x 4.5” across bottom. ...
Category

1930s British Vintage Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Pottery

Encaustic Painted Basalt Oenochoe, Wedgwood, circa 1800
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Currently on loan to The David Roche Foundation for their exhibition "Josiah Wedgwood - Master Potter to the Universe". A fabulous oenochoe (Greek wine jug) in black basalt, with en...
Category

1790s English Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stoneware

19th Century French Blue Jasperware Two-Piece Bulb Pot
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique 19th century French blue and white jasperware two-piece bulb pot. Removable lid with holes. Medium blue Jasperware with all over neoclassical detailin...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Vases and Vessels

Materials

Pottery

Neoclassical vases and vessels for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical vases and vessels 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 vases and vessels created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical vases and vessels made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original vases and vessels, popular names associated with this style include Wedgwood, Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, Ferdinand Barbedienne, and Meissen Porcelain. 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 vases and vessels differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $90 and tops out at $805,222 while the average work can sell for $3,487.

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