Bartholdi Lion
Antique 1880s French Greek Revival Vases
Silver
People Also Browsed
20th Century Sterling Silver
Stainless Steel
Antique 19th Century European Neoclassical Vases
Malachite, Ormolu
Antique 1850s German Rococo Porcelain
Porcelain
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Bronze
Antique 19th Century Unknown Rococo Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique 1880s French Louis XVI Centerpieces
Crystal, Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Animal Sculptures
Bronze
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Club Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
Antique 1850s French Louis XIV Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Antique 1870s German Figurative Sculptures
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century French Louis XIV Linen Presses
Bronze
Antique 1830s English William IV Platters and Serveware
Sterling Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Other Antiquities
Pottery
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Center Tables
Wood
Antique 1770s French Louis XVI Vases
Agate, Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures
Marble, Carrara Marble
Finding the Right vases for You
Whether it’s a Chinese Han dynasty glazed ceramic wine vessel, a work of Murano glass or a hand-painted Scandinavian modern stoneware piece, a fine vase brings a piece of history into your space as much as it adds a sophisticated dynamic.
Like sculptures or paintings, antique and vintage vases are considered works of fine art. Once offered as tributes to ancient rulers, vases continue to be gifted to heads of state today. Over time, decorative porcelain vases have become family heirlooms to be displayed prominently in our homes — loved pieces treasured from generation to generation.
The functional value of vases is well known. They were traditionally utilized as vessels for carrying dry goods or liquids, so some have handles and feature an opening at the top (where they flare back out). While artists have explored wildly sculptural alternatives over time, the most conventional vase shape is characterized by a bulbous base and a body with shoulders where the form curves inward.
Owing to their intrinsic functionality, vases are quite possibly versatile in ways few other art forms can match. They’re typically taller than they are wide. Some have a neck that offers height and is ideal for the stems of cut flowers. To pair with your mid-century modern decor, the right vase will be an elegant receptacle for leafy snake plants on your teak dining table, or, in the case of welcoming guests on your doorstep, a large ceramic floor vase for long tree branches or sticks — perhaps one crafted in the Art Nouveau style — works wonders.
Interior designers include vases of every type, size and style in their projects — be the canvas indoors or outdoors — often introducing a splash of color and a range of textures to an entryway or merely calling attention to nature’s asymmetries by bringing more organically shaped decorative objects into a home.
On 1stDibs, you can browse our collection of vases by material, including ceramic, glass, porcelain and more. Sizes range from tiny bud vases to massive statement pieces and every size in between.