19th Century French Ebony and Boulle Bookcase/Vitrine
By François Linke
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A handsome bookcase or china cabinet made in France in the last half of the 19th century. The case
Wood
18th Century Boulle Marquetry Bookcase
Located in Paris, FR
Boulle marquetry bookcase, opening with two glass doors richly inlaid with scrolls and acanthus
Pewter
French Napoleon III Boulle Bibliotheque ‘Bookcase’
Located in Suffolk, GB
A mid-19th century superb quality French Napoleon III gilt bronze-mounted boulle marquetry
Wood
Napoleaon III Boulle Bookcase
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Montreal, QC
An exquisite bookcase done in the distinctive brass and tortoise shell inlay work inspired by Andre
Big Boulle Bookcase Vitrine Napoleon III, France, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Big dimension of this beautiful Boulle bookcase vitrine presenting 2 doors with a very elegant gilt
Brass, Bronze
Stunning Big Boulle Bookcase Vitrine Napoleon III, France, 1860
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Important big size Boulle Bookcase vitrine 2 doors deux Napoléon 3, with beautiful gilt bronze
Brass, Bronze
Antique Victorian Ebonised Boulle Bookcase Cabinet 1860
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning French antique Boulle bookcase / display cabinet, circa 1860 in date and in the
Sold
H 71.66 in W 44.89 in L 71.66 in
Napoleon III Sèvres Porcelain Versace Boulle Bookcase Vitrine, France 19th Cent
By Versace Home Collection, André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning Napoleon III Boulle Vitrine bookcase 2 doors with a beautiful Sèvres Porcelain plate in a
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 103.15 in W 102.37 in D 20.48 in
Castle Boulle Bookcase Vitrine Showcase Napoleon III, France 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Large castle Boulle Marquetry style Napoleon III impressive and important showcase or library with
Bronze
French Boulle Bookcase or Desk with Bronzed Marquetry
Located in Houston, TX
Boulle desk in rich color with bronze inlay. The upper structure is a bookcase having doors that
Wood
Napoleon III Boulle Vitrine Bookcase, France, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Napoleon III bookcase vitrine with two doors in Boulle Marquetry style in brass ball marquetry and
Brass, Bronze
Napoleon III Boulle Vitrine Bookcase Cabinet, France, 1865
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Rare bookcase Vitrine in Boulle style marquetry in brass nets with one door 1 door in marquetry
Brass, Bronze
Napoleon III Boulle Vitrine Bookcase, France, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Napoleon III vitrine bookcase in Boule style Marquetry with gorgeous ornamentations in gilded
Bronze
Sold
H 79.93 in W 39.38 in D 16.54 in
Rare Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry Cabinet Bookcase Cupboard Dresser, France
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Rare and very elegant tall size bookcase library or dishes, crystal dresser cupboard in two parts
Bronze, Brass
Sold
H 106.3 in W 102.37 in D 19.69 in
Napoleon III Rare Large Bookcase Cupboard in Boulle Marquetry, France
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Impressive, rare and large Napoleon III bookcase or cupboard with 4 doors in Boulle marquetry
Brass, Bronze
French Boulle Brass inlaid Napoleon III Ebonized Bookcase Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
Very Fine 19th century Boulle brass inlaid French bookcase in the Napoleon III style with ebonized
Brass, Bronze
Elegant Napoleon III Bookcase Vitrine Cabinet, France, 1875
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant Bibliotheque, showcase, bookcase vitrine cabinet in Napoleon III style. Blackened wood
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 72.84 in W 42.52 in D 15.36 in
Napoleon III Tall Impressive Boule Vitrine Bookcase Cabinet, France, 1860
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Napoleon III vitrine bookcase display cabinet in Boulle style marquetry opening with 2 doors
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 68.51 in W 68.51 in D 19.3 in
Black Bookcase Vitrine Napoleon III Boule Style, France, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Large Vitrine, bookcase, showcase 3 doors in Napoleon III Boule style large showcase or library
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 94.49 in W 71.66 in L 94.49 in
Large Black Vitrine Bookcase in Boule Style Napoleon III, France, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Very Large, impressive Boulle style black Vitrine Bookcase presenting 3 doors display case with
Bronze
Boulle Display Cabinet
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Boulle Display Cabinet Ebonized mahogany with ormulu mounts Circa 1860-1870
Bronze, Brass
Sold
H 108.27 in W 57.88 in D 22.45 in
Extremely Rare, Tall Impressive Boule Befort Jeune Bookcase Cabinet
By Befort Jeune, André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
bookcase in two pieces elegant and unique. In ebony veneer and Boulle style marquetry with brass inlays in
Bronze
Sold
H 108.27 in W 57.88 in D 22.45 in
Extremely Rare, Tall Impressive Boule Befort Jeune Bookcase Cabinet
By André-Charles Boulle, Befort Jeune
Located in Paris, FR
bookcase in two pieces elegant and unique. In ebony veneer and Boulle style marquetry with brass inlays in
Bronze
Sold
H 108.27 in W 57.88 in D 22.45 in
Extremely Rare, Tall Impressive Boule Befort Jeune Bookcase Cabinet
By Befort Jeune, André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
bookcase in two pieces elegant and unique. In ebony veneer and Boulle style marquetry with brass inlays in
Bronze
Sold
H 53.5 in W 35 in D 14 in
French Napoleon III Style Ebonized Ormolu Bookcase Display Cabinet, 20th Century
Located in Shippensburg, PA
boulle work bringing harmony between the case and the red silk finishing the inside of the cabinet
Brass, Bronze
Napoleon III Boulle Vitrine Bookcase, France, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful Napoleon III 2 glass doors Vitrine in Boulle style marquetry in brass nets in all facades
Carrara Marble, Brass, Bronze
Big Bookcase Vitrine Napoleon III Boulle style, France, 1870
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Big vitrine bookcase with 3 glass facades, 2 doors, Boulle style, Napoléon 3. Rich gorgeous Gilt
Brass, Bronze
Vitrine Bookcase in Boulle Marquetry Napoleon III, France, 1860
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful Vitrine Bookcase in Boulle style marquetry in brass and tortoise shell, with motifs of
Brass, Bronze
Mathieu Befort Jeune Napoleon III Showcase Vitrine, France, 1860
By André-Charles Boulle, Mathieu Béfort
Located in Paris, FR
Rare showcase vitrine bookcase by Befort Jeune. With 2 doors, Boulle style marquetry with brass
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 93.31 in W 74.81 in D 16.93 in
Impressive Huge Hercules Bookcase Vitrine Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry, France
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Impressive Hercules huge Bookcase vitrine Napoléon III with 3 doors in Boulle style Marquetry
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 53.15 in W 41.74 in D 18.51 in
Impressive Bacchus Vitrine Bookcase Boulle Marquetry, Napoleon III France, 1869
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Impressive and really rare 'à la Reine' Boulle Marquetry vitrine bookcase, one door, composed of
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 78.75 in W 39.38 in L 78.75 in
Rare Napoleon III Boulle Marquetry Vitrine Bookcase, France, 19th Century
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful Vitrine Bookcasei in Boulle style brass marquetry, interlaced patterns, foliage, scrolls
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 47.25 in W 38.19 in D 17.33 in
Napoleon III Rare Bookcase Cupboard Cabinet in Boulle Marquetry, France
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Rare Napoleon III Boulle vitrine showcase cupboard cabinet by Pretot with support height in red
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Pewter
Sold
H 78.75 in W 51.19 in D 15.75 in
Vitrine Bookcase Napoleon III Boulle 19th Century Black Glass Gilt Bronze
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Very elegant Large Boulle Showcase Or Library 2 Doors Napoleon III Period bookcase or display case
Bronze, Brass
Sold
H 74.41 in W 46.46 in D 16.15 in
Rare and Huge Vitrine Bookcase Boulle Style, Napoleon III, France, 1865
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Rare and huge vitrine bookcase 2 doors in ebony veneered marquetry in Boulle style in Brass filets
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 45.28 in W 36.62 in D 16.54 in
Vitrine Bookcase Napoleon III Boulle 19th Century Black Glass Gilt Bronze
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Very elegant Display Cabinet Or Bookcase 2 Doors in Boulle Marquetry style Napoleon III Rare two
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 63 in W 39.38 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Boulle Style Marquetry Napoleon III Vitrines Bookcases, France, 1855
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Napoleon III pair of vitrines bookshelves in Boulle style, each one has 2 front doors in beautiful
Brass, Bronze
Sold
H 74.02 in W 41.74 in D 15.75 in
Vitrine Bookcase Napoleon III Boulle 19th Century Brown Wood Glass Gilt Bronze
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful French Showcase Or bookcase with Two Doors in Napoleon III and Boulle style. Two-door
Bronze
Sold
H 86.62 in W 55.91 in D 18.12 in
Big Vitrine Bookcase "the Strength of Hercules' Napoleon III, France, 1870
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Imposing big size vitrine bookcase with 2 glasses doors, in blackened fruitwood with a rich gilt
Bronze
Boulle Secretaire Bookcase Cabinet
Located in London, GB
This magnificent and superb quality Boulle secretaire bookcase cabinet feature heavily detailed and
Brass
Napoleon III Boulle Music Style Vitrine Bookcase, France, 1860
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Paris, FR
Vitrine bookcase in Boulle Marquetry, Napoleon III style. With its two doors in Boulle Marquetry
Bronze
19th Century French Boulle Bookcase
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Vancouver, BC
A fine mid 19th century French Boulle bookcase of nice proportion; two partially glazed doors open
Brass
Small Showcase in Boulle Marquetry, Period 18th Century
Located in Manduel, FR
Small showcase in Boulle marquetry. Period 18th century. Perfect condition Furniture with
Brass
French Napoleon III Boulle Style Secretaire Bookcase
Located in Natchez, MS
French Napoleon III Boulle style secretaire bookcase with a "butlers secretary drawer" and glazed
Sold
H 70.87 in W 34.65 in D 23.63 in
Wonderful Bookcase Desk Richly Bronzed in Brass Marquetry Napoleon 3 Period 19th
Located in Manduel, FR
Bookcase desk in brass marquetry. Period Napoléon III -Perfect condition. Incredible golden
Brass
French Cabinet “Bibus”
Located in Austin, TX
French cabinet ”Bibus” made of mahogany and finished with a Museum quality French polish. Featuring adjustable shelves and gilt brass trims throughout and “Toupies” legs. A stunning ...
Marble, Brass
$2,995
H 50.38 in W 29 in D 11.25 in
Grange French Regency Louis XVI Cherry Wood Bookcase or Display Cabinet
By Grange
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Regency Louis XVI style display cabinet or bookcase By Grange France, Circa Late 20th Century Solid cherry wood, with brass hardware. Cabinet locks, and key ...
Brass
$6,800
H 30 in W 25 in D 2 in
Artist Unknown Early 19th Century Portrait of Robert Burns Oil on Canvas
Located in Buchanan, MI
Artist unknown (19th century) Portrait of Robert Burns Oil on canvas Measures: 29 3/4 x 24 5/8 inches. Handsome and in very good conditions.
Giltwood
$1,500Sale Price|33% Off
H 31.5 in W 80.5 in D 38.5 in
Bromwell Custom, Down-Filled Day Bed with Pillows
Located in Bronx, NY
A Bromwell custom, down-filled daybed with pillows. It features lightly padded wraparound supports, a removable button-tufted cushion and block feet. The piece is covered with suede-...
Fabric
Mango Quartz From Colombia
Located in New York, NY
Out of a newer pocket in Colombia and sometimes known as naturally-occurring Mango Quartz, Quartz with fibrous Halloysite inclusions is prized by collectors for its often vibrant ora...
Quartz
Large Italian Clam Shell
Located in New York, NY
Large Italian clam shell. Large sculptural shell in Scagliola with natural patina, Italy, early 20th century. Dimensions: 32" W x 20" D x 9.5" H.
Scagliola
$1,214
H 27.96 in W 19.69 in D 0.79 in
Oval shaped carved gilded Baroque mirror with beveled glass, Belgium
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1960 / Mirror / wood / Baroque / Mid-century / Vintage Traditionally carved and gilded baroque style oval wall mirror. Richly decorated with rows of motifs in the frame an...
Mirror, Wood
Murano Glass Chandelier in Opaline and Gold, circa 1950s
Located in Villaverla, IT
Exquisite Murano Glass Chandelier in Opaline and Gold, circa 1950s This enchanting Murano glass chandelier, crafted in the 1950s, is a testament to the unparalleled artistry of Venet...
Gold Leaf
$11,500Sale Price|31% Off
H 87 in W 50 in D 15 in
French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Bookcase Bibliotheque
Located in Pembroke, MA
French Louis XVI style mahogany bookcase (or bibliotheque) with brass trim. The door panels are inset with contrasting "plum pudding" mahogany. The doors have indented corners with b...
Brass
$2,684 / set
H 18.12 in W 9.85 in D 6.3 in
19th Century Empire Amphora Vases in Gilded Porcelain with Handles of Swans
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
We present this fantastic pair of porcelain amphora vases, Empire period, first half of the 19th century. The two vases are characterized by a rich decoration. The attention is certa...
Porcelain
Swedish Late 19th Century Empire Style Mahogany Stool
Located in Skanninge, SE
A very stylish and elegant 19th century model. Newly upholstered in cream white/yellow fabric. The mahogany frame is in a good unrestored condition. This stool/banquette is free stan...
Bronze
Custom Build Painted Open Library Bookcase
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Custom made painted open library bookcase/shop fitting. Dimensions 134 inches (340 cms) wide 14 inches (36 cms) deep 103 inches (262 cms) high.
Pine
Renaissance Style Vitrine Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Renaissance style vitrine cabinet is a stunningly beautiful masterpiece in white oak with superb carvings and detail. Note the fourteen carved figures, lion's heads and other su...
Oak
Period Regency Rosewood Work Table
Located in Hudson, NY
This fine work table made in England, circa 1810 is of an unusual sculptural form and relates to the work of George Smith one of the periods most influential designers. Made of a sar...
Rosewood
Neo Renaissance Vitrine
Located in Pompano Beach, FL
A Neo Renaissance Vitrine manufactured within the southeast of old Austro-Hungarian monarch, Baron Bethelen Castle. Private estate Beclean-Romania. Restored & repolished. Part of ...
Arthur Wardle, 'Midday rest'
By Arthur Wardle
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality watercolour signed Arthur Wardle, of a tiger in the bush. Entitled; 'Midday rest' Mounted in a carved and gilded gesso frame. Arthur Wardle was an English painte...
Paint
Under Napoleon III’s rule, Paris underwent a great rebuilding overseen by Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann, which created grand avenues and lavish landmarks like the Paris Opera. Antique Napoleon III–style furniture was flamboyant and eclectic. It was also known as Second Empire style since it followed and referenced the Empire style of his uncle Napoleon I.
Developing from 1852–70, Napoleon III furniture was plush and ornate, matching the fashion for masked balls and socializing in salons. It borrowed freely from earlier French styles including Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI as well as aesthetics from around the world, from antiquity to Asian art. As writer Gustave Claudin remarked in 1867, the country’s architects worked in “a style which one would be tempted to call neo-Greco-Gothico-Pompadour-Pompeian.”
Napoleon III chairs were completely covered with velvet and lined with tassels; pouf footstools invited people to put up their feet. Sofas were upholstered with tapestries, and beds were adorned with gilt bronze and theatrical canopies. The addition of conservatories to homes led to new indoor-outdoor furniture, while the spirit of hygiene promoted by Baron Haussmann inspired bright, floral motifs.
Although the most ostentatious designs were for the elite, as seen in the Napoleon III apartments preserved in the Louvre, where red velvet, gilding and chandeliers create a cacophony of luxury, these trends influenced homes across classes as manufacturing made design increasingly accessible. Papier-mâché furniture allowed for elaborate shapes that would have been difficult to carve in wood. The malleable material was painted with chinoiserie patterns and decorative designs. It was mass-produced by factories such as Jennens and Bettridge with varnishing and mother-of-pearl inlays creating an effect reminiscent of Asian lacquer. (Surfaces that had been “japanned” — a specialty of Jennens and Bettridge — were intended to resemble lacquer work that was created in East Asia.)
Find a collection of antique Napoleon III decorative objects, tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Whether you proudly shelve your books in regal mahogany or behind glass cabinet doors, an antique bookcase — or perhaps more than one — is essential to creating a cozy nook for any book lover.
As long as curious people have collected stories, we have needed a place to stow them away and preserve them. When auction houses and book dealers proliferated by the late 17th century, the bibliophile was born. And, of course, as with any treasured decorative objects or collectibles, a book lover’s volumes were suddenly worthy of a luxurious display — enter the bookcase.
Americans of means during the 19th century took to amassing art as well as rare books, and bookcases of the era — rife with hand-carved decorative accents and architectural motifs — were ideal for displaying their handsome leather-bound wares.
Although our favorite titles may change over the years, the functionality and beauty of their home within our home is timeless. Even those who don’t covet the perfect home library can benefit from an attractive display case, as bookcases can easily double as charming étagères.
Contemporary and customizable options make it easier for you to find the perfect bookcase for your style and stacks. If you don’t wish to fill your storage piece so that your collection is snug within its confines, incorporate extra space to allow for additional displays and decorative objects. And by introducing a striking dark wood Art Deco bookcase or low-profile mid-century modern design by Paul McCobb into your living room, your signed first editions won’t be the only items making a statement.
Find barrister bookcases, Globe Wernicke bookcases, bookcases with doors and other vintage and antique bookcases on 1stDibs now.