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.
19th Century Marble Corbels - Set of 5
Located in GB
Set of 5 Assorted 19th Century Marble Corbels: 1 x Large Green verde Antico Cartouche: Height - 31cm / width 33.5cm / Depth - 6cm at thickest part 2 x Apricot / white marble Corbels...
Marble
Monumental 19th Century Giltwood Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very unusual. Have never seen one like this. Most likely had a painting inset, but mirror could be placed inside. Stand alone or hang on wall.
Giltwood
$2,097Sale Price / set|20% Off
A pair of 18th century Austrian winged cherubs
Located in London, GB
A beautiful pair of 18th century Austrian carved gilt wood angel cherubs with their original hooks to the back .
Giltwood
Early 19th Century French Carved Giltwood Figural Winged Putti Table Lamp
Located in Forney, TX
A fabulous French Empire period giltwood figural candlestick, early 19th century, now professionally electrified and fashioned as a single-light table lamp. Exquisitely hand carve...
Gesso, Giltwood
Bronze Sculpture: "Horse in Torsion" - Camillo Catelli
Located in Manzano, IT
Prestigious bronze sculpture by master Camillo Catelli, a contemporary artist known for his ability to infuse primal energy and plastic dynamism into matter. The work depicts a horse...
Bronze
19th Century Travail Par Kossowsk Mantel Clock
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant Antique Clock crafted from a green marble base, adorned with intricate brass floral and foliate accents in the Rococo style. At the center, the clock face features Roman nume...
Marble, Bronze
Two Terracotta Lions with Shields, French, Mid-18th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
Possibly designs for Chenets.
Terracotta
Opulent 18th Century Baroque Reliquary of Blood of Saint St. Francis '15th Cent'
Located in North Miami, FL
Opulent 18th century Baroque carved giltwood reliquary (a container for relics) monstrance with curled scroll design. It houses a first-class relic of the blood of the15th Century sa...
Wood, Giltwood
Pair of 18th Century Native American Tobacco Store Hanging Trade Figures
Located in Nantucket, MA
Extremely rare and very special pair of 18th century native American tobacco store hanging trade figures, hand carved in the half round full length figur...
Wood
Late 19th / Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Table Lamp
Located in San Francisco, CA
An exceptional wrought iron lamp base. We believe this was probably a custom crafted gas newel post lamp originally. A considerable amount of skilled workmanship went into the iron work with an Art Nouveau design of acorns and oak leaves. The flame glass shade...
Wrought Iron
19th C Ebonised Carved Winged Serpent Gargoyle Table Lamps
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Circa 1890. 19th c large ebonised carved winged serpent gargoyle table lamps Originally hand carved winged serpent gargoyle wall brackets. Wired...
Hardwood
19th Century Pipe Head
Located in Vosselaar, BE
You just got to love this guy! A wacky looking bearded Indian pipe head. Probably 19th century France. Beautifully carved by a artisan with a sense of humor.
Wood
Late 19th Century Carved Wooden Angel
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Impressive wood carved angel with amazing detail. Certainly the work of a master carver. Found among the entire contents of a Catholic Church in the Midwest which was said to have cl...
Gesso, Wood, Paint
18th Century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure
Located in Nantucket, MA
18th century French or Italian Santo Nativity Figure, a hand carved and painted fruitwood figure for a Christmas Crèche or Krippe. Excellent and delicate details to the head and hands. The half figure stands on a dowel set into platform base, dressed in original fine linen robe...
Linen, Fruitwood
Marcel Marti Bronze Abstract Totem Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Superb Marcel Marti (1925–2010) attributed abstract patinated bronze sculpture that is unique from every angle. This is a striking postwar piece of art fr...
Bronze
African Benin Bronze Sculpture
Located in Atlanta, GA
African Benin Bronze Sculpture, Africa, circa mid 20th Century. Beautiful casting with wonderful attention to detail. Solid, heavyweight...
Metal, Bronze
Bronze Head Sculpture
Located in Long Island City, NY
This bronze head sculpture signed by artist O. Ramsburg can be displayed as an elegant table top art piece.
Bronze
$3,370 / set
H 34 in W 8.25 in D 8.25 in
Pair of 19th Century Italian Giltwood Candlesticks Table Lamps
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Pair of Italian giltwood 19th century candlesticks made into table lamps. Silver gilt over Gesso. This pair of 19th century candlestick lamps has been wired for the US.
Gesso, Wood
Antique 18th Century Late Ayutthaya Period Siamese Buddha
Located in Peabody, MA
A fine 18th century, late Ayutthaya period Siamese (Thailand) life size standing Buddha temple figure in carved and gilded teak. The base of the figure is a tapered plug fashioned to...
Teak, Paint
Antique Folk Art Horse Sculpture
Located in Sheffield, MA
Wonderfully charming hand-carved 19th Century American folk art horse sculpture on stand. Pay special attention to its face and the carved details to appreciate this fine specimen. ...
Wood
$4,950
H 11 in W 6 in D 2 in
Opulent 18th Century Baroque Reliquary of Blood of Saint St. Francis '15th Cent'
Located in North Miami, FL
Opulent 18th century Baroque carved giltwood reliquary (a container for relics) monstrance with curled scroll design. It houses a first-class relic of the blood of the15th Century sa...
Wood, Giltwood
18th Century Chopping Board Walnut for Bread or Cheese
Located in Epfach, DE
18th century walnut cutting board for bread and cheese. this unusual cutting board adorns every kitchen and dining table for serving bread and cheese, as well as for cutting cheese. ...
Iron
Wooden 19th Century Polychrome Sculpture Of A Medieval Tower
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An early 19th century European hand carved and painted sculpture of a medieval tower in wood with its old patina.
Hardwood