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Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

NAPOLEON III STYLE

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.

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Style: Napoleon III
Early 19th Century Black Lacquer Chinese Crumb Brush
Located in Louisville, KY
This wonderful Chinese Crumb Brush is an interesting look into the past. Made in the early 19th century, this brush is made of natural boar's hair, paper maché covered wood that is c...
Category

Early 19th Century Asian Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood, Lacquer, Paper

Early 19th Century Black Lacquer Chinese Crumb Brush
Early 19th Century Black Lacquer Chinese Crumb Brush

Early 19th Century Black Lacquer Chinese Crumb Brush

Calligraphy Box, XXth century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Calligraphy Box, XXth century. Calligraphy box with 2 brushes, dry ink, ink plate and small porcelain container with spoon in the original box. H: 4 cm, W: 17 cm, D: 10 cm.
Category

20th Century Chinese Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Textile

Calligraphy Box, XXth century
Calligraphy Box, XXth century

Calligraphy Box, XXth century

Japanese-Style Office Armchair, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Japanese-style office armchair, 19th century. Office armchair in the Viardot style, Japonisant decor, Napoleon III period, 19th century. H: 76cm. D: 57cm
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Japanese-Style Office Armchair, 19th Century.
Japanese-Style Office Armchair, 19th Century.

Japanese-Style Office Armchair, 19th Century.

Small lacquered wooden sewing box
Located in Nivelles, BE
Small sewing box in lacquered wood with two different patterns on each side in red and black lacquer, the interior fleece is damaged.
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Small lacquered wooden sewing box
Small lacquered wooden sewing box

Small lacquered wooden sewing box

19thc Antique Monumental Asian Carved Wood Sculpture - A Carved Tree - Chinoise
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Huge Monumental 19thc Asian Japanes Carved Woor 1/2 Tree Sculpture of Asian Scenes in Full Relief. This was rendered from a huge hollowed out tree. One sculpture against one tree. Am...
Category

1890s Japanese Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

19thc Antique Monumental Asian Carved Wood Sculpture - A Carved Tree - Chinoise
19thc Antique Monumental Asian Carved Wood Sculpture - A Carved Tree - Chinoise

19thc Antique Monumental Asian Carved Wood Sculpture - A Carved Tree - Chinoise

Quran Stand In Khatam-kari, Persia, 19th C.
Located in PARIS, FR
Khatam kari is a fine, meticulous marquetry technique whose earliest examples date back to the Safavid period (1501-1730). This technique involves inlaying fine wood, brass or camel ...
Category

19th Century Persian Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Silver

Quran Stand In Khatam-kari, Persia, 19th C.
Quran Stand In Khatam-kari, Persia, 19th C.

Quran Stand In Khatam-kari, Persia, 19th C.

Bamboo brush pot
Located in Nivelles, BE
Bamboo brush pot engraved with Asian scenes. Used as a brush pot, has a beautiful patina.
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bamboo

Bamboo brush pot
Bamboo brush pot

Bamboo brush pot

Lacquered and Gilded Rocaille Planter, 19th Century
Located in Marseille, FR
Exceptional entrance planter with its bevelled glass all lacquered gilded in Venetian rockery style very close to the Louis XV style of the 19th century. This planter is perforated o...
Category

19th Century Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

Lacquered and Gilded Rocaille Planter, 19th Century
Lacquered and Gilded Rocaille Planter, 19th Century

Lacquered and Gilded Rocaille Planter, 19th Century

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Pair of 19th Century Chinese Huanghuali Horseshoe Back Armchairs
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19th Century Chinese Export Black Lacquer & Mother Of Pearl Sewing Box
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Japanese Merchants Tansu Chest 19th Century
Located in Fulton, CA
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H 39.25 in W 34.88 in D 15.75 in
Chinese Calligraphy Brush Bone Handle
Located in Somis, CA
Beautiful Chinese calligraphy brush with handmade bone handle. A beautiful brush that is perfect for making art or as an design element. Bone ferrule and h...
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2010s Chinese Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

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Bone

Chinese Calligraphy Brush Bone Handle
Chinese Calligraphy Brush Bone Handle

Chinese Calligraphy Brush Bone Handle

H 12 in W 1.5 in D 1.5 in
19th Century Chinese Lacquer Gaming Box
Located in Brea, CA
19th century Chinese lacquer gaming box from the Qing Dynasty. Black and golden drawing by hand with 3 gaming lacquer boxes, in very good ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Lacquer

19th Century Chinese Lacquer Gaming Box
19th Century Chinese Lacquer Gaming Box

19th Century Chinese Lacquer Gaming Box

H 4.5 in W 6 in D 12 in
Rare 19th Century Chinese Porcelain Brush Pot for Vietnam
Located in MEAUX, FR
Rare 19th Century Chinese Porcelain Brush Pot for Vietnam, Enhanced with 22k Gold Kintsugi Restoration Immerse yourself in the history and elegance of this rare Chinese porcelain...
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19th Century Chinese Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

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Porcelain

Rare 19th Century Chinese Porcelain Brush Pot for Vietnam
Rare 19th Century Chinese Porcelain Brush Pot for Vietnam

Rare 19th Century Chinese Porcelain Brush Pot for Vietnam

H 5.12 in Dm 3.75 in
Antique Japanese Wooden Writing Chest (Fudebako), 19th Century
Located in Edogawa-ku Tokyo, JP
This charming antique Japanese writing chest, known as a fudebako, features a compact rectangular body with multiple drawers for storing writing implements and small personal items. ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Japanese Wooden Writing Chest (Fudebako), 19th Century
Antique Japanese Wooden Writing Chest (Fudebako), 19th Century

Antique Japanese Wooden Writing Chest (Fudebako), 19th Century

H 11.23 in W 17.72 in D 12.41 in
19th Century, Antique Burmese Bronze Elephant Bell with Stand
Located in Sampantawong, TH
Burmese bronze elephant bell with stand. Age: Burma, 19th Century Size: Height 12.5 C.M. / Width 9 C.M. Size including stand: Height 23.5 C.M. Condition: Nice condition overall...
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19th Century Burmese Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century, Antique Burmese Bronze Elephant Bell with Stand
19th Century, Antique Burmese Bronze Elephant Bell with Stand

19th Century, Antique Burmese Bronze Elephant Bell with Stand

H 9.26 in Dm 3.55 in
19th Century Japanese Cinnabar / Lacquer Cabinet
Located in Fulton, CA
Incredible example of Asian lacquer carving. Standing over seven feet tall, this monumental display shelf was produced in Japan at the end of the Ed...
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Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

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19th Century Japanese Cinnabar / Lacquer Cabinet
19th Century Japanese Cinnabar / Lacquer Cabinet

19th Century Japanese Cinnabar / Lacquer Cabinet

H 88 in W 50.5 in D 19.5 in
Crystal Calligraphy Brush
Located in Somis, CA
A large, 14.5" Chinese calligraphy brush with crystal handle. The clear crystal glass symbolizes the character of purity and integrity, which are the...
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2010s Chinese Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Crystal

Crystal Calligraphy Brush
Crystal Calligraphy Brush

Crystal Calligraphy Brush

H 14.5 in W 2 in D 2 in
Chinese Calligraphy Brush Olive Jasper Barrel Beads
Located in Somis, CA
Beautiful single Chinese calligraphy brush with handmade olive jasper barrel beads. An unique brush that is perfect for making art or as an design element....
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2010s Chinese Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

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Stone

Chinese Calligraphy Brush Olive Jasper Barrel Beads
Chinese Calligraphy Brush Olive Jasper Barrel Beads

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H 12 in W 1.5 in D 1.5 in
Previously Available Items
XIXth century chinese enameled "Cloisonné" covered bowl
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Chinese enameled "cloisonné" End of XIXth century, China Good conditions
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1870s French Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

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Metal

XIXth century chinese enameled "Cloisonné" covered bowl
XIXth century chinese enameled "Cloisonné" covered bowl

XIXth century chinese enameled "Cloisonné" covered bowl

H 4.34 in Dm 4.73 in
Gilt Bronze and Canton Porcelain Mantel Set, China.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gilt Bronze and Canton Porcelain Mantel Set, China. An important gilt bronze and Canton porcelain mantel set, Napoleon III period, 19th century, China. Candelabra: h: 54.5cm, d: 26c...
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19th Century Chinese Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

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Bronze

Gilt Bronze and Canton Porcelain Mantel Set, China.
Gilt Bronze and Canton Porcelain Mantel Set, China.

Gilt Bronze and Canton Porcelain Mantel Set, China.

H 12.21 in W 18.9 in D 10.24 in
Cabinet in Walnut Molded and Carved with Enamelled Plates Decoration
By Henri Victor Lesur 1
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Beautiful Napoleon III style walnut cabinet, richly carved, made in the second half of the 19th century. The carved decoration is very detailed, refined, and of high quality. Five enamelled plates adorn the doors, apron and pediment of this cabinet. The enamels bear...
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Cabinet in Walnut Molded and Carved with Enamelled Plates Decoration
Cabinet in Walnut Molded and Carved with Enamelled Plates Decoration

Cabinet in Walnut Molded and Carved with Enamelled Plates Decoration

H 74.81 in W 42.52 in D 19.69 in
Ormolu Mounted Sevres Style Pot Pourri 19th Century
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Newark, England
Fine late 19th century ormolu mounted serves style porcelain pot pourri. The cup decorated in typical Sevres fashion with a light blue ground glaze displaying two fantastically paint...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Ormolu

Ormolu Mounted Sevres Style Pot Pourri 19th Century
Ormolu Mounted Sevres Style Pot Pourri 19th Century

Ormolu Mounted Sevres Style Pot Pourri 19th Century

H 4.73 in W 5.24 in D 3.35 in
Pair Candelabra 19th Century Napoleon III
Located in Warsaw, PL
These finely cast 19th-century figural candelabras were made from gilded and burnished bronze, each mounted on Belgian black marble bases and signed by Charles Cumberworth. The sculp...
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

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Belgian Black Marble, Gold Plate, Bronze

Pair Candelabra 19th Century Napoleon III
Pair Candelabra 19th Century Napoleon III

Pair Candelabra 19th Century Napoleon III

H 26.38 in W 11.82 in D 7.09 in
20th Century Napoleon III Style Pair of Chairs
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful 20th century French Napoleon III style pair of chairs. Red velvet seating that has to be changed but can be used like that as well. Very nice black Napoleon patina and g...
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1950s French Vintage Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

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Velvet, Wood

20th Century Napoleon III Style Pair of Chairs
20th Century Napoleon III Style Pair of Chairs

20th Century Napoleon III Style Pair of Chairs

H 33.47 in W 16.93 in D 14.18 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Bronze and Marquetry Bedside Table, 1870s
Located in LEGNY, FR
19th century French Napoleon III period bronze and wooden marquetry bedside from the 1870s. Two drawers with bronze handles. Bronze gallery. Bronze fittings base. Beautiful grid ...
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1870s French Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Napoleon III Bronze and Marquetry Bedside Table, 1870s
19th Century French Napoleon III Bronze and Marquetry Bedside Table, 1870s

19th Century French Napoleon III Bronze and Marquetry Bedside Table, 1870s

H 27.96 in W 16.54 in D 12.6 in
19th Century Samson Imari Porcelain Vase Lamp
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century Samson Imari Porcelain vase of good scale, decorated throughout in the traditional manner with foliate designs in blue, green, iron red and gold glazes upon a whi...
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19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

19th Century Samson Imari Porcelain Vase Lamp
19th Century Samson Imari Porcelain Vase Lamp

19th Century Samson Imari Porcelain Vase Lamp

H 13.5 in Dm 10.25 in
19th Century Flowers and Musical Instrument Art Venetian Mirror, 1870s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Rare and spectacular 19th century Napoleon III period Venetian mirror. enameled painted flowers and musical instrument on the red glass. Very elegant work. Beveled mirror on the ce...
Category

1870s Italian Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Glass, Paint

19th Century Flowers and Musical Instrument Art Venetian Mirror, 1870s
19th Century Flowers and Musical Instrument Art Venetian Mirror, 1870s

19th Century Flowers and Musical Instrument Art Venetian Mirror, 1870s

H 47.25 in W 27.56 in D 1.58 in
Napoleon III Brass Marquetry Cigar and Game Humidor
Located in LEGNY, FR
Napoleon III rare cigar and games humidor in burl and brass marquetry, stamped "Coignard 22 rue Chapon in Paris". The box is curved on the front and sides, it is also inlaid on the ...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Brass

Napoleon III Brass Marquetry Cigar and Game Humidor
Napoleon III Brass Marquetry Cigar and Game Humidor

Napoleon III Brass Marquetry Cigar and Game Humidor

H 11.03 in W 13.39 in D 10.63 in
Empire Style Pair of Italian Green Marble and Gilted Bronze Columns
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful and rare Empire style pair of Italian green marble and gilded bronze columns. Napoleon III period. Bronze Medicis on the top removable thanks to a metal rod. There are me...
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1880s Italian Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Empire Style Pair of Italian Green Marble and Gilted Bronze Columns
Empire Style Pair of Italian Green Marble and Gilted Bronze Columns

Empire Style Pair of Italian Green Marble and Gilted Bronze Columns

H 51.19 in W 17.72 in D 11.82 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Liquor Cellar, 1850s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful 19th century French Napoleon III period liquor cellar from the 1850s. Set of four crystal carafe and eleven crystal glasses (3 glasses missing) in a gilded brass basket wi...
Category

1850s French Antique Napoleon III Asian Art and Furniture

Materials

Crystal

19th Century French Napoleon III Period Liquor Cellar, 1850s
19th Century French Napoleon III Period Liquor Cellar, 1850s

19th Century French Napoleon III Period Liquor Cellar, 1850s

H 10.63 in W 12.6 in D 9.06 in

Napoleon Iii asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage asian art and furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include asian art and furniture, case pieces and storage cabinets, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III asian art and furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original asian art and furniture, popular names associated with this style include and Henri Victor Lesur. 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 asian art and furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,112 and tops out at $27,294 while the average work can sell for $6,546.

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