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Neoclassical Urns

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
Period: Mid-20th Century
Pair of Octagonal Reconstituted Stone Urns
Located in London, GB
A pair of octagonal mid-20th century reconstituted stone urns in the neoclassical style with carved foliate detail raised on small socles, Eng...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Neoclassical Urns

Materials

Stone

Neoclassical Pair of Brown Iron Garden Planters Urns with Fancy Handles
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Beautiful pair of vintage cast iron planters having elaborate handles and neoclassical form and decoration. 35 w handle to handle ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Neoclassical Urns

Materials

Iron

Italian Neoclassical White Glazed Ceramic Urn, Large Scale
Located in Stamford, CT
This classic Tuscan vase is a refined decorative complement to both traditional and contemporary interiors. Handcrafted of ceramic and glazed white it feat...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Urns

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Neoclassical Urn Alabaster Marble Table Lamp, Mid 20th century
Located in New York, NY
An Italian urn form yellow alabaster marble table lamp in the Neoclassical style, circa mid-20th century, Italy. Piece is marked on side, "Genuine Alabaster", "Hand-carved", "Made in...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Urns

Materials

Alabaster

Willy Guhl Style White Painted Urn
Located in Richmond, VA
French white painted concrete pot. Exquisite patina, mid-20th century. In the style of Willy Guhl.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Urns

Materials

Concrete

Massive Neoclassical Style Terra Cotta Campagna-Form Garden Urn
Located in San Francisco, CA
A massive neoclassical style terra cotta campagna-form garden urn with bold acanthus leaf decoration; with rolled lip adorned with egg-and-dart design above a flared neck over a comp...
Category

1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Urns

Materials

Terracotta

Elegant Chunky Pair of Gold Leaf Carved Wood Urn Shaped Objects
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Two symmetrical and dramatic gold leafed, carved wood, urn shaped objects sitting on feet. Made in Italy. Tony Duquette flair!
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Urns

Materials

Wood

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1960s Willy Guhl Concrete Urn Planter
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Located in Milano, IT
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Materials

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Pair of Vintage French Cast Iron Verdigris Garden Urns Jardinieres Planters
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A superb large pair of vintage French Neoclassical style cast iron garden urns or planters in a lovely light verdigris color. These beautiful jardinieres are a nice large size, solid...
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Impressively Large Pair of Black Iron Neoclassical Planters Urns
Located in Hopewell, NJ
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Monumental Pair of Italian Neoclassical Style Terracotta Urns by Galestro
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Located in West Palm Beach, FL
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Located in Chicago, IL
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Pair of Cast Iron Urns
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H 14.75 in Dm 14.5 in
Pair of Italian Neoclassical Style Brass Urns
Located in Stamford, CT
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Neoclassical urns for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical urns 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 urns created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical urns 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 urns, popular names associated with this style include Maitland Smith, Baccarat, Ceccarelli, and Claude Michel Clodion. 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 urns differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $450 and tops out at $70,078 while the average work can sell for $3,800.

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