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Classical Roman Decorative Bowls

CLASSICAL ROMAN STYLE

During Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 A.D., Pompeii and Herculaneum in today’s Italy were preserved as they were on the day of their destruction. Particularly at Herculaneum, furnishings were carbonized beneath volcanic ash. This was pivotal to understanding how Classical Roman furniture was designed. Archaeological investigations and printed reproductions of discoveries would influence styles evoking this ancient civilization, from the Renaissance to neoclassicism.

While knowledge of Classical Roman furniture comes from rare surviving pieces, it is also derived from frescoes and sculptures portraying Roman life. Much of Roman art, architecture and design was informed by Greece — Roman architect, military engineer and writer Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, whose timeless De architectura is taught in contemporary architecture classes and pays tribute to classical architecture, visited Greece while working under Julius Caesar and admired the country’s architectural developments. The Roman solium references the Greek thronos, a stately chair of honor with an upright form and footstool. As the Roman Empire spread across Europe and into North Africa and Western Asia, the expansion of trade for silver, silk, marble and wood allowed for more luxurious designs.

Classical Roman furniture was made from bronze, wood and stone — in particular, marble — with ornate touches like tortoiseshell veneers, bone and glass inlays and claw feet. Ornaments depicting lion heads and mythological figures were sculpted from silver, bronze and ivory. Compared to the decorative attention given to the mosaic floors and wall paintings, however, furniture for even a wealthy house was minimal. It focused on the necessities for guests arriving for both socializing and business and the rooms housing family, relatives and enslaved people.

The triclinium dining room had banquet couches, items so prized they were sometimes interred with the deceased. Tall bronze or terracotta candelabras held oil lamps for lighting. Carved marble tables reflected status, while the lararium home shrine demonstrated faith.

Find a collection of Classical Roman decorative objects, tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Classical Roman
Antique Handcrafted Bronze & Brass Table Centerpiece / Fruit Bowl w Goat Sculpt.
Located in Lisse, NL
Exceptional 19th Century bronze and brass Tazza / Bowl with sculptural goats, great quality patina. Every now and then, a piece emerges that truly captures the soul of 19th-century ...
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Late 19th Century European Antique Classical Roman Decorative Bowls

Materials

Bronze, Brass

Mid-20th Century Italian Basalt Tazza
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-20th century Italian basalt porcelain tazza is a refined study in classical elegance. With a wide, low bowl gracefully elevated on a turned foot, its proportions echo the ti...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Bowls

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Handcrafted Bronze Table Centerpiece Bowl by F. Levillain & Barbedienne
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning French bronze tazza with wine & Bacchus theme, by Ferdinand LEVILLAIN (1837-1905). Every time we find an antique of this extraordinary quality and beauty we wonder what p...
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19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Bowls

Materials

Bronze

Alabaster Pedestal Bowl
Located in Miami, FL
Offered is an amber-colored chiseled alabaster pedestal bowl designed exclusively for Urban Art Home and made by an artisan in Italy. The bow...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Decorative Bowls

Materials

Alabaster

Japanese 1920s Enamel and Brass Jardiniere
Located in London, GB
This is a very decorative jardiniere, made in Japan in the 1920s. We would recommend this is used for indoor plants and not placed outside - a great u...
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1920s Japanese Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Bowls

Materials

Brass, Enamel

19th Century French Bronze Tazza Dish by Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A Roman-classical style decorative bowl, cast in bronze, brown patinated finish. This antique coupe is signed by Ferdinand Barbedienne (France, 1810-1892). In the center a depiction ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Decorative Bowls

Materials

Bronze

1970s Handcrafted Black Marquina Marble Table Centerpiece, Fruit Bowl or Planter
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and multi-purpose, Italian marble tazza or deep bowl in a Roman Classical style. This remarkable centerpiece of classical beauty and elegance is one of the most striking an...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Decorative Bowls

Materials

Marble

19th century grand tour classical Italian bronze compote
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a late 19th century Italian neo classical bronze compote. This classical bronze compote has ornate claw feet and mythical figures on either side of the bowl with rings. This ...
Category

1870s Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Bowls

Materials

Bronze

Italic Black Glazed Pottery 4th BC
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare original antique italic black glazed pottery.
Category

Early 1600s Italian Antique Classical Roman Decorative Bowls

Materials

Terracotta

Italic Black Glazed Pottery 4th BC
Italic Black Glazed Pottery 4th BC
$1,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Decorative Ceramic Bowl, Alexandre Kostanda, France c. 1948
Located in St Ouen, FR
Massive bowl with polychrome glazes and antique decoration. Born to Russian parents Alexandre Kostanda very quickly tried his hand at ceramics when his parents settled in Vallauris ...
Category

1940s French Vintage Classical Roman Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic

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Classical Roman decorative bowls for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman decorative bowls 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 decorative bowls created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman decorative bowls made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Czech Republic pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative bowls, popular names associated with this style include F. Barbedienne Foundry, and Ferdinand Levillain. 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 decorative bowls differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $948 and tops out at $2,450 while the average work can sell for $1,530.

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