Empire Cigar Boxes and Humidors
EMPIRE STYLE
From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.
Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.
Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine.
Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory. 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.
The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.
Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Empire
Pocket Cigarette Case Vessel Miniature Hand-Painted Sterling Silver Enamel Salim
Located in Firenze, FI
6238-7239- Pocket cigarette case with spring button in 925/1000 fire-enamelled sterling silver with beautiful vessel miniature hand-painted by th...
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1990s Italian Empire Cigar Boxes and Humidors
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Crystal, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Old Wooden Cigar Box, Empire Style, Probably Swedish
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely empire style wooden box probably produced in Sweden. The box is 14 x 14 cm (5.6" x 5,6") in diameter and 23.5 cm (9.4") high. It is in excellent condition except from that t...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Materials
Glass, Wood
Table Box Enamel Miniature Moscow Kremlin and Red Square Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fine hand-engravings fire enameled hand-painted like lapis lazuli stone and beautiful hand-painted enameled ...
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1970s Italian Vintage Empire Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Materials
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Box engraving on the lid and hand-painted floral miniature Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Shaped table box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with fine fire-enameled engraving on the lid and hand-painted floral miniature in 18th century French Empire style. Dimension...
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1970s Italian Vintage Empire Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
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This antique sterling silver snuff box opens to reveal the original gilded interior.
Condition
This antique sterling silver snuff box is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.
The chased and applied ornamentation is all very sharp and the engine turned decoration is all very crisp.
Full hallmarks struck to the interior of the box are all very clear.
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this antique silverware.
Dimensions
Length 9.8cm/3.9"
Width 6.5cm/2.6"
Height 4.3cm/1.7"
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Empire cigar boxes and humidors for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire cigar boxes and humidors for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage cigar boxes and humidors 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 enamel, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire cigar boxes and humidors made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original cigar boxes and humidors, popular names associated with this style include Giorgio Salimbeni, and Olle Hermansson. 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 cigar boxes and humidors differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $619 and tops out at $3,699 while the average work can sell for $2,159.
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