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.
Rare Antique Classical Roman Bronze & Glass Inkstand with Crystal Glass Inkwell
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish, rare and mint condition bronze, brass and glass desk piece. This completely original inkstand dates from the late 19th century and it has a large number of striking Roman...
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
$316Sale Price / set|20% Off
French Set of Champleve Enameled Small Inkwell and Letter Opener
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a small bronze champleve enamel set of an inkwell and letter opener. Both of them depicts colorful hand painted flowers, “C” scrolls and foliages. The resting plate of the in...
Bronze
German Shepherd Dog Crystal Inkstand / Inkwell Desk Piece
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
German Shepherd Dog Crystal Inkstand / Inkwell Desk Piece Desk decorative inkwell. The base of the inkstand is made of clear crystal, intricately cut glass with a pattern that reflec...
Crystal, Metal
GUCCI Set of Magnifying Glass and Letter Opener
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Gucci set of magnifying glass and letter opener made of solid brass / Made in Italy Original mark on the item / comes in original box length 4.7 inches / magnifying glass dia...
Brass
$1,795
H 6 in W 15 in D 7.5 in
Early 20th-C. French Gilt Bronze And Malachite Desk Pen Inkwell / Inkstand
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an early 20th century highly decorative French gilt bronze, malachite and faux malachite inkstand with dual inkwells. The base is a mix of faux malachite and malachite veneer...
Malachite, Bronze
French Louis XVI Style Champlevé and Ormolu Inkwell Circa 1890
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 7 1/2in W: 10 1/2in D: 7 3/4in This Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Champlevé and bronze Ormolu Inkwell is truly a sight to be seen! If we take a look at t...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
19th Century French Enameled Champlevé Inkwell
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning and rare French mid-19th century encier in Louis Revival taste with Moorish Arabesque influence. Handcrafted in Champlevé enameled gilt bronze with ornate and colorful blue, pink, red, green and white enameling over the heavily shaped and scalloped base, that borders the stunning Severes style (I have not removed it to check for a makers mark) enameled porcelain tray scene of frolicking putti. The stunning enameling continues on the raised inkwell body and hinged lid with finial. Opposite, two raised balls act as a pen rest, the inkstand raising on four ball feet. Similar to French cloisonne, each champlevé design is a one-of-a-kind work of art. A beautiful warm verdigris patina adds to its character and charm. This wonderful antique objet...
Bronze, Enamel
French Champlevé Enamel & Ormolu Letter Rack, Late 19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Champlevé Enamel & Ormolu Letter Rack, Late 19th Century A richly ornamented French champlevé enamel and gilt bronze letter rack, dating to the late 19th century. This jewel-...
Ormolu
$580 / set
H 2.88 in W 9.63 in D 10.38 in
Antique Art Nouveau Silver Inkwell, Letter Opener, Dip Pen and Seal Set, in Box
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1900s travel set or desktop accessories inkwell, dip pen, letter opener and seal. Made of silver (marked 800) and crystal glass. Nice additio...
Crystal, Silver
Antique Victorian Inkwell with Glass Insert
Located in Stamford, CT
Decorative Victorian brass inkwell with a glass insert a nice size and good conversation piece for any desk. This inkwell could use a good cleaning or po...
Brass
$2,327Sale Price|20% Off
H 3.55 in W 8.08 in D 6.7 in
Champlevé Enamel Inkwell on Tray, Napoleon III, 19th Century, France
Located in Lisbon, PT
A 19th century French inkwell in Champlevé enamel and bronze, mounted on an integrated tray with pen holders, in the Napoleon III style. This elegant desk accessory showcases the cr...
Bronze
Military WWI British MkIV Tank Bronze Desk Inkstand, circa 1918
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
WWI British Military MkIV tank, circa 1918 Marble and bronze desk inkstand. High details. Pen not included. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage...
Marble, Bronze
$447
H 3.55 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
Antique Baccarat Crystal Glass Inkstand, Pen Holder, Desk Utensil, circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Great Baccarat inkwell with extensive crystal cut. Places for pens are at each side. France, late 19th century. .
Crystal
French Champlevé Enamel Inkwell, Napoleon III, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
A French Champlevé enamel inkwell from the 19th century, created in the opulent Napoleon III style. Crafted from gilded bronze with finely detailed polychrome enamel in shades of t...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel
Sold
H 18 in W 10.25 in D 7.25 in
19th Century French Gilt Bronze Bouillotte Lamp with Inkwell & Marble Base
Located in Milford, NH
A fine French gilt bronze bouillotte lamp with double inkwell and glass inserts mounted on a green variegated marble base with pen holder, on a footed bronze base. The electrified la...
Marble, Bronze