Rococo was an aesthetic movement in the fine and decorative arts in the 18th century that found its inspiration in nature and fostered an overall lightness and delicacy of form, construction and ornament in interior design. Rococo furniture, while greatly influenced by trends in Italy and Germany, is often called Louis XV style — the movement having reached its best expression during that sybaritic French king’s reign.
The term “rococo” is thought to be a portmanteau of the French words rocaille and coquilles — “rock” and “shells” — organic motifs frequently used in architecture and design of the style.
When it comes to authentic Rococo furniture's characteristics, it is above all sensuous and social. The furniture of earlier eras in Europe had been heavy in every sense; the Rococo period saw the appearance of light-framed upholstered armchairs, side chairs and occasional tables that could easily be moved to form conversational circles.
The signal detail of Rococo furniture design is the gently curved cabriole, or S-shaped chair-, table-, and cabinet-leg. It imitates the bend of a tree limb or a flower stem. In a further reference to nature, furnishings were often asymmetrical and painted white, or in soft, pastel shades. Rococo has become a timeless style, and as the furniture pieces presented on 1stDibs demonstrate, its playful, sculptural forms can provide visual excitement to contemporary, clean-lined spaces.
French Blue Gold and White Porcelain Desk Letter Mail Holder from Paris
Located in New York, NY
A French white porcelain desk letter or mail holder with small flowers and leaves in the Rococo design style, circa mid-20th century, Paris, France. Piece with scalloped edge is hand...
Porcelain
Italian Rococo Style Bronze Filigree Letter Opener
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Rococo-style (19/20th Century) bronze letter opener with filigree design and bird on handle
Bronze
Desk Card Holder, France, 1940s
Located in Palermo, IT
Desk card holder, France, 1940s Golden Spelter, one of the small studs on the front is missing. Lacks in the gilding, as evidenced by the descriptive photographs.
Spelter
Yonel Lebovici Ressort Letter Holder Distrimex, France, 1969
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare limited edition letter holder designed by Yonel Lebovici and manufactured by Distrimex, France 1969. This nickel plated spiral shaped letter holder was made in a limited product...
Chrome
$1,300
H 7.69 in W 13.38 in D 5.69 in
Macassar, Chrome and Lucite Desk Accessory Letter Holder, circa 1940
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exceptional French Art Deco Desk Accessory in Macassar, Chrome, and Lucite, circa 1940 A rare and refined embodiment of Art Deco modernism, this exquisite desk accessory was crafted ...
Metal, Chrome
Edgar Brandt Bronze Paper Knife/Letter Opener
By Edgar Brandt
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau letter opener, circa 1905, in bronze. Decorated with ginkgo biloba leaves, stamped E. Brandt. In perfect condition. Length: 20 cm Width: 3.3 cm Thickness: 1 cm Weight...
Bronze
$1,300
H 8.25 in W 15.75 in D 7.88 in
Modernist Wood and Chrome Desk Accessory Letter Holder, circa 1930
Located in Atlanta, GA
Make a bold statement with this exceptional Art Deco modernist letter holder, a masterpiece of French craftsmanship, circa 1930. Defined by its stunning concentric half-circle silhou...
Metal, Chrome
Geometric Letter Holder
By Atelier BAM
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Bring a warm modern touch to your stationary with this geometric Desktop accessory. Named “Triângulo”, it showcases how small leftover materials can be turned into a new object: mass...
Copper
Letter Opener or Paper Cutter in Silver Bronze
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Letter opener in silver bronze Silver plated bronze letter opener 35/42 microns Measures: L: 218 mm, weight: 118 gr This letter opener is the handmade work of French designer Richard Lauret...
Bronze
Brass Letter Opener
Located in New York, NY
A vintage brass letter opener with a Greek-Key like design on handle, circa 20th century. Dimensions: .63" W x 7.5" Long. Other desk accessories available separately, search 1stDibs ref. #s: Italian desk/letter organizer...
Brass
Brass Sword Letter Opener
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A brass letter opener in the shape of a sword. perfect for the desk or work station.
Brass
Art Deco wooden letter holder, 1940's, France
Located in BELFORT, FR
French Art Deco wooden letter holder.
Wood
Edgar Brandt Bronze Paper Knife/Letter Opener
By Edgar Brandt
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau bronze paper knife, circa 1905. Decorated with mistletoe, stamped E. Brandt. In perfect condition. Length: 14.5 cm Width: 3.2 cm Thickness: 0.3 cm Weight: 35 grams Ed...
Bronze
$546
H 1.97 in W 17.72 in D 12.6 in
Desk Accessories, Letter Holder by Jacques Adnet and Letter Tray Paper Holder
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Handsome saddle leather letter holder by Jacques Adnet. Signature contrast stitching. Great patina to leather. Excellent vintage condition. Paris...
Leather