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
Antique Italian Dolphin Venice Bronze Letter Opener, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 1920s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and subtle ...
Marble, 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
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
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
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
$920
H 7.49 in W 7.49 in D 2.76 in
Antique Napoléon III. Inkwell from Bronze and Porcelain, Paris, France, 1839
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional antique Inkwell with rich bronze ornaments and three porcelain vessels. The ink jars are painted in a beautiful rich green and embellished with gold colour. France, 1839. On the lid is written "ENCRIER BOUQUET" "MEDAILLE D´ARGENT...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Letter Opener
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts and Craft or Art Deco period bronze "Zodiac" pattern letter opener By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 10.5...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze Doré Letter Opener
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Nouveau period "Grapevine" pattern gilt bronze and Favrile slag glass letter opener By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, ...
Bronze
Vintage Bamboo Letter Holder Desk Organizer
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Bamboo Letter Holder or Desk Organizer. Three compartments on top and a large area on bottom. Good condition and sturdy, ready to use. 11" wide
Bamboo
Postmodern Patinated Brass Double Desk Letter Tray Paper Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
Double letter tray in patinated brass finish with black enamel lining by Mc Donald Products of Buffalo New York. Very nice accent to any executive desk
Brass