Handcrafted Iron Horse Bit Paperweight in Gucci Style, 1970s
Neoclassical Paperweights
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.
Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.
The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.
Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.
Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. 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.
As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.
Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
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Style: Neoclassical
19th Century Gilt Bronze Eagle Fragment on White Marble Stand, Italy
$340Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Gilt Bronze Eagle Fragment on White Marble Stand, Italy
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Italian gilt bronze sculpture of an eagle on a rectangular white Carrera piece of marble. The high quality of the gilt work and the early age makes the eagl...
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1810s Italian Antique Neoclassical Paperweights
Materials
Carrara Marble, Bronze
Cristal Saint Louis Ivoire de Balmain Collectible Perfume Decanter/Bottle
$675Sale Price|25% Off
Cristal Saint Louis Ivoire de Balmain Collectible Perfume Decanter/Bottle
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Cristal Saint Louis cut crystal decanter of Ivoire de Balmain perfume. The bottle is urn shaped and it is a faceted clear crystal. There is...
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20th Century French Neoclassical Paperweights
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Crystal
Collection of Table Ornaments 19th and 20th Century, Cut Crystal, Gilt Bronze
Located in Buchanan, MI
A collection of table ornaments, cut crystal gilt bronze 19th and 20th century, priced per item. Height of tallest 20 1/4 inches.
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19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Paperweights
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Crystal, Bronze
English Bronze 'His Royal Highness Prince Albert' Commemorative Desk Clip
$556Sale Price|20% Off
English Bronze 'His Royal Highness Prince Albert' Commemorative Desk Clip
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
English Bronze 'His Royal Highness Prince Albert' Commemorative Desk Clip England, early 20th century A distinguished English bronze 'His Royal Highness Prince Albert' Commemorative...
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Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Paperweights
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Bronze
Grand Tour Of Italy Souvenir, Carrara Marble Cameo Paperweight c19th Century
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Intriguing 19th century Grand Tour carved Carrara marble cameo depicting a strong male profile, possibly the Italian poet Dante Alighieri Antique Italian...
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19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Paperweights
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Antique English Blue John or Derbyshire Spar Egg Shaped Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique paperweight. Comprised of Blue John (also known as Derbyshire Spar), a rare form of fluorite from England with distinct purple & yell...
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Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Paperweights
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Precious Stone
Marble Chain Link Sculpture / Paperweight
$250 / item
Marble Chain Link Sculpture / Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice marble chain link sculpture / paperweight, circa 1990s. The piece, which consists of four links, is in very good condition with no chips or cracks and measures 13.5"W x...
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Vintage Brass Bust of Napoleon Paperweight
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This charming vintage miniature bust captures the iconic pensive gaze of Napoleon Bonaparte, a figure synonymous with French Empire grandeur. Cast in solid brass with a lustrous poli...
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Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Paperweights
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A Norwegian Porphyry Sphere
Located in Spencertown, NY
The purple/white stone in the shape of a sphere
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Mid-19th Century Norwegian Antique Neoclassical Paperweights
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Porphyry
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Neoclassical paperweights for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical paperweights for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage paperweights created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical paperweights made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 paperweights differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $219 and tops out at $2,185 while the average work can sell for $595.
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