Classical Greek Desk Accessories

CLASSICAL GREEK STYLE

There is rare surviving furniture from ancient Greece, yet this classical style has informed design for centuries. Interiors of houses in antiquity were minimal, with much of a room’s color coming from frescoes on the walls and mosaics on the floors. Classical Greek furniture was sparing but finely crafted and influenced by Egyptian furniture design through Mediterranean trade.

Furnishings of the period were usually made from local wood like cypress, cedar, oak and willow from ancient Greece’s plentiful forests, although some pieces were carved from marble, such as a 300–200 B.C. throne with lion legs and a curved back now at the Getty Villa. Comfort and clean lines characterized designs during the Classical era, the symmetry and thoughtful proportions reflecting the architecture of Greek temples.

Some pieces of ancient Greek furniture were simple, rectangular platforms like the klinē, a multipurpose ancestor of today’s couches or daybeds that held cushions stuffed with wool, dry grass or down. These structures were used for both sleeping and dining, which wealthy Greeks did while reclining. At night, oil lamps illuminated rooms that frequently surrounded a garden courtyard.

Most of what scholars have learned about Greek furniture design owes to its representations in art like vases and stelae. The portable diphros stool, with its backless design and four turned legs, was one of the more common types of seating in daily Greek life — it appears as such for the gods on the Parthenon frieze. Stools without backs have been found in early Roman tombs, while benches were also common Greek seating furniture created for use in theaters. In houses of the Hellenistic period, benches seemingly functioned as tables, too.

Some designs evolved through adaptations by the Romans, including the klismos chair. After prominent archaeological excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum, the klismos chair — with its four saber legs and the elegant curves that define its back — was a source of inspiration for aesthetics in eras ranging from 18th-century neoclassicism to 20th-century Art Deco.

Find a collection of Classical Greek decorative objects, wall decorations and building and garden elements on 1stDibs.

Style: Classical Greek

Ilias Lalaounis Sterling Silver and Bronze "Barley" Metapontum Coin Paperweight

$330

Ilias Lalaounis Sterling Silver and Bronze "Barley" Metapontum Coin Paperweight

By Lalaounis

Located in New York, NY

Ilias Lalaounis sterling silver and bronze "Barley" paperweight after an ancient coin of Metapontum 5th Century B.C. in its original box and documentation 20th Century Marks: Lalaoun...

Category

20th Century Greek Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver, Bronze

Antique God Atlas Sterling Silver Figural Wax Seal Stamper. German 19-Century.

$2,500

Antique God Atlas Sterling Silver Figural Wax Seal Stamper. German 19-Century.

Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos

Antique God Atlas Sterling Silver Figural Wax Seal Stamper. Rara Antique, circa 1850, wax seal stamp. Moldelled as the God Atlas (Greek Mythology). The globe rotates. Museum quality...

Category

19th Century German Antique Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

19th Century, Silvered Bronze Sculpture with the Struggle for Life by E. Drouot

$2,299

19th Century, Silvered Bronze Sculpture with the Struggle for Life by E. Drouot

By Edouard Drouot

Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos

Edouard Drouot (1859-1945), The struggle for life (La Lutte pour la Vie), Silvered Bronze and Green marble sculpture Signed "E. Drouot" This valuable bronze-silvered sculpture is the work of the French sculptor Edouard Drouot (1859-1945) and depicts La The struggle for life (La Lutte pour la Vie). It is the representation of a man with a statuary and classicist physique, dressed only with a thong, while struggling with a fierce panther, climbing on a rocky group. Some identify the man Milone of Crotone, ancient Greek...

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Ormolu Sculpture of a Baccante, by Jean-Léon Gérôme

$15,800

19th Century French Ormolu Sculpture of a Baccante, by Jean-Léon Gérôme

By Jean-Léon Gérôme

Located in New York, NY

A gorgeous 19th century French ormolu sculpture of a Baccante, by Jean-Léon Gérôme. This incredible sculpture is by Jean-Léon Gérôme (French, 1824-1904), one of the most famous and i...

Category

1890s French Antique Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Sculptured Athenian Scribe on Variegated Agate Pen Tray

$3,800

Bronze Sculptured Athenian Scribe on Variegated Agate Pen Tray

Located in Asheville, NC

Bronze sculpted figure Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, is seated with two scrolls, one in hand the other placed upon nearby column, is classically dressed in robe with empire bow and hair...

Category

20th Century Italian Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Bronze Sculpture "The Letter"

$750

H 9 in W 7 in D 6 in

19th Century Bronze Sculpture "The Letter"

Located in Rochester, NY

Antique bronze sculpture of man reading a letter or proclamation. Marble base, 19th century. Unsigned.

Category

19th Century European Antique Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Edwardian Glass and Sterling Silver Match Striker / Paperweight

$1,918

H 3.6 in Dm 3.9 in

Edwardian Glass and Sterling Silver Match Striker / Paperweight

By John Grinsell & Sons

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive, antique Edwardian English glass and sterling silver match striker; an addition to our ornamental collection. This exceptional antique Edwardian sterling silver and glass match striker has a globular form. The surface of the glass body is embellished with a serrated texture which composes a match striker. The upper portion of this example of antique silverware retains the original, plain hallmarked sterling silver mount which continues to line the match receiver; this solid silver lining indicates the high quality of the piece. By virtue of its size and weight, this versatile match striker could be utilised as a paperweight. Condition This antique 20th century match striker glass match holder...

Category

Early 1900s English Antique Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century French Sculpture

$1,195

H 20.9 in W 7.9 in D 6.7 in

19th Century French Sculpture

Located in Atlanta, GA

This 19th-century French sculpture features a young drummer, captured in a moment of intense focus and energy. Rendered in rich patinas of bronze, the figure is dressed in historical...

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Lovely 19th Century Victorian Gold Gilt Bronze Recumbent Lion Laying Down

$1,031

H 4.14 in W 8.86 in D 3.15 in

Lovely 19th Century Victorian Gold Gilt Bronze Recumbent Lion Laying Down

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer this stunning late 19th century Italian grand tour Recumbent Lion A very good looking and decorative piece that looks expensive and important in any set...

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Pair of French Ormolu Figural Candelabra, 19th Century

$5,400 / set

H 24 in Dm 15 in

Pair of French Ormolu Figural Candelabra, 19th Century

Located in Cypress, CA

Exquisite pair of French Louis XV style gilt bronze five-light figural candelabra, 19th century. Five foliage-inspired candleholders are conjoined by intricate gilt bronze scrollin...

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Lucite Cube Coin Paperweight Decorative Object, 1960s

$275

H 1.88 in W 1.88 in D 1.88 in

Lucite Cube Coin Paperweight Decorative Object, 1960s

Located in New York, NY

A square Lucite US coin paperweight or decorative object, Midcentury Moder design period, circa 1960s. All US coins encased are from the 1960s, included are the penny, nickel, dime, ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Lucite

“Lutte pour la vie” Scarce French Bronze Sculpture by Edouard Drouot

$3,950

H 24 in W 11 in D 7.88 in

“Lutte pour la vie” Scarce French Bronze Sculpture by Edouard Drouot

By Edouard Drouot

Located in Shippensburg, PA

EDOUARD DROUOT French, 1859-1945 "Lutte pour la vie" [A fight to survive] Patinated and polychromed bronze on verde marble signed "E. Drouot” cast circa 1920 Item # 311GTN28A A ve...

Category

20th Century French Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Bronze

English Georgian Style Bronze Pen Tray

$600

W 10 in D 3.5 in

English Georgian Style Bronze Pen Tray

Located in Queens, NY

English Georgian-style (19th Century) bronze rectangular pen holder tray with filigree edge.

Category

19th Century British Antique Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Greek Lalaounis Sterling Silver Figural Scallop Sea Shell Paperweight

$595

H 1.04 in W 2.2 in D 2.06 in

Vintage Greek Lalaounis Sterling Silver Figural Scallop Sea Shell Paperweight

By Lalaounis

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine signed Greek silver paperweight. By Lalounis. In sterling silver. In the form of a scallop or cockle sea shell. Marked to the base. Simply a wonderful Lalaounis shell...

Category

20th Century Greek Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century French Ormolu & Patinated Bronze Sculpture of a Seated Satyr

$760Sale Price|20% Off

H 7.75 in W 2.5 in D 3.25 in

19th Century French Ormolu & Patinated Bronze Sculpture of a Seated Satyr

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

19th Century French Ormolu & Patinated Bronze Sculpture of a Seated Satyr France, Circa 1875 A good quality 19th Century French Ormolu & Patinated Bronze Sculpture of a Seated Saty...

Category

19th Century Antique Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Vintage French Bulldog on Agate Base

$1,375

H 5.25 in W 3 in D 2.25 in

Vintage French Bulldog on Agate Base

Located in New York, NY

Vintage French bulldog on agate base. Carved crystal carnelian red French bulldog mounted on antique agate and marble base. Italy, circa 1940 Dimensions: 5....

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Agate, Crystal

Female Bronze Figurine After Edouard Drouot

$3,000

H 16.5 in W 4.5 in D 5 in

Female Bronze Figurine After Edouard Drouot

By Edouard Drouot

Located in New York, NY

Our patinated bronze figurine of a lovely female holding a bouquet of flowers after Edouard Drouot (1859 - 1945) is entitled Souvenir. Base carries a ...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Previously Available Items

Large Viennese Imperial Porcelain Picture Plate With Arcadian Landscape, 1828

Sold

H 1.86 in Dm 13.59 in

Large Viennese Imperial Porcelain Picture Plate With Arcadian Landscape, 1828

By Viennese Imperial Porcelain Manufactory

Located in Vienna, AT

Exceptionally large porcelain plate decorated with fine polychrome painting: a romantic landscape with trees and ruins filling the entire surface of the plate, in the foreground a wa...

Category

1820s Austrian Antique Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Plaster Bust of Hermes

Sold

H 13.25 in W 8.25 in D 5 in

Plaster Bust of Hermes

Located in New York, NY

A plaster reproduction bust of ancient Greek sculpture Hermes. A great decorative object as demonstrated. Dimensions: 8.25" Width x 13.25" Heig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Plaster

Pair of Vintage Faux Malachite and Brass Obelisks

Sold

H 21.5 in W 5.75 in D 5.75 in

Pair of Vintage Faux Malachite and Brass Obelisks

Located in Houston, TX

Fantastic pair of vintage faux malachite and brass obelisks. This beautiful pair of midcentury obelisks are a pair but in the spirit of naturally occurring malachite, they appear a b...

Category

1970s Vintage Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Classical Golden Bronze Man Nude Sculpture on a Cast Iron Base, Italy, 1950s

Sold

H 22.45 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in

Classical Golden Bronze Man Nude Sculpture on a Cast Iron Base, Italy, 1950s

Located in IT

Decorative golden bronze man nude sculpture 1950s from Italy, mid-20th century. A well detailed piece, in very good condition. No structural damages, No restoration needed. A video i...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Figural Bronze & Marble Statuary Inkwell with Mercury, circa 1880

Sold

H 16 in W 18 in D 11.25 in

Antique French Figural Bronze & Marble Statuary Inkwell with Mercury, circa 1880

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique French figural inkwell offers Classical Greek bronze statuary of seated mercury flanked by urn form inkwells mounted on shaped and stepped m...

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique Continental .800 Silver Figural Winged Lion Griffin Double Inkwell

Sold

H 9.75 in W 12.75 in D 8 in

Antique Continental .800 Silver Figural Winged Lion Griffin Double Inkwell

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique Continental .800 silver figural double inkwell offers central urn form finial with flanking winged lion griffins surmounting footed s...

Category

19th Century European Antique Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Greek Key Mid-Century Modern Chrome, Brass & Copper Chess Set /SALE

Sold

H 0.5 in W 8 in D 9 in

Greek Key Mid-Century Modern Chrome, Brass & Copper Chess Set /SALE

Located in North Miami, FL

These signed small vintage Greek chess set has the modernist yet Classic Greek key pattern. Signed Forma Greece. It is Mid-Century Modern. The players are a combination of chrome and...

Category

1960s Greek Vintage Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Copper, Chrome

Classical Greek desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Greek desk accessories 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 desk accessories created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with bronze, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Greek desk accessories made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desk accessories, popular names associated with this style include Edouard Drouot, and Jean-Léon Gérôme. 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 desk accessories differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $960 and tops out at $12,640 while the average work can sell for $4,150.