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Classical Roman Desk Accessories

CLASSICAL ROMAN STYLE

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.

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Style: Classical Roman
Collection of Roman Numerals
Collection of Roman Numerals

Collection of Roman Numerals

Located in London, England

Cast metal Roman numerals. Circa 1900 H 8cm x W 5cm x D 3cm

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Pair of Antique Cast Plaster Corbels
Pair of Antique Cast Plaster Corbels

Pair of Antique Cast Plaster Corbels

Located in Sheffield, MA

The pair of antique cast corbels are hollow and are secured with iron horizontal bars. Can be hung for display or use as brackets for shelving. Also will work well for bookends.

Category

19th Century European Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Plaster

Marble inkwell Souvenir of the Grand Tour Rome late 18th century
Marble inkwell Souvenir of the Grand Tour Rome late 18th century

Marble inkwell Souvenir of the Grand Tour Rome late 18th century

Located in Pistoia, IT

Capital-shaped white marble inkwell, souvenir of the Grand Tour, Roman workshop, late 18th century. Rome was considered the stop par excellence of the Grand Tour, as it represente...

Category

18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Rare Antique Classical Roman Bronze & Glass Inkstand with Crystal Glass Inkwell
Rare Antique Classical Roman Bronze & Glass Inkstand with Crystal Glass Inkwell

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...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Bronze

Italian Male Bust Sculptures Grand Tour
Italian Male Bust Sculptures Grand Tour

Italian Male Bust Sculptures Grand Tour

By A. Santini

Located in New York, NY

A set of three (3) Italian male sculpture busts by R. Santini, in the classical Roman or Grand Tour design style, circa mid-20th century, Italy. This set of busts could be used for a library, office, etc., on a shelf, table, etc. Marked on bottom as shown in images. Dimensions L to R: Nerone: 4.63" Width x 6" Height Augusto: 4.13" Width x 5.75" Height Traiano: 4.63" Width x 6.19" Height Italian table, search ref. #: LU1314231162942 (SOLD.) For Corinthian capitol columns...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Composition

Ochre Millefiori Glass Plate by Ercole Moretti
Ochre Millefiori Glass Plate by Ercole Moretti

Ochre Millefiori Glass Plate by Ercole Moretti

By Ercole Moretti

Located in Palm Desert, CA

An intricately detailed glass dish by Ercole Moretti with close-packed complex millefiori glass mosaic beads. The millefiori (or murrini) technique ...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Art Glass

French Set of Champleve Enameled Small Inkwell and Letter Opener
French Set of Champleve Enameled Small Inkwell and Letter Opener

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...

Category

Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Antique Decorative Bronze Roman Busts on Columns
Pair of Antique Decorative Bronze Roman Busts on Columns

Pair of Antique Decorative Bronze Roman Busts on Columns

Located in London, GB

A Pair of Miniature Bronzes of Roman Busts On Marmore Nero Columns In the Manner of Georges Servant After the original models exhibited at the Paris ex...

Category

19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Related Items
Grand Tour Marmo Rosso Model of the Tomb of Scipio, Italian, 19th Century
Grand Tour Marmo Rosso Model of the Tomb of Scipio, Italian, 19th Century

Grand Tour Marmo Rosso Model of the Tomb of Scipio, Italian, 19th Century

Located in Spencertown, NY

The red marble sarchophagus mounted on a slate base. Removing the top reveals an empty well.

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19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

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Marble

Grand Tour Italian Carved Marble Bust - Psyche of Capua
Grand Tour Italian Carved Marble Bust - Psyche of Capua

Grand Tour Italian Carved Marble Bust - Psyche of Capua

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H 17.72 in W 15.75 in D 5.91 in

Grand Tour Italian Carved Marble Bust - Psyche of Capua

Located in Langenfeld (Rheinland), DE

An elegant late 19th-century Italian marble bust of Psyche of Capua, inspired by classical Roman models. Finely carved with delicate features and flowing drapery, this piece embodie...

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Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

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Marble

Italian Grand Tour Carved Marble Bust Of Woman
Italian Grand Tour Carved Marble Bust Of Woman

Italian Grand Tour Carved Marble Bust Of Woman

Located in Bradenton, FL

Classical 19th century hand-carved Italian Neoclassic Grand Tour marble female bust. Bust features intricately carved young woman's head and neck, wearing delicate drapery across déc...

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

An Italian Grand Tour Specimen Marble Paperweight, Late 19th Century
An Italian Grand Tour Specimen Marble Paperweight, Late 19th Century

An Italian Grand Tour Specimen Marble Paperweight, Late 19th Century

Located in Spencertown, NY

The round paperweight framed in black marble, with porphyry and sienna marble and other marble specimens. The center in sienna marble with carved bea...

Category

1850s Italian Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Grand Tour Inlaid Specimen Marble Paperweight, Late 19th Century
Grand Tour Inlaid Specimen Marble Paperweight, Late 19th Century

Grand Tour Inlaid Specimen Marble Paperweight, Late 19th Century

Located in Spencertown, NY

The paperweight inset with a plaster cast of the Coliseum, outlined in 'marmo nero' and marmo giallo.

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Antique Victorian Marble Roman Ruins Grand Tour Statue Sculpture Columns Pillars
Antique Victorian Marble Roman Ruins Grand Tour Statue Sculpture Columns Pillars

Antique Victorian Marble Roman Ruins Grand Tour Statue Sculpture Columns Pillars

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this extremely collectable original Victorian Marble Grand Tour Roman Ruin statue of columns A wonderful original piece, this is a desk sized co...

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

A Vintage Italian Grand Tour Specimen Marble Ruler, 20th Century
A Vintage Italian Grand Tour Specimen Marble Ruler, 20th Century

A Vintage Italian Grand Tour Specimen Marble Ruler, 20th Century

Located in Spencertown, NY

The 7 1/4" ruler with 8 different specimens inset with in a black marble frame.

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Pair of 19th Century Carved & Gilded Corbels Converted to Bookends, Circa 1890
Pair of 19th Century Carved & Gilded Corbels Converted to Bookends, Circa 1890

Pair of 19th Century Carved & Gilded Corbels Converted to Bookends, Circa 1890

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

A highly decorative pair of 19th century Regence-style painted & gilded architectural corbel elements with hand carved acanthus leaf detail, salvaged from the interior of a 19th cent...

Category

Late 19th Century Canadian Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

English "Grand Tour" Derbyshire Specimen Marble Plaque Paperweights, circa 1850
English "Grand Tour" Derbyshire Specimen Marble Plaque Paperweights, circa 1850

English "Grand Tour" Derbyshire Specimen Marble Plaque Paperweights, circa 1850

Located in Kinderhook, NY

A collection of three 'Grand Tour' English / Italian polychrome marble plaques or paperweights, one rectangular; two of cartouche form, the 'Derbyshire' or 'Belgian Black' marble slabs inset with native English stones 'Blue John' (Derbyshire Spar), 'Duke's Red', 'Bird's-Eye', and foreign Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, and Jasper in 'ovoid' and 'kidney' form inlays. Measurements : Rectangular plaque: 8" by 4.63" by .88" Cartouche plaque...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Grand Tour Serpentine Inkwell and Cover Inset with 7 Lava Stone Cameos, 19th C
Grand Tour Serpentine Inkwell and Cover Inset with 7 Lava Stone Cameos, 19th C

Grand Tour Serpentine Inkwell and Cover Inset with 7 Lava Stone Cameos, 19th C

Located in Spencertown, NY

The 7 cameos of historical figures, fitted with 3 quill holders, 2 inkwells and a pounce pot. The underside of the lid is framed with a circular gouache dep...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Serpentine

19th Century French University Teaching Shapes - Collection Of Eight
19th Century French University Teaching Shapes - Collection Of Eight

19th Century French University Teaching Shapes - Collection Of Eight

Located in Hook, Hampshire

19th Century French University Teaching Shapes - Collection Of Eight. We know little of the history or use of this collection but they are from the late 19th Century and came from ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Beech

Marble Sculpture Bust Of Emperor Julius Caesar After The Antique Grand Tour
Marble Sculpture Bust Of Emperor Julius Caesar After The Antique Grand Tour

Marble Sculpture Bust Of Emperor Julius Caesar After The Antique Grand Tour

$8,283Sale Price|20% Off

H 28.35 in W 20.87 in D 9.06 in

Marble Sculpture Bust Of Emperor Julius Caesar After The Antique Grand Tour

Located in Tivoli Terme, Roma

The sculpture realized by a Roman sculptor as from the Roman academy tradition, is carved with white marble. The sculpture represents the face of a young Julius Caesar, Julius Caesar formally known as Caesar was a Roman general and statesman who played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic...

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20th Century Italian Classical Roman Desk Accessories

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Marble

Previously Available Items
Vintage Italian Brown Leather Bound Gold Gilt Half Round Bookends
Vintage Italian Brown Leather Bound Gold Gilt Half Round Bookends

Vintage Italian Brown Leather Bound Gold Gilt Half Round Bookends

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Italian Brown Leather Bound Gold Gilt Half Round Bookends. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 6" H x 4" W x 2.75" D each.

Category

Mid-20th Century Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Beautiful Classic Table Lamp in Matte Gold from the 19th Century
Beautiful Classic Table Lamp in Matte Gold from the 19th Century

Beautiful Classic Table Lamp in Matte Gold from the 19th Century

Located in Knivsta, SE

Beautiful classic table lamp in matte gold with polished edges in gold. Originally a kerosene lamp from the late 19th century that was converted int...

Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

Elegant Marble Table Lamp in the shape of an Obelisk
Elegant Marble Table Lamp in the shape of an Obelisk

Elegant Marble Table Lamp in the shape of an Obelisk

Located in Knivsta, SE

Elegant marble table lamp in the shape of an Obelisk. Made of marble with four gilded balls as decoration. From the 20th century. New lampshade with linen structure on the outside...

Category

20th Century European Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Gold Plate, Brass

Vintage Brass & Copper Armillary Sphere Bookends, Austria, 1960s
Vintage Brass & Copper Armillary Sphere Bookends, Austria, 1960s

Vintage Brass & Copper Armillary Sphere Bookends, Austria, 1960s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

A decorative set of two bookends. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of brass, copper and a wooden. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austria and was made proba...

Category

1960s German Vintage Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Grand Tour Italian Ormolu Mounted Multi-Marble Julius Caesar Coliseum Model
Grand Tour Italian Ormolu Mounted Multi-Marble Julius Caesar Coliseum Model

Grand Tour Italian Ormolu Mounted Multi-Marble Julius Caesar Coliseum Model

Located in New York, NY

A 19th Century Italian Ormolu Mounted Multi-Marble Julius Caesar Coliseum Model. This is a beautiful rendition of a Roman coliseum with a dore bronze mounted Julius Caesar standing in the middle of the marble masterpiece. The domed top is made up of multiple marble species including verde marble, carrara marble, and rough marble...

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1860s Italian Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble, Siena Marble, Bronze

Italian Verde Dark Green Marble Bookends, Pair
Italian Verde Dark Green Marble Bookends, Pair

Italian Verde Dark Green Marble Bookends, Pair

Sold

H 4.5 in W 2.88 in D 2.88 in

Italian Verde Dark Green Marble Bookends, Pair

Located in New York, NY

A pair of Italian dark green verde marble bookends in a classic design style, circa mid to late-20th century, 1970s, Italy. Beautifully carved details from one piece of marble. Dimen...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

19th Century French Gilt Bronze Bouillotte Lamp with Inkwell & Marble Base
19th Century French Gilt Bronze Bouillotte Lamp with Inkwell & Marble Base

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...

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique Round Figural Bronze Plaque Medallion Adam and Eve Garden of Eden
Antique Round Figural Bronze Plaque Medallion Adam and Eve Garden of Eden

Antique Round Figural Bronze Plaque Medallion Adam and Eve Garden of Eden

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique round figural bronze plaque medallion Adam and Eve Garden of Eden. Item features solid cast bronze construction, figure of Expulsion of Adam and Eve with Angel from the Garde...

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Fine Quality Micromosaic Paperweight Depicting Pliny's Doves
Fine Quality Micromosaic Paperweight Depicting Pliny's Doves

Fine Quality Micromosaic Paperweight Depicting Pliny's Doves

Located in San Francisco, CA

An Italian Grand Tour micromosaic black marble paperweight inset with a superb mosaic depiction of Pliny's Doves as he described them in "The N...

Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Pair of Abstract Roman Gladiator Sculptures by Frederick Weinberg
Pair of Abstract Roman Gladiator Sculptures by Frederick Weinberg

Pair of Abstract Roman Gladiator Sculptures by Frederick Weinberg

By Frederic Weinberg

Located in Palm Desert, CA

A pair of rare and iconic 'Roman Gladiators' table sculptures by Frederick Weinberg. These abstract sculptures portray a stylized profile of a Roman soldier / gladiator. Spectacular form and design; the brass figures are mounted on a round, wooden base. These would make a great little pair of lamps. About the artist: Philadelphia based artist and industrial designer Frederic Weinberg produced and sold a wide variety of functional and decorative items under a company bearing his name. Though he is probably best known for his figural wire and fiberglass wall sculptures, he also produced retail fixtures...

Category

1950s American Vintage Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Antique French Amusing Bronze Figure of Diogenes, a Desk Set
Antique French Amusing Bronze Figure of Diogenes, a Desk Set

Antique French Amusing Bronze Figure of Diogenes, a Desk Set

Located in Montreal, QC

Famously, Diogenese wandered the Streets of Athens with a lantern, searching in vain for an honest man. He also used to be seen naked in a barrel on occasion. There is a temperature ...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Midcentury White and Gold Italian Jewelry Dish by Richard Ginori
Midcentury White and Gold Italian Jewelry Dish by Richard Ginori

Midcentury White and Gold Italian Jewelry Dish by Richard Ginori

By Richard Ginori

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful midcentury Italian oval dish by designer Richard Ginori, circa Mid-20th Century, Italy. Dish has decorative gold and blue detail around edge, and center area featuring a ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Classical Roman Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Classical Roman desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman desk accessories for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, 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, more furniture and collectibles, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman desk accessories made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desk accessories, popular names associated with this style include A. Santini, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., and Ercole Moretti. 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 $395 and tops out at $29,800 while the average work can sell for $675.