Empire Decorative Objects
EMPIRE STYLE
From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.
Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.
Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine.
Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory. 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.
The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.
Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Style: Empire
Vaso in Porcellana di Meissen Blu Cobalto Oro e Policromia del 1800
Located in Milano, MI
Vaso in porcellana di Meissen blu cobalto, oro e policromia, realizzato nel XIX Secolo
Ø cm 14 h cm 30
La porcellana di Meissen è considerata uno dei primi e più pregiati esempi di...
Category
1870s German Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Atmos Jaeger le Coultre Mantle Clock 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a very elegant Vintage Atmos perpetual mantle clock by Jaeger-Le Coultre, with a jewelled movement bearing their ref No. 88942 and dating from Circa 1950.
The clock is disp...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Brass Candle Holder
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A charming French 19th century brass chamberstick of meticulous patterning covering nearly all of the surface with great patina. The saucer base and ring for carrying would indicate ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Large Estate Signed Baccarat Empire Harcourt Bronze and Crystal Vase
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
Impressive signed Baccarat Empire style bronze and crystal vase.
Beautifully complements the Classic 1841 Harcourt and Empire patterns, similar to the ...
Category
20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Egg style Faberge Blue Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large egg on smooth tripod with 8-day mechanical skeletal Swiss movement with alarm, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché with Russian E...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Egg style Faberge Aquamarine Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg on tripod engraved in 925/1000 gilded silver with translucent enamel on fire on guilloché, Russian Empire style inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé late 19th century, early 20th...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Set of Two Midcentury White Opaline Cenedese Glass Box with Bronze Mounts Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of two beautiful jewelry boxes with glass lids made of opal glass. This type of jewelry box was mainly made in France, Italy and earlier in Bohemia. They were made from the early 19th century to the mid 20th century. However, the heyday of opal boxes...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
X-Small Egg style Faberge Ruby Red Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
X-Small egg in 925/1000 gilded silver with translucent enamel on fire on guilloché in Russian Art Nouveau style, inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé late 19th century, early 20th c...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
French White and Gold Pierced Porcelain Compote Basket Tazza
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful French oval white and gold pierced Paris Porcelain compote basket tazza bowl in the Empire style, circa late 19th century, France...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
French Limoges Porcelain Gilded Baluster Vase
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A large pedestal baluster-shaped vase in hand-painted Limoges porcelain, and dating from the mid-20th century. Featuring an exquisite decoration of spring flowers in vibrant polychro...
Category
20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
C 20th Empire Style Malachite Box
Located in London, GB
A Very Fine Empire Style ormolu Mounted Box
Lovely Quality and very fine Ormolu mounted
This Box Stands at 40cm in Height and is truly Magnificent
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Malachite
Elegant pair of Candlesticks i bronze. Empire, 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Candlesticks i bronze with dark patinated column. French Empire during the 1820s.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze from the 1810s.
Located in Knivsta, SE
A very Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt bronze. Made in France during the 1810s. Richly decorated in period flowers and check patterns. Beautiful wide base.
Wear consist...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Belgian Empire Gilt Metal Three-Piece Garniture Clock Candelabras Set
Located in Germantown, MD
Belle Epoque Belgian Empire style Gilt Metal Three-Piece candelabras and Clock Garniture set with Asian inspiration.
They measures 11" in width,...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Green Wood and Brass Pendulum Clock FHS 151-080 Germany 1950s
Located in Milano, MI
Pendulum clock in hand-painted green wood and brass, Model FHS 151-080 Germany, made in the 1950s
Ø 18 cm Ø 13 cm h 44 cm
FHS Germany is a brand known for producing pendulum clocks...
Category
1950s German Vintage Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Empire Style Ormolu & Cut Crystal Compote/ Tazza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Empire Style Ormolu and Cut Crystal Compote/Tazza
Made in Austria, circa 1920s
An elegant Empire Style Ormolu and Cut Crystal Compote/Tazza made in Austria during the 1920s, present...
Category
20th Century Austrian Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Ormolu
Massive French Empire Gilt Bronze Figural Mounted Malachite Urn Jardinière 38"
Located in Dayton, OH
An opulent French Empire Style bronze ormolu mounted malachite urn or jardiniere. Features a rim cast with shells, foliage and bellflowers, the body centered on each side by a medall...
Category
Late 20th Century Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Malachite, Bronze
19thc French Empire Gold Bordered Crystal Candle Holder /Candlestick by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
19thc French Antique Cut Crystal/ Gold Bordered Deluxe Candle Holder. This piece is stunning! The detail is amazing.
Category
1850s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Early 19th Century Empire Clock, Miniature Matelot "Au Bon Sauvage", circa 1815
Located in Greven, DE
Miniature Empire Bronze Clock - Matelot
Paris
fire-gilded and patinated bronze
early 19th century
Dimensions: H x W x D: 18 x 14 x 9 cm
Description:
Very rare miniature of the famous Pendule Matelot "Au Bon Sauvage". The depiction deals with an important topic of the time, trade with the colonies.
The rectangular base stands on pressed ball feet. Attached to the front, we see two cornucopias filled with exotic fruits and held by a bow.
A young sailor, dressed in a raffia skirt and feather jewellery...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Danish Early 19th Century Empire Tobacco Box
Located in Kastrup, DK
A charming mahogany tobacco box in an architecturally intriguing form. The top of the lid is adorned with a small knob of bone.
Great quality and craftsmanship.
Empire. Denmark, ...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bone, Mahogany
19th Century Gold French Empire Gilded Bronze Table Clock, Antique Pendule
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique French table clock, pendulum made of hand crafted fire-gilded bronze, in good condition. The circular enamel dial of the Pa...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Empire Style Beaded Crystal Basket Chandelier, Late 20th Century
Located in Milano, MI
A late 20th century Empire style beaded crystal basket chandelier with a classical circular brass structure and three E27 lights inside.Light bulbs can be replaced unscrewing the bro...
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Wilhelm Hofmann opaline glass vase late 19th century
By Wilhelm Nikolaus Hofmann
Located in Villa Verucchio, Emilia-Romagna
Wilhelm Hofmann late 19th century opaline glass vase: timeless elegance and refinement
If you would like to enrich your space with an authentic and fascinating piece of art, this op...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Opaline Glass
Rare Pair French Retour D'egypt Terracotta Lions Sculptures Statues Los Angeles
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Rare Pair French Retour D'egypt Terracotta Lions Sculptures Statues Los Angeles , Exceptional fine pair of Large French Retour D'egypt period terra...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Terracotta
Pair of Early 19th c Empire Gilt Bronze Cassolettes
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Early 19th C Empire Gilt Bronze Cassolettes. With a classic egg and dart pattern on the rim, the pair are adorned with two sets of winged male figures. The pair rest atop rec...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Style Tessellated Stone Marble Pedestal Stand Planter with Lions
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Empire Style Tessellated Stone Marble Pedestal Stand Planter with Lions. Item feature bulbous open planter form, paw feet,...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Stone
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte
By Sitzendorf
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte by Sitzendorf, in porcelain, hand-painted.
Detailed example of the Emperor, dressed with bicorn hat,
green uniform with medals, draped with a coat.
On the...
Category
Early 20th Century German Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Empire style cassolettes in sea green marble and gilt bronze, 19th century
Located in NICE, FR
Empire style sea green marble and gilt bronze cassolettes, 19th century
Pair of polished sea green marble and gilt bronze cassolettes resting on square bases decorated with laurel l...
Category
1880s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Mid 20th century framed Italian bisque Taglio
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid 20th century Italian framed bisque Taglio. This Greco Roman style bisque porcelain medallion is framed in a gold leaf shadowbox frame with pink interior and gold detail...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Silver Plated Rectangular Dolphin Footed Box with Lid
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
We see this charming 2 piece box for used as a trinket box for jewelry or keepsakes. Could also function standing alone on a coffee table or nightstand.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
2 Antique French Sarregumines Majolica Snake Serpent Mantel Vase Urn 17"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of very large and impressive late 19th century Sarregumines majolica pottery vases - classical urn shape with coiled double headed snake / serpent handles, brown and white multi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Majolica
Empire Style Ormolu Mounted Lapis Box
Located in London, GB
A Magnifient Lapis Empire Style Box
This box is Absolutely Stunning,
Ormolu Mounted
Category
20th Century Unknown Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Lapis Lazuli
Black and Gold Carved Vase Statues - Set of 2
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand carved painted black and gold vase statues, the vase and base can be separated. Sits very tall at 7 feet but is very lightweight being made from wood. Likely originated in Franc...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
EARLY 19th CENTURY GOLDEN WALL CLOCK WITH MUSIC BOX
Located in Firenze, FI
Splendid wall clock set in an elegant opening wooden case, with carved frame and golden tablet. The internal finishes of the clock are also in golden tablet and brass. The decoration...
Category
Early 19th Century Austrian Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Empire period portico clock in white marble and gilt bronze, 19th century
Located in NICE, FR
Empire period portico clock in white marble and gilt bronze, 19th century
This Empire period clock (circa 1800-1810) is composed of a marble terrace topped by two flat columns decor...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Louis Marie Moris French bronze Napoleon on horseback . (1818-1883)
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine and large French bronze of Napoleon on horseback . Crossing the Alps on Marengo.
Fine detail on a marble base . Large and impressive scale
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pierre-Philippe Thomire Attributed 4 Arm French Empire Gilt Bronze Candelabrum
Located in Savannah, GA
A very fine single French Empire style gilt bronze four-light candelabra featuring the allegorical "à la Victoire". The winged figure holds aloft in her out stretched arms two intric...
Category
1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Period Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock of Ceres, circa 1815
Located in Shippensburg, PA
EMPIRE ORMOLU BRONZE FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK OF CERES, GODDESS OF AGRICULTURE
Movement by Etienne Tavernier; France, circa 1815
Item # 104HWG22Z
A fine Empire period mantel clock with bun feet raising a rectangular base with a central portrait of Bacchus flanked by exquisitely chiseled motif of swirling foliage surmounted by a figure of the goddess Ceres grasping in her lowered hand a wreath woven with foliage and berries while in her garment she collects a bountiful harvest; she rests beside the clock tower with a framed lens opening to access the white enamel dial with black Roman numerals inscribed Etn. Tavernier set with Breguet style hands, raising an urn filled with fruits of the soil; against the tower rest the implements of labor, a shovel and flat rake. The movement is engraved "B".
A significant clock movement maker, Etienne Tavernier (French, 1756-1839) is listed in Tardy's horology reference as working closely with the house of Abraham-Louis Breguet as well as providing clock movements...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Hand-carved Napoleon Bonaparte in nut-wood
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
Hand-carved Napoleon Bonaparte in walnut on a colorful marble base.
You often see sculptures of Napoleon Bonaparte in bronze, rarely in wood.
Category
1920s French Vintage Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Italian Empire Classical Sterling Silver 5-Light Candelabrum
Located in New York, NY
Italian Empire sterling silver 5-light candelabrum. Raised socket on ovoid shaft to which are mounted four leaf-mounted arms terminating in same. Sockets bellied on wax pan. Shaft mo...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Sterling Silver
Italian Yellow Tole Obelisk Urn With Paw Feet
Located in Stamford, CT
A charming neoclassical yellow tole water or tea urn in the form of an obelisk balanced on a square plinth by fours balls supported by brass paw feet. Decorated on four sides with ma...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Brass
French Directoire Bronze Skeleton Clock
Located in Rome, IT
Extremely fine quality Directoire/Empire gilt bronze mounted gilt brass skeleton clock with enameled chapter ring and openwork movement. Roman numerals for the hours and outer half...
Category
1790s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Ormolu
Pocket Cigarette Case Vessel Miniature Hand-Painted Sterling Silver Enamel Salim
Located in Firenze, FI
6238-7239- Pocket cigarette case with spring button in 925/1000 fire-enamelled sterling silver with beautiful vessel miniature hand-painted by th...
Category
1990s Italian Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver, Enamel
19th Century French Bronze Metal and Crystal Urn, Pair, attributed to Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Louisville, KY
The 19th Century French artisans knew how to design lasting classical beauty. This extraordinary pair of French urns is proof of the mastery put forth in design and construction. Fro...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Pair of Empire Candelabra with Green Marble Bases & 4 Candle Holders
Located in Atlanta, GA
These pair of Empire candelabras feature angles holding 4 candleholders atop a green marble base.
Category
19th Century European Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble
Large Antique French Patinated Bronze/Gilt Seven-Light Candelabras After Moreau
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This magnificent pair of large 19th-century French candelabras, inspired by Moreau, combines classical beauty with exceptional craftsmanship. Each candelabra is crafted in patinated ...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Inlaid Portico Empire Style Mantle Clock
Located in Kingston, NY
French 19th-century mantle clock features a bronze and inlaid veined wood veneer portico design. The clock is adorned with gilded ornaments, including a decorative pendulum and intri...
Category
19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th-Early 20th Century Ottoman Empire Silver Jewelry Casket
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th-early 20th century Ottoman Empire Grand Scale Silver Jewelry Casket. Velvet lining; with a presentation case. 900 standard silver guarantee hallmark, SK mark unidentified, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Turkish Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver
Mid 19th Century Empire Style Bronze Patinated Candleholders
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A pair of fine French Empire style brown patinated bronze candlesticks from the Napoleon III period. A fluted column beautifully decorated with ivy, rises on a tripod with claw-shape...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
19th century Swedish gilt and eglomise ornate wall clock
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Swedish gilt and églomisé ornate wall clock circa 1840.
Fine quality swedish wall clock of the empire period circa 1840. Beautifully carved, surmounted with doves. 2 si...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Giltwood
Antique Flame Mahogany Empire Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Rectangular shape mahogany veneered casket made in first half of 19th century presumably in Europe. High quality work of applied arts in Neoclassical (Biedermeier) style. The fork of...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Mahogany
19th Century Italian Empire Crystal Candle Chandelier
Located in Milano, MI
A charming classical Empire style Italian chandelier born for candle lighting, featuring nine arms ending with candles, no electric wiring, can be used as candle holders or decorativ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal, Iron, Brass
Empire Style Crystal Box with Classical Gilt Ormulo Mounts
Located in London, GB
A French late 19th century Empire style crystal box with classical gilt bronze mounts.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Ormolu
Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Candlesticks on Hoofed Faun Feet
Located in Barntrup, DE
Pair of French empire style gilt bronze candlesticks on hoofed faun feet, late 19th century.
A pair of fine French Empire-style gilt bronze candleholders. A fluted column rises on three cloven-hoofed hocked faun legs and feet. These antique candleholders...
Category
1890s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. 1820s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant pair of Empire Candlesticks in gilt and dark patinated bronze. Made in France during the 1820s. Very period design. Cool and unusual composition between gilded and dark patin...
Category
1820s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Pair of Snake Handled Meissen Urns
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Stylish and chic pair of Meissen urns in Classic glazed white porcelain with gold accents. These urns are classical in form and feature entwined snakes as ...
Category
1870s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Meissen Snake Handled Vases 19th Century
Located in Hudson, NY
A large and decorative pair of Meissen porcelain vases, of ancient Roman krater form, with handles shaped as entwined serpents.
Highly ornamental, these vases represent an interesti...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Gold Leaf
Pair of French 19th Century Gilt & Patinated Bronze Sphinxes on Porphyry & Bron
Located in Hudson, NY
Made in France circa 1840s this finely cast pair of sphinxes are represented in the recumbent position most associated with the form. Showing on both figures are two hieroglyphic car...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects
Materials
Porphyry, Bronze
Empire decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Empire decorative objects 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 decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire decorative objects 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 decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, Gherardo Degli Albizzi, Franco Salimbeni, and Alexandre Vossion. 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 decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $170 and tops out at $148,649 while the average work can sell for $4,772.