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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
Pair of French Empire Style Onyx and Gilded Bronze Tazzas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant pair of hand carved and polished onyx tazzas in the Empire style with gilded bronze mounts.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

Pair of 19th C French Gilt Bronze Ram’s Head Candlesticks w Musical Motifs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Candlesticks with Ram’s Head and Musical Motif Decoration A richly detailed pair of 19th century French gilt bronze candlesticks, exemplifying...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Late Empire Period Clock of Chronos Carrying Away Time
Located in London, GB
A fine model of Chronos carrying off time. The superbly modelled and cast figure of Chronos with scythe in one hand and carrying the clock under his arm. Set on a fine marble base wi...
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Ormolu, Bronze

French Empire Boxwood Tabatière with Erotic Enamel Plaque and Gilded Bronze Acce
Located in Kastrup, DK
A French Empire tabatière, exquisitely crafted from boxwood. The lid is adorned with an erotic enamel plaque, elegantly framed by a gilded bronze band, while the underside features a...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Gold and White Paris Porcelain Urn
Located in New York, NY
Gold and white Paris porcelain urn. Elegant white and gilt painted Empire handled vase in the Campana urn form. Unusual unpainted floral gilded outlines against a white background re...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Drouot French Empire Bronze Mantel Clock, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
This French Empire mantel clock features a seated female figure, finely sculpted, draped in flowing fabric, and positioned next to an elegant water fountain motif. The round enamel d...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

French Empire Clock Depicting Psyche Playing with a Butterfly After Canova
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A French Empire Clock depicting Psyche playing with a butterfly after a marble statue by Canova displayed in the Louvre. A patinated bronze Psych...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Small Round Tray with Red Carrara Marble Top and Brass Edging
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small round barware tray with red carrara marble top and brass edging. This tray was most likely an old table top, that is now being used as a tray.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Carrara Marble, Brass

French Mid 19th Century Empire St. Ormolu Portico Clock
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite French mid 19th century Empire st. ormolu portico clock. The clock raised on a rectangular base with finely chased borders and satin and burnish finish interlocking circ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

Superb Quality Bronze Ebonized French Empire Ormulu Mounted Figural Clock
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This exquisite French Empire figural mantel clock represents the pinnacle of 19th-century artistry and craftsmanship. Featuring a be...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Photo Frame Heart-Shaped Fired Enamel on Guillochè Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Heart-shaped rounded frame with oval photo in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè. With hinged silver-gilt foot engraved in Empire style. ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Pair of Large Danish Vaseline Opaline Wine Glass or Vases
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish pair of large white Vaseline opaline wine glasses or vases.
Category

Late 19th Century Danish Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass, Art Glass, Opaline Glass

19th Century, French, Empire Bronze Dore Inkwell Signed
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th century) bronze dore rectangular inkwell on 4 clawed feet with relief (signed BARBEDIENNE).  
Category

19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Empire Bronze and Ormolu Cartel Clock by Bailly, Paris
Located in Essex, MA
A wall clock with gilt bronze ribbon bow joining a gilt bronze ribbon attached to the clock case with patinated bronze back section and laurel leaf mounted surrounding a circular glass hinged cover opening to an enamelled dial signed Bailly a Paris. An eagle with spread wings at the base seated on a plinth. All finely cast. The laurel leaves signify victory and the eagle represents strength and power. Bailly is considered on of the finest French clock makers...
Category

1810s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Blue Marbleized Empire Wastebasket
Located in New York, NY
Blue marbleized empire wastebasket. Faux marble painted empire style wastebasket on gilt paw feet. France, 20th century Dimensions: 9" L x 9" W x 9.88" H.
Category

20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Desk Set, Viennese Empire, c. 1815
Located in Greding, DE
Seven-piece desk set from Vienna in granite with polished steel mounts.
Category

1810s Austrian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Granite, Steel

Desk Set, Viennese Empire, c. 1815
Desk Set, Viennese Empire, c. 1815
$9,627 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of Empire Four Light Bronze Candelabra
Located in Montreal, QC
Pair of Empire period parcel-gilt and patinated bronze four-light candelabra, the patinated column raised on triform scrolled feet over incurved plinth supporting a gilt bronze stand...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Empire Four Light Bronze Candelabra
Pair of Empire Four Light Bronze Candelabra
$3,600 Sale Price / set
44% Off
Pair 19thc French Empire Bronze Male Figural Candelabra
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair 19thc French Gold Bronze Male Mask Figural Candelabra. Very nice detail and stately candelabra.
Category

1890s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Early 19th Century Vase Pendule, Pendulum-Clock, Tardy à Lyon, Empire circa 1820
Located in Greven, DE
Antique vase clock France Fire gilded bronze Empire around 1820 Dimensions: H x W x D: 41 x 13 x 12 Description: Beautiful all gilt French mantel clock. The basic form is in the shape of an urn vase with lid...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

19th Century Candlestick Lightshade Vienna by Balthasar Wigand Mother of Pearl
Located in Epfach, DE
Mother of pearl light shade or candlestick by Balthasar Wigand Vienna about 1810-1820 with very fine painting from the Galitzerberg in Vienna. B...
Category

1810s Austrian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Picture Frame large size Red Enamel on Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large shaped photograph frame in gold plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guillochè with borders and laurel frieze in Louis XVI French Empire style. Exte...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

19th Century Pair of Empire Cups Mounted on a Marble Base
Located in NICE, FR
We are delighted to present you with this pair of Empire cassolettes originating from the 19th century. They are crafted from bronze and mounted o...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Georgian Silver Tea Caddy Tableware Empire Sterling Silver Box Empire Casket
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Antique Sterling Silver tea caddy / box Style Georgian, French Empire, Napoleonic, Dutch A sterling silver very stylized tea box with good working lock Decorated with embossed pearl...
Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

A Set Of Gilt Iron Lion Heads Door Knockers
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Set of Gilt Iron Door Knockers. It depicts a pair of large and heavy lion heads with a ring in their mouths. The rings are decorated with some acanthus leaves in the bottom...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Attractive Vintage Vase Kaiser, Pavillon, Germany Porcelain Large Vase
Located in Bastogne, BE
Attractive vintage vase with handles by Kaiser, Pavillon, Germany. Baluster-shaped vase made of white high quality porcelain with gilding ...
Category

1980s German Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Tripod Cachepot Brass Bowl
Located in Sheffield, MA
Charmingly elegant antique Empire style brass bowl centerpiece on tripod hoofed feet and decorative handles in an 'abstract' animal form. Lovely aged brass patina all-over, can easil...
Category

19th Century European Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Tripod Cachepot Brass Bowl
Tripod Cachepot Brass Bowl
$850 Sale Price
29% Off
Antique Marble Paperweight with Figural Bronze Bird of Prey 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Late 19th century nice quality bronze and dark green marble work. The finely detailed plumage of the bird with its fierce gaze demonstrates the handiwork of the craftsman. In a world...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair c1810 French Empire Gilt Bronze Detailed Ovoid Form Candle Holders
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Pair c1810 French Empire Gilt Bronze Ovoid Form Candle Holders/ Candlesticks. Highly detailed antiquity.
Category

1810s Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

1800 Empire Nast Porcelain Griffins Masks Roses Flowers Garlands France Vase
Located in Munich, DE
This very high quality French vase in caramel hue with guilding is most probably made by the Nast Porcelain Manufacture ( 1754 - 1817 ). It's handles ar...
Category

Early 1800s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Candelabras, Antique Pair w/Dore' Gold Finish, 5 Arms
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great looking pair of 5 arm Candelabras. In two colors and Marble bases. In very good condition from an Antique collector in New Orleans. They have been well kept. These will require...
Category

Early 1900s European Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Photo Frame inserted into a harp-shaped object Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Oval photo frame inserted into a harp-shaped object, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloché inspired by a model created by Peter Carl Fab...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Royal Copenhagen, pair of Blue Fluted candlesticks. 1962.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen, a pair of Blue Fluted candlesticks in porcelain. 1962. Model 1/15. Marked. In perfect condition. First factory quality. Dimensions: Height 22.5 cm x 7.8 cm.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Candlesticks – Stunning
Located in Milano, IT
This elegant pair of early 19th-century French Empire gilt bronze candlesticks is in stunning condition, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship typical of the Empire period. The richly g...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair Italian Empire Period Brass 3-Light Figural Candelabras, Early 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Finely cast and supported by circular bases, the tops issuing two arms with single candleholders with a central figural candleholder.
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Neoclassical Green and Gilt Faux Marble Samovar Coffee Urn
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical green and gilt faux marble samovar coffee urn. Gilt and green faux marble painted samovar with Greco Roman mask issuing spout on pedestal abov...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Patinated and Fire-Gilt Clock in the Form of a Vase c. 1800
Located in 263-0031, JP
A French patinated and fire-gilt clock in the form of a vase, Empire Era, 1800-1815. The silk-thread mechanism is in good working condition with key and pendulum.
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Large B&G, Bing & Grondahl Vase in Pink with Handles in Gold, Early Stamp
Located in København, Copenhagen
Large B&G, Bing & Grondahl vase in pink with handles in gold. Early stamp. Dated 1865. 1st. assortment. In perfect condition. Measures 29.5 x 14.5 cm.
Category

1860s Danish Antique Empire Decorative Objects

A Russian Empire Carved Gilt Wood and Faux Malachite Painted Mantel Clock
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very nice and charming carved gilt wood and faux painted malachite empire clock. Probably Russian. Ça. 1820-30. The figure probably of the Greek goddess HYGIEIA. She was one of the daughters of the god of medicine...
Category

1820s Russian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

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

Coppia di Vasi Impero Italiani Intagliati Dorati e Laccati in Color Avorio 1800
Located in Milano, MI
Coppia di Vasi Impero, due vasi con manici stilizzati, vasi portapalme in legno intagliato a motivi fitomorfi di gusto Impero e decorati con una finitura in lacca avorio e oro fino. ...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Two Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain Candlesticks with Lion Heads
Located in København, Copenhagen
Two Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain candlesticks with lion heads. Dated 1969-1974. Model number 1/15. Measures: 23 x 8 cm. In excellent ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Red Photo Frame French Empire Louis XVI style Sterling Silver Enamel Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guillochè, with French Empire Louis XVI style border and rich ornamentation around th...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

A Pair of French Empire Gilt Bronze and Verde Marble Tazzas, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Pair of French Empire Bronze, Gilt Bronze, and Verde Marble Tazzas, 19th Century Each tazza with a shallow bronze inner bowl with leaf-and-dart rim projecting from a lobed gilt br...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique French Empire Figural Bronze & Marble Hunting Dog Desk Double Inkwell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Empire Figural Bronze & Marble Hunting Dog Desk Double Inkwell. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 4.75" H x 11.5" W x 6.25" D.
Category

Early 20th Century Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century Miniatur Mantel Clock, Gare La Bombe, Cupido, France, Gilded Bronze
Located in Greven, DE
Pendulette "Gare La Bombe" France gilded bronze first half 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 20 x 15 x 7 cm Description: Antique miniature mante...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

A Pair Of French Empire Patinated Bronze And Marble Candelabra
Located in London, GB
A Large Pair of Empire Patinated Bronze and Marble Candelabra Each candelabra features a classical winged Victory figure holding stylised oil lamp candleholder with gadrooned nozzles. The winged figure wears a flowing dress with finely detailed, crisp lines and stands atop a gilt bronze orb...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Empire Patinated Bronze Tripod Candelabras, Lion's Paw Feet, 19th c.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of French Empire bronze candelabras. These tall three light patinated bronze candelabras have a tripod base with very detailed lion's paws. The columns are fluted with palmettes...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock of Seated Cupid Holding a Rose
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Finest quality period French Empire clock depicting a seated winged cupid holding a rose; the case in gilt and patinated bronze. The clock show a gilt cupid...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Early 20th Century Biscuit Tin "The British Commonwealth"
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A biscuit tin celebrating The British Commonwealth, both natural & architectural. The 1930s Canadian Rockies train is wonderful! Also featuring Windsor, Parliament House of New Zeala...
Category

Early 20th Century English Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Birth of the King of Rome, Bronze Clock, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Patinated bronze clock representing The Birth of the King of Rome or the allegory of the Birth of Love Empress Marie-Louise is standing near a cradle filled with roses with a winged cupid in the middle; decor of an Athenian woman with rams' heads and a curtain draped...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Important Empire Clock in Bronze with Two Patinas Alexander the Great 19th Cen
Located in Madrid, ES
Important Empire clock in bronze with two Patinas Alexander the Great 19th century Weight: 11.00 kg Sizes: H 51cm x L 39cm France very good condition.
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

A Pair of French Empire Style Gilt bronze Urns on Marble Stands, 20th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A pair of French Empire gilt bronze urns on marble stands, 20th Century Height: 32 cm Width: 22 cm Depth: 18.5 cm Provenance: Private New South Wales Collection.
Category

20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Wonderful French Empire Gilt Doré Bronze & Cut Crystal Round Centerpiece Bowl
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful French empire gilt doré bronze & cut crystal round centerpiece bowl raised on paw feet
Category

20th Century French Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Large Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Large Empire period gilt bronze mantel clock French, early 19th Century Measures: Height 52cm, width 28cm, depth 17.5cm This superb Empi...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

Empire Sevres Style Porcelain Bronze Mounted Mantel Picard Clock
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a Sevres style porcelain ormolu bronze mounted mantel clock. The frontal cobalt blue porcelain panel is hand painted with a winged cherub holding a basket of flowers. Below him,...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Eutrope Bouret Signed Antique French Bronze Sculpture of Boys Riding a Tortoise
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This whimsical antique bronze sculpture was done by Eutrope Bouret of France in approximately 1890 in the period Empire style. This very well executed bronze sculpture depicts two yo...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Mahogany Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box w Antique Glass Empire early 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Rectangular shape mahogany veneered casket made in first half of 19th century presumably in Europe. Cast glass vessels are intact at their original place. Candy sugar bowl along with...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Cut Glass, Mahogany

19th Century Gilt Bronze Bust Of Napoleon Signed Canova
Located in Charmes, FR
gilded bronze mounted on a green marble base, very good condition, 19th century, signed Canova
Category

1820s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

A Pair of French Empire Style Bronze and Sienna Marble Tazze, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Pair of French Empire Style Bronze and Sienna Marble Tazze, 19th Century Provenance: Purchased from a private Melbourne collection, 2009. Description: Each with a shallow ovoid...
Category

19th Century French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of vases Barbediene foundry France Napoleon III
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Pair of Barbadians of Napoleon III Pair of vases with enamel Barbediene French foundry Very good condition (some natural wear) Gilt bronze and enamel Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin...
Category

1880s French Antique Empire Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

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.

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