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French Provincial Decorative Objects

FRENCH PROVINCIAL STYLE

Removed from the fashions of the court, French Provincial style developed in the provinces of the country, such as Provence, Normandy, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Dating to the 17th and 18th centuries, French Provincial furniture was not as ostentatious as the designs being produced for the royal palaces, but elegant S-shape cabriole legs and ornate carvings elevated the sturdy chairs, sofas, tables and bedroom furniture intended for everyday use.

Although it varies by region, antique French Provincial furniture is unified by solid construction and an artisanal attention to design. While this furniture often followed the metropolitan trends — including the Rococo or neoclassical aesthetics of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI — since it was produced in the French countryside it was more subdued with nods to its rustic settings.

Local materials like fruitwoods, oak, beech and walnut were used to construct large French Provincial armoires for storage and comfortable armchairs with rush-woven seats. Wrought-iron elements and carvings like floral details and scallop patterns were common as ornamentation. Furniture was frequently painted white or other muted colors that coordinated with gilt and would acquire a patina of age over time. Other wood was just stained with vibrant fabric such as toile de Jouy, which sometimes depicted pastoral scenes, adding color as upholstery.

The style arrived in the United States after World War I, with soldiers returning home wanting furniture like what they had seen in the rural homes and castles of France. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, designer John Widdicomb split from his family business, the Widdicomb Furniture Company, and had been focusing on Louis XV– and French Provincial–style furnishings since the early 1900s. Other American manufacturers such as Baker, Drexel, Henredon and Thomasville also responded to demand. Today antique French Provincial pieces and reproductions continue to be popular.

Find a collection of antique French Provincial dining tables, seating, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: French Provincial
Large 19th Century French Faience Vase
Located in Bradenton, FL
This large and beautifully decorated colorful faience vase was made in France in the 19th century. Signature on the bottom. Painted with a scene of an amorous couple on the front, th...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Faience, Pottery

Antique Basket Tray with Painted Parrot
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handmade tray or basket with a faux bamboo border, two handles and a folksy parrot painted over a herringbone weave.
Category

20th Century Italian French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Faux Bamboo

Antique 19th Century French AD Mougin Gilt Bronze Mantel Garniture Clock & Urns
Located in Dayton, OH
"Antique AD Mougin French figural garniture clock and mantel urns. Made of marble and bronze with gilt accents and neoclassical styling featuring a figural b...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Majolica Onnaing Book Money Bank Box, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica money bank books made by Onnaing. The piece was crafted, circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

French 'Les Deux Rats Et L'Oeuf' Marble Mounted Bronze Inkwell
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An antique French novelty bronze inkwell modeled as 'Les deux rats et l'oeuf' mounted on a red veined marble base and dating from the latter 19th century. The inkwell is based on the...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Emile Gallé, St. Clement, Large Antique Flower Pot for Wall Hanging
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Emile Gallé (1846-1904) for St. Clement. Large antique flower pot for wall hanging in hand painted faience decorated with foliage and vegetab...
Category

1870s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Faience

Pair of Large Porcelain Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of large porcelain vases in an overall white hue and completed with a gloss glaze. CIRCA: 20th Century.
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

French Faience Low Cache Pot, 19th Century
Located in Doylestown, PA
A white glazed ceramic “cachepot” with braided handles, French, circa 1870.
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Faience

Ceramic Pot, or Bottle, Brown Color, France, circa 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This Ceramic pot is in Ceramic. The decorative Patterns are flowers in ceramic. It has been done in South of France, circa 1970.
Category

1970s French Vintage French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Large French Majolica Bird and Snake Jardinière, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Large French 19th century Majolica jardinière in a shape of wood box decorated with leaves, on the front a bird with his nest, a snake looking on the nest with eggs...
Category

1890s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica, Ceramic, Faience, Pottery

Faux Bois Trough
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Faux Bois was at its height during the Art Nouveau era in France between the 19th and 20th century. Now reimagined for a contemporary audience, this hand sculpted trough features cla...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Concrete

Sevres Style Porcelain Footed Dresser Box, circa 1920
Located in High Point, NC
Sevres style hand painted porcelain dresser box with hand applied ormolu mounts and feet. Wonderful condition.
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ormolu

Pair Bronze & Marble Candelabras
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of antique French gilt bronze & marble figural nude candelabras. A neoclassical nude maiden atop a white marble column base.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Provincial 19th Century Green Glazed Jug with Weathered Patina
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Provincial green glazed pottery jug from the 19th century, with two handles, front spout and distressed patina. Created in Southern France during the 19th century, this jug features a green glazed upper section perfectly balancing the unfinished lower section. Presenting a small lateral handle and a larger one at the top, this French Provincial 19th century jug...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Saint Clément Vintage French Barbotine Majolica Gallic Rooster Absinthe Pitcher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A vintage French Majolica glazed Absinthe water pitcher formed as a rooster, St. Clément, circa 1940-1950. The Gallic rooster, in French: le coq gaulois, i...
Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Majolica Seagull Jardinière Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Seagull jardinière signed Delphin Massier, circa 1890.
Category

1890s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Very Large Colorful Glazed Earthenware Passata Bowl
Located in Houston, TX
Very large colorful glazed earthenware passata bowl from Southern Italy (Puglia). This rustic 19th century terracotta bowl was used in ...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Monumental Antique Life Size French Carved Folk Art Restaurant Chef Baker Statue
Located in Dayton, OH
Monumental antique life size chef or baker statue. Carved of wood in the style of a cigar store figure, featuring a tall chef with traditional Frenc...
Category

Early 20th Century French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Oversize Vintage Dough or Pancheon Bowl
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
This is a beautiful antique terracotta kitchen bowl from France. Used either for proofing bread or separating dairy, the large oversized bowl indica...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

19th Century French Comtoise Grandfather Clock
By Méchineau
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century Country French comtoise, or grandfather clock, with polychrome painted pine case and embossed brass pendulum. Original seven day Morbier...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Vintage Mid-Century French Provincial Stoneware Pottery, Jar/Jug/Vase/Vessel
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This olive jar is in sandstone, in a grey and brown color. It has been done in the south of France. It is stampted "20". The datation is 20th century.
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Sandstone

Joseph Landais Palissy Majolica Palissy Fish Platter
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Joseph Landais French Palissy Majolica wall platter which features a pike, various other fish and an eel. Blue decorative border around edges. Coloration: cream, blue, brown, are pre...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Pair of Life Size French Patinated Bronze Male & Female Parrots on Branches
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Life size pair of French patinated bronze male & female parrots on branches, circa 1950, standing 51” tall these fabulous cast parrots are as cha...
Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Copper Cauldron Centerpiece Bowl / Wine Cooler / Planter
Located in Barcelona, ES
French copper cauldron with iron folding handle with rings. Early 20th century. Originally designed for cooking. It has a nice construction. The vessel is made of hand-hammered cop...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, Iron, Wrought Iron

Very Large Colorful Glazed Earthenware Passata Bowl
Located in Houston, TX
Very large colorful glazed earthenware passata bowl from southern Italy (Puglia). This rustic 19th century terracotta bowl was used in ...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Monumental French Gold Wood Artwork or Mirror Frame Picture Floor Wall
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage ornate gold frame. Made of wood with acanthus design and red undertone. Measures: Opening 36" x 72".   
Category

Late 20th Century French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Giltwood

Marc Mongin Gold Leaf Framed Oil on Linen French Landscape Painting, Dated 1919
By Marc Mongin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Found in France, an oil on linen landscape painting, mounted in a wide, gold-leafed wood frame, signed and dated 1919. Painted by the French artist Marc Mongin, the scene is typic...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Linen, Giltwood

Rare Majolica Frog Sitting on a Chair Jerome Massier, circa 1910
Located in Austin, TX
Rare unusual Majolica frog playing guitar sitting on a chair signed Jerome Massier, circa 1910.
Category

1910s French Vintage French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

19th Century Country French Fountain with Porcelain Reservoir and Basin
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Country French fountain with porcelain reservoir and basin is a charming ode to a bygone era! Back before hot and cold running water, it was desirable for family members...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain, Oak

French Majolica Elephant Pitcher Sarreguemines, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica elephant pitcher signed Sarreguemines, circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Pair of Large French Gilt Bronze Church Two-Arm Candle Sconces, Mid-19th Century
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A pair of french church two-arm wall candle sconces, gilt bronze decorated with leaf motifs, beautiful aged patina, France, mid-19th century. For indoor and outdoor use.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Bronze

18th Century Elegant French Louis XIV Hand Carved Tall Case Clock with Rooster
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and completely original, antique oak grandfather or lantern clock, circa 1750. This very old grandfather clock is one of the tallest w...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Collections of Empty Old Bottles in Terracotta
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Collections of empty old bottles in terracotta.
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

French 19th Century Provincial Horloge Case Clock
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A carved crest of a basket with flowers crowns this heavily carved oak case clock, c. mid 1800’s. A glazed-panel door just below the crest is flanked by sides with pierced half-moon...
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Pair of Continental Baluster Handled Porcelain Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of continental Baluster Handles Porcelain vases, 19th c., with gilt decoration and hand-painted reserves of sciences of India.
Category

1940s French Vintage French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Chinese Cloisonne French Style Enamel Mantel Clock
Located in Philadelphia, PA
20th century Chinese Cloisonne French style enamel mantel (fireplace) clock. Item includes cloisonne enamel case, brass frame, battery ...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Majolica Clog with Flowers Edouard Gilles, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica clog with pink flowers signed Edouard Gilles, circa 1880.
Category

1880s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Terra Cotta Chalk-Painted Statue, Art Nouveau Period
Located in Dallas, TX
"Le Provencal Garcon" Terra cotta painted statue is a whimsical depiction of a well-dressed young lad who is obviously amused. The method used to embellish it was "chalk painting"...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

19th Majolica Parrot Tobacco Jar Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica tobacco jar with a parrot Onnaing, circa 1880.   
Category

1880s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Majolica

19th Century Provencal Salt Box or Boite a Sel
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French boite à sel, or salt box from Provence. Made of walnut with a pierced carved star at the top and a drawer with brass knob. Waxed fini...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Walnut

French Neck Leather Magazine Holder in the Style of Jacques Adnet, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
French neck leather magazine holder in the style of Jacques Adnet, 1960s Thick stitched leather with a very nice patina and signs of wear and tear that comes with time.
Category

1950s French Vintage French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Leather

18th Century French Provincial Turned Walnut Finial on Brass Base
Located in Middleburg, VA
18th century French Provincial turned finial. Made of richly patinated walnut. Mounted on a brass base. Southern France, circa 1790. Measures: 10.5” H 6” Dm.
Category

18th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

18th Century French Fariniere or Decorative Box
Located in Winter Park, FL
An exquisitely carved Fariniere or flour box from Provence. Decorated with carved fish and flower swags, this fariniere features a lower inset panel w...
Category

1780s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Fruitwood

Boho Chic 19th Century Decorative Water Spout Handle Jug from Provencal France
Located in London, GB
A very rare antique French glazed terracotta water spout handle jug in original condition .These jugs were used primarily in the South of France. Chips and imperfections help authent...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Clay

Terracotta Majolica Bulldog Bavent Filmont, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Terracotta bulldog Bavent signed Filmont, circa 1900.
Category

Early 1900s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Gilt Bronze Baby Sculpture Paperweight, France, 1950
Located in Paris, FR
Baby gilt bronze paperweight sculpture. In an excellent quality and condition. France, 1950.
Category

1950s French Vintage French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

French Blue and Yellow Faience Vase
Located in New York, NY
French blue and yellow faience vase. Moustiers vase in pale blue tin glaze with blue and yellow flowers, France, 19th century. Dimensions: 3" diameter ...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Faience

French Painted Tall Case Morbier Clock
Located in Woodbury, CT
Faux-painted, French Morbier tall case clock with brass and enamel face, hammered brass pendulum. Posies, lily-of-the-valley and strawbe...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Pine

French Horloge de Parquet or Tall Case Clock
By Avenol Pere
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Horloge de Parquet or tall case clock from Brittany. Elegant solid cherry case in two parts, with book matched panels and a ch...
Category

19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

French Copper and Iron Lantern
Located in Houston, TX
Charming French Antique copper lantern with metal base. The lantern, without glass, has a wonderful aged patina with some verdigris. Would look great with a large candle in it or cou...
Category

19th Century English Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Copper

French Majolica Palissy Monkey Vase, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica Palissy monkey vase, circa 1880. Dressed monkey with a bottle sitting on a basket.
Category

1880s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

French Majolica Flowers Basket With Bird Jean Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica flowers (pansies and daisies) basket with bird signed Jean Massier, circa 1890.
Category

1890s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Pair of French Wirework Raisin Dryers
Located in Richmond, VA
Pair of French wirework raisin dryers from the 20th century. Untouched and in totally original condition. No longer needed to dehydrate grapes, this pair would be fantastic as a livi...
Category

20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Wire

18th Century Iron Pestle and Mortar
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
An 18th century iron pestle and mortar. Exceptional weight.
Category

18th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Iron

Emile Gallé for St. Clement, Dish on Four Feet in Hand Painted Faience, 1870s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Emile Gallé for St. Clement. Dish on four feet in hand painted faience. Decorated with flowers and birds, 1870s. In very good condition. Signed. Measures: 30.5 x 15.5 x 6.5 cm.
Category

1870s French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Faience

French Faience Rhinoceros, circa 1910
Located in Austin, TX
French faience blue and white rhinoceros attributed to Desvres, circa 1910. Minor hairlines on the glaze.
Category

1910s French Vintage French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Faience

Pair of Terracotta Artichoke Garnitures
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Italian glazed terracotta artichoke garnitures with classical form, alluring variegated color, and time worn finish.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Terracotta

Folk Art French Revolution Clock, Early 19th Century
Located in Doylestown, PA
A French folk-art figural mantel clock in carved wood and composite commemorating a fighting unit “Les Sections du Temple” in the French Revolution. The clock depicts a single figure “sans culots” with a walking stick flanked on one side by a drum and on the other by a black mortar...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique French Provincial Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

French Provincial decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique French Provincial 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, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used French Provincial 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 Limoges, Bavent, Fives-Lille, and Alfred Corneau. 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 $51 and tops out at $125,000 while the average work can sell for $778.

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