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Classical Roman Jars

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
Antique Handcrafted Terracotta Pitcher, Rustic Amphora Roman Style Clay Vessel
Antique Handcrafted Terracotta Pitcher, Rustic Amphora Roman Style Clay Vessel

Antique Handcrafted Terracotta Pitcher, Rustic Amphora Roman Style Clay Vessel

Located in Miami, FL

This charming clay pot is an excellent representation of Roman pottery, echoing the craftsmanship and aesthetic of ancient times. With its classic form and earthy clay composition, i...

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Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Jars

Materials

Clay

Italian Majolica Pharmacy Jar
Italian Majolica Pharmacy Jar

Italian Majolica Pharmacy Jar

Located in Bradenton, FL

Late 18th century Italian Majolica Polychrome Pharmacy Jar or Albarello, dated 1777. These jars were use in apothecaries to hold medicinal herbs, powders...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Classical Roman Jars

Materials

Majolica

Giara in argento 800 massiccio in stile "pompeiano"
Giara in argento 800 massiccio in stile "pompeiano"

Giara in argento 800 massiccio in stile "pompeiano"

By Argenterie Lala

Located in VALENZA, IT

Grande giara in argento massiccio 800. La forma è tonda e panciuta nella parte centrale mentre si stringe più nettamente verso la "bocca" del vaso. Sul corpo sono stati eseguiti sba...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Classical Roman Jars

Materials

Silver

Roman Terracotta Oil Lamps, Set of Four
Roman Terracotta Oil Lamps, Set of Four

Roman Terracotta Oil Lamps, Set of Four

Located in Bradenton, FL

Roman Terracotta Oil Lamps, Set of Four, used as an alternative to candles, dating between 1st and 2nd century A.D, one lamp probably later and 3r...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Classical Roman Jars

Materials

Terracotta

Mid century vintage hand-painted Italian pottery urn with lid.
Mid century vintage hand-painted Italian pottery urn with lid.

Mid century vintage hand-painted Italian pottery urn with lid.

Located in Allentown, PA

This is a mid century vintage hand painted pottery urn with lid. This hand painted classical Italian urn has beautiful tones of chocolate brown, Amber and cream. This urn with lid wa...

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1950s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Jars

Materials

Pottery

Mid-century vintage cobalt blue and gold Italian porcelain jars
Mid-century vintage cobalt blue and gold Italian porcelain jars

Mid-century vintage cobalt blue and gold Italian porcelain jars

Located in Allentown, PA

Presenting a pair of exceptional Italian porcelain jars with lids. This pair of jars have a deep cobalt blue glaze with cream and gold accents. This fine pair of porcelain jars were ...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Classical Roman Jars

Materials

Porcelain

Pompei Moon Jar Hand Painted Ceramic Italy Contemporary 21st Century Majoilica
Pompei Moon Jar Hand Painted Ceramic Italy Contemporary 21st Century Majoilica

Pompei Moon Jar Hand Painted Ceramic Italy Contemporary 21st Century Majoilica

By Bottega Vignoli

Located in London, GB

Pompei moon jar, 2024, full-fire reduction faience earthenware (majolica) 30 cm diameter, hand painted unique piece. Bottega Vignoli is a brand of artistic ceramics based in Faenza, one of the most representative ceramic production centres in Italy. Founded in 1976 by sisters Saura and Ivana, Bottega Vignoli stands out for its limited production, accurate details and skilful experimentation resulting in stunning unique and one of a kind pieces. Their style is immediately recognizable and expressly follows the path...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Jars

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware, Majolica

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Handmade Ceramic Vase #800 in Burgundy Glaze with Burgundy Cotton Fringe Detail
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Located in Proctorsville, VT

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Previously Available Items
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White and Gilt Capodimonte Porcelain Urns with Lids and Putti Decoration
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Located in Essex, MA

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Turkish Terracotta Olive Jar or Garden Urn
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Sold

H 28.35 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in

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Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A large turkish terracotta olive pot with great patina. This beautiful piece can be used as a garden ornament or planter, for indoor and outdoor use.  

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Ceramic Vase by Bottega Vignoli Hand Painted Italian Majolica Contemporary
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Ceramic vase by Bottega Vignoli Hand Painted Glazed Earthenware Italian Majolica
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Italian Glazed Pottery Vessel after Giuseppe Arcimboldo
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Antique Italian Olive Oil Jar in Wrought Iron Stand
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Antique Italian Olive Oil Jar in Wrought Iron Stand

Located in Bridgeport, CT

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Ancient Roman Encrusted Redware Amphora
Ancient Roman Encrusted Redware Amphora

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Located in Soquel, CA

Encrusted Redware Amphora, Roman era 300 BC - AD 300, an ancient example of the storage and trade and ceramic vessels that occasionally fell to the base of the Mediterranean floor. T...

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Classical Roman jars for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Roman jars for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage jars created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Roman jars made in a specific country, there are Europe, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original jars, popular names associated with this style include Bassano, and Capodimonte. 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 jars differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $333 and tops out at $9,901 while the average work can sell for $1,200.