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Grand Tour Jars

GRAND TOUR STYLE

For 18th-century young British noblemen, no education was complete without a year on the Grand Tour. Although it had no official route, the Grand Tour focused on places foundational to European art, literature and architecture, including sites in France, Germany, Switzerland and, most importantly, Italy. It was an opportunity not just to witness the roots of the classics they had studied but also to take some of it home. Grand Tour furniture was among the souvenirs.

Grand Tour furniture ranged from marble architectural models replicating ancient wonders to actual antiquities often taken illicitly, leaving a legacy of looting still being unraveled today. Other items reflected the artistic richness of the Renaissance cities and other destinations. In Italy, this included scagliola tables and pedestals mimicking marble as well as tabletops and wall panels embedded with pietra dura hard stone mosaics.

Furniture was also developed to display Grand Tour purchases in the owner’s home, presenting them as a cultivated and well-traveled person. Mahogany collector’s cabinets held objects like intaglio moldings of coins and seals while others had specialized drawers that framed pietra dura panels.

Many objects were specifically produced for Grand Tour collectors. Often accompanied by retinues on journeys lasting months or years, the elite travelers, the wealthiest of whom extended their trips to Egypt and the Holy Land, required artful personal mementos befitting the experience. For example, Grand Tour micromosaics — small artworks, most not more than two inches wide — arose from the entrepreneurial impulses of artisans who had trained in the Vatican’s workshops.

Grand Tour journeys would help inform a range of decorative styles such as neoclassical, Rococo and Adam style. (Architect and designer Robert Adam toured Italy and France for five years.) The Grand Tour flourished at a time of economic prosperity and political stability, but the French Revolution in 1789 brought it to an end. Yet as the tradition faded in popularity in England, the rising wealth of the United States led to an increase in tourism across the Atlantic and a similar passion for collecting to show one’s worldliness.

Find a collection of Grand Tour decorative objects, wall decorations, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Grand Tour
Grand Tour Ancient Egyptian Style Alabaster Storage Jar
Located in Stamford, CT
19th century hand carved alabaster storage jar in the ancient Egyptian Late Dynastic style, with tapering neck topped by a wide everted rim. Great evocative decorative piece for the ...
Category

Late 19th Century Egyptian Antique Grand Tour Jars

Materials

Alabaster

Grand Tour Ancient Egyptian Style Alabaster Storage Jar
Grand Tour Ancient Egyptian Style Alabaster Storage Jar

Grand Tour Ancient Egyptian Style Alabaster Storage Jar

19th Century Greek Grand Tour Terracotta Jar
Located in Bradenton, FL
Late 19th Century Grand Tour style terracotta vessel decorated with Grecian figures with Amphora form, two handles on neck. Hand painted. Dimensions: 8.5"H x 7"W; Mouth opening is ...
Category

Late 19th Century Greek Antique Grand Tour Jars

Materials

Terracotta

19th Century Greek Grand Tour Terracotta Jar
19th Century Greek Grand Tour Terracotta Jar

19th Century Greek Grand Tour Terracotta Jar

19th Century Greek Grand Tour Pottery Jug
Located in Bradenton, FL
Small 19th century Greek Grand Tour terracotta pottery jug or vase. Neoclassical Style. Hand painted with picture of two Greek warriors. Dimens...
Category

Late 19th Century Greek Antique Grand Tour Jars

Materials

Terracotta

19th Century Greek Grand Tour Pottery Jug
19th Century Greek Grand Tour Pottery Jug

19th Century Greek Grand Tour Pottery Jug

19th Century Greek Grand Tour Terracotta Aryballos (Oil Flask)
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th Century Greek Grand Tour Terracotta aryballos (oil flask) decorated with Grecian figures in red and black. Dimensions: Measures 8.5" tall x...
Category

Late 19th Century Greek Antique Grand Tour Jars

Materials

Terracotta

19th Century Greek Grand Tour Terracotta Aryballos (Oil Flask)
19th Century Greek Grand Tour Terracotta Aryballos (Oil Flask)

19th Century Greek Grand Tour Terracotta Aryballos (Oil Flask)

19th Century Italian Ruby Glass Box with Miniature of Basilica
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely little 19th century ring jar or pill box made of a thick wine colored ruby glass. It has a miniature of a Basilica on top, gilt metal mounts with beautiful filigree on the si...
Category

Early 19th Century Vatican Antique Grand Tour Jars

Materials

Metal

19th Century Italian Ruby Glass Box with Miniature of Basilica
19th Century Italian Ruby Glass Box with Miniature of Basilica

19th Century Italian Ruby Glass Box with Miniature of Basilica

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Late 19th Century Victorian Attic Ware Grand Tour Vase Vessel
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This vintage miniature wood box has six drawers and lots of character and patina. Some of the drawers are lined in faux marbleized paper. We see this wonderful piece being used to st...
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Early 19th Century Miniature Writing Desk Jewelry Box
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19th Century Louis Philippe Miniature Commode
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Previously Available Items
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19th Century Greek Grand Tour Terracotta Jar
19th Century Greek Grand Tour Terracotta Jar

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H 10 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in
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Late 19th Century Grand Tour style terracotta vessel decorated with Grecian figures with Amphora form, two handles on neck. Hand painted. Dimensions: 10"H x 5.25"W
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19th Century Greek Grand Tour Terracotta Jar
19th Century Greek Grand Tour Terracotta Jar

19th Century Greek Grand Tour Terracotta Jar

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19th Century Greek Grand Tour Pottery Jug
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century greek Grand Tour terracotta pottery jug or vase. Neoclassical Style. Hand painted with picture of Greek warrior and shield. Dimens...
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19th Century Greek Grand Tour Pottery Jug
19th Century Greek Grand Tour Pottery Jug

19th Century Greek Grand Tour Pottery Jug

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Located in Astoria, NY
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19th Century Continental Turquoise Glass Box with Miniature of Palace Scene
19th Century Continental Turquoise Glass Box with Miniature of Palace Scene

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Located in Garnerville, NY
Three uniquely carved white Carrara, Italian marble canisters with gray/black veining. Purchased in the 1950s and lovingly cared for and admired. Wonde...
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1950s Italian Vintage Grand Tour Jars

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Three 1950s Carved Carrara Marble Canisters
Three 1950s Carved Carrara Marble Canisters

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Grand Tour jars for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Grand Tour jars for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 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 and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, terracotta and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Grand Tour jars made in a specific country, there are Europe, Balkan Peninsula, and Greece pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 $650 and tops out at $1,800 while the average work can sell for $1,033.

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