Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.
Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.
The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.
Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.
Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. 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.
As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.
Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
2 Pairs of Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Urns and Cassolette/Jars 18th Century
Located in Katonah, NY
This set of four black basalt masterpieces, made by Wedgwood & Bentley at their Etruria works around 1775, represents the height of 18th-century English neoclassical design. Each pie...
Stoneware
Pair of Antique Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Jars England, Circa 1775
Located in Katonah, NY
This pair of Wedgwood & Bentley black basalt urns was crafted at the renowned Etruria factory around 1775. They show the refined simplicity of Wedgwood's 18th-century neoclassical de...
Stoneware
After the Antique Etruscan Two-Faced Bronze Vessel
Located in Astoria, NY
After the Antique Etruscan Two-Faced Bronze Oil Vessel, depicting the faces of a Maenad and Satyr, stamped "The Hermitage" in Cyrillic with foundry mark to circular base. 4.5" H x 2...
Bronze
$2,025 / set
Set Of Four Cobalt Blue Glass Apothecary Jars
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Set of Four Apothecary Jars. It depicts four cylindrical cobalt blue glass apothecary lidded jars. Each one labeled with their respective names- R.Altea.CT, G.Mirra, R.Genc...
Glass
Italian Albarello Jar, hand painted Italian Jug, Majolica
Located in Bradenton, FL
An impressively formed antique hand painted Italian Faenza Majolica ceramic vessel. Made in the early 1900s. The jug is decorated with colorful floral ...
Majolica
$178Sale Price|35% Off
Waterford Crystal Lidded Jar, Cut Glass, Faceted Design, 5" Diameter
Located in Malibu, CA
Elegant & finely crafted, this crystal lidded jar showcases the brilliance and clarity characteristics of Waterford's renowned glassmaking tradition. The jar features of faceted ...
Cut Glass
20th Century Porcelain Capodimonte Ornamental Urn or Jar
Located in Miami, FL
20th century porcelain Capodimonte ornamental urn or jar.
Ceramic
19th Century Texas Stoneware Pottery Jar with Olive Alkaline Glaze
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A fine example of early Southern craftsmanship, this 19th-century Texas stoneware jar embodies the utilitarian artistry that defined rural pottery traditions of the American South. H...
Clay, Stoneware
Gorgeous 20” American Antique Milk Canister Umbrella Stand
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rare antique copper painted light green with gold eagle milk canister .
Copper
$575Sale Price|20% Off
Decorative French Basque Water Holder Zinc and Copper Herrade, 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Zinc and copper Basque water holder very decorative Herrade France 19th century In Basque country, women were using this jar to bring water from the public fountain to their house. They were holding the herrade on their head with a wicker ring...
Copper, Zinc
Delft Blue and White "Dunkerer" Tobacco Jar
Located in Chireno, TX
Delft blue and white "Dunkerer" tobacco jar circa 1780, from the Netherlands. Not the original brass lid - it is larger than the opening. Surface of jar is decorated with floral cart...
Brass
Delft Blue and White "Dunkerer" Tobacco Jar
Located in Chireno, TX
Delft blue and white "Dunkerer" tobacco jar, with brass lid topped with an acorn finial knob. Made in the Netherlands circa 1840. Surface of jar decorated with floral cartouche, within which "Dunkerer" is inscribed. Jars marked "Dunkerer" contained a processed tobacco imported to Dunkirk (Dunkerque), France from Saint Domingue (now Haiti). De Drie Klokken...
Brass
Delft Blue and White “Schosse” Tobacco Jar
Located in Chireno, TX
Delft blue and white “Schosse” urn-shape tobacco jar with lid, Netherlands, circa 1780. Decorated with coastal scene and seated “Amerindian” figure. Simple low brass lid with excelle...
Delft
$1,438Sale Price / set|20% Off
Triptych of Silver Jars branded Boin Taburet a Paris
By Boin-Taburet
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful antique triptych of silver jars branded Boin Taburet in Paris, a very famous and highly prized 20th century French silver manufactory. The jars ...
Silver
Delft Blue and White "Rappe" Tobacco Jar
Located in Chireno, TX
Delft blue and white "Rappe" urn-shape tobacco jar with lid, Netherlands, circa 1800. Inscribed “Rappe” within a floral leafy bordered cartouche. Rappe was a coarse kind of snuff mad...
Brass
Delft Blue and White "Manilla" Tobacco Jar
Located in Chireno, TX
Delft blue and white "Manilla" tobacco jar with stepped brass lid, Netherlands, circa 1790-1809. Decorated with floral cartouche, within which "Manilla" is inscribed. Manilla refers to a mild variety of tobacco popular at that time. De Drie Klokken...
Brass
Delft Blue and White "Manilla" Tobacco Jar
Located in Chireno, TX
Delft blue and white "Manilla" tobacco jar with stepped brass lid, Netherlands, circa 1790-1809. Decorated with floral cartouche, within which "Manilla" is inscribed. Manilla refers ...
Brass
Delft Blue and White "Havana" Tobacco Jar
Located in Chireno, TX
Delft blue and white "Havana" tobacco jar, with stepped brass lid. Made in the Netherlands circa 1800. Surface of jar decorated with floral cartouche, within which "Havana" is inscribed. De Drie...
Delft, Faience
$680Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Pair of Pale-Pink Frosted Glass Apothecary Jars with Foliate Decoration
Located in San Francisco, CA
each with shaped lid over a cylindrical body all in alternating clear and frosted glass with hand-painted foliate perimeter bands with gilt highlights; overall even wear with rubbing...
Art Glass
Delft Blue and White "Varinas" Tobacco Jar
Located in Chireno, TX
Delft blue and white "Varinas" tobacco jar with lid, Netherlands, circa 1790-1809. Decorated with floral medallion with painted reverse. Inscribed with "Varinas," a tobacco variety c...
Metal
Delft Blue and White "Rappe" Tobacco Jar
Located in Chireno, TX
Delft blue and white "Rappe" urn-shape tobacco jar with lid, Netherlands, circa 1790-1809. Inscribed “Rappe” and decorated with coastal scene and seated “Amerindian” figure. Rappe wa...
Faience
$880Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Porcelain Apothecary Jars
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a pair of wide cylindrical white porcelain apothecary lidded jars. They are hand painted and decorated with some laurel’s branches in the front. The lids are shaped as doctoral ...
Porcelain
Box Tobacco Swedish, 19th Century Stone Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A tobacco box made during the 18th-19th century in Sweden. From gray lime stone in a temple shape. Neoclassical.
Stone
Claret Jug, Silver, Anselmo Prior and Mason, Vitoria, Spain, 1816-1846
Located in Madrid, ES
Jug. Silver. Anselm Prior and Mason. Vitoria, Spain, between 1816 and 1846. With contrast markings. Silver jug in its color with a square base that serves as a support for the ci...
Silver, Other
19th Century Vintage French Porcelain Jars and Platters
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Vintage Porcelain Jars and Platters Beautiful set of 4 purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Porcelain
Chinese Archaistic Bronze Ritual Vessel
Located in Stamford, CT
A finely cast Chinese Shang style bronze ritual vessel known as a fangding. With faces on all four sides, this is a wonderful decorative piece which coul...
Bronze
$3,000 / set
H 12 in W 4.25 in D 4.25 in
Set of 5 Large Vintage Venetian Glass Apothecary Jars with Lids and Fruit Handle
Located in Bradenton, FL
Rare vintage cobalt blue venetian glass apothecary jars. Set of 5. Each jar has a lid with glass fruit or flower as handle. Perfect for vanity or bathroom storage. Very good conditio...
Blown Glass
$800 / set
H 10.75 in W 4.75 in D 4.75 in
Waterford Cut Crystal Horse Racing Trophy Covered Apothecary Jars Trophy Pair
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Pair of Waterford cut glass lead crystal horse racing lidded jars apothecary jar trophies. Each are engraved an signed on the bottom. Engravings are listed below. They would look ...
Crystal
$250
H 2.75 in W 5 in D 4.5 in
Antique Portland Blue Jasperware Bowl with White Overlay by Wedgwood England
By Wedgwood
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A stunning Neoclassical Wedgwood Portland blue bowl with a white overlay. This piece is believed to have been a small sugar bowl, however we think it...
Ceramic
Wedgewood Black Basalt Stone Urn
By Wedgewood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wedgewood encaustic painted , matte finished black basalt stone urn. Hand painted decoration with 2 scenes. Egyptian Revival style. Circa 1790-1820.
Stone
Pair of Wedgwood Black Basalt Two-Handled Vases, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Decorated with a frieze of classical figures between a berried vine border and upright acanthus leaves. The neck similarly decorated with pendant trophies between upright handles.
Ceramic
Beautiful Glass Apothecary Jar - price per piece
Located in Brussels, BE
Cut-glass top and blown glass jar beautiful quality. Multiple available
Blown Glass, Cut Glass
Large Wedgwood Solid Black Basalt Neoclassical Jardiniere
By Wedgwood
Located in Doraville, GA
Wedgwood black basalt jardiniere, made in England around 1900. The jardiniere has a floral banded border above fruiting grapevine festoons terminatin...
Ceramic
$1,496Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 10.63 in Dm 5.12 in
Pair of 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Marble Cassolettes or Urns
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite pair of antique French cassolettes is a true testament to the artistry of the late 19th century. Meticulously crafted, these decorative urns are composed of stunning v...
Marble, Bronze
Pair Of Marble And Bronze Cassolettes, 19th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Pair of light green marble cassolettes with gilded bronze ornamentation: garlands of flowers and leaves, putti heads, pine cone lids Some wear and scratches, old restorations to the...
Marble, Bronze
$2,500 / set
H 7.41 in Dm 4.22 in
Cenedese Rare Vintage Trio of Blue Glass Apothecary Lidded Jars Murano Italy
By Cenedese
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare set of three Venetian Murano blue colored / coloured glass Apothecary jars or urns with lids. Wonderful vintage Mid-Century Italian glass and perfect for the storage sweets or snacks in the kitchen or for cotton wool buds or cosmetics in a bathroom or for make-up or jewellery or cotton wool buds and such accessoires. Similar in style to the original designs of apothecary jars from the 19th and early 20th century. Measurements are circa: Large jar - 18.8cm tall by 10.7cm wide Medium jar - 15.7cm tall by 10.7cm wide Small jar - 12.5cm tall by 10.7cm wide. Rare set of jars...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$1,048 / set
H 10.5 in W 5 in D 5 in
Antique Pair Irish Waterford Crystal Hand Cut Full Lead Lustres Vases Ireland
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A Stylish Example of a Fine Pair of Hand Cut Full Lead Crystal Lusters of outstanding heavy gauge quality and good size proportions, made in Ireland by the World-famous Irish Glass C...
Crystal
Pair of 19th Century Neoclassical Ewers By Samuel Alcock & Co
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Pair of 19th Century Neoclassical Ewers By Samuel Alcock & Co Porcelain ovoid shape ewer with loop handle, both ewers decorated with greek style decoration of palmettes and scrol...
Porcelain
18th Century Large Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Jar England Circa 1775
Located in Katonah, NY
This impressive black basalt jar, crafted by Wedgwood and Bentley at the renowned Etruria factory, embodies the refined simplicity of the neoclassical style. The jar features an elon...
Stoneware
1955 Wedgwood Light Blue Jasperware Tobacco Jar
By Wedgwood
Located in Stamford, CT
1955 Wedgwood light blue Jasperware tobacco jar. Stamped with brand stamp and date stamp (1955) on the underside.
Ceramic
Sold
H 8.5 in Dm 7.75 in
Wedgwood Creamware Ice Pail and Fruit Cooler Lag & Feather Pattern England 1820
By Wedgwood
Located in Katonah, NY
This Wedgwood creamware ice pail is decorated in the beautiful "Lag and Feather" pattern. Made in England circa 1820, Wedgwood's design is based on decorations from flags of the "Pal...
Creamware
Delft Blue and White “W:Snuif” Tobacco Jar
Located in Chireno, TX
Delft blue and white “W:Snuif” urn-shape tobacco jar with lid, Netherlands, circa 1780. Inscribed “W:Snuif” and decorated with coastal scene and seated “Amerindian” figure. W:Snuif refers to finely ground snuff tobacco commonly inhaled throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Stepped brass lid with acorn motif knob handle. De Drie Klokken...
Delft
Delft Blue and White “Rosegeur” Tobacco Jar
Located in Chireno, TX
Delft blue and white “Rosegeur” urn-shape tobacco jar with lid, Netherlands, circa 1780. Inscribed “Rosegeur” and decorated with coastal scene and seated “Amerindian” figure. Rosegeur, or Rozengeur, refers to rose scented tobacco favored for use with water pipes. Stepped brass lid with simple knob handle. De Drie Klokken...
Delft, Faience
Delft Blue and White "Toeback" Tobacco Jar
By Delft
Located in Chireno, TX
Delft blue and white "Manilla" tobacco jar with brass lid, Netherlands, 19th century. Decorated with floral cartouche, within which "Toeback" is inscribed. Marked on bottom. Note: O...
Brass
Delft Blue and White Delft "Romano" Tobacco Jar
By Delft
Located in Chireno, TX
Delft blue and white Delft "Romano" urn-shape tobacco jar with stepped brass lid, Netherlands, circa 1820. Inscribed “Romano” within a scrolling floral bordered cartouche. "BP" mark ...
Brass
Petite Blue & White Delft Tobacco Jar
Located in Chireno, TX
Petite blue & white delft tobacco jar with gilded metal rim circa 1830. Neoclassical scrolling floral decoration. Note: Original/early finish on antique and vintage metal will inclu...
Metal, Gold Leaf
Glazed Earthenware Blue and White Delft "Tabac de Tonka" Tobacco Jar
By Delft
Located in Chireno, TX
Glazed earthenware blue and white delft "Tabac de Tonka" tobacco jar, Netherlands, circa 1770-1790. Decorated with smoking figures, lion mask handles, brass cover and inscriptions 'T...
Delft, Faience
Tin-Glazed "Tabac deParis" Tobacco Jar
By Delft
Located in Chireno, TX
Tin-glazed "Tabac deParis" tobacco jar, with brass lid. Belgian ceramic urn-shape jar in faience, with blue painted wreath of leaves encircling "Tabac deParis." Made circa early 1800...
Delft, Faience
Lalique Crystal “Langais” Pitcher
By Lalique
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Lalique crystal “Langais” pitcher. It depicts a clear crystal pitcher shaped as an amphora with fluted body and a large single handle. Below its base has the acid etched ha...
Crystal