British Colonial Vases and Vessels

BRITISH COLONIAL STYLE

Typically made of mahogany, teak or bamboo and featuring a range of fabrics and prints with botanical patterns, antique British Colonial furniture and decor varies as it involved local materials and techniques and spanned centuries of design styles.

As the British Empire expanded from the 16th to the 20th century, its conquest and control of colonies around the world bolstered its wealth through the extraction of resources. Including colonies in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia, this spread of often violent subjugation imposed British culture, language and faith on Indigenous peoples. The design of homes was included in this expression of imperial power, with government officials, merchants and military officers creating homes mimicking the luxuries they were used to in England.

Local artisans were commissioned to replicate British designs, resulting in versions of Regency, Chippendale, Sheraton and other styles of furniture being crafted from mahogany, rosewood, ebony and teakwood as opposed to beech and oak, which were more common in Europe. Whereas the colonial furniture for the Portuguese and Dutch regularly had motifs of indigenous flora and fauna, the British tended to want more exact reproductions of their home country’s designs.

To escape the summer heat in places such as India and the Caribbean, British colonizers relocated to airy houses in the hills or plantations, leading to foldable chairs and collapsible desks in the style of military campaign furniture. Rather than upholstery as they might have in Europe, chairs and sofas in the British Colonial style had rattan and cane seating for these higher temperature climates. The contrast between the light textiles and the dark colors of the sturdy furniture became a defining aesthetic of British Colonial interiors.

Find a collection of antique British Colonial outdoor furniture, seating, bedroom furniture, decorative objects and other items on 1stDibs.

Style: British Colonial

Vintage Set Of Two John Derian Jungle Animals Porcelain Lidded Jars

$2,200 / set

Vintage Set Of Two John Derian Jungle Animals Porcelain Lidded Jars

By John Derian

Located in Bradenton, FL

Pair of 20th century porcelain jungle-themed lidded jars by New York designer, John Derian. Elegant vases feature multiple jungle animals including elephants, tigers, monkeys and zeb...

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

1900s Old English Liquor Flask & Cup

$180Sale Price|20% Off

1900s Old English Liquor Flask & Cup

By Abercrombie & Fitch

Located in Chula Vista, CA

Old English silver liquor flask & cup figural relief hunting castle 5.5 tall x 3.75 w x 1.5 d Cup 2.38 tall x 1.5 diameter cap serves as a cup Preowned vintage condition. Numbered a...

Category

Early 20th Century English British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Metal

Pair of Hand Painted Porcelain Parrot Vases

$2,000 / set

Pair of Hand Painted Porcelain Parrot Vases

By John Derian

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Unusual rectangular porcelain flower vases decorated on both sides with hand painted tropical colored varying parrot species. The opening on the tops is divided into three sections f...

Category

20th Century American British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Royal Navy Oak Fire Bucket, with Plymouth Armorial Crest

$1,674

19th Century Royal Navy Oak Fire Bucket, with Plymouth Armorial Crest

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

19th Century Royal Navy Oak Fire Bucket, with Plymouth Armorial Crest This is a superb looking piece made in Oak and decorated with the Plymouth Armorial Crest, it was used as a wa...

Category

1870s Antique British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Oak

Antique English Copper Flagon Jug Vessel Pitcher Hallmark #2 C. 1900

$675

Antique English Copper Flagon Jug Vessel Pitcher Hallmark #2 C. 1900

Located in Tyler, TX

Beautiful Antique English Copper FLAGON, Pitcher, Vessel or Jug #2~~c. 1900 Excellent heavy copper flagon with hallmark 15" tall to top of handle ...

Category

Early 1900s English Antique British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Copper

Majolica Boot Umbrella or Cane Stand

$2,075

Majolica Boot Umbrella or Cane Stand

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Whimsical midcentury Majolica or glazed terra cotta umbrella or cane Stand in the form of Italian military boots complete with tassels and spurs.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Large Pencil Reed Rattan Floor Vase

$1,150

Large Pencil Reed Rattan Floor Vase

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Midcentury floor vase crafted in pencil reed with a Classic form and warm lush finish.

Category

20th Century Italian British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Reed

Pair of Faux Alligator Vases

$1,950 / set

Pair of Faux Alligator Vases

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Pair of tall vases ingeniously crafted in cast composition depicting alligator hide with brass like highlights.

Category

20th Century North American British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Faux Leather

American Country Style Brass Oval Pot

$275

American Country Style Brass Oval Pot

Located in Queens, NY

American Country-style (19/20th Century) brass oval pot with wrought iron handle

Category

19th Century American Antique British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Brass

Vintage Porcelain Greek Key Jar with Lid by Royal Bayreuth

$236Sale Price|20% Off

H 3.25 in W 6 in D 6 in

Vintage Porcelain Greek Key Jar with Lid by Royal Bayreuth

By Royal Bayreuth

Located in San Diego, CA

Incredibly glamourous porcelain jar with lid by Royal Bayreuth Bavaria. Simple in lines, this lidded jar can have a variety of purposes in your living room as a container or in your vanity as a jewelry container...

Category

1960s German Vintage British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

19th C. Brass Bucket

$250

H 7.5 in Dm 11.5 in

19th C. Brass Bucket

Located in Pasadena, CA

This is a classic mid-19th century spun brass bucket with a forged steel handle. The bucket is in overall good condition with the normal anticipated ding...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Brass, Steel

Spanish Brass Boot Umbrella Holder

$1,100

H 21.75 in W 12 in D 7.5 in

Spanish Brass Boot Umbrella Holder

Located in Palm Springs, CA

A fun 1970s hand-hammered solid brass boot umbrella holder. Marked made in Spain on the heel. Dimensions: 21.75” high 12” wide 7.5” deep.

Category

1970s Spanish Vintage British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Brass

Copper and Brass Riveted Coal Bucket, Late 19th Century

$592

H 11.03 in Dm 11.82 in

Copper and Brass Riveted Coal Bucket, Late 19th Century

Located in Staffordshire, GB

Copper and brass riveted coal bucket, late 19th century. Copper polished with brass belted and riveted straps. Measures: Height 28, diameter 30 cm.

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Copper

Colorful Hand Painted Ceramic Midcentury Umbrella Stand by Eberhard Dänzer, 1965

$10,324

H 19.97 in Dm 8.67 in

Colorful Hand Painted Ceramic Midcentury Umbrella Stand by Eberhard Dänzer, 1965

Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern

Stunning, unique one off & rare Mid-Century Modern vintage umbrella Stand or holder signed and dated (5.1.1965) by the German artist Eberhard Dänzer (1935-2008) Karlsruhe, Germany in...

Category

Mid-20th Century German British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic

vintage stamped stoneware jar with lid

$95

H 5 in W 4 in D 4 in

vintage stamped stoneware jar with lid

Located in Seattle, WA

vintage stamped stoneware (not confirmed material) jar with lid. Vintage condition as pictured. Listing is for described item only.. Dimensions: 4"W 5"H

Category

1970s Vintage British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Stoneware

French 18th Century Large Scale Copper Pitcher

$725

H 13 in W 12 in D 14.25 in

French 18th Century Large Scale Copper Pitcher

Located in Round Top, TX

A very charming French large scale copper pitcher. A terrific kitchen island oraccessory.

Category

18th Century French Antique British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Copper

Cup in Chinese Porcelain, circa 1900

$1,214

H 7.09 in Dm 11.03 in

Cup in Chinese Porcelain, circa 1900

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Cup in Chinese porcelain with a decor of orange fishes on a green and white concentric arches background with white waves. Edge with wave shape. Red signature with Asian characters....

Category

Early 20th Century European British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Mid-Century Chinese Famille Rose Hand Painted Porcelain Vases

$1,950 / set

H 23.5 in Dm 9.25 in

Pair of Mid-Century Chinese Famille Rose Hand Painted Porcelain Vases

By CANTON FAMILLE ROSE

Located in Dallas, TX

These elegant colorful Famille Rose vases were created in China circa 1950. Standing tall, the large vessels feature a flared rim and tapered body. Each body is adorned with vibrant ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Medici Vases, Hand Painted Porcelain, French, 19th Century

$4,500 / set

H 12.41 in Dm 9.45 in

Pair of Medici Vases, Hand Painted Porcelain, French, 19th Century

Located in Lantau, HK

A pair of elegant vases finely painted with flowers and butterflies in brilliant colors, richly gilded on handles and base. Shipping included Free and fast delivery door to door ...

Category

19th Century French Antique British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century, Silver Plated Box with Royal Crest

$6,500

H 4 in W 10.25 in D 6.25 in

19th Century, Silver Plated Box with Royal Crest

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dramatic, richly embellished, silver-plated, hinge-top box featuring the ancient Coat of Arms for the Spanish kingdom of Castile and Leon. The whole atop lion-form feet.

Category

1890s Spanish Antique British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Silver Plate, Metal

Nagaland Wood Trunk Planter, India 1900s

$2,781

H 31.89 in W 21.66 in D 20.48 in

Nagaland Wood Trunk Planter, India 1900s

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Sculptural and functional, this rare wooden vessel hails from the remote highlands of Nagaland, a culturally rich region in northeastern India. Carved from a single trunk of what is ...

Category

Early 20th Century Indian British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items

Silver Vase Oriental Manufacture of the Colonial Age, Early 1900

Sold

H 7.49 in W 5.12 in D 5.12 in

Silver Vase Oriental Manufacture of the Colonial Age, Early 1900

Located in Roma, IT

This silver vase is an original decorative object realized by oriental manufacture of the colonial age in the beginning of the 20th century. This refined silver vase is entirely e...

Category

Early 20th Century Asian British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Silver Plate

Victorian Indian Hand Worked Copper Pale

Sold

H 9.5 in Dm 9 in

Victorian Indian Hand Worked Copper Pale

Located in Altrincham, GB

Victorian Indian Hand Worked Copper Pale - "Grand Tour Souvenir" - 9"diam x 9.5"h (14" to the top of the handle)

Category

1850s Indian Antique British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Copper

Huge Glass Rare Eglomise Paint Decorated Advertising Opium Jar from 1870s Era

Sold

H 25.75 in Dm 12.25 in

Huge Glass Rare Eglomise Paint Decorated Advertising Opium Jar from 1870s Era

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This is a fantastic find! This glass and brass Opium jar is over 2 feet tall and Measures 25.75 tall x 12.25 in diameter. The jar is in good antique conditio...

Category

1870s English Antique British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Metal

Vintage John Derian Large Square Porcelain Lidded Jar with Birds and Foliage

Sold

H 16 in W 11.375 in D 11.375 in

Vintage John Derian Large Square Porcelain Lidded Jar with Birds and Foliage

By John Derian

Located in Doylestown, PA

Oversized, square porcelain hand-painted lidded jar in the shape of a tea caddy by John Derian with birds after the 18th century biological illustrations of naturalist George Edwards...

Category

Late 20th Century American British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Porcelain

Early 20thC Indian Brass Planter

Sold

H 32 in W 19 in D 18 in

Early 20thC Indian Brass Planter

Located in Altrincham, GB

Early 20thC Indian Brass Planter on Solid Brass Scrolled Stand originally purchased on a Grand Tour - 19"w x 18"d x 32"h

Category

Early 1900s Indian Antique British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Brass

Vintage Maitland Smith Harlequin Penshell Brass Footed Decorative Modern Box Urn

Sold

H 16.5 in W 6 in D 6 in

Vintage Maitland Smith Harlequin Penshell Brass Footed Decorative Modern Box Urn

By Maitland Smith

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 20th Century Maitland Smith Lidded Box / Urn. Features a beautiful Harlequin pattern Penshell exterior resting on a footed brass neoclassical style tasseled base. The lid opens ...

Category

Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Brass

Maitland Smith Heavy Bronze Lidded Mantel Urn Vase Ginger Jar 19"

Sold

H 18.5 in W 11 in D 11 in

Maitland Smith Heavy Bronze Lidded Mantel Urn Vase Ginger Jar 19"

By Maitland Smith

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage heavy bronze lidded ginger jar / urn / vase, produced by Maitland Smith. Designed and Hand Made in Thailand. 458 XP. Dimensions: 11" x 18.5" (Diameter x Height)

Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

Castilian Ornamental Porcelain & Brass Elephant Horn Drinking Hunt Vase 26"

Sold

H 25.75 in W 7.25 in D 16.5 in

Castilian Ornamental Porcelain & Brass Elephant Horn Drinking Hunt Vase 26"

Located in Dayton, OH

Ornamental hunt theme drinking horn / centerpiece trophy / cornucopia epergne / flower vase featuring a tapered pedestal base with brass capped feet and circus Elephant balancing a porcelain horn or tusk. Stamped on base, Item No. 4052-C4A. Castilian Imports...

Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Brass

Two Natural Horn Cups with Silvered Rims

Sold

H 3.75 in Dm 2.38 in

Two Natural Horn Cups with Silvered Rims

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Two cups of natural horn with silvered mounted rims. The cups are light on one side and darker on the reverse. They are of slightly different heights. They are perfect on a desk for ...

Category

Early 2000s Indian British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Silver Plate

Hand Engraved & Painted Fine British India Silver Plated Vase

Sold

H 12 in Dm 4 in

Hand Engraved & Painted Fine British India Silver Plated Vase

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

Very fine hand engraved and painted silver plated British India export vase with excellent floral detail. Cylindrical hour glass shape is unique. One foo...

Category

1930s Indian Vintage British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Silver Plate

British Colonial Vintage Gilt Ceramic Chamber Pot Togo Colonial Pottery Stoke

Sold

H 7 in W 11 in D 9.5 in

British Colonial Vintage Gilt Ceramic Chamber Pot Togo Colonial Pottery Stoke

Located in Miami, FL

British Colonial vintage green, bronze and gold leaf covered chamber pot in Togo style made by Colonial Pottery, Stoke England. Depicting a British landsca...

Category

Early 20th Century English British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Gold Plate

Group of Five Anglo Indian Style Lidded Bone Urns, Priced Individually

Sold

H 8 in Dm 22 in

Group of Five Anglo Indian Style Lidded Bone Urns, Priced Individually

By Tozai Home

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Impressive group of five British colonial style lidded urns all with their distinctive adaptations of classical form, crafted in turned and carved bone. Signed Tozai on the bottoms. ...

Category

Late 20th Century Indian British Colonial Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bone

British Colonial vases and vessels for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique British Colonial vases and vessels 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 vases and vessels 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 metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial vases and vessels made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original vases and vessels, popular names associated with this style include John Derian, and Maitland Smith. 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 vases and vessels differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $365 and tops out at $3,600 while the average work can sell for $1,389.