Under Napoleon III’s rule, Paris underwent a great rebuilding overseen by Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann, which created grand avenues and lavish landmarks like the Paris Opera. Antique Napoleon III–style furniture was flamboyant and eclectic. It was also known as Second Empire style since it followed and referenced the Empire style of his uncle Napoleon I.
Developing from 1852–70, Napoleon III furniture was plush and ornate, matching the fashion for masked balls and socializing in salons. It borrowed freely from earlier French styles including Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI as well as aesthetics from around the world, from antiquity to Asian art. As writer Gustave Claudin remarked in 1867, the country’s architects worked in “a style which one would be tempted to call neo-Greco-Gothico-Pompadour-Pompeian.”
Napoleon III chairs were completely covered with velvet and lined with tassels; pouf footstools invited people to put up their feet. Sofas were upholstered with tapestries, and beds were adorned with gilt bronze and theatrical canopies. The addition of conservatories to homes led to new indoor-outdoor furniture, while the spirit of hygiene promoted by Baron Haussmann inspired bright, floral motifs.
Although the most ostentatious designs were for the elite, as seen in the Napoleon III apartments preserved in the Louvre, where red velvet, gilding and chandeliers create a cacophony of luxury, these trends influenced homes across classes as manufacturing made design increasingly accessible. Papier-mâché furniture allowed for elaborate shapes that would have been difficult to carve in wood. The malleable material was painted with chinoiserie patterns and decorative designs. It was mass-produced by factories such as Jennens and Bettridge with varnishing and mother-of-pearl inlays creating an effect reminiscent of Asian lacquer. (Surfaces that had been “japanned” — a specialty of Jennens and Bettridge — were intended to resemble lacquer work that was created in East Asia.)
Find a collection of antique Napoleon III decorative objects, tables, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
French 19th century Petite ‘Sèvres’ Jardinière with Gilt Bronze Mount, c. 1870
Located in London, GB
A very beautiful antique petite-size French ‘Sèvres’ jardinière, planter, cachepot or table centerpiece bowl, made in France in the Napoléon III era ...
Bronze
19th Century Napoleon III Jardinière, Mahogany & Elm, Circa 1875-1890
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière, or cache pot, made of mahogany with burl of elm veneer, various wood inlay and ebonzied trim. Bronze-mounted with two handles...
Zinc
$12,560Sale Price|20% Off
Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. An exceptional qualit...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Ferdinand Barbedienne, a French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870
By Louis-Constant Sevin, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardiniere, C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. An exceptional qualit...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Valentine Manufacture, Elegant pair of Vases, France, circa 1860
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of baluster-shaped vases in hard-paste porcelain, resting on a molded circular foot and flaring toward a neck with a flat rim highlighted by a gilt line. Each vase is fitted wit...
Porcelain
Exquisite Neo-Grec Ormolu & Champleve Enamel Jardiniere by Barbedienne & Sévin
By Louis-Constant Sevin, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A French Neo-Grec Ormolu and Champlevé Enamel Jardinière by Ferdinand Barbedienne and Louis-Constant Sévin, circa 1870 An outstanding ormolu-mounted and champlevé enamel jardinière,...
Enamel, Ormolu
19th Century Paris Porcelain Vase by Porcelaine de Paris, Rococo Style
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This very pretty Paris porcelain vase dates from the 19th century, and features a beautiful enamelled floral design of wildflowers, surrounded by rococo style moulding embellished wi...
Porcelain
Extremely Rare Pair of Ferdinand Barbedienne Ormolu and Champlevé Enamel Vases
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
An extremely rare, museum quality pair of Ferdinand Barbedienne ormolu and champlevé enamel vases, circa 1870, certainly designed by Louis Constant Sevin...
Enamel, Ormolu
Magnificent Pair of Napoleon III Period Porcelain Covered Vases/ 19th Century.
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This magnificent pair of antique covered vases, dating back to the 19th century during the Napoleon III period, showcases the elegance and artistry characteristic of this iconic era....
Porcelain
19th Century Napoleon III Marquetry Jardiniere or Planter
Located in Winter Park, FL
A fine 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière, or cache pot, made with inlaid veneers of burled walnut with mother of pearl inlay and ebonized trim. Bronze mounted wit...
Mother-of-Pearl, Walnut
$400Sale Price|36% Off
19th Century French Porcelain Vase, Gilt Floral Design, Napoleon III
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite vase, dating from the late 19th in France, showcases a stunning floral design embellished with luxurious gold accents. The intricate craftsmanship highlights the elega...
Porcelain
Monumental Royal Vienna Iridescent Porcelain Portrait Vase and Cover, Wagner
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A monumental Royal Vienna Iridescent porcelain portrait vase and cover, Wagner, circa 1880. This Royal Vienna Urn features an exceptional iridescent ...
Porcelain
Sevres Chateau des Tuilleries Porcelain Bonbonniere
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Sevres Chateau des Tuilleries Porcelain Bonbonniere. It depicts a lidded cobalt blue large bowl cup mounted in gilt bronze. The top side of the lid is hand painted with a y...
Bronze
Antique Green Serpentine Marble Column, Napoleon III Style, Italy
Located in Honnelles, WHT
column in green serpentine marble, around 1880 base with rectangular top: 22.5 x 34.5 cm
Marble
Baccarat, Green Opaline Snake Vase, France, 1880
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end antique crystal vase made by Baccarat. The vase in green opaline and gold net decorated with a snake in white and gold encircling the neck. Dimensions...
Crystal
Pair of French Paris Porcelain Hand Painted Vases for the Orientalist Market
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of French Paris porcelain hand painted Vases for the orientalist market, circa 1870. Each vase is beautifully hand painted with scenes of Sultan and Sultana, and the tops a...
Porcelain
19th Century French Opaline Blue Glass Vase, Napoleon III Period
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This elegant French opaline glass vase dates from the 19th-century, during the Napoleon III period, and beautifully illustrates the refined decorative arts of the era. Crafted in a s...
Opaline Glass
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Jardinière on White Onyx Base
Located in New York, NY
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Jardinière on White Onyx Base This oval form jardinière is wrapped with black, white and gold cloisonné enamel, with a shield at the ...
Onyx, Bronze, Enamel
A 19th C. French Baccarat Opaline Crystal Vase w/ Enameled Putti Decoration
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A Very Large 19th Century French Baccarat Opaline Crystal Vase with Enameled Putti and Floral Decoration. The amphora form vase is beautifully hand-enam...
Crystal
19th Century Pair of Cassolettes in Marble and Gilt Bronze
Located in NICE, FR
We present you with this set of exquisite cassolettes from the Napoleon III period. Crafted from Pyrenean marble, specifically the Bénou Breccia kind, and enhanced with gilded bronze...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Jardinière or Cachepot
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière with inlaid veneers of mahogany and exotic woods, in a lattice pattern. Bronze mounted with two handles, gallery and trim...
Bronze, Zinc
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
Napoleon III Decorated Fern Stand
Located in Riverdale, NY
Tripod fern Stand of ebonized wood, burl veneer and mahogany in the Napoleon III style, which is the name commonly given to a 19th century style of Renaissance Revival that encompasses a myriad of Revivalist styles including Louis XVI, and Japonism. These are seen in the gilt and bronze putti medallions and gilt bronze Geisha...
Wood
A. Giroux, Pair of trumpet Vases, France, Circa 1860
Located in PARIS, FR
Signed Mon ALPH. GIROUX PARIS Elegant pair of trumpet-shaped vases with flare neck in engraved crystal decorated with leafy interlacing and beads friezes. Removable, they are enclos...
Crystal, Bronze, Enamel
Royal Pair of Sèvres Porcelain '1867 Paris Exhibition' Vases and Covers
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in New York, NY
A large pair of ormolu-mounted Se`vres Porcelain Bleu Celeste '1867 Exhibition' vases and covers (‘Vase Paris de Milieu Garnis’), ‘l’Abreuvoir’ and ‘Le Retour’ De Champs’ 1860, one ...
Ormolu
Masterpiece flower jardiniere, Napoleon III, rosewood fire-gilt bronze, 1870s
Located in Wien, AT
This masterful object is a flower jardiniere from the Napoleon III era, crafted in France in the 1870s using special, valuable materials. The basic shape is curved and flowing, and ...
Bronze
F. Barbedienne, A Suite of Three French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardinieres
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Ferdinand Barbedienne, An Exquisite Suite of Three French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Jardinieres / Garniture C. 1870, The Design Attributed to Louis Constant Sevin. Comprising of t...
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
19th Century French Brass Jardinière or Planter
Located in Houston, TX
19th century French brass Jardinière or planter. Lovely antique French Napoleon III heavy weight brass jardiniere, planter or cachepot. This fantastic French planter is beautifully d...
Brass
$2,835Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of 19th C. Paris Porcelain Vases with Gilt Handles and Floral Painting
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This magnificent pair of French porcelain vases, most likely produced in one of the renowned Parisian porcelain workshops of the 19th century, embodies the elegance and artistic refi...
Porcelain, Paint
A Palatial French Ormolu-Mounted Sevres Porcelain Hand-Painted Vase and Cover
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Palatial French Ormolu-Mounted Sevres Porcelain Hand-Painted Vase and Cover, circa 1838. This monumental Sevres porcelain vase stands 56″ high, and is beautifully hand-painted with classical scenes of lovers and cupids, in teal / turquoise blue ground porcelain. Made with very fine quality figural bronze handle, the vase turns to a full 360 degree angle and is mounted on a solid bronze base with fine detail. Painted with beautiful flowers throughout the entire vase, leading up to the cover, which is adorned with an acorn bronze...
Porcelain
Maison Marnyhac, "African Venus" , Planter France, Circa 1870
Located in PARIS, FR
Exceptional planter by Maison Marnyhac in chiseled and gilded bronze and Algerian onyx representing a young African woman kneeling, carrying an oval bowl decorated with foliage. She is dressed with a loincloth, wearing an egret and adorned with many jewels. It rests on a square base decorated with gilded bronze. A model of a similar African Venus...
Onyx, Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Jardinière or Cachepot
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière, or cache pot, with inlaid veneers of mahogany and walnut and burled elm. Bronze mounted with two handles, gallery and tr...
Bronze, Zinc
Pair of Paris Porcelain Vases, France, circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Lovely pair of amphora vases in Paris porcelain, with polychrome rotating decoration of lilacs, roses, clematis, fuchsias and other natural flowers, on a white background. The foot a...
Porcelain
Louis-Constant SÉVIN, Ferdinand BARBEDIENNE, Pair of Ornamental Vases
By Louis-Constant Sevin, Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This exceptional pair of vases is the result of the collaboration between Louis Constant Sevin, drawer and designer, and Ferdinand Barbedienne, bronze maker and founder of the famous...
Bronze, Enamel
19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Opaline Glass Vase
By Cristalleries De Baccarat, Baccarat
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
An opulent hand hand-painted opaline glass vase probably made by Baccarat. Delightful handpainted with a rich flower bouquet of wild roses and forgot-me-not flowers, gilt lines and a...
Enamel
19th Century French Napoleon III Burl Walnut Marquetry and Bronze Plant Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a room with this elegant antique jardinière. Created in France circa 1870, and oval in shape, the planter stands on cabriole legs decorated with acanthus leaf motifs at the ...
Bronze
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Classic flower vase, metal fire-gilded enamel painting, Napoleon III 1870 France
Located in Wien, AT
Stunning flower vase, made out of metal, elaborately hand enamel painted, the base is firegilt, a French masterpiece, made around 1870 at the time of Napoleon III. This vase is a tr...
Metal, Enamel
$8,317Sale Price / set|20% Off
Elegant Pair of Flowery Valentine Porcelain Vases, France, Circa 1860
Located in PARIS, FR
Charming pair of baluster shaped vases made in Valentine porcelain, with openwork handles enhanced with gold. They are decorated on the front with ...
Porcelain
Antique Pair French Blue Opaline Gilded Enamel Glass Perfume Bottles Flacon 1850
Located in Portland, OR
A very elegant pair of antique French Napoleon III blue enameled & gilded Opaline glass glass scent bottles or falcons, circa 1850. This lovely pair of blue Opaline glass scent bottl...
Enamel
Japanese-Style Baccarat Crystal Vase From The Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Japanese-style Baccarat crystal vase from the Napoleon III period, 19th century. Japanese-style Baccarat crystal vase from the Napoleon III period, 19th century. H: 15 cm, W: 14.5 c...
Crystal
French Napoleon III Jardinière, Mahogany Marquetry, Bronze-Mounted
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 20th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière with inlaid veneer of mahogany. Bronze-mounted with two handles, gallery and trim. Original zinc liner. A beautiful pla...
Bronze, Zinc
19th Century French Napoleon III Jardinière or Cachepot
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière with inlaid veneers of maple and mahogany. Bronze-mounted with two handles, gallery and trim. Original zinc liner may not...
Bronze, Zinc
Pair of Bud Vases, Cristal and Gold Gilt Bronze and Gold Leaf
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of bud vases, crystal and gold gilt bronze and gold leaf, 19th century Napoleon III. Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability.
Crystal, Bronze
Pair of Paris Porcelain Vases, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Paris porcelain vases, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Pair of 19th century vases in Paris porcelain, Napoleon III period. H: 38cm, W: 23cm, D: 16cm Please contact us b...
Porcelain
Baccarat Opaline Vases, Art Nouveau, Pink Accents, 19th Century Pair
By Baccarat
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This stunning pair of Baccarat Style opaline vases is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the Art Nouveau period. Dating back to the end of 19th century, these vases are a...
Opaline Glass
Antique Silver-Plated Vase, Art Nouveau, Signed Lelièvre, France, 1910s
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique vase by the french sculptor Eugène Lelièvre (March 13th 1856 - January 24th 1945). Exceptional silver plated bronze work. Th...
Bronze
Antique Rare Pair Off 2x Cachepot In Copper And Angels Aside Ca 1880
Located in Tilburg, NL
Rare pair of antique french repousse brass cachepots or jardinieres. Dated late 19th century. Napoleon 3 era. Classical, Victorian, and Neo- Gotic revival elements to find in this d...
Copper, Brass
$1,552Sale Price / set|38% Off
19th Century Pair of Hand-Painted Paris Porcelain Urns
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A fine pair of antique French urns in 'Porcelain de Paris', and dating from the early 19th century. These sensational vases are decorated w...
Porcelain, Paint
French Napoleon III Pair of Petite Gilt Brass Mounted Glass Vases
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This refined pair of French vases, dating to the Napoleon III period in the late 19th century, combines elegant proportions with delicate ornamental work. Each vase features a clear,...
Brass
19th Century French Napoleon III Jardinière or Cachepot
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 19th century French Napoleon III marquetry jardinière with inlaid veneers of mahogany and exotic woods, in a lattice pattern with unusual green color. Bronze-mounted with two ...
Bronze, Zinc
19th Century French Brass Oval Jardinière with Pierced Design & Lions Heads
Located in St. Louis, MO
French 19th Century brass boat - shaped Jardinière with pierced gallery rail around the top and cast bronze lion head handles with ring pulls. Perfect for displaying flowers, fruits...
Brass
Pair of Terracotta Urnes Vases castle , spain XIXs
Located in La xara, VC
This exceptional Pair of Urnes Vases second parts of the XIXs , Provenance Castle Near the district of Biarritz ! 1. Historical and cultural signifi...
Terracotta
Pair of French Napoleon III Ormolu Mounted Sevres Style Cassolettes
Located in Antwerp, BE
A striking and highly decorative pair of large French Napoleon III cassolettes, crafted in the late 19th century. Each piece features finely cast and chiseled ormolu (gilt bronze) m...
Bronze, Ormolu
Porcelain de Paris Pair of Hand Painted Vases Napoleon III, France
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Pair ...
Porcelain
$1,240Sale Price / set|58% Off
Pair of Vases in Black Marble and Parts in Polished Brass Napoleon III France
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pair of vases in black marble and parts in polished brass Napoleon III France Base cm.12x12.
Marble, Brass
$512Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Antique Porcelaine de Paris Handpainted Wedding Vase
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A wonderful antique Porcelain de Paris wedding vase (or Vase d'Eglise de Mariée), dating from the 19th century and featuring an exquisite handpainted design of wildflowers, set again...
Porcelain
Pair of 19th-century Vases, Opaline Glass And Gilded Regule, Napoleon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of 19th-century vases made of opaline glass and gilded regule, from the Napoleon III period. Pair of 19th-century vases from the Napoleon III period, made of opaline glass and ...
Opaline Glass
Porcelain De Paris Napoleon III Style Pair of Shaped Vases Hand Decorated
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Part...
Porcelain
A Large French Baccarat Opaline Glass Hand-Painted "Bacchanale" Vase, by Roussel
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A Large French Baccarat Opaline Glass Hand-Painted "Bacchanale" Vase, by Roussel, circa 1885. Presenting an exquisite and highly coveted piece of artistry, behold the large French O...
Glass
Pair of Napoleon III Empire Vases Brass, France, 1860
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Original pair of Napoleon III Empire vases brass, France, 1860. Original condition. Nice applications.
Brass
H. Picard, Pair of "Cupids" Jardinieres, France, circa 1860
By Henri Picard
Located in PARIS, FR
Signed H. Picard Fine pair of oval jardinieres in chiselled and gilded bronze, with inner liners. They are adorned in relief and enhanced by a subtle interplay of burnished and matt...
Bronze