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.
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
$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
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
Exquisite Neo-Grec Ormolu & Champleve Enamel Jardiniere by Barbedienne & Sévin
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Louis-Constant Sevin
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 Napoleon III Jardinière or Planter
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
Palatial French Ormolu-Mounted Sevres Porcelain Hand-Painted Vase and Cover
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Long Island City, NY, 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...
Bronze
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
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
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
A Pair of Imari Porcelain Vases with Gilt Bronze Mounts, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A pair of 19th century Napoleon III period Imari porcelain vases with gilt bronze mounts. Dimensions : H: 25.5cm, D: 11cm Please contact us before ordering to confirm availability.
Bronze
A 19th Century Bleu Deck Turquoise Vase by Théodore Deck, Large Size, Circa 1867
Located in England, GB
An exceptional example of Théodore Deck’s most iconic work, glazed in his turquoise bleu Deck and conceived in the Chinese manner. An applied lion-mask with a suspended ring enhances...
Ceramic
column in green serpentine marble, around 1880
Located in Honnelles, WHT
column in green serpentine marble, around 1880 base with rectangular top: 22.5 x 34.5 cm
Marble
Baccarat, Pair Of Red Baluster Vases, Golden Decor, 1880
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, a magnificent pair of small opaline Baluster Vases Cross by Lorraine Baccarato, gold decoration, very beautiful pieces. Napoleon III period 19th century. With...
Crystal
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
Extremely Rare Pair of Ferdinand Barbedienne Ormolu and Champlevé Enamel Vases
By Louis-Constant Sevin, Ferdinand Barbedienne
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
Mid 19th Century Napoleon III Bronze Vases by Cahieux & Barbedienne
By Henry Cahieux and Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A fine pair of French ormolu and patinated bronze vases, baluster shaft with relief decoration of swallows and vegetation. Both artist names are signed, Henry Cahieux (1825-1854) and...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
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
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
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
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
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
Impressive Doré Ormolu Ornamental Centerpiece or Jardinière of Campana Shape
Located in Antwerp, BE
An impressive ormolu ornamental vase centerpiece of campana shape, the bronze vessel resting on a moulded concave agate stone pediment with byzantine cross shaped base. The gilt concave foot of the vase shows ram’s heads intertwined with scrolls hung with fruity festoons under a ribboned bundle frieze. The concave stem supports an egg and dart shaped bottom carrying a large frieze representing brown patinated swans grooming themselves between water reeds...
Agate, Ormolu, Bronze
Tall cobalt blue Baccarat crystal vase, gilt ivy pattern, 19th century
By Baccarat
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine tall Baccarat crystal vase, Napoléon III period, mid 19th century circa 1850. The pattern is known as the vase decorated with a molded ivy garland. It is listed in the a refer...
Crystal
Pair of F. Barbedienne Ormolu and Champlevé Enamel Vases w/ Griffin Heads, Paris
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of 19th Century, Napoleon III, French F. Barbedienne Signed Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Tri-Footed Vases, with Mythical Beast/Dragon Heads Each vase is formed with a flared t...
Bronze, Enamel
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
Painted Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Column Planter, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Painted porcelain and gilt bronze column planter, Napoleon III period, XIXᵉ century. Jardinière with columns, Napoleon III period in painted porcelain and gilt bronze. H: 31cm - D:...
Bronze
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
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
19th century Petite ‘Sèvres’ Jardinière with Gilt Bronze Mount, France, 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
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
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
Pair Of Large Louis XVI Style Cassolettes In Belgian Royal Marble And Gilt Bronz
Located in BARSAC, FR
Superb pair of large cassolettes in Belgian royal marble, featuring a striking gilt and chased bronze ornament depicting intertwined serpents. A very elegant and high-quality pie...
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
Exquisite 19th Century Opaline Glass Vase Handpainted, Attributed to Baccarat or
By Baccarat, Cristalleries De Baccarat, St. Louis Crystal
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This breathtaking 19th-century opaline glass vase is a masterpiece of fine craftsmanship, likely attributed to renowned French glassmakers Baccarat or Saint-Louis. The piece features...
Enamel
Pair of Antique French Neoclassical Gilt Tole Cachepots Jardinieres
Located in Pearland, TX
A lovely pair of antique French black and gold jardinieres or cachepots. No maker's mark. These gorgeous planters have a fine hand painted laurel wreath garland with gilt ring handle...
Metal
Pair Of Baccarat Opaline Vases, Golden Decor, 1880
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, a magnificent pair of Baccarat opaline vases of very high quality, gold decoration, very beautiful pieces. Napoleon III period 19th century. Dimensions: Vase H...
Crystal
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
$9,262 / set
4 green serpentine marble columns, circa 1880
Located in Honnelles, WHT
4 columns in green serpentine marble, around 1880 measure to request
Marble
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
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
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
$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
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
19th C. Pair of French Porcelain Lidded Apothecary Jars
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A beautiful pair of antique 19th-century French porcelain lidded apothecary or pharmacy jars, with elegant hand-painted decoration and lettering, and maker's mark on the base. A depiction of the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates is emblazoned on the front of each, together with images of the iconic serpent that is so often associated with apothecaries, in homage to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine...
Porcelain
Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Vase, C. 1870
Located in Long Island City, NY
Ferdinand Barbedienne, A French Ormolu and Champleve Enamel Vase, C. 1870 In the Islamic / Alhambra taste. The two handled vase in Alhambra form, enameled in rich yellow throughout ...
Enamel, Bronze, Ormolu
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
19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Opaline Glass Vase
By Baccarat, Cristalleries De 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
French Napoleon III Style Jardinière or Cachepot
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
Planter with column in blue glazed earthenware St Amand, France circa 1880/1900
By Saint Amand
Located in Paris, FR
Rare planter with three clawed feet on its column, decorated with Chinese motifs of dragons, gadroons, acanthus leaves and bamboo in the taste of Minton, very fashionable under Napol...
Earthenware
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
$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
Pair of Regence Gilt-Bronze Green Glazed porcelain Mounted Celadon Lidded Vases
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of Regence gilt-bronze mounted celadon lidded vases, Qing dynasty, Kangxi (1662-1722), in the manner of Yuan dynasty, and circa 1720. Each turquoise colored lidded vase / urn ...
Bronze
Napoleonic Patinated and Gilt Bronze Centerpiece by Auguste Delafontaine
By AUGUST MAXIMILIEN DELAFONTAINE
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This extraordinary late 19th-century French patinated and gilt bronze centerpiece in the Napoleonic style, by Auguste Maximilien Delafontaine, is a tour-de-force of sculptural bronze...
Bronze
Blue Ceramic Planter, Chinoisant Design, Longwy, Napoleon III Period.
By Faïenceries et Emaux de Longwy
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Blue ceramic planter, Chinoisant design, Longwy, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A Longwy planter, 19th century, Napoleon III period, in blue ceramic with Chinoisant decoration. ...
Ceramic
$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
$3,469Sale Price|25% Off
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
$3,469Sale Price / set|25% Off
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 Miniature Flower Vases, White Porcelain, Bronze, Napoleon III, 1890, France
Located in Wien, AT
Outstanding pair of porcelain vases, so-called miniature vases, made around 1880-1900, late napoleon III, country of origin: France. These nice objects are out of white porcelain wit...
Bronze
Pair of Roller Vases in Imari Porcelain with Gilt Bronze Mounts, 19th century
Located in NICE, FR
This pair of roller vases is crafted in Imari-style porcelain of French manufacture, attributed to Bayeux, and enriched with finely worked gilt bronze mounts. The cylindrical porcela...
Bronze
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