Although named for the last Stuart monarch of England, antique Queen Anne furniture, with its curvy cabriole legs and pad feet, has its origins in the earlier reign of King William III, which began in 1689 and ended with his death in 1702. Later evolving during Anne’s rule from 1702–14, the style would continue to influence design in the decades after her death.
Sometimes called late Baroque or early Georgian, Queen Anne chairs, bedroom furniture and tables are subdued yet ornate and characterized by a graceful blend of influences ranging from Asian design to classical motifs. Furnishings of this era — with their curvilinear supports and novel emphasis on comfort and versatility — are marked by a shift away from the more opulent and angular William and Mary style.
Chairs designed in the Queen Anne style are more functional and lightweight than their predecessors. They often feature a vase or fiddle-shaped splat, which refers to the central vertical back element, in order to support the spine and plush cushions. Craftsmen of the era predominantly worked in walnut, maple and pine. Any embellishments they introduced in their furnishings were frequently minimal and refined and expressed by way of modest flourishes such as shells or scrolls. Some pieces were more lavish with “japanned” finishes, or varnished interpretations of East Asian lacquer art. Almost every piece of furniture, whether a tea table or desk, included S-shaped, animalistic cabriole legs that end in a paw or claw-and-ball form.
These qualities made Queen Anne furniture popular throughout Europe and North America. Boston and Philadelphia became hubs for the production of this style of furniture, spurred by the arrival of British artisans who fostered a market for well-heeled colonists. While the showier Chippendale style later surpassed it in popularity, Queen Anne’s simple elegance still draws an enduring appreciation.
Find a collection of antique Queen Anne dining tables, seating, cabinets and other authentic period furniture on 1stDibs.
Exquisite Pair Antique Hand Painted Porcelain Decorative Vases
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exquisite pair of antique hand-painted porcelain vases showcases remarkable artistry and delicate charm. Each vase features a beautifully painted exterior adorned with roses, fl...
Porcelain
19th Century German Porcelain Hand Painted / Gilt Decorated Detail Vase
By Royal Bonn
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exquisite 19th-century German vase, crafted from Royal Bonn china, epitomizes the beauty and elegance of antique decorative arts. The vase features intricately hand-painted flor...
Gold
Antique Austrian Hand Painted / Gilt Decorated Porcelain Vase
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Introducing an exquisite pair of antique Austrian porcelain vases, meticulously hand painted and gilt decorated with floral and foliat...
Gold
$2,100 / set
H 23.5 in Dm 10.5 in
Pair of 19th Century French Neoclassical Painted and Gilt Porcelain Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a console or a buffet with this elegant pair of antique urns from Paris. Crafted circa 1890 and signed on the bottom, each tall neoclassical vase features a long neck with side handles. The "Porcelaine de Paris" urns are gilt hand painted with a central medallion of classical decor...
Porcelain
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 ...
Porcelain
Vintage Chinese Hand Painted Porcelain Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Vintage Chinese Hand-Painted Porcelain Vase with intricate floral motifs, showcasing traditional artistry for a striking centerpiece. We sell items as acquired, without restoring ...
Porcelain
19th Century Chinese Hand Painted Blue & White Porcelain Vase
Located in North Salem, NY
19th century Chinese hand painted Blue & White porcelain vase with interesting symmetrical pattern.
Porcelain
Vintage Chinese Porcelain Vase Hand Painted
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage Chinese porcelain ornamental oriental vase dating from the early 1900s. The vase is entirely hand painted, depicting flowers and birds. The vintage Chinese porcelain vase...
Porcelain
Chinese Hand Painted Floral Porcelain Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Chinese Hand-Painted Floral Porcelain Vase with intricate motifs and vibrant hues, perfect as a decorative accent or collectible. We sell items as acquired, without restoring or r...
Porcelain
$695
H 9.13 in W 4.75 in D 3 in
Antique Royal Worcester Gilt Blush Porcelain Vase with Hand Painted Pheasants
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine English porcelain vase. Made in 1900 by George Grainger & Company, a subsidiary of Royal Worcester from 1889 - 1902. With painted floral decor...
Porcelain
Oriental Possibly Samson Finely Hand Decorated Porcelain Vase
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very finely made oriental styled porcelain vase hand painted with baskets containing flowers dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. The bulbous shaped vase stands on a narrow rounded foot and is hand decorated in coloured enamels with three panels containing a Chinese handled...
Porcelain
Hand Painted Porcelain Large Vase, 1980s
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful fine porcelain Italian vase, 1980s. Beautiful decoration with two dolphins on either side.
Porcelain
Austrian Antique Art Nouveau Hand Painted Handled Vase by EW
Located in New York, NY
This stunning and graphic Art Nouveau vase was realized in Austria circa 1910. It features a circular base with a gourd form body that ascends into a slender undulating neck and a sc...
Porcelain, Paint
An oriental hand-painted porcelain glazed vase with gilt detail, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A handsome Asian hand-painted porcelain vase, probably early 20th century. Tones of cobalt, caramel, ecru, and gold, and depicting a pastoral scene with robed figures amid bamboo. 6”...
Porcelain
Large Antique Dresden Ornamental Vase in Hand-Painted Porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Large antique Dresden ornamental vase in hand-painted porcelain. Flowers and gold decoration. Rose in relief on the lid. Ca. 1900. Measures: 37.5 x...
Porcelain
Circa 1937 Huntley & Palmers Lidded Barrel Form Biscuit Tin Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1937 Huntley & Palmers lidded barrel form biscuit tin box. Scarlet gilt Queen Anne chinoiserie lacquer motif. See matching example in the M.J. Franklin Collection of the Victor...
Tin
Sold
H 24.5 in Dm 13.25 in L 24.5 in
English Queen Anne Style Mahogany & Yew Wood Planter Plant Stand with Copper Pot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
English Queen Anne style mahogany and Yew wood planter plant stand with copper pot. Item features tripod Queen Anne legs, removable cooper planter pot/...
Copper
Pair of 18th Century Lead Vases
Located in London, GB
A FINE PAIR OF QUEEN ANNE LEAD VASES CAST WITH SATYR AND VENUS MASKS, ATTRIBUTED TO JOHN VAN NOST, CIRCA 1710.