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.
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
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
$3,895
H 26.5 in W 17 in D 12 in
Large Antique Sevres Styled Hand-Painted Porcelain Vase with Gilt Bronze Mounts
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This quite large and substantial antique hand-painted porcelain vase is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in France in approximately 1880 in the Sevres style. The vase is done...
Bronze
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
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
$350
H 7.25 in W 6.5 in D 6 in
Antique Nippon Noritake Hand Painted Porcelain Gold Gilt Draped Biscuit Jar
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Nippon Noritake Hand Painted Porcelain Gold Gilt Draped Biscuit Jar w / Lid. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 7.25" H x 6.5" W x 6" D.
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
$640Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.09 in Dm 3.94 in
A finely-decorated Satsuma earthenware Vase, gold gilt, hand-painted, 18/1900s
By Satsuma
Located in Skien, NO
A Japanese antique vase - finely-decorated / hand-painted Satsuma earthenware vase from ca. Meiji era (1868-1912) or late 19th/early 20th century, depicting temples amongst fjell and...
Earthenware, Stoneware
$150
H 8.5 in W 3 in D 3 in
Antique Nippon Art Nouveau Hand Painted Gold Gilt Porcelain Small Cylinder Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Nippon Art Nouveau Hand Painted Gold Gilt Porcelain Small Cylinder Vase. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 8.5" H x 3" Diameter.
Porcelain
Pair Antique Chinese Hand-Painted Vases
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair Antique Chinese Hand-Painted Vases are truly a product of exceptionally skilled artisans! Thrown on a larger scale, the graceful form of each porcelain urn is centuries if not ...
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
$850
H 6.25 in Dm 3.5 in
Signed Antique Royal Vienna Style Porcelain Gilt & Hand Painted Cobalt Blue Vase
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A signed antique Royal Vienna style porcelain vase. Entitled: "Geheimnis" (the German word for "Secret"). It has a hand painted central cartouche depicting a young maiden at a ...
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
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...
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.