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
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
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 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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
19th Century French Pair Napolean III Paris Porcelain Vases
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century French Pair Napolean III Paris Porcelain Vases Beautiful pair purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us with questions.
Porcelain
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...
Paint, Porcelain
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
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
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
Elegant pair of Sèvres-style porcelain vases
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Elegant pair of Sèvres-style porcelain vases, crafted in France circa 1900, Napoleon III These vases are finely hand-painted with detailed gallant scenes on the front and landscapes ...
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
Pair of French Baluster Shaped Opaline Glass Vases Attributed to "Baccarat"
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of antique French baluster shaped green opaline glass vases, finely modeled with repose leaves and flowers, attributed to "Baccarat" French, circa 1860.
Opaline Glass
19th Century French Amphora by François Moreau - Napoleon III Style
Located in Lisbon, PT
A decorative 19th century French metal amphora featuring women's embossing, designed in the Napoleon III style. Signed "F. Moreau" and complemented by a wood base.
Metal, Zinc
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
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
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
$1,243Sale 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
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
$11,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
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
$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
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
Large Ormolu Mounted Porcelain Vase By Manufature Nationale Sèvres, 19th Century
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Lisbon, PT
A cobalt blue porcelain mounted ormolu vase from Sèvres with gilded bronze stands, decorated with Rococo gold enamel florals and polychrome floral swirls, gallant decoration in the c...
Brass, Bronze
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
$237Sale Price|20% Off
Opaline Pink Vase Napoleon III Period
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very beautiful pale pink vase of Napoleon 3 period. It is decorated with flowers and foliage in brown, white and green tones. It is made of opaline, a...
Opaline Glass
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 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
$8,346Sale 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
A. Giroux, Red crystal Vase with Tritons, France, Circa 1860
Located in PARIS, FR
A large, faceted amphora-shaped vase in ruby red crystal. It is adorned with a dense network of gold-painted decorations featuring arabesques, fleurons, and interlacing patterns. The...
Crystal, Bronze
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
Napoleon III Amphora Shaped Porcelain Sèvre Vase with Bronze Parts
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Napoleon III Amphora shaped porcelain in the style of Sèvre vase with bronze parts.
Gold Plate, Bronze
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
Pair of Monumental Sea Green Marble and Gilded Bronze Cassolettes
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This pair of monumental cassolettes from the nineteenth century is an exceptional example of French decorative arts from the Napoleon III period. These impressive incense burners are...
Marble, Bronze
$14,890Sale Price|20% Off
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
Porcelain de Paris Pair French Wedding Vases for Church
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. Lovely and romantic French wedding vases...
Porcelain
Pair of tall Paris porcelain vases - mid 19th century circa 1850
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine pair of Paris porcelain vases, Napoléon III period. Very decorative set of pieces decorated with fine gold gilt patterns, cartouche and lines on an aqua-colored background (a ...
Porcelain
A Napoleon III Period Cut Crystal and Ormolu Vase with Bronze Dragon Decoration.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A Napoleon III period cut crystal and ormolu vase with bronze dragon decoration, 19th century. A cut crystal and gilt bronze vase, 19th century, Napoleon III period, attributed to B...
Crystal, Bronze
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
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
Pink Hand-Blown Opaline Glass Bud Vase, France Circa 1860
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An elegant 19th-century French opaline glass bud vase, distinguished by its charming pink coloration and refined hand-blown craftsmanship. The vase features a softly bulbous body dec...
Opaline Glass, Blown Glass
Pair of Antique French Black Opaline Glass Vases with Hand-Painted Birds and Ros
Located in London, GB
An exquisite and highly striking pair of late 19th-century antique French black opaline glass vases, measuring 24 cm in height and 11.5 cm at their widest point. Crafted from deep, l...
Opaline Glass
Cornets, Baccarat Crystal Vases, Gilded Bronze, 19th Century, Napoleon III-era.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Cornets, Baccarat crystal vases and gilded bronze, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Baccarat crystal vases, gilded bronze and crystal cornets, Napoleon III period, 19th century. H...
Crystal, 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
$4,247Sale Price / set|24% Off
Pair of Late 19th Century Jade Green Opaline and Gilded Brass Vases
Located in Paris, FR
Importante paire de vases balustre en opaline couleur jade et monture en laiton doré, à épaulement orné de guirlandes de lauriers sommées par une galeri...
Bronze
Big Pair of Berlin Porcelain Covered Vases, Napoleon III.
By Berlin Royal Porcelain Factory
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Big pair of Berlin porcelain covered vases, late 19th century or early 20th century, Napoleon III. A pair of late 19th century or early 20th century Napoleon III Berlin porcelain co...
Porcelain
Pair of Antique Glazed Biscuit Porcelain Figural Vases
Located in London, GB
Each of trumpet shape with applied allegorical figures of Napoleon III. These beautiful porcelain vases are distinctive for their bright, fresh color palette and trumpet shaped ne...
Porcelain
Pair Of Regule Vases, Signed L. Moreau, Napoleon III Period, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of regule vases from the Napoleon III period, 19th century, by L. Moreau. H: 30 cm, W: 17.5 cm, D: 17.5 cm Please contact us before placing your order to confirm the product’s ...
Metal
Antique Gilt Bronze Mounted Breche Marble Urns with Gilt Bronze Serpent Handles
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An exceptional and rare pair of Napoleon III Belle Epoque Breche marble shield shaped urns with striking intertwined serpent handles The base and top of urns are embellished with ...
Breccia Marble, Bronze
Pair 19th Century French Gilt Spelter Vases on Marble Bases with Vine Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a mantel or a wine room with this elegant pair of antique vases related to vine and grapes. Crafted in France circa 1880 and made of spelter (or white metal), the vases stan...
Marble, Spelter
Maison Millet, Pair of Cassolettes, France, circa 1870
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of Louis XVI-inspired curved shape cassolettes with godrons, in green granite and chiseled and gilded bronze, in the Rocaille style, attributed to Maison Millet. The lid is topp...
Granite, Bronze
$550Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Napoleon III Porcelain Vases
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of hexagonal porcelain vases decorated with multicolored flowers. The midnight blue background is highlighted with gilded floral motifs and foliage. Napoleon III period. circ...
Porcelain