Rococo was an aesthetic movement in the fine and decorative arts in the 18th century that found its inspiration in nature and fostered an overall lightness and delicacy of form, construction and ornament in interior design. Rococo furniture, while greatly influenced by trends in Italy and Germany, is often called Louis XV style — the movement having reached its best expression during that sybaritic French king’s reign.
The term “rococo” is thought to be a portmanteau of the French words rocaille and coquilles — “rock” and “shells” — organic motifs frequently used in architecture and design of the style.
When it comes to authentic Rococo furniture's characteristics, it is above all sensuous and social. The furniture of earlier eras in Europe had been heavy in every sense; the Rococo period saw the appearance of light-framed upholstered armchairs, side chairs and occasional tables that could easily be moved to form conversational circles.
The signal detail of Rococo furniture design is the gently curved cabriole, or S-shaped chair-, table-, and cabinet-leg. It imitates the bend of a tree limb or a flower stem. In a further reference to nature, furnishings were often asymmetrical and painted white, or in soft, pastel shades. Rococo has become a timeless style, and as the furniture pieces presented on 1stDibs demonstrate, its playful, sculptural forms can provide visual excitement to contemporary, clean-lined spaces.
English Porcelain Cigarette Holder by Arthur Bowker for Staffordshire
Located in New York, NY
An English pink porcelain cigarette holder, in the Rococo style, by Arthur Bowker for Staffordshire, circa early-20th century, England. Piece is pink porcelain, oval, with a floral c...
Porcelain
$440
H 1.18 in W 5.51 in D 5.51 in
Porcelain Ashtray by Paloma Picasso for Villeroy & Boch, Italy, 1990s
Located in Milano, IT
1990s Gorgeous ashtray or catch-All in porcelain by Paloma Picasso "Hongkong" for Villeroy & Boch, limited edition. Marked on the bottom. It's excellent condition Dimensions: ...
Porcelain
$167 / item
H 1.58 in W 8.67 in D 5.52 in
Vintage Papillon White Porcelain Ashtray by Guido Andlovitz for Laveno
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, early 1950s. They have been designed by Guido Andlovitz and produced by Laveno. Each piece is stamped by the maker. These are vintage pieces but they have never been used as they are a surplus of an old ceramic...
Porcelain
$1,500 / set
H 10 in Dm 4 in
MCM Bitossi Yellow Owl Vase & Candle Holder by Aldo Londi for Rosenthal Netter
By Aldo Londi, Rosenthal Netter, Bitossi
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare pair of MCM Bitossi stoneware yellow owls by Aldo Londi for Rosenthal Netter, circa 1960s. The first hand thrown piece is a vase which measures 4"D x 10"H and the second piece i...
Stoneware
Burmese Silver Pocket Cigarette Case, Late 19th Century
Located in Islamabad, PK
Burmese silver pocket cigarette case, late 19th century. This well-crafted box is typical of Burmese work for the Anglo-colonial market in the...
Silver
$316Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.63 in Dm 4.5 in
English Wedgwood Jasperware Ashtray or Key Holder/Vide Poche
By Wedgwood
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful English Wedgwood Jasperware ashtray or key holder/vide poche in “Wedgwood Blue” features a repeating motif of white, high relief acanthus ...
Ceramic
1983 Pink Flamingo Ceramic Ashtray w/ Holder by Sarsaparilla
By Sarsaparilla
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century style pink and green ceramic ashtray with a drinking flamingo by Sarsaparilla. The ashtray features a beautifully detailed pink flamingo with its head backwards, forming ...
Ceramic
Vintage Silverplate Cigarette Cigar Ashtray Butler
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage silverplated ashtray with wood handle from the Early 1900's. Beautiful piece to be used decoratively for trinkets or ashtray on a coffee or side table. This peice is technic...
Silver Plate
$490Sale Price|30% Off
H 5.52 in W 5.52 in D 0.79 in
Silver ashtray with shell-shaped reliefs and four cigarette holders
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver ashtray with shell-shaped reliefs and four cigarette holders. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 81.72 grams. Dimensions: 14x14cm....
Silver
Arthur Court Cast Aluminium Round Tray Holder
By Arthur Court
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern tray by Arthur Court.
Metal
Kosta Boda Yellow Crystal Candle Holder by Anna Ehrner, 1990's
By Anna Ehrner
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Kosta Boda crystal yellow "Atoll" votive Tealight candle holder designed by Anna Ehrner, 1990s. With characteristic craftsmanship and good design, and an ongoing commitment to avant-...
Blown Glass
$620Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 5.5 in W 3 in D 3 in
Vintage Aldo Londi Bitossi Ceramic Ashtray, Lighter and Cigarette Holder Italy
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi, Rosenthal
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful trio set by Bitossi. This ceramic set is glamorous, chic and so mid-century. The trio includes a beautiful ashtray, a tall table lighter and a cigarette holder. Together th...
Ceramic
$420Sale Price|30% Off
H 5.67 in W 5.24 in D 0.79 in
Shell-shaped silver ashtray with armorial reliefs and two cigarette holders
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Shell-shaped silver ashtray with armorial reliefs and two cigarette holders. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Eagle Head. Weight: 74.27 grams. Dimensions: 14.4c...
Silver
Sold
H 1.19 in W 4.34 in D 3.94 in
Sculptural shell-shaped ashtray in Rococo style made of gilded bronze, Italy 70s
Located in Roma, IT
A precious ashtray in full Roccoco style, a heavy shell in gilded bronze depicted in the smallest details and its curved ribs become practical cigarette ...
Brass
Malachite Vide-Poche or Ashtray
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Brutalist decorative malachite item, ashtray.
Malachite
Amethyst Stone Ashtray
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Brutalist amethyst stone ashtray, graphic Item with beautiful frames, Mid-Century Modern.
Amethyst