Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.
Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.
The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.
Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.
Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.
Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
Christofle Silver Eagle Gravy Boat
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
Christofle silver eagle gravy boat. Handsome eagle headed hotel silver gravy/sauce boat with attached underplate with hallmarks for Christofle, France, 20...
Silver Plate
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Early Tiffany New York Classical Sterling Silver Strawberry Compote
By Edward Moore 1, Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Classical sterling silver compote. Made by Moore for Tiffany & Co. at 550 Broadway, New York, ca 1865. Wide and curved bowl on knopped shaft; round and raised foot with Greek key rim...
Sterling Silver
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Sponge Ware Mixing Bowls / Collection of Four
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These fine handmade pottery sponge ware mixing bowls are in pristine condition. Sold as a collection of four bowls with clam shell pattern.
Pottery
Large English Silver Punch Bowl Centerpiece with Relief of Grapes
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful large English punch bowl or champagne cooler centerpiece of fine plate silver featuring a Neoclassical design with grapevine motif around the circumference. Dimensions: ...
Silver Plate, Metal
Vintage Victorian Cut Glass and Brass Epergne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional Victorian-style epergne is a masterwork of neoclassical design, featuring an intricate brass frame that commands attention. At the heart of the pedestal, a finely ca...
Brass
$239Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage M.A. Hadley Hand Painted Bean Pot Cookie Jar With Whale Design
Located in San Carlos, CA
A Whale of a Time: Hand-Painted M.A. Hadley Bean Pot Cookie Jar Bring a touch of whimsy to your kitchen with this adorable cookie jar, hand-painted by M.A. Hadley! This charming ce...
Pottery, Paint
Wedgwood Light Blue Dancing Hours Neoclassical Jasperware Bowls, Pair
By Wedgwood
Located in Stamford, CT
1970 Wedgwood jasperware footed bowl. Light blue jasperware with all-over white neoclassical motif. Signed on the underside.
Pottery
Large Neoclassical Creamware Tureen
Located in New York, NY
Large Neoclassical creamware tureen. Large neoclassical creamware zuppiera of tripod form with lion masks with rings supported on fluted monoped...
Creamware
Wonderful French Gilt Bronze Cut Crystal Ormolu Pedestal Bowl Baccarat Compote
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful French gilt bronze and cut crystal ormolu-mounted pedestal bowl in the manner of Baccarat. The almost identical one is also available AC851.
Crystal, Bronze
Rare English Wedgewood Jasperware Blue and White Salad Bowl with Silver Rim
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine handmade Jasperware cobalt blue and white serving bowl by Wedgewood. Primarily blue and white colors with classical figures depicting different mythological stories in a Neocl...
Silver
$7,480Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Gorham Medallion Coin Silver Centerpiece Compotes
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Medallion coin silver centerpiece compotes. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1860. Each: Oval bowl with turned end handles on faceted supports; raised foot on 4 curvilinear b...
Silver
19th Century Silver Plated Center Bowl, by Berndorf marked "ART.KRUPP BERNDORF
Located in Beirut, LB
This exquisite 19th-century silver-plated center bowl, or "tazza," is a magnificent example of Neoclassical design and craftsmanship. Produced by the renowned Austrian manufacturer A...
Silver Plate
16 Steuben Yellow Cut Crystal Dessert Bowls & Underplates w/ Armorial Crest
Located in Great Barrington, MA
Not 12, but a set of 16 hand blown Bristol Yellow crystal bowls and underplates made by Steuben, Carder Period Ca. 1920's. Most likely a custom order wi...
Crystal
$15,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Paul Storr English Georgian Neoclassical Vegetable Dishes, 1805
By Paul Storr
Located in New York, NY
Pair of George III sterling silver covered vegetable dishes. Made by Paul Storr in London in 1805. Each: Tapering bowl with gadrooned rim. Cover domed with lobed shoulder; cast coron...
Sterling Silver
Suite of Four Silver-Plated Bronze Dessert Stand Comports, French, circa 1890
Located in London, GB
With an applied initial to each, applied inside an oval bead-edge lozenge. Each raised on four feet. further decorated with openwork latticing, floral and foliate decoration.
Silver Plate
Salad bowl Wedgwood pale green jasper collection
By Wedgwood
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unsual salad bowl with cutlery in wedgwood pale green jasper collection ,style neoclassical
Porcelain
Pair of Antique Tiffany Victorian Classical Sterling Silver Bowls
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Victorian Classical sterling silver bowls. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York. Each: Round with plain well and curved and fluted sides. Turned-down lobed rim. Four ball su...
Sterling Silver
Antique German Greek Key Rimmed Berry Bowls by Kpm, 1920s
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous set of ten Greek key rimmed berry bowls By KPM Porcelain Germany, Circa 1920s Measures: 5.38"W x 5.38"D x 1.25"H. Excellent original condition.
Porcelain
Antique Neoclassical Porcelain Compote with Figural Putti Supports and Gilt
Located in Elkhart, IN
A neoclassical porcelain compote featuring two sculptural putti supporting a fluted bowl, finished with restrained gilt detailing along the rim and b...
Porcelain
Sugar Pot in Silver Metal by Christofle, France, XX Century
By Christofle
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
his sugar pot is in silver metal. It has been made in France in the 20th century, by the wellknown manufactureer Christofle.
Silver Plate
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Apothecary Mortar and Pestle by Coors
Located in San Diego, CA
Porcelain mortar and pestle. Great for cooks or as an accent piece. Heavy duty. By Coors USA.
Porcelain, Wood
Vintage Handmade Solid Bronze Bowl, Neoclassical Style, Italy, 1970s
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
Beautiful heavy handmade sandcast bowl in solid bronze from the 1970s. Perfect for fruit, snacks and sweets.
Brass
$6,463 / set
Set of 4 Comport Dessert Stands, circa 1890
Located in London, GB
Excellent quality circular form set of 4 dessert stand comports. Classically styled with fluted decoration and cross cut glass bowls.
Silver Plate
$4,182Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Meissen Legume Dishes from the Marcolini Period, 18th Century
Located in Milano, IT
An elegant and rare pair of Meissen serving dishes from the Marcolini period. The pair of legume dishes is made of the finest porcelain. Under each saucer we find the Meissen manufac...
Porcelain
19th Century Signed Tiffany Vine Pattern Sterling Silver Bowl
Located in Savannah, GA
This delightful vine pattern sterling silver bowl by Tiffany features a daisy motif around the top side rim, and is monogrammed Margaret Foster Smith 1893. The piece is marked on the...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Apothecary Mortar and Pestle by Coors
Located in San Diego, CA
Porcelain mortar and pestle. Great for cooks or as an accent piece. Heavy duty. By Coors USA.
Porcelain, Wood
$1,975
H 15.75 in Dm 10 in
Austrian Biedermeier Wooden Compote with Classical Column Stand, circa 1840
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Austrian Biedermeier compote from the mid-19th century features a circular wooden bowl over an exquisite stand made of three elegant columns with ebonized wood capitals and base...
Wood
19th Century French Provincial Bowl
Located in New Orleans, LA
19th century French Provincial earthenware bowl with glaze. Was used for preparation, cooking and serving. This charming rustic bowl ha1998 two small handles and a pour spout on one ...
Pottery
Pink Marble Cylinder Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
This substantial pink marble bowl is beautifully handcrafted from a single piece of genuine Turkish Black Marble and honed for a silky mat finish. There may be natural variations...
Marble
Art Deco Fish Gravy Boat by Gallia for Christofle
By Gallia, Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
Due to small production, this Fish-shaped gravy boat is extremely rare and so sophisticated! Silver-plated Art Deco design with an elegant stylized line and a nicely curved tail. It ...
Silver Plate
Black Marble Cylinder Bowl
Located in Eindhoven, NB
This substantial black marble bowl is beautifully handcrafted from a single piece of genuine Turkish Black Marble and honed for a silky mat finish. There may be natural variation...
Marble
$1,200
H 5.91 in W 9.06 in D 5.91 in
1930s Rare Christofle Gallia Silver Plated Sauce Boat with Eagle Handle
By Christofle
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This striking silver-plated sauce boat is a rare and highly collectible piece by Christofle, one of France’s most prestigious silversmiths. Made under the Gallia line — a subdivision...
Silver Plate
Set of 2 Vintage Shell Bowls with Italian Design, 1960s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage set of 2 shell-shaped bowls from 1960s Italy is crafted from silver-plated metal, combining organic elegance with timeless design. Their refined form and polished surfac...
Metal, Silver Plate
$69
H 5 in W 5.5 in D 3 in
Vintage Raimond Sugar Scuttle Bowl Victorian Pedestal Silver Plated and Copper
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Raimond Sugar Scuttle Bowl Victorian Pedestal Silver Plated and Copper. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 5" H x 5.5" W x 3" D.
Silver Plate
Fine French Art Deco Centerpiece by Luc Lanel for Christofle
By Christofle, Luc Lanel
Located in Long Island City, NY
Luc Lanel (1893–1965) for Christofle — A fine French Art Deco round hammered silver-plated centerpiece / fruit bowl. Hallmarked Christofle.
Silver Plate
Early Tiffany Sterling Silver Greek Revival Classical Kylix Compote
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent Greek Revival sterling silver footed bowl, crafted by the renowned silversmiths Grosjean & Woodward for Tiffany & Co., epitomizes the grandeur of 19th-century Americ...
Sterling Silver
1970s Wedgwood Pallas Angel Dark Blue Jasperware Plate
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood, a dark Portland Blue Jasperware plate from the Pallas collection, circa 1970s. Jasperware, introduced by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1770...
Stoneware
1970s Wedgwood Blue Jasperware Footed Fruit Bowl
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Wedgwood, a blue Jasperware footed fruit bowl, date marked 1971. Jasperware, introduced by Josiah Wedgwood in the 1770s, is a type of unglazed stoneware known for its matte fin...
Stoneware
Vintage M.A. Hadley Hand Painted Bean Pot Cookie Jar With Whale Design
Located in San Carlos, CA
A Whale of a Time: Hand-Painted M.A. Hadley Bean Pot Cookie Jar Bring a touch of whimsy to your kitchen with this adorable cookie jar, hand-painted by M.A. Hadley! This charming ce...
Pottery, Paint
c. 1930 Italian Set of 6 Silver Dessert Bowls
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1930 set of 6 silver dessert bowls, Italian, 800 standard. Gadroon border. Made by Soc. Argenteria Antonio Giacce (128, Milan mark). 19.15 troy oz. 4.75" x 1 7/8". Whitehall A...
Silver
Tallois & Mayence 1885 Paris Covered Dish With Plate In .950 Sterling Silver
By A.M. Tallois & Mayence, Paris 1
Located in Miami, FL
Covered server dish with server plate, designed by A. M. Tallois & Mayence. Fabulous serving bowl-dish suite, created in Paris France by the famous si...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sold
H 5 in W 15.75 in D 11 in
Neo-Classical Style Malachite & Bronze Serving Bowl Set - Platter / Dishes -S/13
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a wonderful serving set! It is a large bowl with 12 smaller bowls. It is a mix of cast ceramic with tessellated malachite trimmed in bronze. It was most likely used for enter...
Malachite, Bronze
Wedgwood Navy Blue Neoclassical Jasperware Footed Bowl
By Wedgwood
Located in Stamford, CT
1970 Wedgwood jasperware footed bowl. Rare dark navy blue jasperware with all-over white neoclassical motif. Signed on the underside.
Pottery
1900s, Sterling Silver Serving Bowl on Removable Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1900s Hallmarked sterling silver handled bowl accompanied with original base. Finley detailed with claw feet. Bowl has handles. Diameter of the bowl is 11.5" Diameter of the base is ...
Sterling Silver
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Bowl
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This beautifully hand painted bowl in the renown Flora Danica pattern by Royal Copenhagen is in superb condition. Measure: 8.25".
Porcelain
Ralph Lauren Home Kirsty Floral Centerpiece Bowl
By Ralph Lauren
Located in New York, NY
A footed centerpiece or serving bowl in the Kirsty pattern by Ralph Lauren Home. Features a pastel floral pattern on white. Crafted In Portugal...
Ceramic
Large White Ceramic Clam Shell Bowl by Hall China
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large vintage ceramic bowl in the shape of clam shell. A great statement piece finished in a glossy white glaze. Made in the USA by Hall C...
Ceramic
Sold
H 2.25 in W 4.5 in D 6 in
2 Antique Berlin KPM Arkadia Bacchantes Porcelain Bouillon Soup Bowls Nude Cameo
By Berlin Royal Porcelain Factory
Located in Dayton, OH
"Pair of circa 1930s Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur white porcelain Arkadia Bacchantes bouillon soup bowls with a female nude figure cameo on one side. “The Royal Porcelain Factory in Berlin (German: Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin, abbreviated as KPM), also known as the Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin and whose products are generally called Berlin porcelain, was founded in 1763 by King Frederick II of Prussia (known as Frederick the Great). Its actual origins, however, lie in three private enterprises which, under crown patronage, were trying to establish the production of ""white gold"" (i.e. porcelain) in Berlin from the mid-18th century onwards. The company logo is a cobalt blue sceptre, which is stamped (painted prior to 1837) on every piece. All painted pieces produced by KPM are signed by the painter. KPM is still producing to this day; each piece of dishware and decorative porcelain is entirely unique. KPM has produced a number of dishware forms and porcelain figurines throughout its history. Some forms have hardly changed their shape in over 200 years of production. Frederick the Great, who, as the owner, jokingly referred to himself as his own ""best customer"", was under the spell of the Rococo style during his life; a culmination of this artistic style can be seen in his castles. To this day, the most successful designs of the 1930s are the Urbino, Urania and Arkadia (originally a tea set designed in honor of KPM's 175th anniversary) created by Trude Petri...
Porcelain