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Empire More Dining and Entertaining

EMPIRE STYLE

From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in ​​Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.

Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.

Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine.

Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory. 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.

The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.

Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Empire
12 Limoges Raised Gilt Enameled Napoleonic Plates, circa 1900
12 Limoges Raised Gilt Enameled Napoleonic Plates, circa 1900

12 Limoges Raised Gilt Enameled Napoleonic Plates, circa 1900

By Charles Ahrenfeldt

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

12 Limoges raised gilt enameled Napoleonic plates, circa 1900, each one decorated with gilt laurel surround, filled with golden bees, the center with Napoleonic crest of laurel wreath and monogrammed 'N'. The porcelain is made by Charles Ahrenfeldt Limoges...

Category

Early 20th Century French Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Porcelain

Viennese Imperial Porcelain Coffee Tete-a-tete, Cornflowers And Gold, Made 1797
Viennese Imperial Porcelain Coffee Tete-a-tete, Cornflowers And Gold, Made 1797

Viennese Imperial Porcelain Coffee Tete-a-tete, Cornflowers And Gold, Made 1797

Exquisite early coffee/mocha set, Tête-à-tête for two persons, comprising two small pots and two cups with saucers. Two white porcelain pots of different sizes with a cylindrical bod...

Category

1790s Austrian Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Porcelain

French Nécessaire de Voyage
French Nécessaire de Voyage

French Nécessaire de Voyage

Located in New Orleans, LA

This exceptional and rare French nécessaire de voyage is almost certainly the work of the highly respected Parisian manufacturer Pierre-Dominique ...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Crystal, Silver

Fine Pair of French Empire Dore Bronze & Cut Crystal Ormolu-Mounted Candlesticks
Fine Pair of French Empire Dore Bronze & Cut Crystal Ormolu-Mounted Candlesticks

Fine Pair of French Empire Dore Bronze & Cut Crystal Ormolu-Mounted Candlesticks

Located in Roslyn, NY

An elegant French Empire or neoclassical pair of doré bronze and cut crystal ormolu-mounted candlesticks. Measures: 4.75W x 11 H.

Category

Early 20th Century French Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Set of Five 19th Century Glasses with Gold Leaf Motive
Set of Five 19th Century Glasses with Gold Leaf Motive

Set of Five 19th Century Glasses with Gold Leaf Motive

Located in Copenhagen, K

Very nice set of five German glasses with gold motives. Gilding very nicely preserved.

Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Glass

Antique Vienna Empire Silver Lidded Jug With Handle, By Ignatius Haller, 1803
Antique Vienna Empire Silver Lidded Jug With Handle, By Ignatius Haller, 1803

Antique Vienna Empire Silver Lidded Jug With Handle, By Ignatius Haller, 1803

By Viennese Manufactory

Located in Vienna, AT

Early silver lidded jug with a smooth finish on a round, funnel-shaped base with a profiled rim, slight nodule above the constriction, egg-shaped raised body with a recessed neck con...

Category

Early 1800s Austrian Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Silver

Antique Vienna Empire Silver Lidded Jug With Handle, Anton Kilitzky, 1806
Antique Vienna Empire Silver Lidded Jug With Handle, Anton Kilitzky, 1806

Antique Vienna Empire Silver Lidded Jug With Handle, Anton Kilitzky, 1806

By Viennese Manufactory

Located in Vienna, AT

Early silver lidded jug with a smooth finish on a round, funnel-shaped base with a profiled rim, slight nodule above the constriction, egg-shaped raised body with a recessed neck con...

Category

Early 1800s Austrian Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Silver

Antique Vienna Empire Silver Lidded Saucepan On Lion's Legs, Dated 1794
Antique Vienna Empire Silver Lidded Saucepan On Lion's Legs, Dated 1794

Antique Vienna Empire Silver Lidded Saucepan On Lion's Legs, Dated 1794

By Viennese Manufactory

Located in Vienna, AT

Early silver saucepan, round, flared vessel with smooth walls and outwardly stepped rim, standing on three lion legs with fur relief and sculpted paws, mounted on the body of the ves...

Category

1790s Austrian Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Silver

Pair Of Viennese Imperial Porcelain Glass Coolers, Cobalt And Gold, Dating 1811
Pair Of Viennese Imperial Porcelain Glass Coolers, Cobalt And Gold, Dating 1811

Pair Of Viennese Imperial Porcelain Glass Coolers, Cobalt And Gold, Dating 1811

Rare pair of elegant oval porcelain vessels on offset, fluted feet, with bulging, raised walls, fluted, indented straight opening rim with ten crenellated-like cut-out small segments...

Category

1810s Austrian Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Porcelain

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Art Deco Sterling Silver-Gilt Egyptian-Revival Two-Handled Centerpiece

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Located in New York, NY

Art Deco, sterling silver-gilt, Egyptian Revival, two-handled centerpiece, inspired by the discovery of King Tut's tomb, Birmingham, England, 1922, Bracker and Sydenham - makers. Mea...

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19th Century Spinach Leaf Flow Blue Spatter Ware
19th Century Spinach Leaf Flow Blue Spatter Ware

19th Century Spinach Leaf Flow Blue Spatter Ware

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Great 19th century flow blue spinach spatter. Signed Societe ceramique maestricht made in Holland Decorated with the “stick spatter” method, in which s...

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Early 19th Century European Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

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Belgian Crystal Candlesticks Holders Val Saint Lambert, Pair
Belgian Crystal Candlesticks Holders Val Saint Lambert, Pair

Belgian Crystal Candlesticks Holders Val Saint Lambert, Pair

By Val Saint Lambert

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful pair of Belgian crystal candlestick holders from luxury maker Val Saint Lambert, Belgium. Pair have a hexagon base (a nice alternative to round) and measure 9.63" Height. Markers' acid mark on bottom "Val Saint Lambert" as shown in last image. Dimensions: 5" base x 9.63" Height. Very Good condition as shown in images. No chips noted. Belgian VSL crystal...

Category

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Antique French Continental .800 Silver Tea Strainer
Antique French Continental .800 Silver Tea Strainer

Antique French Continental .800 Silver Tea Strainer

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

This antique tea strainer is hallmarked by an unknown maker, but originated from France and dates to approximately 1890 and done in a period Victo...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Silver

Set of 12 English Raised Gilt Porcelain Dinner Service Plates
Set of 12 English Raised Gilt Porcelain Dinner Service Plates

Set of 12 English Raised Gilt Porcelain Dinner Service Plates

By Royal Worcester

Located in Lambertville, NJ

A regal set of 12 elaborately gild service plates, by Royal Worcester. The set with delicate broad gilt borders with a white porcelain background. The mark on the back from 1950.

Category

1950s American Vintage Empire More Dining and Entertaining

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A Set of 12 Cobalt Blue & Raised Gilt Antique Limoges Dinner Plates Circa 1900
A Set of 12 Cobalt Blue & Raised Gilt Antique Limoges Dinner Plates Circa 1900

A Set of 12 Cobalt Blue & Raised Gilt Antique Limoges Dinner Plates Circa 1900

By William Guerin

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An attractive set of dinner or presentation plates by one of Limoges re known Gilded Age factories, William Guerin. This plate features an elaborate design of raised tooled gilding o...

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

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Minton Porcelain "English Rose" Pattern Part Dinner Service, 20th Century
Minton Porcelain "English Rose" Pattern Part Dinner Service, 20th Century

Minton Porcelain "English Rose" Pattern Part Dinner Service, 20th Century

By Minton

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

A Minton porcelain 'English Rose' pattern part dinner service 20th century. Comprising nine dinner plates 10¾ in. (27.3 cm.) diameter. Nine 6 1/8 in.(15.5cm.) bread and butter...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Porcelain

French 19th Century Set of 12 Absinthe Glasses
French 19th Century Set of 12 Absinthe Glasses

French 19th Century Set of 12 Absinthe Glasses

$625 / set

H 5.5 in W 2.38 in D 2.38 in

French 19th Century Set of 12 Absinthe Glasses

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

French Belle Epoque period (late 19th century) set of 12 absinthe glasses. The conical flutes are set upon thick bases with a satisfying heft, perfect for serving other cordials and ...

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19th Century French Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

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Three New 1970's Bakelite Ashtrays by Kartell, Italy
Three New 1970's Bakelite Ashtrays by Kartell, Italy

Three New 1970's Bakelite Ashtrays by Kartell, Italy

By Kartell

Located in Weesp, NL

Three N.O.S. ( new old stock ) bakelite ashtrays produced by Kartell, Italy in the 1970's. Bakelite , “phenol formaldehyde” , was invented in 1906 by the belgian Leo Baekeland (18...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Bakelite

Handmade Decorative Centrepiece Rosone Black White Gold
Handmade Decorative Centrepiece Rosone Black White Gold

Handmade Decorative Centrepiece Rosone Black White Gold

By Fornasetti

Located in MILANO, IT

The art of the table is manifested in this hand-decorated porcelain centrepiece with gold accents: Fornasetti's unmistakable decorative style makes it a true collector's item. Any...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Ceramic

Set of Five Mid Century Small Yellow Glasses, Europe, 1960s
Set of Five Mid Century Small Yellow Glasses, Europe, 1960s

Set of Five Mid Century Small Yellow Glasses, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

A stunning deep yellow glasses with flower design, made by one of the many glass manufacturers based in Bialystok, Poland. Would make a great addition to any collection! Dimensions...

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Mid-20th Century Polish Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Previously Available Items
Set of 4 French 19th Century White Opaline Candy Dishes Leaf Shaped
Set of 4 French 19th Century White Opaline Candy Dishes Leaf Shaped

Set of 4 French 19th Century White Opaline Candy Dishes Leaf Shaped

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Charming set of four French 19th Century white opaline candy dishes in the shape of leaves. The trays or dishes feature an applied gilt decoration. They are very functional pieces an...

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Early 19th Century French Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

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Viennese Imperial Porcelain Collecting Cup, Cobalt and Gold, Sorgenthal, 1799
Viennese Imperial Porcelain Collecting Cup, Cobalt and Gold, Sorgenthal, 1799

Viennese Imperial Porcelain Collecting Cup, Cobalt and Gold, Sorgenthal, 1799

Cylindrical white cup, the upper part wrapped in a cobalt blue band as a background for delicate gold painting: oval medallions and diamond surrounded by dense feather and berry tend...

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1790s Austrian Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

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Porcelain

Antique Vienna Empire Silver Mocha Pot, by Johann Gutmann, Dated 1798
Antique Vienna Empire Silver Mocha Pot, by Johann Gutmann, Dated 1798

Antique Vienna Empire Silver Mocha Pot, by Johann Gutmann, Dated 1798

By Viennese Manufactory

Located in Vienna, AT

Early silver jug of cylindrical form with beak spout and pearl band relief on the upper rim, plug-on lid with slight bulge and pine knob with star-shaped leaf cuff, turned wooden han...

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1790s Austrian Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

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Silver

130-Piece Silver Plated Flatware Made by Christofle Model Malmaison in Canteen
130-Piece Silver Plated Flatware Made by Christofle Model Malmaison in Canteen

130-Piece Silver Plated Flatware Made by Christofle Model Malmaison in Canteen

By Christofle

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

Beautiful silver plated cutlery, 130 pieces in total, from the French brand Christofle. The model's name is Malmaison. A classic and timeless design that suits any table setting. The...

Category

1980s French Vintage Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Silver Plate

Christofle Silver Plated Bottle Opener with Portrait of Napoleon the Emperor
Christofle Silver Plated Bottle Opener with Portrait of Napoleon the Emperor

Christofle Silver Plated Bottle Opener with Portrait of Napoleon the Emperor

By Christofle

Located in London, GB

Silverplated bottle opener by Christfole, Gallia collection, representing a medal with the French Emperor Napoleon in profile and the inscription "NAPOLEON EMPEREUR". On the back,...

Category

1980s French Vintage Empire More Dining and Entertaining

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Silver Plate

Vintage Brass Lidded Footed Lion Head Coal Ash Bin Hob Scuttle Ice Bucket
Vintage Brass Lidded Footed Lion Head Coal Ash Bin Hob Scuttle Ice Bucket

Vintage Brass Lidded Footed Lion Head Coal Ash Bin Hob Scuttle Ice Bucket

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage Empire style brass coal bin with scrolled feet, lion’s head handles, lid, and handled liner. Provenance : Jerome Schottenstein Estate, Columbus Ohio. Jerome was was an Ame...

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Late 20th Century Empire More Dining and Entertaining

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Antique French Stone Mortar, Around 1800
Antique French Stone Mortar, Around 1800

Antique French Stone Mortar, Around 1800

Located in Hamburg, DE

Antique large mortar from France from the years around 1800. The household object has the classic design of a mortar. The hollowed hemisphere has three handles on the upper outer edg...

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Early 1800s French Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

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Stone

Pair Of Antique Vienna Silver Empire Spice Bowls by Georg Kohlmayer, ca. 1815
Pair Of Antique Vienna Silver Empire Spice Bowls by Georg Kohlmayer, ca. 1815

Pair Of Antique Vienna Silver Empire Spice Bowls by Georg Kohlmayer, ca. 1815

By Viennese Manufactory

Located in Vienna, AT

Two tall silver spice bowls on a round base with guilloche ribbon decoration, stem in the form of a cut-out lyre with a flower garland, above a smooth bowl with a slightly flared mouth rim worked out as a cord ribbon. Finest handwork by the Viennese Empire silversmith Georg Kohlmayer...

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1810s Austrian Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Silver

19th Century Pair of Silver Sauces with Eagle Heads, German
19th Century Pair of Silver Sauces with Eagle Heads, German

19th Century Pair of Silver Sauces with Eagle Heads, German

Located in Epfach, DE

A very fine and elegant pair of silver sauces with eagle heads, silver massiv, silver 800 German, circa 1880 lie well in the hand for pouring together 0,...

Category

1880s German Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Silver

Empire Set of Four French Sterling Silver '.950' Footed Open Salt Cellars-Venner
Empire Set of Four French Sterling Silver '.950' Footed Open Salt Cellars-Venner

Empire Set of Four French Sterling Silver '.950' Footed Open Salt Cellars-Venner

By Isabelle Venner

Located in New York, NY

Set of four Empire, sterling silver (.950), footed open salt cellars with matching spoons and liners, Paris, circa 1900, Isabelle Venner, maker. Each ...

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Materials

Sterling Silver, Gold

19th Century French Empire Mercury Gilt Plateau
19th Century French Empire Mercury Gilt Plateau

19th Century French Empire Mercury Gilt Plateau

Located in Dallas, TX

19th century French Empire Mercury gilt bronze pawed foot plateau. Original mirrored surface.

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Empire More Dining and Entertaining

Empire more dining and entertaining for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire more dining and entertaining for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage more dining and entertaining created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire more dining and entertaining made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Germany pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original more dining and entertaining, popular names associated with this style include Viennese Manufactory, and Von Schierholz Porcelain. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for more dining and entertaining differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $56 and tops out at $78,500 while the average work can sell for $2,600.