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Empire Pitchers

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
Paris porcelain milk jug, early 19th century - signed Halley
By Lebon-Halley 1
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine Empire Paris porcelain milk jug signed Halley under the base (specialized in porcelain decoration and retail), early 19th century production circa 1805. Beautiful model enhanc...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Pitchers

Materials

Porcelain

Antique French Porcelain Pitcher Hand Painted Empire Period, Circa 1815
Located in Katonah, NY
Made in the Napoleonic period, this exquisite French porcelain pitcher was hand-painted in the Empire style. It boasts classical and rococ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Pitchers

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Baccarat Empire Harcourt Pitcher
Located in New York, NY
Fine Baccarat Empire Harcourt cocktail/water pitcher. The Empire Harcourt pattern is one of Baccarat's most sought after designs. A classic since 1841, it has graced the tables of n...
Category

20th Century French Empire Pitchers

Materials

Crystal

Empire Rare Beverage Dispensers with Monochrome Decoration
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of beverage dispensers in caramel-colored lacquered tin. They are decorated with monochrome village scenes and landscapes dotted with ruins. Th...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Pitchers

Materials

Tin

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Deborah Ehrlich Crystal Water Decanter for Blue Hill at Stone Barns
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Deborah Ehrlich Crystal Magnum Wine Decanter for Blue Hill at Stone Barns
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Coalport Trio Porcelain Hand Painted Gilded Bold Imari Pattern, circa 1815
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good quality TRIO of Coffee Cup, Tea Cup and Saucer that we attribute to the Coalport porcelain works, Shropshire, England, made during the George 111rd years, circa 1815. Both cups have the London or Grecian shape with all pieces beautifully boldly hand decorated in a very colourful Imari Chinoiserie pattern, popular at the time. All pieces are unmarked to the base. The pattern is beautifully hand painted in bold colors of burnt orange, green and cobalt blue, all in different shades with an "Imari" style floral pattern, all enhanced with gilded detail to the pattern, upper rim and outer handle. Both cups also have an inner rim border pattern. We date this set to the late George third...
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Early 19th Century English Antique Empire Pitchers

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Baccarat Crystal "Oenologie" Young Wine Decanter , France, 2018
Located in Cagliari, IT
The « Oenologie » decanter in clear crystal is ideal for airing a young wine and releasing its flavors. The shape recalls the volumetric bottles seen in laboratories. Decanting a you...
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19th Century French Art Nouveau Stoneware Cider Pitcher with Satyr Handle
Located in Haarlem, NL
Large 19th century Art Nouveau stoneware cider pitcher with a detailed satyr, faun or devil hanging on a tree branche handle. Unfortunately I know nothin...
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19th Century French Art Nouveau Stoneware Cider Pitcher with Satyr Handle
19th Century French Art Nouveau Stoneware Cider Pitcher with Satyr Handle
$680 Sale Price
20% Off
H 12.6 in W 8.27 in D 6.3 in
21st Century Blown Glass "Dafne Bottle with 2 Glasses"
Located in Milano, IT
Yes, it's true, it's a bottle, a decanter, but it is also an excuse to embellish the table, a even if you only load it with water, the "twisted" processing of the glass, gives ...
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Vintage Hand Painted Chinese Porcelain Pitcher/Teapot
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Vintage Hand-Painted Chinese Porcelain Teapot with intricate floral designs, gold accents, and crackle glaze, perfect for serving tea or as elegant decor. We sell items as acquire...
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Materials

Porcelain

Set of 8 Hand-Cut Vintage Crystal Bowls by Baccarat, France 20th Century
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
Add timeless French elegance to your table with this rare set of 8 vintage crystal bowls by Baccarat, one of the most prestigious names in French crystal. Finely crafted in France, e...
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6 Pcs. Set of Baccarat Harcourt Empire Collection Crystal Wine Glasses
Located in Vilnius, LT
Set of 6 pcs. Baccarat Harcourt Empire collection wine glasses. Marked on the bottom. Very good condition - like new.
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19th Century Staffordshire Toby Jug
Located in High Point, NC
19th century ceramic Toby jug from the Staffordshire region of England. He has a blue jacket and a warm expression on his face. The jug has copper lustre accents as well for added ...
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19th Century English Antique Empire Pitchers

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19th Century Staffordshire Toby Jug
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Previously Available Items
Early 19th Century French Pewter Tankard with Coat of Arms, Dated 1806
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Standing at 10 inches in height, this large early nineteenth century French pewter tankard features a coat of arms with an eagle flanked by crowned lions. Below the coat of arms is a...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Pitchers

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Empire Silver Ewer with its Bowl by Edme Gelez
By Edme Gelez
Located in Paris, FR
A silver ewer provided with a winged putto-shaped high handle resting on an angel head. A wide frieze with an alternation of Cupids and flowery foliages on matting background decorat...
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Early 1800s French Antique Empire Pitchers

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Silver

Empire Silver Ewer with its Bowl by Edme Gelez
Empire Silver Ewer with its Bowl by Edme Gelez
H 14.18 in W 14.18 in D 9.06 in
Antique Royal Copenhagen Chocolate Pot in Hand Painted Porcelain, 1820-1850
Located in København, Copenhagen
Antique Royal Copenhagen chocolate pot in hand painted porcelain with pink ribbon and gold decoration. Dated 1820-1850. Measures: 22 x 20 c...
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19th Century Danish Antique Empire Pitchers

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Creil Et Montereau Tea or Coffee Pot, Napoleonic Military, circa 1820
Located in Doylestown, PA
A Creil et Montereau coffee pot with Napoleonic Military decoration, circa 1820, with small lid.
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Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Pitchers

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Tall Pitcher with Handle, Creil et Montereau, circa 1820
Located in Doylestown, PA
A rare tall pitcher by Creil et Montereau circa 1820 with transfer decoration depicting the Virgin Mother with two child angels titled “La Belle Jardiniè...
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Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Pitchers

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19th Century Empire Silver Ewer with its Bowl by Edme Gelez
By Edme Gelez
Located in Paris, FR
Silver ewer with a cupid-shaped handle and accompanying bowl. The striking, high handle in the shape of a winged cupid attaches to the pitcher at the paunch with an angel's head. The...
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Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Pitchers

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Silver

Early 19th Century Empire Porcelain Set Coffee Pot and Pitcher
Located in Paris, FR
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Early 19th Century Antique Empire Pitchers

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Porcelain

19th Century Empire Silver Ewer with its Bowl by Edme Gelez
By Edme Gelez
Located in Paris, FR
Silver ewer with a cupid-shaped handle and accompanying bowl. The striking, high handle in the shape of a winged cupid attaches to the pitcher at the paunch with an angel's head. The...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Pitchers

Materials

Silver

Anton Michelsen Unique Coffee Pot in Real Three Tower Silver, c. 1854
Located in Lejre, DK
Unique Anton Michelsen Silver Coffee pot. Monogram A.M. Manufactured in the year 1854. With a heating silver bowl underneath. Made for heating with oil. The total weight is 1.325gr.
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19th Century Danish Antique Empire Pitchers

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French Porcelain Water Pitcher and Basin
Located in New York, NY
French Empire gilt porcelain ewer with mask handle and navette shaped basin, both with anthemion and Greek key banding with floral swags. Dimension: Pitcher 11.5" H to handle x 5" ...
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Early 19th Century French Antique Empire Pitchers

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Porcelain

Empire pitchers for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Empire pitchers for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage pitchers created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Empire pitchers made in a specific country, there are Europe, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original pitchers, popular names associated with this style include and Cristalleries De Baccarat. 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 pitchers differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $860 and tops out at $6,966 while the average work can sell for $1,450.

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