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Napoleon III Pitchers

NAPOLEON III STYLE

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.

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Style: Napoleon III
Mid 19th century French Blue Opaline Glass Pitcher and Bowl Set
By Baccarat
Located in Southampton, NJ
This extraordinary antique french blue opaline glass pitcher and bowl wash set dates from the middle of the 19th century. The pure co...
Category

1850s French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Blown Glass

Mid 19th century French Blue Opaline Glass Pitcher and Bowl Set
Mid 19th century French Blue Opaline Glass Pitcher and Bowl Set

Mid 19th century French Blue Opaline Glass Pitcher and Bowl Set

Zoomorphic Partridge Ewer Blue French Glass Late 19th century
By Portieux Vallerysthal
Located in Paris, FR
Original zoomorphic pitcher ewer in the shape of a partridge. Beautiful item made of silver plate for the head of the partridge nicely chiseled showing the lovely texture of feathers and blown blue glass for the body part, with a handle on the back. Yellow-colored glass eyes. The Head of the partridge is mounted on a hinge forming a movable lid for the pitcher-ewer. This kind of pitcher ewer was mainly used to serve delicious alcohol or liquor with flavor and aroma, such as pear, and mirabelle plum, as it was during the "Belle Epoque" a very fashionable and refined custom. This colored blown glass was produced by the Portieux Crystal factory created in 1705, it has a written mark "Deposé" beneath the body of the ewer, french work from the late 19th century, probably from Napoleon III period. The history of this factory known as the "Portieux crystal factory" actually begins in Tonnoy in 1690. In 1698, Duke Leopold I of Lorraine granted letters patent to Sieur de la Pommeraye, owner of the premises, associated with François Magnien, holder of the know-how, the exclusivity of glass manufacturing and trade in his duchy. In 1898, the Grand Duchess of Vladimir, wife of the brother of Tsar Nicolas II, discovered the factory while on a cure in Contrexéville. She will become a frequent customer. in 1960, the company supplies many prestigious customers: Maxim's, Brasserie Lipp, Hôtel de Crillon, Le Bristol...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Silver Plate

Zoomorphic Partridge Ewer Blue French Glass Late 19th century
Zoomorphic Partridge Ewer Blue French Glass Late 19th century

Zoomorphic Partridge Ewer Blue French Glass Late 19th century

Antique French Baccarat Blue Opaline Glass Set of Ewer and Bowl, 19th Century
Located in Rostock, MV
Baccarat Art Glass Pitcher and Bowl Set in Turquoise Opaline Glass – France, Late 19th Century This art glass pitcher and bowl set by Baccarat is an exceptional example of French gl...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Opaline Glass

Antique French Baccarat Blue Opaline Glass Set of Ewer and Bowl, 19th Century
Antique French Baccarat Blue Opaline Glass Set of Ewer and Bowl, 19th Century

Antique French Baccarat Blue Opaline Glass Set of Ewer and Bowl, 19th Century

Early 19th Century French Utzschneider & Cie Sarreguemines Pitcher
By Sarreguemines
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a very rare early 19th century French Utzschneider & Cie Sarreguemines Pitcher….Fleurus. Pattern. The pitcher is a classical French Sarreguemines piece of pottery, from circa 1830. This is an early piece of French transferware...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic

Early 19th Century French Utzschneider & Cie Sarreguemines Pitcher
Early 19th Century French Utzschneider & Cie Sarreguemines Pitcher

Early 19th Century French Utzschneider & Cie Sarreguemines Pitcher

19th Century French Pair of Tall Silver Plated Ewers with Pink Glass
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A most elegant pair of Napoleon III period decorative mantle ewers, exquisitely crafted from silver-plated metal with globe-shaped reservoirs of cranberry-coloured glass. These delig...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Silver Plate

19th Century French Pair of Tall Silver Plated Ewers with Pink Glass
19th Century French Pair of Tall Silver Plated Ewers with Pink Glass

19th Century French Pair of Tall Silver Plated Ewers with Pink Glass

Suite of 4 Ewers in Silver and Crystal, 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Set of four ewers in crystal cut with twisted ribs and silver mount. Every ewer has a relief wave design at the neck, a shell beak and twisted handle. The hinged lid is decorated wit...
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Crystal, Silver

Suite of 4 Ewers in Silver and Crystal, 19th Century
Suite of 4 Ewers in Silver and Crystal, 19th Century

Suite of 4 Ewers in Silver and Crystal, 19th Century

Pair of Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Ewers
Located in Paris, FR
Important pair of Napoleon III ewers in chased gilt bronze with rich decoration in relief of stylized foliage, friezes of palmettes, and vine branches framing a frieze of putti reali...
Category

1870s French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Ewers
Pair of Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Ewers

Pair of Napoleon III Gilt Bronze Ewers

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antique Bohemian double overlay (3 layers) cut glass two-piece set, jug and plate Glass richly cut in various shapes and decorated all around with gil...
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19th Century Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

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Cut Glass

Antique Bohemian Overlay Enamelled Cut Glass Set, Qajar, Islamic, 19th Century
Antique Bohemian Overlay Enamelled Cut Glass Set, Qajar, Islamic, 19th Century

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Kjell Engman Art Glass Carafe, Late 1990s, 1999
By Kjell Engman
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Art glass carafe by Kjell Engman at Kosta-Boda, Sweden, late 1990s. Filigree glass with yellow base and body, purple neck and red handle. Measures: Height 9.5"(24cm), width 5.3" (13....
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1990s Swedish Napoleon III Pitchers

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Art Glass

Kjell Engman Art Glass Carafe, Late 1990s, 1999
Kjell Engman Art Glass Carafe, Late 1990s, 1999

Kjell Engman Art Glass Carafe, Late 1990s, 1999

H 9.45 in W 5.32 in D 3.23 in
Moser Bohemian Enamelled Cut Glass Gilt Mounted Ewer
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Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
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19th Century Czech Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Metal

Moser Bohemian Enamelled Cut Glass Gilt Mounted Ewer
Moser Bohemian Enamelled Cut Glass Gilt Mounted Ewer

Moser Bohemian Enamelled Cut Glass Gilt Mounted Ewer

H 8.27 in Dm 4.14 in
19th Century Victorian Pairpoint Silver Plate Tilting Pitcher with Goblet
By Pairpoint Silver Company
Located in Cincinnati, OH
19th Century Victorian Pairpoint quadruple silver plate beverage pitcher with stand and goblet. Features lavishly embossed floral and leaf motif. Stand with pierced supports; stamp...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Silver Plate, Metal

19th Century Victorian Pairpoint Silver Plate Tilting Pitcher with Goblet
19th Century Victorian Pairpoint Silver Plate Tilting Pitcher with Goblet

19th Century Victorian Pairpoint Silver Plate Tilting Pitcher with Goblet

H 20 in W 13 in D 9 in
19th Century French Orchies Majolica Pig Pitcher
By Orchies
Located in Pearland, TX
A charming French majolica barbotine pig pitcher by Orchies, circa 1880. Maker's mark on reverse. This highly collectible pitcher, titled "Cochon au Jambon" (pig with ham), is depict...
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

19th Century French Orchies Majolica Pig Pitcher
19th Century French Orchies Majolica Pig Pitcher

19th Century French Orchies Majolica Pig Pitcher

H 8.25 in W 7.5 in D 5.25 in
19th Century Flow Blue Pitcher and Bowl
By Enoch Wood & Sons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This lovely flow blue pitcher and bowl set is beautifully detailed with decorative contrasting blue and white coloration. This piece dates to the yea...
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Early 20th Century British Napoleon III Pitchers

19th Century Flow Blue Pitcher and Bowl
19th Century Flow Blue Pitcher and Bowl

19th Century Flow Blue Pitcher and Bowl

H 13 in W 16.5 in D 16.5 in
French 19th Century Earthenware Marbled Glaze Pitcher
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This antique jaspé ware French pitcher makes an exciting vase or stand alone decor item for the psychedelic swirls in autumnal colors wrapping the cylindrical form. A great patina fr...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic

French 19th Century Earthenware Marbled Glaze Pitcher
French 19th Century Earthenware Marbled Glaze Pitcher

French 19th Century Earthenware Marbled Glaze Pitcher

H 5.5 in W 6.75 in D 5 in
Gien French Faience Glazed Majolica Neoclassical Ewer Pitcher Jug 19th Century
Located in Nottingham, GB
Rare Gien French Faience Glazed Majolica Neoclassical Ewer Pitcher Jug 19th Century Good condition overall, with some damage to top rim, as seen. From a private collection. Free inte...
Category

19th Century Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Faience

Gien French Faience Glazed Majolica Neoclassical Ewer Pitcher Jug 19th Century
Gien French Faience Glazed Majolica Neoclassical Ewer Pitcher Jug 19th Century

Gien French Faience Glazed Majolica Neoclassical Ewer Pitcher Jug 19th Century

H 8.67 in W 7.49 in D 6.7 in
Pair of 19th Century French Blue Opaline Vases
Located in Pearland, TX
A gorgeous pair of antique French Napoleon III blue opaline glass vases with hand painted gilt decoration. They are a stunning color and stylis...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Opaline Glass

Pair of 19th Century French Blue Opaline Vases
Pair of 19th Century French Blue Opaline Vases

Pair of 19th Century French Blue Opaline Vases

H 6.5 in W 3.25 in D 3.25 in
Engraved Crystal Cider Pitcher, jug, pot, carafe - France XIXth XXth
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Engraved crystal cider pitcher, mouth blown and carved on wheel. Can be used as a water or wine pitcher French Work. Late 19th-early 20th century. Cryst...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Crystal

Engraved Crystal Cider Pitcher, jug, pot, carafe - France XIXth XXth
Engraved Crystal Cider Pitcher, jug, pot, carafe - France XIXth XXth

Engraved Crystal Cider Pitcher, jug, pot, carafe - France XIXth XXth

H 8.47 in Dm 6.5 in
Persian Royal Blue Glass Ewer 19th Century
Located in Rochester, NY
Persian hand blown royal blue glass ewer. Remnants of gold gilding. 19th century.
Category

19th Century Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Persian Royal Blue Glass Ewer 19th Century
Persian Royal Blue Glass Ewer 19th Century

Persian Royal Blue Glass Ewer 19th Century

H 10.75 in W 5 in D 3.5 in
Late 19th century French Barbotine Onnaing Pitcher
By Onnaing
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very beautiful Onnaing cyclamen pitcher dating from the end of the 19th century. Very good condition. Beautiful pink, blue and green colors. Numbered below.
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Late 19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Earthenware

Late 19th century French Barbotine Onnaing Pitcher
Late 19th century French Barbotine Onnaing Pitcher

Late 19th century French Barbotine Onnaing Pitcher

H 7.09 in W 6.7 in D 3.94 in
Previously Available Items
Pair of Bohemian Overlay Ewers, Crystal Overlay, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Bohemian Overlay Ewers, Crystal Overlay, 19th Century. Pair of Bohemian Overlay ewers, enameled crystal, 19th century, Orientalist. h: 32cm, w: 17...
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Crystal

Pair of Bohemian Overlay Ewers, Crystal Overlay, 19th Century.
Pair of Bohemian Overlay Ewers, Crystal Overlay, 19th Century.

Pair of Bohemian Overlay Ewers, Crystal Overlay, 19th Century.

H 12.6 in W 6.7 in D 6.3 in
Mid-Century French Hand Painted Blue and White Faience Pitcher
By Delft
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique water pitcher was crafted in France, circa 1960. The carafe stands on a round base and is dressed with an elaborate side han...
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Mid-20th Century French Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century French Hand Painted Blue and White Faience Pitcher
Mid-Century French Hand Painted Blue and White Faience Pitcher

Mid-Century French Hand Painted Blue and White Faience Pitcher

H 13.5 in W 11 in D 6 in
19th Century French Hand Painted Ceramic Wash Bowl and Pitcher from Longchamp
By Longchamp
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique water pitcher with matching bowl were crafted in Longchamp France, circa 1860, typically used to freshen up in the morning, ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

19th Century French Hand Painted Ceramic Wash Bowl and Pitcher from Longchamp
19th Century French Hand Painted Ceramic Wash Bowl and Pitcher from Longchamp

19th Century French Hand Painted Ceramic Wash Bowl and Pitcher from Longchamp

H 5 in Dm 14.5 in
19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Ceramic Wash Bowl and Pitcher
By Longchamp
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique water pitcher with matching bowl were crafted in France, circa 1890; typically used to freshen up in the morning, the cerami...
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Mid-19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Ceramic Wash Bowl and Pitcher
19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Ceramic Wash Bowl and Pitcher

19th Century French Napoleon III Hand Painted Ceramic Wash Bowl and Pitcher

H 5 in Dm 14.5 in
Bohemian Decanter, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Bohemian decanter, 19th century, Napoleon III period Measures: H 28 cm, L 17 cm, P 15 cm.
Category

1880s French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Crystal

Bohemian Decanter, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
Bohemian Decanter, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

Bohemian Decanter, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

H 11.03 in W 6.7 in D 5.91 in
Elegant Water Job in Earthenware of Sarreguemines
By Digoin & Sarreguemines
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Elegant weater job in earthenware of Sarreguemines.
Category

19th Century French Antique Napoleon III Pitchers

Materials

Ceramic

Elegant Water Job in Earthenware of Sarreguemines
Elegant Water Job in Earthenware of Sarreguemines

Elegant Water Job in Earthenware of Sarreguemines

H 10.24 in Dm 8.27 in

Napoleon Iii pitchers for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Napoleon III pitchers for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 19th 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 metal, crystal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Napoleon III 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 Portieux Vallerysthal, and Sarreguemines. 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 $420 and tops out at $17,753 while the average work can sell for $4,092.

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