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.
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica 9" Plate, Viola Canina L, Gilt Border
Located in Bradenton, FL
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Porcelain Plate, “Viola Canina L” with Pierced Gilt Border. Each plate in this collection showcases a plant species taken from the Danish botanical ency...
Gold
Ralph Lauren Home Spectator Black Dinnerware ~ Set of 8 Place Settings
Located in New York, NY
A set of 8 (eight) place settings in the Spectator black pattern by Ralph Lauren Home Collection. Porcelain. Signed, circa 1995-1996. This pattern is currently out of production. ...
Porcelain
$94,229Sale Price|35% Off
Rare Antique 102 piece Meissen „Flower Bouqet” Dinner Service, Germany 1840
Located in Rome, IT
Extensive 102 Piece Rare Meissen Dinner Service "Flower Bouqett", 1815 – 1860 , colorful, richly decorated gold rim, consisting of: 45 dinner p...
Porcelain
Ralph Lauren Home Spectator Black Dinnerware, Set of 4 Place Settings
By Ralph Lauren
Located in New York, NY
A set of four (4) place settings in the Spectator Black pattern by Ralph Lauren Home Collection. Porcelain. Signed, 1995-1996. White with black wide stripe border and silver trim. ...
Porcelain
Antique Signed 18th Century Sevres Porcelain Floral Cornflower Cup & Saucer
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique French porcelain cup & saucer pair. By Sevres. In a blue Cornflower pattern. Each with blue floral decoration with gilt accents to the rim, footrim, and body. The saucer also with a pink flower to its center. Marked 'Bo' - likely for painter Henry-Germain Boileau fils. Circa 1792. Fully marked to the base of each. Simply a wonderful Sevres cup and saucer...
Porcelain
5 Antique Meissen Porcelain Neoclassical Reticulated Bowls with Deutsche Blumen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 5 antique Neoclassical German porcelain bowls. By Meissen. Each with hand painted Deutsche Blumen floral sprays to the center wit...
Porcelain
Vintage Royal Crown Derby Old Imari Cabinet Vase No. 1128
By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage English porcelain cabinet vase. By Royal Crown Derby. In the Old Imari pattern. Pattern no. 1128. Marked to the base. Simply a wonderful vase! Date: 20th Centur...
Porcelain
$1,150
Santsuma Tea Service Set
By Satsuma
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tea service Santsuma set Japanese game Immortals Style (Dragon Ware) Hand painted Japanese Origin Circa 1900 porcelain material Very good condition (some n...
Porcelain
Very fine 19th Century Royal Vienna Vase with Cover
Located in New York, NY
Large antique (19th to early 20th century) Royal Vienna porcelain vase with cover (urn) of oval shape is finely gilt and hand-painted painted, depicting interior family scenes on eac...
Porcelain
Antique 21 piece Doric China Longton Stafford Porcelain Tea Set 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful Antique Doric China High Street Longton Staffordshire porcelain tea set Circa 1926 - 35 in date. It contains 21 pieces and is beautifully made with superb decor...
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica 9" Plate, Geum rivale L, Gilt Border
Located in Bradenton, FL
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Porcelain Plate, Geum rivale L, with Pierced Gilt Border. Each plate in this collection showcases a plant species taken from the Danish botanical encycl...
Gold
Pair of Minton Gilt-Decorated Ivory-Ground Porcelain Vases
By Minton
Located in London, GB
Pair of Minton Gilt-Decorated Ivory-Ground Porcelain Vases English, late 19th Century Height 19 cm, Width 11 cm, Depth 10 cm (each) This elegant pair of M...
Porcelain
Herend Porcelain Petite Sevres Rose (Sprog) Pattern Demitasse Coffee Set & Tray
By Herend
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage demitasse porcelain set. By Herend. In the Sevres or Petite Rose pattern. (Pattern abbr: SPROG) With a gilt trelliswork pattern punctuated by hand-painted pink rose...
Porcelain
C.1950's Théodore Haviland "Gold Encrusted Hearts" 21pc Porcelain Dinnerware Set
Located in Thiensville, WI
C.1940's - 1950's Théodore Haviland "Milford" "gold encrusted hearts" 21pc porcelain dinnerware set. This beautiful dinnerware set comes w...
Porcelain
$1,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Kerr & Binns Worcester Porcelain Egyptian Revival Candlesticks, Circa 1852-1862
By Kerr & Binns Worcester
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Egyptian Revival Porcelain Candlesticks Royal Worcester, England, circa 1852-1862 (During Kerr & Binns Aquisition) A striking pair of mid-Victorian porcelain candlesticks i...
Porcelain
Minton Mazarine Extensive Pristine Dinner Service Cobalt Blue & Gold 232 Pcs
By Minton
Located in Great Barrington, MA
It's always time to entertain! This is one of the most elegant and versatile patterns imaginable in a Classic and rare Minton cobalt blue pattern wi...
Porcelain
A Rare 18th Century Meissen Porcelain Marcolini Period Watteau Covered Potpourri
Located in New York, NY
A Rare 18th Century Meissen Porcelain Marcolini Period Watteau Covered Potpourri. This rare Meissen porcelain potpourri vase, dating ...
Porcelain
$313Sale Price|50% Off
18th Century Meissen Cup and Saucer, Marcolini Period Floral Basket, Germany
Located in Andernach, DE
Unique antique Neoclassical cup and matching saucer from around 1775–1780. Hand painted and hand made, this is indeed a rare find of Germans most famo...
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica 9" Plate, Anemone ranunculoides L, Gilt Border
Located in Bradenton, FL
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Porcelain Plate, Anemone ranunculoides L, with Pierced Gilt Border. Each plate in this collection showcases a plant species taken from the Danish botani...
Gold
Antique English Neoclassical Porcelain Plate attributed to Coalport
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique English Neoclassical porcelain plate Attributed to Coalport. Decorated throughout with rich gilding, and red, green,...
Porcelain
Antique Wedgwood Light Blue Jasperware Beaker or Tumbler
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Jasperware beaker or cup. In Wedgwood blue with white relief decoration depicting men, women, children, and trees in a Classical s...
Porcelain
12 Royal Crown Derby Cobalt Blue Neoclassical Dessert Plates
By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain
Located in Great Barrington, MA
An unusual set of 12 Royal Crown Derby dessert plates featuring an elegant and restrained central subject of subtly different urns wit...
Porcelain, Paste
Antique Dresden Porcelain Reticulated Fruit Basket and Stand by Adolf Hamann
By Dresden Porcelain, Adolf Hamann
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A delicate and intricately worked antique Dresden Porcelain Fruit Basket and Underplate. The form is rare and a technical tour de force. Few of ...
Porcelain
12 Royal Doulton "Powder Blue" W/ Raised Gold Dinner Plates
Located in Great Barrington, MA
These aren't the typical set of dinner plates from Royal Doulton. This set of 12 are decorated with thick raised paste gold over a "lapis lazuli" type of decoration which distinguish...
Porcelain
Antique Coalport English Porcelain Neoclassical Plate
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine English Neoclassical porcelain plate. By Coalport. Decorated throughout with alternating red and blue geometric patterns, gil...
Porcelain
19th Century Jasperware Cheese Plate
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Heavy Wedgewood cobalt blue Jasperware cheese plate with dome. The applied white bas relief depicts classical figural scenes with foliate motif against...
Porcelain
$1,996Sale Price / set|20% Off
Collection of Five 19th C Spongeware Mixing Pottery Bowls
By American Sponge Ware Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Collection of Five 19th C Spongeware Mixing Bowls. This fine collection of blue spongeware pottery bowls are in good condition and sold as a group.
Pottery
12 Coalport for Tiffany 1899 Gold, Ivory and Cobalt Blue Dinner Plates
By Coalport for Tiffany
Located in Great Barrington, MA
A set of 12 rare Coalport, made for Tiffany and Co. dinner plates featuring six alternating reserves of two colors of cobalt blue enamel with profuse raised paste gold overlay. The p...
Porcelain
Pr. Finely Executed Ornithological & Neoclassical Decorated Meissen Ewers 19th C
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and exceptionally elaborate pair of Meissen porcelain ewers, dating to the mid-19th century, executed in a richly sculptural Rococo Revival idiom, each marked beneath with the...
Enamel
19th Century Paris Porcelain Reticulated Gold, Pink Neoclassical Centerpiece
Located in New York, NY
A high degree of skill was required to produce reticulated porcelain in 19th century, with each piece painstakingly handcrafted to form a delightful pattern reminiscent of a garden t...
Porcelain
Antique Spode Porcelain Hand Painted Ornithological Duck Cup & Saucer
By Spode
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique English Georgian hand painted porcelain cup & saucer. By Spode. Pattern no. 1803. Both cup and saucer with wide cobalt blue bands on a white ground, hand painted scenes with ducks in round cartouches, and gilt embellishments throughout. The cup with a 'Diver' duck in a stream and the saucer with a 'Red Headed Merganser' on a bank. The reverses marked for Spode, 1803, 'Diver', and 'Red Headed Merganser'. Simply a wonderful antique Spode cup...
Porcelain
Minton for Tiffany Complete Dinner Service for 12 Caramel, White & Raised Gold
By Minton
Located in Great Barrington, MA
As we approach the holiday season, this complete Minton for Tiffany dinner service for 12 will work with many decorating themes to dress up any even...
Porcelain
Wedgwood Porcelain Plaques of Ships, the Clipper Ship, Great Republic & Clipper
By Wedgwood
Located in Downingtown, PA
Under Full Sail: Wedgwood Porcelain Plaques of Clipper Ships ________________________________________ This is a handsome pair of framed Wedgwood Porcelain Plaques from a limited-edition series, commemorating two of the most famous sailing vessels of the 19th century: the Clipper Ship Great Republic...
Porcelain
KPM Berlin Turquoise "Love Message" Cup & Saucer with Gilt, c. 1860–80
By Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM)
Located in Atlanta, GA
KPM or Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin hard-paste porcelain, the cup of rounded form with loop handle and integrated moustache guard, set against a saturated turquoise ground....
Enamel, Gold Leaf
$521 / set
Chinese 20th Century Porcelain Tea Set
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A 20th-century Chinese glazed porcelain tea set, comprising a teapot, a covered pot, and two matching cups. The set is distinguished by its vibrant orange color, highly decorative, c...
Porcelain
Royal Vienna Porcelain Covered Pitcher & Underplate Hector and Paris, Circa 1830
Located in Atlanta, GA
A superb and richly decorated early 19th-century Royal Vienna porcelain covered pitcher and matching underplate, finely executed in the neoclassical taste with lavish gilding and pol...
Porcelain
Antique Derby William Duesbury Era English Porcelain Turquoise Border Fruit Bowl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique 18th Century English porcelain shaped bowl. By the Derby Porcelain Manufacturing Company. The oval bowl with shaped sides having a turquoise border and gilt banding ...
Porcelain
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Porcelain Coffee Set
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Porcelain coffee set Origin Czechoslovakia Circa 20th century Neoclassical Design Very good condition and without restorations Wear on tray h...
Porcelain
European Porcelain Soup Tureen Neoclassical
By Royal Epiag
Located in Katonah, NY
This lovely soup tureen is decorated with two finely wrought gold bands of raised silhouettes of children in a celebratory procession. It is joyous! Some of the children play musical...
Porcelain
John and William Ridgway Armorial Cabinet Plate Hand Painted England Circa 1850
Located in Katonah, NY
This cabinet plate is a remarkable piece of hand-painted bone china from the John Ridgway factory in England, dating back to around 1850. Its intricate design is a testament to the c...
Porcelain
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Meissen Hand Painted Porcelain Figurine Of A Greek Mythology’s Muse
Located in Guaynabo, PR
A Meissen Porcelain Greek Mythology’s Muse figurine playing the Lute. She can be Erato, the muse of lyric poetry, particularly erotic poetry and mimic imitation. It depicts a lady dr...
Porcelain
$2,000 / set
Pair Pink Floral and Gilt Porcelain Painted Urns
Located in New York, NY
Pair pink floral and gilt porcelain painted urns. Pair urns with vibrant pink, mulberry and fuschia banding alternating with rich floral sprays o...
Porcelain
Pair of Meissen Porcelain Vases with Snake Handles
Located in Pembroke, MA
A highly-decorative pair of yellow porcelain vases, hand-painted with detailed central romantic scene, and having snake-form handles (Me...
Porcelain
12 Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Border Imari Pattern 8450 Bread & Butter Plates
By Royal Crown Derby Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 12 Royal Crown Derby porcelain bread & butter plates. In the Border Imari pattern (No. 8450). Consisting of 12 plates all with scalloped rims, gilt highlights, and im...
Porcelain
$12,500
Huge Minton Majolica Vase
By Minton
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1870, by Minton, England. A gorgeous example of English porcelain, this monumental vase is a Victorian Aesthetic movement tour de force. Majolica by Minton is known for its del...
Porcelain
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Neoclassical Bisque Porcelain Figure of Classical Woman & Flowers C1850
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Neoclassical Bisque Porcelain Figure of Classical Woman & Flowers C1850 Measures - 13.5"H x 4.5"W x 4.5"D This bisque porcelain figure represents a classical woman adorned wi...
Porcelain
Pair of Porcelain Vases, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of porcelain vases, France, late 19th century.
Porcelain
Wedgwood Porcelain Plaques of the Ships the Great Republic and the Dashing Wave
By Wedgwood
Located in Downingtown, PA
Masters of the Seas: A Pair of Wedgwood Porcelain Plaques of Clipper Ships, This magnificent pair of Wedgwood porcelain plaques serves as a tribute to the golden age of sail and th...
Porcelain
Antique Doccia Porcelain Italian Neoclassical Topographical Cup & Saucer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Offered here for your consideration is, A fine antique topographical porcelain cup & saucer. By Doccia porcelain manufactory circa 1820. ...
Porcelain
Circa 1820-30 English "Fallow Deer" Pattern Pearlware Platter
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1820-30 "Fallow Deer" pattern pearlware platter, English. Staffordshire by John Rogers & Son. Octagonal form. Village scene centered by 2 stags in the foreground & Norman churc...
Pearlware
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica 9" Plate, Armeria sibirica Turcz, Gilt Border
Located in Bradenton, FL
Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica Porcelain Plate, Armeria sibirica Turcz, with Pierced Gilt Border. Each plate in this collection showcases a plant species taken from the Danish botanic...
Gold
Antique Porcelain and Ormolu Gueridon Table
Located in London, GB
This delicately detailed circular gueridon table is crafted of ormolu, and features a very fine hand painted porcelain top. The porcelain top is decorated with flowers in circular pa...
Ormolu
Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Vase Signed Sèvres, France, Late 19th Century
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Porcelain and gilt bronze vase signed Sèvres, France, late 19th century.
Bronze
American Historical Presidential Presentation Plate/Charger George Washington
Located in New York, NY
An Incredibly Rare and Quite Important American Historical Presidential Presentation Plate/Charger of George Washington and other US Presidents by Hutschenreuther. Manufactured by H...
Porcelain
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century, Meissen Porcelain Ram's Head & Floral Centerpiece
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Meissen porcelain centerpiece of oval openwork construction, two floral windows oppose each of the main bodies of the piece and are flanked by a pair of beautiful ram's head handle...
Porcelain
Pair of Large Gilt-Bronze Mounted Sèvres-style Porcelain Vases with Pedestals
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in London, GB
Pair of large gilt-bronze mounted Sèvres-style porcelain vases with pedestals French, Early 20th century Measures: Vases: height 141cm, width 60cm, depth 44cm Stands: height 66cm,...
Ormolu
Paris Porcelain and Parcel Gilt Reticulated Compote or Fruit Basket
Located in Pembroke, MA
Nice quality Paris porcelain reticulated compote (corbeille, fruit basket) in tazza form with gilded decoration (late 19th century).
Porcelain
Antique German Porcelain Twelve Piece Dessert Service
Located in London, GB
Antique German porcelain twelve piece dessert service German, c. 1880 Measures: Seven flat plates: Height 2cm, diameter 22cm Four raised plates: Height 6.5cm, diameter 25cm Large...
Porcelain
19th Century English Parian Group Of The Three Graces By Copeland
By Copeland
Located in Dublin, IE
An impressive large Parian centre piece, ‘The Three Graces’, by Copeland, with the three classical maidens standing back to back on a triangular plinth, supporting a large basket ves...
Porcelain
$720Sale Price|20% Off
Circa 1780-1810 Chinese Export Porcelain Platter
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1780-1810 Chinese export porcelain platter. The center & conforming border feature gilded sepia ground flowers with famille rose vines & dotted rose & blue flowers....
Porcelain