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Neoclassical Porcelain

NEOCLASSICAL STYLE

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.

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Style: Neoclassical
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,...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Tea Cup & Saucer, Saint Cloud, circa 1730
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Both cup and saucer with moulded reeding and decorated in underglaze blue with scrolled lambrequin borders. Saint Cloud porcelain is a type of soft-paste porcelain produced in the French town of Saint Cloud from the late 17th century to the mid-18th century. It was one of the earliest European attempts to produce porcelain and is known for its delicate, pale blue-gray glaze and simple, elegant designs. The history of Saint Cloud porcelain can be traced back to the late 17th century when a group of Flemish potters settled in the town of Saint Cloud, which was then a royal estate...
Category

Early 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Italian Doccia Topographical Porcelain Neoclassical Cup and Saucer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine antique Italian Doccia Topographical porcelain neoclassical cup & saucer. By Doccia Porcelain Manufactory circa 1820. With pa...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Oval Dish, Chantilly, circa 1770
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Underplate from a tureen or similar; decorated with simple cobalt decoration. The history of Chantilly porcelain can be traced back to around 17...
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Coffee Cup, Classical Ruins, Coloured: Worcester, Giles, circa 1770
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Coffee cup and saucer, decorated with a Hancock type print in black overglaze, which has then been coloured with enamels and highlighted with gilt. The decoration possibly James ...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Saxe Porcelain Jardinière. Germany, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Saxe porcelain jardinière. Germany, late 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Doccia Porcelain Italian Neoclassical Topographical Teapot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique topographical porcelain teapot. By Doccia Porcelain Manufactory circa 1820. With painted enamel topographical scenes: each...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Figure of a Nun, Perhaps Heloise, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1750
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A classic example of early bow porcelain. The figure is of a Dominican Nun, and is based on a continental model, probably Meissen. Bow produced a number of apparently religious...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Doccia Porcelain Italian Neoclassical Topographical Waste Bowl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique topographical porcelain waste bowl. By Doccia porcelain manufactory circa 1820. With painted enamel topographical scenes, ...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Teapot, Derby Porcelain Works, circa 1775
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A gadrooned, canon-ball shape teapot, decorated with typical sprays of natural flowers. The shape and decoration are both in imitation of Meissen. The Derby Porcelain Works, now known as the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company, is a British manufacturer of fine bone china. The company has a long and rich history dating back to the late 18th century. The company was founded in 1750 as the Derby China Works. It was originally located in the city of Derby and produced a wide range of ceramic wares, including tea sets, vases, and figurines. In 1756, the company was granted the status of "Supplier to the King," which allowed it to use the "Royal" designation in its name. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the company experienced significant growth and expanded its product line to include more elaborate and ornate pieces. The company was particularly known for its "Derby Posies...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Large Gilt-Bronze Mounted Sèvres-style Porcelain Vases with Pedestals
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,...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Doccia Porcelain Italian Neoclassical Topographical Chocolate/Coffee Pot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique topographical porcelain coffee or chocolate pot. By the Doccia porcelain manufactory circa 1820. With painted enamel topograph...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Tea Bowl & Saucer, Chelsea, circa 1752
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
An octagonal tea bowl and matching saucer, decorated with Chelsea's usual beautiful flower painting. One of the most distinctive features of Chelsea porcelain is its intricate floral painting, which often featured detailed, lifelike renditions of flowers and other botanical subjects. The factory employed skilled artists who were trained in the art of flower painting, and the results have always been highly prized by collectors. Chelsea porcelain is highly collectible and has a reputation for being of exceptional quality. It is often considered to be among the finest examples of English porcelain...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Seal, I Still Hope, Derby Porcelain Works, circa 1760
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A delightul porcelain seal, depicting a young lady, seated on a mound. It is painted with the motto J'ESPRE ENCORE, or I Still Hope. No doubt this was intended as a gift, to be given...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

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...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Waste Bowl, Chelsea, circa 1755
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
An unusual waste bowl (sometimes called a slop bowl) in soft-paste porcelain, decorated with typical Chelsea sprigs and bunches of flowers. One of the most...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Caughley Salopian English Porcelain Shapes Plates or Dishes
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of English porcelain shaped bowls or dishes. By Caughley. In a heart-form or shield shape. Decorated throughout with painted cobalt blue and gilt floral devices....
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Teapot Stand, "Milkmaids" Pattern, Worcester, circa 1760
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Hexagonal teapot stand, with transfer print decoration of The Milkmaids. From an engraving by Richard Hancock, one the best and most important of the en...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Large Dish, Chelsea, circa 1755
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A large platter, probably once associated with tureen. Beautiful flower painting, possible done outside the factory at the Giles studio in London, or perhaps at the Chelsea studio by a painter who had previously worked there. The tulip, heartease, and others look very Giles. One of the most distinctive features of Chelsea porcelain is its intricate floral painting, which often featured detailed, lifelike renditions of flowers and other botanical subjects. The factory employed skilled artists who were trained in the art of flower...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Saucer Dish, "Milkmaids" Pattern with Double Rebus, Worcester, circa 1757
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Transfer print decoration of The Milkmaids. The engraving carries marks for three important people, and is very rare. The double-anchor represent the Holdship brothers, Richard...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Plate with Coiled Phoenix, Chelsea, C1754
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A very fine plate, damasked with Gotzkowsky erhaben Blumen. Decorated after the Japanese with peonies and a coiled phoenix to the centre, using the Kakiemo...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

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...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Figure Jason and Medea at the Altar of Diana, Derby Porcelain Works, circa 1775
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A large and impressive figural group showing Jason and Medea at the Altar of Diana. From Monnet’s engraving for Jason and the Golden Fleece...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Tea Canister, Hop Trellis Pattern, Worcester, C1780
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
In soft paste porcelain, French shape, decorated with a variation of the scarce and popular Hops and Trellis pattern. Prov. Lady Humphries collection....
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Coffee Can: Merian's Opossum, Nymphenburg, C1790
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A good example of the fine painting produced at this factory. This example with an African possum and a feline, after the engraving by George Buffons.
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Bradford Editions Collectible Plates Bradford Square Plates, Set of 4
Located in Bastogne, BE
The Bradford Editions collectible plates! ??This price is for all plates?? The second edition of the collection of artistic flowers "Romantic flower dreams". Fine porcelain plates...
Category

Late 20th Century Central American Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

"The Summer" After Bertel Thorvaldsen, Denmark Probably 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Round biscuit porcelain plaque depicting summer after the Four Seasons cycle by Bertel Thorvaldsen.
Category

19th Century Danish Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Austrian Royal Vienna Porcelain Encrusted Floral Vases
Located in Soquel, CA
Pair of exquisite 19th century Royal Vienna porcelain vases. A fine example of the Neo-Classical Austrian style, these vases are decorated with an ornate garden floral motif. Encrusted with sculptural bunches of pink and yellow roses, and painted with tiny bees, butterflies, and gold accents. The Royal Vienna mark (Bindenschild, or shield) appears on the base of each vase in blue. Each vase measures 7"H x 4"W x 4"D. History of The Royal Vienna Porcelain Factory: The Royal Vienna Porcelain factory was founded in 1717 by Claudius Innocentius Du Paquier...
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

"The Ages of Love" after Thorvaldsen, Denmark probably 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Biscuit porcelain plaque with relief depiction of "The Love Ages" after Bertel Thorvaldsen.
Category

19th Century Danish Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Minton 19th C Gilt Dessert Service 15 Pc. W/ Parian Figures Hand Painted Roses
Located in Great Barrington, MA
Beyond belief! This set is museum worthy, exhibiting some of the finest workmanship Minton produced. The centerpiece features an exquisite pierced tall basket lifted up by 3 tall Par...
Category

1890s English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Royal Vienna Signed Galathea & the Rape of Europa Hand Painted Chocolate Cup
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional antique Vienna porcelain chocolate cup and cover hand painted with a scene from Greek mythology titled Galathea and Raub der Europa dating from the 19th century. The cylindrical shaped cup has a shaped square top grooved and gilded handle with the body of the cup hand painted with a continuous watery landscape scene depicting the Rape of Europa...
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of 19th Century English Derby Fruit Coolers with Lids & Liners, ca. 1815
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of 19th century English Derby Fruit Coolers with Lids & Liners, ca. 1815.    
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Neoclassical Porcelain Gilded Tureen Made Mid-20th Century
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Meissen Charger with Decoration a Flower Bunches, Marcolini Period Ca. 1800
Located in CH
Meissen charger with decoration a flower Bunches, Marcolini period Ca. 1800 This large Meissen Charger is decorated with a stylized bouquets of flower...
Category

1790s German Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Antique KPM Royal Berlin Porcelain Neoclassical White Centerpiece Bowl on Stand
Located in Essex, MA
Stunning Antique KPM Royal Berlin porcelain neoclassical white and gilt centerpiece bowl on stand. Perfect for fruit display as a lovely plant...
Category

Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Large Italian Capodimonte Porcelain Center Bowl, Cherubs Scene in Relief, 20th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
An oversized Italian Capodimonte center bowl offers cherub garden scenes in relief with gilt highlights throughout, 20th century Measures - 3.75''H X 16.75''W X 16.75''D.   Catalogu...
Category

20th Century Italian Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Wedgwood Porcelain Plaques of the Ships the Great Republic and the Dashing Wave
Located in Downingtown, PA
Wedgwood Porcelain plaques of ships The Great Republic and The Dashing Wave 1976-1981 The pair of Wedgwood porcelain painted plaques eac...
Category

1970s Vintage Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Early 19c English Regency Coalport Porcelain Neoclassical Serving Tray
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique neoclassical porcelain serving tray. By Coalport. Painted en grisaille with classical medallions reserved against a gilt-vermicule ground. The border having a sa...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

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...
Category

1940s Czech Vintage Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Neoclassical Porcelain Vase Hand-Painted Ornamented Decoration, Jacob Petit
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This porcelain Vase has been made by Jacob Petit, it is signed J.P., and the manufacturer is "Porcelaine de paris". It has been done in France in the 19th century. The decor ornemant...
Category

1820s French Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

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...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Wedgwood Porcelain Plaques of Ships, the Clipper Ship, Great Republic & Clipper
Located in Downingtown, PA
Wedgwood porcelain plaques of ships- The clipper ship, great republic & clipper ship Hurricane 1976-1981 The two painted plaques depict on one The...
Category

1970s English Vintage Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Chocolate Cup, Finely Painted with Puce Birds, Chelsea C1765
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A good chocolate cup, with gilt decoration and finely painted puce birds - so finely painted you might mistake it for a print.
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Lions. Bow Porcelain C1750
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
An attractive pair of lions, in the white; possibly based on a Chinese original.
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Fine Large Late 18th - Early 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Model of a Swan
Located in New York, NY
A fine, exceptionally detailed large Meissen model of a swan, modelled by J. J. Kändler, with incised plumage, the feathers of the wings picked out in soft grey and beige, with russe...
Category

Late 18th Century German Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Meissen Marcolini Period Porcelain Twin Handled Painted Fruit Basket
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine antique German porcelain twin handled fruit basket by prolific makers Meissen and dating from the Marcolini period 1774 to 1814. The fruit basket stands raised on four Greek k...
Category

Late 18th Century European Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Porcelain Capodimonte Ornamental Urn or Jar
Located in Miami, FL
20th century porcelain Capodimonte ornamental urn or jar.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Italian Mojalica Monumental Urn
Located in Nashville, TN
Monumental Italian Majolica porcelain figural floor urn. Decorated throughout with hand painted Classical Greek scenery. Two figural fawns on the opposing handles. Fine wear and crac...
Category

1880s Italian Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Old Paris Porcelain Vase Painted with Seascape and a Woman and Man on a Row Boat
Located in Boston, MA
I want to offer you this fabulous Old Paris porcelain vase. This vase is hand painted on both of its sides with different beautiful paintings. One side has a detailed painting of a s...
Category

1880s French Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Brongniart Children after Houdon by Tharaud Limoges
Located in Paris, FR
This pair of Limoges porcelain bisque busts featuring Brongniart children derives from a masterpiece of children's portraiture by Jean-Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828): the busts of Louise (1772-1845) and her brother Alexandre (1770-1847), children of the famous architect Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart. Crafted of terracotta, Houdon's busts were presented at the Salon of 1777. Very popular, the two busts were reproduced in bisque, terracotta, marble and bronze. They were acquired at the end of the 19th century by the Louvre Museum. Our Limoges busts...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Elegant Tall White Porcelain Coffee Pot by Independence Ironstone
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful tall elegant great design tall white porcelain coffee pot by Independence ironstone, excellent condition Made in Japan, circa 1950s.
Category

20th Century Japanese Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Large Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze and Porcelain Vase
Located in London, GB
Large Neoclassical style gilt bronze and porcelain vase French, 19th Century Measures: height 87 cm, diameter 27 cm This grand porcelain vase is crafted in the style of Sèvres. ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Collection of Five 19th C Spongeware Mixing Pottery Bowls
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.
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Pottery

Winter, from the Four Seasons, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1750
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A personification of Winter, from The Four Seasons. Unusually fine condition for a figure of this period.
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Old Paris Topographical Coffee Pot, Now as a Lamp
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century Old Paris topographical coffee pot, now as a lamp One side depicting a view of the of the Palais Royal the other side shows a view of the L’Arc Porte Saint- Denis, rais...
Category

19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain, Giltwood

Early 20th C John Tams Ltd Porcelain Vase of Telemachus Interceding for Phemius
Located in Troy, MI
Rare circa 1920s English vase by John Tams Ltd depicting scene from Odyssey of Telemachus interceding for Phemius. Black matte glaze with colorful decoration of the three figures. Go...
Category

Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Porcelain of Mice and Vase 'Fraureuth'
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Porcelain of mice and vase origin Germany circa 1900 Fraureuth-kunstabteilung perfect state.
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Porcelain Paragon Tea Cup with Gold and Blue and Hidden Rose for Her Majesty
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Beautiful fine bone China teacup with gold detail, bold blue, and a hidden red rose inside the cup. This delicate ceramic piece is a lovely piece to ...
Category

20th Century English Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Gold

Neoclassical porcelain for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical porcelain for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage porcelain created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects, lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical porcelain made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original porcelain, popular names associated with this style include Bow Porcelain, Meissen Porcelain, Chelsea Porcelain, and Minton. 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 porcelain differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $45 and tops out at $316,032 while the average work can sell for $1,850.

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