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
Tankard with Printed Decoration, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1758
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Pint mug, in baluster form, decorated with early transfer prints of pheasants and two sheep. Transfer printing on bow porcelain is very rare.
Prov: Taylor Coll; Winifred Williams,...
Category
Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Dated Crowther Plate, Bow Porcelain Factory, 1770
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
The so-called ‘Crowther Plate’ dated January 1770:
Octagonal, painted in blue underglaze with the monogram ‘RC’ in a floral cartouche and with elaborate scroll, pendant and cell a...
Category
1770s English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Coupe Porcelaine du Lys Royal décor Kakiemon Château de Chantilly XVIIIe France
Located in London, England
Le plat de service Porcelaine du Lys Royal est une reproduction fidèle du décor "Kakiemon", emblématique de la manufacture du Château de Chantilly au XVIIIe siècle. Ce chef-d'œuvre r...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Rare Pair of 19th Century Trumpet Vases
By Old Paris
Located in London, GB
An extremely unusual pair of Paris porcelain trumpet-shaped vases in the C18 Mogul Indian style, hand-decorated with exotic birds in trees and foliage, the body sitting on porcelain ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Russian Gilt Porcelain Centrepiece by Popov Manufactory
Located in London, GB
This exquisite centrepiece was crafted in porcelain and gilt by the Russian Popov Manufactory. The centerpiece is of bowl-form, and is crafted in white porcelain which is pierced wit...
Category
19th Century Russian 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
Cauldron Salt Cellar, in the White, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1752
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A cauldron-shaped salt: a direct copy of a contemporary (Georgian) silver shape in soft-paste porcelain.
Provenance: Taylor collection.
Category
Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Bell-Shaped Mug, Transfer Printed with Masonic Emblems, Worcester, circa 1770
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A lovely baluster-shaped mug, decorated with Masonic transfer prints. The shape delightful, the decoration full of interest.
Category
Late 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
Antique 19th Century 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...
Category
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
Gerhard Henning for Royal Copenhagen, 'Girl Bathing', Porcelain and Biscuit
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gerhard Henning for Royal Copenhagen. 'Girl bathing'. Designed 1924. Porcelain and biscuit.
Stamped, model no. 134.
Measures: Height 34.5 cm, diameter 8.5 cm.
In perfect condition...
Category
1920s Danish Vintage Neoclassical Porcelain
Doccia White Porcelain Caryatid Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Doccia white porcelain caryatid sculpture. A Doccia neoclassical model of a caryatid with one hand outstretched. Italy, circa 1770s
Dimension: 2" ...
Category
1770s Italian Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Empire White Porcelain Salt and Pepper
Located in New York, NY
Empire white porcelain salt and pepper. Antique Naples neoclassical porcelain salt of ovoid bath form with double concave circular receptacles for salt...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Porcelain Plate The French Saxon China C0 22K. Gold Made in USA 1940s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage decorative China plate in the Blue Orchid Pattern.
Vintage 10 inches plate by French Saxon China Co. Nat. Brotherhood. 22K. gold accents with multi floral center, blue rim.
T...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Porcelain Paragon Tea Cup with Gold and Blue and Hidden Rose for Her Majesty
By Paragon
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
Pair, Antique Royal Vienna "Labors of Cupid" Porcelain 9.5" Plates
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite pair of antique Royal Vienna porcelain plates, measuring 9.5 inches in diameter, beautifully illustrates the "Labors of Cupid" theme. Each plate features finely hand-p...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Set of Six Imperial Gold Leaf and Porcelain Cups by Lenox, c. 1975
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of six Neoclassical style Imperial China cups with gold leaf laurel design. The Imperial bone china collection was produced between 1939-1982 ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Gold Leaf
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
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Large 19th Century Vienna Charger
Located in London, GB
A glamorous Vienna style charger painted with a central panel of "La toilette de Venus "
Elaborately decorated with gilded garlands and flowers in relief, in the Roman style. Hand-p...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
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...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Large 19th Century Vienna Charger
Located in London, GB
A beautiful Vienna style charger of a water nymph watching over a sleeping traveller, perched on a rock that's overlooking a waterfall. The borders are also hand-painted in the ancie...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Bisque Porcelain Figure of a Classical Man Standing in Countryside C1850
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Bisque Porcelain Figure of a Classical Man Standing in Countryside C1850
Measures - 13.5"H x 5"W x 4.75"D
Category
Mid-19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
19th C. Kpm Porcelain Celestial Blue Ground & Grisaille Window Urns - Pair
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite pair of 19th-century lidded urns, crafted by the esteemed Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) of Berlin, is a remarkable example of Neoclassical porcelain artistry.
...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
21st century Decorated porcelain essence burner
Located in Calenzano, FI
Incense burner in hand-decorated porcelain in ivory color, golden metal in lost wax casting. A metal container has been created inside the porcelain cup to burn the incense. Holes ha...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Bronze
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...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Small White Dolphin Bowls
Located in New York, NY
Pair of small white dolphin bowls. Pair of antique Italian creamware miniature monteith bowls / bud vases supported on tripod dolphin legs on conforming stepped circular base; Giusti...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
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
Spoon Tray, Hancock's Ruins, Worcester, circa 1765
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Of elongated hexagonal form, decorated with classical ruins, after Hancock.
Category
Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Royal Vienna Style Coffee Tea Set Dessert Service for 16, circa 1930
Located in Austin, TX
Beautiful vintage Royal Vienna style dessert/ coffee set for 16 decorated with four different mythological scenes: Ares receiving armor, Europa and the bull, Iphigenia escaping sacri...
Category
Early 20th Century Czech Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Yellow English Porcelain Dish with Neoclassical Design Circa 1800
Located in Katonah, NY
The border of this antique English porcelain dish has an exquisite yellow ground with an eye-catching design.
The neoclassical decoration is hand-painted. We see flower buds painted ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Cat holding a mouse, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1760
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
An engaging cat, holding a mouse in its paw, while a second mouse escapes into a cheese.
These small 'toys' are scarce, being easily lost. They were largely hand made, and so were n...
Category
Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Pot en Porcelaine du Lys Royal décor Kakiemon Château de Chantilly XVIIIe France
Located in London, England
Ce pot en porcelaine, issu de la Manufacture du Lys Royal, est une magnifique reproduction du décor "Kakiemon" qui ornait les pièces uniques du château de Chantilly au XVIIIe siècle....
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Large Dresden Ornamental Vase in Hand Painted Porcelain with Classicist Scenes
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Large Dresden ornamental vase in hand painted porcelain with classicist scenes and handles in the shape of winged female figures.
19th century.
Measures: 42.5 x 24 cm.
In excellen...
Category
19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Rare Porcelain Advertising Ware Table Lamp, Baltimore, circa 1840s
Located in Peabody, MA
A rare porcelain bottle (circa 1840-1850) hand painted with images of stock (jugs, pitchers, tureens and whale oil lamps) sold by the C. Levering Co. of Baltimore, and mounted as a t...
Category
1840s American Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Jug with Silver Gilt Lid, Denmark
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Jug with Ormolu Gilt Silver Lid and Hand-Painted Neoclassical Motives in Sepia.
The porcelain jug is signed with the classic 3 blue waves, represent...
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Silver
Antique Neoclassical Bisque Porcelain Figure of a Cherub C1850
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Neoclassical Bisque Porcelain Figure of a Cherub C1850
Measures - 13.75"H x 5"W x 5"D
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Neoclassical White Porcelain Salt Dish
By Wallendorf
Located in New York, NY
Neoclassical white porcelain salt dish. A fine transitional Louis XVI Wallendorf white porcelain salt in perfect condition, Germany, circa 1780.
Dimension: 4...
Category
Late 18th Century German Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Chamberlain Worcester Porcelain Goblet After Angelia Kauffman Painting
By Humphrey Chamberlain, Chamberlains Worcester
Located in Downingtown, PA
The large Regency Neoclassical, Humphrey Chamberlain decorated, Chamberlain Worcester Goglet is painted with a grisaille painting by Humphrey Cham...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Set of 11 Porcelain Rosenthal Classic Rose Dessert Plates
Located in Mérida, YU
Set of 11 Porcelain Rosenthal Classic Rose Dessert Plate.
Perfect condition never used.
Very nice proportions and decoration. Also with a very nice texture, please see photos.
Category
1970s German Vintage Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Early and Rare Royal Copenhagen Round Dish of Museum Quality, Early 19th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Early and rare Royal Copenhagen round dish of museum quality, early 19th century.
Measures: 34 x 6 cm.
In good condition. Small chip on the bottom rim.
Stamped.
Painter number 3.
Category
Early 19th Century Danish Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Antique French Empire Porcelain and Ormolu-Mounted Lamps
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique French Empire red porcelain and ormolu-mounted lamps, attributed to Sèvres. The porcelain bases of the lamps are decorated with ovals depicting bouquets of hand paint...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Ormolu
B&G, Bing & Grondahl Biscuit Plate by Thorvaldsen, circa 1880s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
B&G (Bing & Grondahl) biscuit plate by Thorvaldsen, circa 1880s.
In perfect condition, 1st. factory quality.
Measures 28 cm.
Marked.
Category
1880s Danish Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen Huge "Purpur" Serving Plate
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Royal Copenhagen huge "Purpur" serving plate.
Measures 48 x 37 cm.
Number 427/8541. Year 1870-1890.
In perfect condition.
1st. factory quality.
Category
1870s Danish Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Kitty Clive Figure
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
One of Bow's theatrical figures.
The actress Mrs Catherine (Kitty) Clive, 1711-1785, as Mrs Riot, the Fine Lady, introduced, with The Fine Gentleman, into David Garrick...
Category
Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen Vase with Gold Decoration, Trumpet-Shaped
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Royal Copenhagen vase with gold decoration. Trumpet-shaped.
Measures 26.5 x 17 cm.
Stamped.
1. factory quality, in perfect condition.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Neoclassical Porcelain
Antique B & G / Bing & Grondahl after Thorvaldsen, Biscuit Figure of Apostle
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Antique b & g / Bing & Grondahl after Thorvaldsen, biscuit figure of Apostle, rare model.
Very good condition. Factory 1st.
Measures: Heights 33 cm.
Stamped, late 19...
Category
Late 19th Century Danish Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Pair of Plates, Roses and Tulips, Nantgarw, circa 1815
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A fine pair of plates in the incomparable Nantgarw body; decorated in London with naturalistic sprays of flowers.
Category
Early 19th Century Welsh Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of rectangular porcelain plates with antique scenes, early 19th century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of rectangular plates in porcelain representing antique scenes on cartouches with languished odalisques and nymphs and surrounded by putti in greyness. First frame in the medieval style and gold color; second one in celestial blue, reminding the color created by the chemist...
Category
1830s French Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Doctor, from the Commedia Dell'arte, Bow Porcelain, circa 1752
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Il Dottore from the Commedia dell’Arte, in the white.
He stands in an histrionic pose against a tree stump and wears a high brimmed hat (presumably a black academic bonnet), long-buttoned coat over frilled cuffs, falling jabeaux, breeches, boots and a cloak; his right hand on hip, his left arm and hand raised. Slightly grey-white porcelain; even, unctuous glaze. Straw translucency. Underside wiped; air hole at centre. Square hole at rear for mount. Measure: H 6.3 in (16 cm).
Provenance: Taylor Collection, from Stockspring Antiques, London, 1998. The Miss G...
Category
Late 18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen Large Purpur Soup Tureen with Dish
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Royal Copenhagen large Purpur soup tureen with dish.
Dish measures 35 cm.
Number 427/8532. Year 1870-1890.
In perfect condition.
1st. factory quality.
Category
1870s Danish Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
KPM Porcelain Pair of Peas
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
KPM porcelain pair of peas
Antique porcelain origin Germany
Circa 1900 perfect condition
Floral motifs with angels (puttos) and grapes.
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Porcelain Rosenthal Classic Rose Soup Bowl
Located in Mérida, YU
Porcelain Rosenthal Classic Rose Soup Bowl in perfect condition.
Very nice size and proportions, elegant decorative motifs. Very nice texture too.
Category
1970s German Vintage 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
Autumn, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1755
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
From a series of figures representing The Four Seasons, Autumn is shown as a young man squeezing grapes into a cup, symbolic of harvest time, and recalling classical representations ...
Category
Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Large Dish or tureen stand, Chelsea, circa 1755
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A fine tureen stand, typically painted with flowers and insects in the style of Meissen. A large and impressive piece.
Stilt marks and ground footrim.
Category
Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of figures: Jupiter and Juno, or Zeus and Hera. Bow Porcelain C1752
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
She stands barefoot, wearing a long-sleeved robe in white, deep pink and washed pale yellow and partly edged with gold; a red and gilt-topped sceptre in her right hand, an outsize pe...
Category
1750s English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
A Lion, passant gardant, Bow Porcelain Factory, circa 1750
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A lion, seated on its haunches, one paw up. Perhaps a heraldic reference; although the stump does not appear in heraldry, it is required in order to keep the paw in position during f...
Category
Mid-18th Century English Antique Neoclassical Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
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.