The authentic Biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs is representative of the first modern European decorative style not dictated by the tastes of the aristocracy. Following the Napoleonic wars, a growing, wealthy urban middle class in the German-speaking states of Central Europe began to demand rights and privileges once granted only to nobles. To avoid trouble, the upwardly striving confined their political discussions to one another’s homes. And so the salon was born.
Cabinetmakers in cities such as Vienna, Berlin and Mainz began to offer goods that reflected the tastes and needs of the new class. The makers of Biedermeier chairs, tables and other furniture used little or no gilding, silver hardware or other lavish ornament. Ebonized trims are common on Biedermeier cabinetry, and neoclassical elements — lyre-shaped chair splats, carved scrollwork, table supports shaped like Greek columns. But the strongest aesthetic statement came from the wood — richly-grained, honey-colored, often book-matched veneers of walnut and fruitwood.
There are two iconic Biedermeier furniture forms, both made to outfit rooms designed for conversation. One is the sofa, deeply upholstered with a strong, architectural wooden frame. The second is the circular pedestal table, which stood at the center of the room, offering a surface on which to place coffee and cake services; or to roll out a map, or sketch out ideas on paper.
“Biedermeier” was originally a derogatory term — it derives from the pen names of two German magazine writers who mocked bourgeois manners. Looking at the elegant and refined antique, new and vintage Biedermeier furniture offered on 1stDibs, that is now an amusing irony.
Antique German 19th Century Brown Glazed Pottery Cake Baking Mold
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming 19th-century German ceramic cake dish featuring a rich brown glaze and authentic rustic character. Discovered at an antiques sale in Nuremberg, Germany, this rare piece be...
Pottery
Antique German 19th Century Brown Glazed Pottery Cake Baking Mold
Located in Nuernberg, DE
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Pottery
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H 12 in W 7.75 in D 7.5 in
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Located in Atlanta, GA
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Pottery
$508Sale Price|31% Off
H 15.16 in W 9.45 in D 9.45 in
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Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
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Ceramic, Earthenware, Terracotta
$275
H 6.5 in W 7 in D 8.2 in
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Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Provincial spheroidal pottery cooking pot from the 19th century with green glazed accents, molded handle and tripod base. Created in Southern France during the 19th century,...
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H 3.5 in W 8 in D 6.5 in
French 19th Century Pottery Covered Baking Dish with Brown Blotched Glaze
Located in Atlanta, GA
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Pottery
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Located in Old Town Orange, CA
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Clay
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Located in Atlanta, GA
A French rustic pottery vegetable steamer from the 19th century, with yellow glaze. Created in France during the 19th century, this vegetable steamer charms us with its simple lines ...
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H 6.2 in W 5 in D 6.5 in
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Located in Atlanta, GA
A French jaspe pottery pitcher from the 19th century, with yellow glaze and green accents. Created in France during the 19th century, this jaspe pottery pitcher features a yellow gla...
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19th Century Antique French Glazed Terracotta Mixing Bowl, Handcrafted
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
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Terracotta