Classical Greek Pottery

CLASSICAL GREEK STYLE

There is rare surviving furniture from ancient Greece, yet this classical style has informed design for centuries. Interiors of houses in antiquity were minimal, with much of a room’s color coming from frescoes on the walls and mosaics on the floors. Classical Greek furniture was sparing but finely crafted and influenced by Egyptian furniture design through Mediterranean trade.

Furnishings of the period were usually made from local wood like cypress, cedar, oak and willow from ancient Greece’s plentiful forests, although some pieces were carved from marble, such as a 300–200 B.C. throne with lion legs and a curved back now at the Getty Villa. Comfort and clean lines characterized designs during the Classical era, the symmetry and thoughtful proportions reflecting the architecture of Greek temples.

Some pieces of ancient Greek furniture were simple, rectangular platforms like the klinē, a multipurpose ancestor of today’s couches or daybeds that held cushions stuffed with wool, dry grass or down. These structures were used for both sleeping and dining, which wealthy Greeks did while reclining. At night, oil lamps illuminated rooms that frequently surrounded a garden courtyard.

Most of what scholars have learned about Greek furniture design owes to its representations in art like vases and stelae. The portable diphros stool, with its backless design and four turned legs, was one of the more common types of seating in daily Greek life — it appears as such for the gods on the Parthenon frieze. Stools without backs have been found in early Roman tombs, while benches were also common Greek seating furniture created for use in theaters. In houses of the Hellenistic period, benches seemingly functioned as tables, too.

Some designs evolved through adaptations by the Romans, including the klismos chair. After prominent archaeological excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum, the klismos chair — with its four saber legs and the elegant curves that define its back — was a source of inspiration for aesthetics in eras ranging from 18th-century neoclassicism to 20th-century Art Deco.

Find a collection of Classical Greek decorative objects, wall decorations and building and garden elements on 1stDibs.

Style: Classical Greek

Antique black basalt Wall Plaque probably by Josiah Wedgwood, Circa 1860

$370

Antique black basalt Wall Plaque probably by Josiah Wedgwood, Circa 1860

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

This is a beautiful wall plaque of a classical figure made from black basalt, probably by Josiah Wedgwood, circa 1860 It is oval in shaped with beautifully moulded detail. The maker...

Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Greek Mythology Pottery Teacup

$35

Greek Mythology Pottery Teacup

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Greek Mythology Pottery Teacup. It was brought back from a trip to Greece during the 70's. A great vintage souvenir with artists markings on reverse. H: 2.75" W; 3.25" We know it’s...

Category

Mid-20th Century Greek Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Clay

Greek Pottery Kylix Depicting Two Soldiers

$175

Greek Pottery Kylix Depicting Two Soldiers

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Greek Pottery Kylix Depicting "Achilles Binding Up Patroclus' Wound" inspired by the famous pottery painted by the Sosias Painter. Hand painted with artist's signature. It was brough...

Category

Mid-20th Century Greek Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Clay

Greek Pottery Kylix Depicting Winged God

$175

Greek Pottery Kylix Depicting Winged God

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Greek Pottery Kylix Depicting Winged God, hand painted, signed by artist. It was brought back from a trip to Greece during the 70's era. A great vintage souvenir with artists marking...

Category

Mid-20th Century Greek Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Clay

Greek Pottery Teacup and Saucer

$125

Greek Pottery Teacup and Saucer

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Greek Pottery Teacup and matching Saucer set depicting Greek Mythology. Hand-made and hand-painted in Greece. Is signed on its reverse by artist. It was brought back from Greece in t...

Category

Mid-20th Century Greek Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Clay

Lot of 4 Greek Replica Pottery

$480 / set

Lot of 4 Greek Replica Pottery

Located in Savannah, GA

A lot of four pieces of Greek replica pottery. plate is 7 ½ inches wide, tallest jug 6 ¾ inches tall

Category

20th Century Unknown Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Midcentury Italian Pottery Candleholders

$1,250 / set

H 5 in Dm 9.8 in

Midcentury Italian Pottery Candleholders

By Aldo Londi

Located in Oak Harbor, OH

Designer: Unknown Importer: Raymore Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Pottery These mid century Italian pottery candle hold...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Diminutive Red Staffordshire Spaniels, circa 1860

$556Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 6 in W 3 in D 2 in

Pair of Diminutive Red Staffordshire Spaniels, circa 1860

By Staffordshire

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Pair of diminutive red Staffordshire Spaniels, circa 1860, Each one exceptionally painted with expressive faces.

Category

19th Century English Antique Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Plates- Set of 8

$595 / set

H 15 in W 11 in D 11 in

Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Plates- Set of 8

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A fabulous set of 8 gorgeous dinner and salad plates. Super chic hand made studio pottery in thr most beautiful shade of green. Four dinner plates and four salad plates. Acquired fro...

Category

Late 20th Century American Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Wedgwood Black Jasperware Basalt Glaze Pottery Neoclassical Bowl

$425

H 3.75 in Dm 7.75 in

Mid-Century Wedgwood Black Jasperware Basalt Glaze Pottery Neoclassical Bowl

By Wedgewood

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a petite black jasperware Wedgwood bowl with white neoclassical themed raised relief. It is often called the sacrifice bowl. It dates...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Maria and Santana Martinez Black Ware Pottery Jar

$7,475

H 6.5 in Dm 5.75 in

Maria and Santana Martinez Black Ware Pottery Jar

By Navajo

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Black on black pottery jar with very finely etched feather design and three concentric bands, signed Marie and Santana. 1943 -1956; 5 3/4" x 6 1/2". ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Clay

Wedgwood Crimson Jasperware Pitcher

$3,850

H 7.25 in W 5.38 in D 5.38 in

Wedgwood Crimson Jasperware Pitcher

By Wedgwood

Located in New Orleans, LA

This striking Wedgwood crimson dip bas-relief covered jug features an applied white jasper neoclassical decoration of grapevines bordering the rim. De...

Category

20th Century English Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Turquoise Blue Pottery Vase

$1,200

H 6.5 in W 5 in D 5 in

Turquoise Blue Pottery Vase

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful Modern turquoise blue Amphora pottery vase, circa early-20th century, USA. Very good condition as shown in images. No chips noted. Dimension...

Category

Early 20th Century American Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Clay

Marie and Julian Martinez Black Ware Pottery Jar

$3,450

H 5 in Dm 7 in

Marie and Julian Martinez Black Ware Pottery Jar

By Navajo

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Marie and Julian Martinez Black Ware Jar. Black on black with graphics on upper shoulder. Well signed. Maria and Julian Martinez, of the San Ildefonso...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Clay

Wedgwood Black Basalt Plates, Set of 6

$675 / set

H 0.75 in Dm 5.88 in

Wedgwood Black Basalt Plates, Set of 6

By Wedgwood

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful set of six (6) English black basalt plates by Wedgwood, circa early to mid-20th century, England. Plates could be used a myriad of ways ...

Category

20th Century English Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

William Moorcroft Pomegranate Patterned Art Pottery Teacup & Saucer Set #1 of 4

$995 / set

H 3.25 in Dm 5.75 in

William Moorcroft Pomegranate Patterned Art Pottery Teacup & Saucer Set #1 of 4

By Moorcroft Pottery

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

This art pottery teacup and saucer set was done by the Moorcroft Pottery company of England in circa 1925 in their 'Pomegranate' pattern. Each duo is done in the Moorcroft signature ...

Category

Early 20th Century English Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Inkstand

$4,450

H 3.25 in Dm 6 in

Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Inkstand

By Wedgwood & Bentley

Located in New Orleans, LA

This elegant inkwell set by Wedgwood & Bentley is crafted of black basalt, one of Wedgwood’s finest inventions. The set is comprised of two canisters, both held within an intriguing double stand. One is designed to hold ink and features a top with slots for quills or pens, and the other is a powder Shaker with a shell-ornamented lid. Black basalt refers to the fine-grained stoneware that Josiah Wedgwood, inspired by the hard, natural stone known as Egyptian basalt...

Category

18th Century English Antique Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

French Majolica Trompe L'oeil Wall Plaque with Lemons, Perret-Gentil, Menton

$1,285

H 1 in Dm 8 in

French Majolica Trompe L'oeil Wall Plaque with Lemons, Perret-Gentil, Menton

By Perret-Gentil Menton

Located in Banner Elk, NC

Menton French Majolica (Barbotine) Trompe L'oeil Wall Plaque on a turquoise ground with lemons molded in high relief, circa 1880, 8-inches diameter. Generally referred to as "Mento...

Category

19th Century French Antique Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Majolica

Previously Available Items

Vintage Two Handle Ceramic Vase, Rookwood Style, Mid-Century, USA

Sold

H 12.75 in W 8 in D 6 in

Vintage Two Handle Ceramic Vase, Rookwood Style, Mid-Century, USA

By Rookwood Pottery Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Large Vintage Two Handle Ceramic Vase Great size, color and glaze. overall good condition one tight hairline crack at the top (almost impossible to see)

Category

Mid-20th Century American Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Ancient Greek Pottery Attic Black Glazed Cup c450BC

Sold

H 3.63 in Dm 3.82 in

Ancient Greek Pottery Attic Black Glazed Cup c450BC

Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB

Heading : Ancient greek pottery Attic black glazed cup Material: Black glazed pottery Period: Ancient Greek Date: c450BC Origin: Attica/Athens, Greece Condition: VF, slight cos...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Greek Antique Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Pottery

21.5" antique olive jar

Sold

H 21.5 in W 16 in D 16 in

21.5" antique olive jar

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Our Timeless 21.5" Antique Olive Jar Exudes An Aura Of Authenticity And Elegance, Showcasing Intricate Details. Crafted With Meticulous Artistry, Thi...

Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Wedgwood Jasperware Jug or Pitcher Classical Figures Fully Marked, circa 1900

Sold

H 6.15 in W 7.25 in D 5.15 in

Wedgwood Jasperware Jug or Pitcher Classical Figures Fully Marked, circa 1900

By Wedgwood

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

This is a good Jasperware stoneware jug or pitcher, made by Wedgwood, England and dating to circa 1900. The jug has a lovely shape with a pouring spout and loop handle. The jug has a classical figures pattern, the figures being applied relief moulded white sprigs, against the blue matt ground color This piece is fully marked to the base with the upper case "WEDGWOOD" impressed mark and ENGLAND dating the piece between 1891 to 1908. Overall a beautiful Wedgwood jug.

Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Terracotta Greek Handled Amphora Vase

Sold

H 8 in W 9 in D 7 in

Terracotta Greek Handled Amphora Vase

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Glassic Greek, handled, amphora vase in rich, eathy terracotta. The vase measures 9 inches wide handle to handle.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Ceramic, Terracotta

Wedgwood Jasperware Jug or Pitcher Classical Figures Fully Marked, circa 1900

Sold

H 4.88 in W 6 in D 4.5 in

Wedgwood Jasperware Jug or Pitcher Classical Figures Fully Marked, circa 1900

By Wedgwood

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Antique English Lilac Classical Jasperware Syrup attr Wedgwood

Sold

H 8.75 in Dm 3.75 in

Antique English Lilac Classical Jasperware Syrup attr Wedgwood

By Wedgwood

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique English figural syrup attributed to Wedgwood offers lilac Jasperware vessel decorated with white relief Classical cherub scenes and foliate collar surmounted by silver pla...

Category

20th Century English Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Silver Plate

Figural Italian Classical Pictorial Majolica Pottery Center Bowl, circa 1880

Sold

H 8.5 in Dm 15 in

Figural Italian Classical Pictorial Majolica Pottery Center Bowl, circa 1880

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique Italian pictorial Majolica Pottery centerbowl offers clover shape with figures, interior with hand painted Classical countryside river scene with figures, exterior with re...

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery

Ancient Greek, Southern Italy Wrapped Laurel Footed Cup / Bowl, 4th C BC

Sold

H 3.15 in Dm 3.67 in

Ancient Greek, Southern Italy Wrapped Laurel Footed Cup / Bowl, 4th C BC

Located in Sofia, BG

Red figurine footed cup / bowl Western Greek, 4th century BC Chr. Terracotta. Diameter 9.3 cm. Rotfiguriges dish. - Triple profiled foot. Wrap-laurel bran...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Greek Antique Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Ancient Cypriot Archaic Amphora, 750 BC

Sold

H 10.5 in Dm 9 in

Ancient Cypriot Archaic Amphora, 750 BC

Located in London, GB

A Cypriot amphora, dating to the Cypro-Archaic period, circa 700-600 BC. With splayed foot and wide voluminous body, rounded shoulders, cylindrical ...

Category

15th Century and Earlier European Antique Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Majolica School Hand-Painted Faience Pottery Candle Wall Sconces by Gien

Sold

H 16 in W 10 in D 6.5 in

Pair of Majolica School Hand-Painted Faience Pottery Candle Wall Sconces by Gien

By Gien

Located in Big Flats, NY

Pair of Italian Majolica School Faience pottery wall sconces by Gien of France feature shield shape with hand painted classical cherub scenes and having bronze attachments including ...

Category

20th Century French Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Bronze

Cypriot Early Bronze Age Red Polished Ware Beaked Jug, 2300 BC

Sold

H 6.25 in Dm 3.5 in

Cypriot Early Bronze Age Red Polished Ware Beaked Jug, 2300 BC

Located in London, GB

An incised red polished ware jug from Cyprus, dating to the early Bronze Age, circa 2300-2000 BC. With rounded, globular body and cylindrical neck, cutaway-beak spout and a loop ...

Category

15th Century and Earlier European Antique Classical Greek Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Classical Greek pottery for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Classical Greek pottery for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage pottery 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 ceramic, pottery and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Classical Greek pottery made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original pottery, popular names associated with this style include and Wedgwood. 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 pottery differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $375 and tops out at $474 while the average work can sell for $425.